Absolute Silence

4

My instinct was to submit to his authority, but I refused to allow him that power over me. If I surrendered what I wanted without a fight, that was my own damn fault. I wouldn’t give up so easily. Instead, I wrapped myself in a cloak of confidence, stiffening my spine as Dante began to speak. “Filip, how’s it going this evening?” Dante reached for Filip’s hand as we stepped from the elevator, oblivious of the civil war unfolding before him. Filip flashed his teeth in a lupine grin. “I’d say it’s too early to tell. I was just heading upstairs for a moment, but I see we have a new face among us.” His eyes never strayed from mine, attempting to pin me in place. The doors began to close beside us, but Filip made no effort to stall the elevator he’d been waiting for. “Camilla, this is a surprise.” Dante glanced back and forth between us. “You know each other? Excellent. Camilla was just saying she didn’t think she would see any familiar faces.” “Oh, we’re quite familiar. In fact, we’re practically family.” “I see. Well, we just finished the tour, and I was going to help her get settled, so we won’t keep you.” Dante motioned to lead me around Filip, but Filip had other plans. His hand slipped into mine, clasping me firmly. “Considering our connection, I think it would only be fitting for me to show her the ropes.” He finally transferred the weight of his intense stare to Dante, who turned a quizzical eye in my direction. I would have preferred to yank my hand from Filip and insist Dante escort me inside, but I needed to confront Filip if I wanted to have any chance of keeping my membership, and I didn’t want to do that in front of Dante. This was a private matter. I flashed a smile at Dante, keeping away the grimace that tried to form. “Thank you for showing me around. I’m sure Filip can help me get acquainted so you can get back to work. I’d hate to monopolize your night.” Dante’s eyes narrowed. He was more perceptive than I’d given him credit for. “Remember what I said, Camilla. You have any issues, you come to me.” “Not sure what you’re implying, D,” Filip warned. “Just don’t want you causing problems for our newest member.” Dante’s threatening tone was a stark contrast to the welcoming host he’d been moments before. Filip stilled. “Not your business.” “Everything that happens inside these walls is my business.” “We’ve been friends for a long time. Have I ever stepped out of line when it comes to a woman?” Exasperation sharpened Filip’s reply. Dante shook his head in resignation before slipping into a nearby stairwell. The second he was out of sight, I pulled free of Filip’s hold. “Let go of me,” I hissed. My hands shook with fury at the prospect of losing what I’d only just obtained. I wasn’t sure what Filip was thinking, but I knew it wasn’t good. We squared off like two caged tigers. A coiled energy bristled just beneath Filip’s surface, pressurizing the air around us. “What’s wrong, princess? If you’re not here to be touched, you’re in the wrong place.” His hand shot back out and clasped my own before he tugged me toward the gathering room. “What are you doing?” I whisper-yelled, not wanting to make a scene as we approached the double-door entry to the gathering room. Filip stilled in the doorway. My eyes locked on the occupants, but I could feel Filip’s stare on my heated skin. “I’m giving you a taste of what you wanted. You joined the Den to be f****d, right?” His harsh rasp was a sensual melody to the chorus of erotic sounds all around us. The sights and sounds stroked my body, eliciting an intoxicating hum of desire across every inch of my skin. I had no response. I was too overwhelmed with sensation. Filip led me farther into the room at a more casual pace, weaving until he located a vacant settee. He pulled me down flush against his body with his arm around my shoulders like we were some lovestruck couple. I tried to pull away, but his vise-like hold kept me firmly in place. “What are you doing?” I hissed just loud enough for him to hear over the pulsing music. “What do you think, Camilla?” His free hand reached across to my exposed thigh, then slid up under the hem of my dress. My heart tripped over itself. “Don’t,” I snapped quietly, squeezing my legs together. I wanted to rage at him for toying with me, but I didn’t want to make a scene in this new setting where I hoped to meet people. I’d look like a psycho if I started screaming at Filip during my very first night at the club, so I kept a tight grip on my anger. “Why not? Isn’t that why you’re here? Don’t you want to be touched?” “Not by you.” “I’m no different than anyone else in here.” He smirked. “Unless you were hoping for more … feminine company.” My irritation flared. I had to clamp my lips firmly together to keep from going banshee on him. Filip chuckled deep from his chest. “Didn’t think so.” I lunged forward, using the element of surprise to break free from him. Filip remained relaxed on the settee. When I glared down at him, blasting him with indignant fury, a merciless grin lit his face. “Can I have a word with you in private?” I demanded through clenched teeth. “You’re in a s*x club, babe. You surrendered your privacy when you walked through that front door.” He was being infuriatingly difficult on purpose. Did he get off on torturing people? Was that why he was a member here? I rolled my eyes and wove my way toward the door. I had to get away from Filip, though I wasn’t sure where exactly I was going. I locked eyes with a handsome man near the entry, causing me to slow my steps. Maybe I could get myself in a room and away from Filip. I didn’t know who had rooms and who didn’t, but it was worth a try. I flashed an alluring smile and watched excitedly as my possible ticket to freedom joined me. “I can’t say I’ve seen you here before. I’m Matthew.” He offered his hand, which I gladly accepted. “Camilla. I just joined today, actually.” “Wonderful. Welcome to the Den. Would you like to grab a drink with me?” Matthew motioned toward the bar at the other end of the room. I started to speak when an ominous presence descended from behind me. “I’m sorry, Matt, but this one’s taken.” Filip placed a possessive hand over my shoulder, branding me with his touch. I lowered my shoulder, unsuccessfully attempting to coax him off me. “No, I’m not taken, and I’d love a drink.”