Saturdays at the Viper Rooms Read online

  Saturdays At

  TheViper Rooms

  Kirsty-Anne Still

  Saturdays At TheViper Rooms

  Copyright © 2014 Kirsty-Anne Still

  Cover design – Cover It Designs – Arijana Karčić

  All rights reserved. Please keep this book in its complete original form with the exception of quotes used in reviews. No alteration of the contents is allowed. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means – electronic, mechanical, photographic (photocopying) recording, or otherwise – without prior permission in writing from the author.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This is a New Adult Contemporary Romance novel recommended for readers over the age of 17 due to sexual themes, and violence used throughout.

  Also by Kirsty-Anne Still:

  A Fire That Burns

  Watch What Burns – SEQUEL to ‘A Fire That Burns’

  Coming soon:

  Your Little Secret - Co-written with Bethan Cooper.

  Dedication

  To those girlies in my life who believed in this book from the first chapter. Without you, your belief in me, the characters, and the plot this book wouldn’t have spiraled into what it has.

  Thank you for reminding to never stop reaching.

  You know who you are.

  xx

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Bonus Material

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  Chapter One

  I run my finger around the cup of coffee. The steam drifts up, hitting my finger during its dance along the lip of the china. My mind is wandering from one subject to another. I’ve been sitting here for the last several hours just thinking, staring, day dreaming. The coffee was a bid to make my mind focus, but yet that failed because I know the truth. I’m damned and a cup of coffee isn’t going to change that.

  I shouldn’t be living this life. The peacefulness, the tranquility, the adoration that I have found shouldn’t be mine. But it is and I can’t change it. I won’t change it.

  I look to him - the man who gave me it all. He’s snoring on the couch. The New York skyline sits behind him and I can almost fool myself to believe this life is perfect. Except it’s Saturday. I have to be prepared to wear the mask that carries me through every work shift. Tonight won’t be so bad. My boyfriend is my client for three hours after deliberately buying up my time. I laugh. My love for this man could have me killed. He’s my dirty little secret, and I guess, I’m his too.

  My job prevents me from seeing any client outside the doors of The Viper Rooms. Yet here I am, settled nicely in a luscious penthouse apartment in the middle of New York. If my boss knew, I dread to think of what would happen. I close my eyes in a bid to banish the thoughts.

  Jace was the first - and only - client of mine to ask what I wanted when we were in my room at the club. That’s not how the Boss runs her business. I’m just a vessel of pleasure for each and every client. I am what they desire. I’m not Joely there, nor am I a human being. I am there to make men happy and reap the rewards at the end of every month. I morph into whatever is needed.

  Before Jace appeared on my client list I enjoyed what happened to me. It took my mind off my life. I wasn’t the disgraceful runaway. I was something that was needed and wanted. I had no past, no inhibitions, no need to hide. That’s why I am one of the two head girls. Before Jace, I didn’t care what I did. I never felt shame or worried about every passing hour. Before him I was careless and obedient to my job.

  He gave me purpose, reason, he gave me love. He gave me a life back after I sold it all away. He’s the reason I need a way out. I need to leave, but it’s just not as simple as it should be. I can’t just hand in a resignation and start anew. I’m bound to The Viper Rooms for six years. I still have half of my sentence to serve. Running a hand over my face, I feel the dread that resides in me every moment of the day resurface. I used to love that life. I loved everything it gave me, but now it’s what’s killing me most. If it wasn’t for Jace I probably would have let the company destroy me completely. He saved me from pushing that self-destruct button.

  I hear the pop of the stereo speakers and spin around on the stool. Jace is awake, standing before me in nothing but his black Calvin Klein boxers. They’re a stark contrast upon his tanned, toned body. I marvel over his deliciousness, he’s stoic and well built. It’s a revelation every time I look at him. I had no idea he had woken up, but I’m glad he has. I tilt my head, the silly smile that shows how much I adore him graces my lips and I listen as a familiar melody floats into the air.

  “I recorded it last night,” he tells me as he approaches me slowly. “I record everything you play, but this one, Joely, this is my favorite.”

  I know it’s not a lie. I sigh happily, my gaze slipping towards the white piano that sits in the corner. I know how he loves it when I just close my eyes and play. It’s one of my favorite escapes. I was brought up learning the classics, but I find I play better when I don’t think, when I just feel. The melody playing is full with my love for Jace, the slow tempo is what I think when he’s kissing me. It’s like the world around me revolves slower on its axis, like the world is capturing that one divine moment just as proof that Jace and I are beating the odds.

  He takes me by the hand, pulling me from the stool and onto my bare feet. His shirt falls down around me again, the material hanging off me. I’m pulled to his chest, his body causing mine to sway with his. We’re in unison right now, gazing at one another, my hands in his as he dances with me in the morning sunrise.

  If I could, I would remain like this for an eternity.

