Nina needed to leave the house. She needed fresh air. She needed to clear her mind. Distance from the chaos that had just unfolded was what she needed. She grabbed her keys and her phone, her hands still trembling as she shoved them into her purse. Nina stepped out into the cool afternoon air, the sudden chill causing goosebumps to rise on her skin.

As she walked to her silver Dodge Journey, her mind raced, trying to make sense of everything that had happened. She was in a dream, a nightmare she couldn’t wake up from. Nina had never experienced such betrayal, such exploitation, such... arousal.

How easily Rachel and Liam had manipulated her, how quickly she had succumbed to her body’s desires. How quickly her husband Gerald followed suit soon after with Rosa. But amidst the swirling emotions, one thought crystallized in her mind: she had made a colossal mistake. She acknowledged the pleasure, the thrill of being desired. The weight of guilt and betrayal proved unbearable. She needed to make things right, undo the damage she had caused.

Nina drove without purpose. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tight enough that her knuckles turned white. Aimless, she sought escape, a mental reset. After a few hours, she ended up at a familiar spot, the bar in Oklahoma City, where her downfall started. It was a dim, smoke-filled den of solace for weary souls, tucked away on a narrow side street. The neon sign out front flickered, casting an eerie glow on the worn wooden door.

Nina stepped inside, the bell above the door chiming as it closed behind her. She took a deep breath, the familiar scent of stale beer and cigarette smoke filling her nostrils. The bar was almost empty, save for a few patrons huddled in the corners, nursing their drinks in silence.

She slid onto a stool at the far end of the bar. The same bartender from that fateful night approached her. A grin on his bearded face, from the recognition.

“Welcome back,” he nodded at her, his eyes twinkling with knowing.

“Hello.” Nina said. Embarrassment and shame flooded her thoughts as she recalled Sunday night. The things she had done. The betrayal she had committed. All of it paling compared to the events of this Friday.

“Your usual, right?” the bartender asked, his voice laced with suggestion.

Nina nodded, her eyes casting downwards. She felt the weight of his gaze on her, the knowledge of her actions heavy in the air between them.

The bartender turned to pour her a glass of wine. The liquid sloshing against the glass as he filled it to the brim.

“They’re waiting for you in back.” He slid the glass towards her, his eyes never leaving hers.

Nina’s stomach flipped as she realized what he meant. Rachel and Liam had seduced her here before.

She looked at the glass of wine. Her hand trembled as she reached out to take it. The heavy weight of the bartender’s gaze and his expectations pressed down on Nina. Her course was obvious. Her outfit, her gifted tights and sports bra, screamed to everyone in the bar why she was there.

Nina forced a weak smile and took a sip of her wine. The alcohol’s warmth spread throughout her body, soothing her nerves. But she also understood that it was only a matter of time before her bravado faded and the reality of her actions set in.

She took a deep breath and stood up. Her legs wobbled as she made her way to the back room.

Nina was aware of the few bar patrons observing her, their stares thick with lust and curiosity. She tried to ignore them, tried to ignore the butterflies in her stomach.

As she approached the back room, she could hear the faint sound of music playing, a sultry, slow beat that seemed to pulse with the rhythm of her heart. She took a deep breath and pushed open the door, stepping inside.

Rachel and Liam were already there. They sat separated on a plush velvet couch in the center of the room.

The soft, warm glow of a nearby lava lamp illuminated the sofa, casting an orange-red hue over their faces. They glanced up as Nina entered. Their smiles were wide and welcoming. Yet, a darker, more intense quality lived within their eyes.

“Nina, we’ve been expecting you,” Rachel purred, patting the cushion beside her. “Come, sit with us.”

Nina hesitated. She was wiser than this. But wisdom didn’t make the situation easier. After a deep inhale, she joined Rachel on the couch.

The velvet fabric was soft and warm against her bare skin, a stark contrast to the cool air of the bar. She sensed the heat radiating off of the couple, their bodies pressed against hers.

“Expecting me? That means you knew. You were aware of Rosa and Gerald this whole time, weren’t you? Did you plan it?” Nina asked, her words tumbling out of her mouth like the tears in her eyes.

Liam’s eyes widened. A gasp left his mouth as his gaze landed on Rachel with a furrowed brow.

Rachel, however, had a coy grin. Her fingers played with the ends of Nina’s hair. “Oh, darling, you’re so easy to read. But yes, we did. Rosa returned to the bar midweek. Her and I had a pleasant chat. I spoke of our plans for the foray in the park, and she agreed to witness it. Rosa bolted soon after watching you swallow Liam’s climax. It no doubt acted as a catalyst.”

Nina gasped as she stared at Rachel. “Why? Why would you allow that?” A tear slide down her cheek, her vision blurring as she turned to look at Liam.

Liam squeezed her hand, his voice soft and reassuring. “Nina, please believe me. I didn’t intend...”

“No one cares, dear. As is it, Rosa settling the score for your sake, Nina, isn’t what I wanted to discuss with you.” Rachel said, letting a finger drift down Nina’s neck over her breast and brushing her nipple. “No, we’ve decided it is time you joined us as a guest for a club gathering. I’ve even bought you the perfect dress for it.” Rachel finished, her fingers trailing down Nina’s belly before slipping under the waistband of her tights.