  “You’ve got that look on your face again,” he tells me softly, the frown taking over his brow. “I’ll be there. You’re mine for most of the night.”

  “But what about the rest of the evening?” I ask him, my tone is solemn and beginning to drip with trepidation. “I’ve been lucky, but I’m panicking that it’s short lived.” I watch his eyes flutter shut and I know he knows what I mean. Sexual acts. I’ve managed to be everything else a man wants, but being used for full on sexual gratification has been nonexistence with my clients. “I’m scared.” I say the words in a small voice and it forces his eyes open. I know he can see the fear in my eyes and I’m close to a meltdown. “You and I know I can’t say no.” I swallow my fear and allow my eyes to fall down to his chest, I can’t look at him. “I can’t lose you.”

  I feel the tears beckon, one betraying me quickly to drop upon my cheek and trail its way down my face. I know it’s going to happen. Jace tells me it won’t, that he will stick by me, but I don’t know what the judgment call will be until it happens. How do I tell the man I love that I had to sleep with another man because I am permitted to do so?
It’s something I can’t do. I choke on the words even thinking about it and the driving fear is crushing me.

  Suddenly, Jace is letting me go, only to put his hand to my chin gently and he forces me to look up at him. I’m compelled to stare into his bright blue eyes, the hues captivating me. Just how he needs me to be right now.

  “I promised you, I would get you out of there, Lee,” he tells me, forcing me to believe it all with the sentiment of his nickname for me. “I went in there with an ulterior motive, I never expected to find you.” He smiles gently at me. “But I did.”

  I hiccup a little on my tears, but I offer a watery grin. I can still remember our first time together. He was a gentleman and he cared for me. He has ever since, but not all men are like Jace. Some are heartless and believe money buys them everything they want.

  “You will be free soon,” he vows to me, his voice hard and convincing. “Nothing will happen when I finally get you out of there.”

  My doubt catches me here. “You know it’s not that simple.” I can feel the despondency flood my system. The fear creeps into every vein in my body and I’m left vulnerable. I want nothing more than to rip my contract up and run away with Jace. It’s just not that simple anymore.

  “I know,” he announces, once again proving how understanding he is of the matter at hand. It’s a delicate situation we’re in and I’m sure no other man would understand why I did what I did, but The Viper Rooms preys on the vulnerable, and the moment I fell to rock bottom, I was looking for a purpose. The club offered exactly that. I never knew the full extent of my life as a Viper Girl until I was one. Now I watch girls come and fall into the same trap, bound for part of their life, and I can’t do a thing about it.

  The Viper Rooms is an exclusive club for elite, rich people. Some have more money and worth, others just need to find something they can’t find in real life. As for the workers, they are from all forms of life, and are selected after multiple rounds of interviews. Those who work there sold their soul. The moment you sign your contract, the devil owns you.

  My mind conjures up the devil with her dark, almost black mane of waist long hair, dark blue eyes, and plump lips she paints bright red. She’s a sensual being and always knows how to present herself because she knows how to run this game. The Boss - Clara Delvine - has this all well plotted. She makes us girls suffer for the six years she lived in a loveless, destructive marriage. It reflects her. Not many know it. As one of the head Viper Girls, I know the most. She’s a viper; deceiving, vicious, poisonous. She sinks her teeth into us, trapping us until she is done. We bind ourselves to her for that entire time and then we’re free just like she was. We live those years making men happy, like she never could. It’s actually been twenty years since she became this heartless beast. She now has men fawning over her and is one of the biggest socialites in New York. She is not known for The Viper Rooms. This is her lucrative and painfully secret club for men. We are all made to work shifts at her normal bars. She uses them to showcase us all. We are always on display when in her presence and no one ever forgets that. We work for a master and she knows everything.

  It’s why I appreciate this life Jace and I have. She does not know about this. If she did, then we would both be as good as dead. She would ruin Jace’s life and she would discard of me in any way she sees fit. I don’t care if I’m on borrowed time. I do my job, Jace does his, and we live normal lives apart from who’s sleeping in whose bed at night.

  He knows everything there is to the job - hell, he’s a client, he has to know before becoming a member! He knows what I’ve been made to do before, what I have to do even with him watching. He knows about my past, what brought me here, and he knows I regret every minute I’m in that place. But here he is, still with me, still loving me, still making sweet, sweet promises of an uncertain future.

  The best part of him being a member is that he sees me in action - sees the mask I wear, the show I put on. He knows exactly why I am the best Viper Girl. He’s at the parties, at the clubs. By default, he is a VIP to both. He knows everything. It’s what makes us stronger as a couple - there are no secrets.

  He’s aware of every aspect of my job and he allows me to do so without fear of prejudice. I can thrive knowing I am loved and respected, it’s why I work so well at social gatherings. Because we are made to socialize. As Viper Girls we are drawn out to the parties and are expected to mingle with all the clients. We’re on show for the world to see, to lure in new clientele, to sell the Viper brand. It works like a charm every time. I’m not surprised. Everything is well orchestrated and no one has ever escaped their contract. I don’t see myself being the exception, even with Jace by my side. I’m able to perfect a Viper Girl image and know my heart is secure.

  “C’mon,” he breaks the moment and steals me from my thoughts. “I know how we can spend today?”

  “How?” I ask, my nose crinkling with forethought.

  He shocks me by lifting me up so I’m cradled in his arms. It causes me to giggle in surprise and I wrap my arms around his neck. He uses the moment to plant a kiss on my lips. He isn’t heavy with the gesture. It’s just a peck to show his affection, to remind me he loves me. He kisses my forehead in the same manner before carrying me away from the room and back to the bedroom, promptly throwing me onto the bed. He leans down to kiss me, leaving me wanting more.

  “I’m going to make breakfast, then we are staying right in here until just before your shift,” he announces, his fingertips running down my jaw line as he leans in for a kiss. I know why he keeps kissing me and I cannot wait to feel him cover my body in them.

  He leaves me amongst the sheets and bedding and I fall back and cover myself. I love this bed. It’s had so many memories for me. I watch Jace sleep a lot as I try to force myself to believe that this is still a reality. I remind myself that within the walls of this penthouse I am safe and secure and no one can touch me. The only eyes I have on me here are Jace’s and if I could I would have him watch me forever.

  I know I’m playing a dangerous game, but I have never felt like this. I never believed in love at first sight, but Jace proved me so wrong. He and I are perfect. He loves me and I know that one day, when I’m free of The Viper Rooms, I’ll spend the rest of my life with him.

  Usually, it’s about surviving each day, but not today. Today is about Jace.

  After all, Saturdays at The Viper Rooms are the most predictable.

  Chapter Two

  I look down at my uniform. Again the simple LBD has come out for tonight. It’s the standard uniform, but it makes me feel sexy. It helps me act the part without a seed of doubt. It helps to remember the way Jace sensually zipped me into it just before pushing me from the comfort of his home, with the sweet reminder of his imminent need for me.

  As I stand here, my eyes scan the room. It’s dimly lit, but it’s still easy to pull it apart for what this room really is. The underground brick work is scorched with an off white color, perfect for allowing a vintage and yet simplistic background to a rather over extravagant bar. Beneath the money splashed around, this could be a seedy little underground club. Right now, even thinking that could have me hung up and given a time out. Working here, you learn to deal with it and not even think about anything else but the job at hand.

  I roll my eyes, reverting my attention to the men at the table. One of them is polite enough to not stall and read every inch of the drink’s menu. However, the other man, the one on my right, who has taken a deliberately extended time to choose a drink, has been watching me since he entered the club.

  Tonight, like every other night, we all begin by waiting tables. Another time for the men to change their minds to book another girl and secure their bookings before the real fun begins. I’ve started feeling dirty over what I really am. I hate what I’ve become, but I have a future now. Before, when I took the job, I had no clue.

  I feel a hand cup my ass and I’m stunned. In the main room, this is frowned upon behavior. Girls can only be touc
hed with their permission. This is where we have control. I stand up straight, my body becoming rigid. The hand tightens and suddenly the man to my right is ripped away from me and his seat and he’s held up by his collar. I finally release a breath as I see Shads, one of the main guards that watches us girls. He looks at the man, then to me and I smile.

  “You okay, Joely?” he asks me, and I just nod. “Sure? Does the Boss need telling?”

  “No, no!” I tell him, my voice high. Anyone taken to the Boss never comes out a winner. “It was innocent.”

  Shads says nothing else, but turns to the male. I see his fear ignite and I’m not surprised. Shads is a six foot six wall of muscle. His Chicago roots show sometimes and he intimidates to the extreme. “If I see you near her again, I won’t even ask permission. You’ll be going straight to the Boss, got it?”

  The unknown man nods hastily, apologizing to me, saying he meant no disrespect.

  “How about you just put your drink order in and make sure you don’t book Miss. Joely tonight or ever,” Shads announces, putting the words into the man’s mouth. “Give this weasel a soda, Joely. Any other issues, you come straight to me.”

  I nod, smiling weakly to him. There is a good thing about working here - security. They are intent on protecting us Viper Girls. We’re like prize jewels, precious and untouchable while on display like this. Right now, Shads is like my shadow. He’s hovering and when I take the drink order he follows me away. When I make it to the bar, he leaves me in the care of the bartender - Eli. He’s been trying to win me over since my first day. He’s like my best friend though. I’m hoping my wishful thinking isn’t working overtime and he is finally seeing it from my viewpoint.

  “You alright after that?” he asks me, taking the piece of paper with the order from me. “It seemed to get heated quickly.”

  “I’m fine,” I tell him, giving a weak grin. “I just hate being touched like that without my consent. Shads sorted it. I’ll be fine.”