Nina gasped. Her body reacted to the sensation, despite her confusion and anger. She tried to push Rachel’s hand away, but her strength was no match for Rachel’s insistence.

“Rachel, stop. Please, I can’t think straight with you doing that,” Nina pleaded, her voice wavering.

Rachel relented, pulling her hand away. But her gaze remained locked on Nina. “Oh, Nina, you’re thinking too much. Sometimes, you just need to surrender to your desires. That’s the club’s core purpose, Nina. A space for exploration, experimentation, indulgence.” Rachel’s voice was low and sultry.

Nina sensed the heat emanating from Rachel’s body. A heat hot enough to burn. Nina’s body yearned for a burn, despite her fear.

Liam, seeing the conflict in Nina’s eyes, took her hand and held it tight. “Rachel, dear. Maybe Nina needs time with... the one she loves. We shouldn’t monopolize her right now.” Liam’s voice was gentle yet firm, a stark contrast to Rachel’s insistence. He looked at Nina, his eyes searching for any sign of consent or protest.

Nina looked at Liam. She wanted to trust him, to believe that he had her best interests at heart. But conflicting emotions and desires confused her.

Rachel pouted at Liam’s intervention, but she didn’t argue. Instead, she turned to Nina, her eyes softening. “Only twenty-four hours in the day, right, Nina?” She asked. “Okay then, let’s clear your schedule, my beloved Nina. Hand me your phone.” Rachel said, her voice insistent. Nina pulled her phone out of her purse and handed it over. Rachel grabbed the device and scrolled through it.

“Good, you have the Rudolph’s financial app. This will make things easier for everyone. What do you think you make a year, Nina, through both your job at Perky’s and deliveries for Rudolph’s? Less than thirty-thousand?” Rachel asked, her eyebrows raised as she scrolled through Nina’s earnings on her financial app.

Nina nodded. She sat in silence as Rachel browsed through her financials.

Rachel returned the nod. “Okay, I have sent your Rudolph’s account fifty-thousand dollars. You, of course, have to accept it in order to receive it. If you do, you then become my personal assistant and receive fifty-grand every year after that in salary. No more deliveries. No more working at the coffee shop. You’ll commit yourself to us. It’s a dream job, Nina. Fun, friends, and financial freedom are yours. You will have ample time to reconcile with Gerald.” Rachel finished, her eyes gleaming with excitement and anticipation.

Nina stared at Rachel in disbelief. “You’re offering me fifty-grand to work for you?” she asked. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

Rachel nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Yes. And that’s just the beginning. The job is... flexible, Nina. With the right attitude and connections, doors open that you never even knew existed. But it’s up to you. Take the job, live the dream. Or refuse and continue your life as it is. The choice is yours,” Rachel said, her eyes never leaving Nina’s.

Nina’s hands trembled as she took her phone back from Rachel. She stared awestruck at the notification. It was true. Rachel had indeed sent her fifty-thousand dollars. A knot formed in her stomach, her mind racing with thoughts and questions.

“I don’t know what to say,” Nina stammered, her eyes darting between Rachel and Liam. “This is a lot to take in.”

Liam smiled. “Take your time, Nina. We understand that this is a lot to process. But I assure you, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Rachel speaks the truth.”

Rachel nodded in agreement, but then sighed. “While true, there’s nothing left to discuss, Nina. And time is limited, Liam.” She started as she picked up a clothing box from the table with an embroidered card on it. “The club is meeting tonight. If you agree to our terms, you will accept the money through the app and be at this address, in my gifted dress, by nightfall.” Rachel said, her voice taking on a stern edge. She held out the box to Nina, her eyes unwavering.

Nina took the box, her fingers brushing against Rachel’s. She sensed the heat of Rachel’s skin. Nina looked down at the box, her mind racing. She knew she should refuse, should run far away from this insanity. However, something shadowed and secret within her held her captive. Wanted to see where this would lead.

With the terms clear, Nina stood up and headed for the backroom door. She glanced back once more at Rachel and Liam, seated on the couch, their eyes following her every move. “I’ll think about it,” she whispered.

Liam nodded, his gaze soft and understanding. Rachel just smiled, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. “That’s all we ask, darling. But remember, the clock is ticking. There’s no time to waste,” she called after Nina.

Dazed, Nina walked from the backroom to the bar. Curiosity flickered in the bartender’s gaze as he looked up. “Another round?” he asked, motioning to her empty glass.

Nina shook her head, her mind still racing. “No, thank you. I need to go.”

The bartender nodded, “You okay, Nina? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Nina forced a smile. She didn’t want to burden the bartender with her problems, even if his concern seemed genuine. “I’m fine, just a lot going on. Thanks for the drink.”

The bartender gave her a knowing nod. “Don’t be a stranger, Nina.”

Nina nodded, her eyes scanning the room one last time before she stepped out into the cool evening air. The neon sign of the bar flickered and buzzed as she walked away. The door’s chime echoed her farewell.

She got into her Dodge. Her hands shook as she pressed the ignition button.

Nina sat there, the engine idling, her mind racing like a hamster on a wheel. She looked at the clothing box on the passenger seat. Elegant calligraphy displayed The Club’s address on the side. Reaching out, her fingers brushed against the crisp paper before she withdrew her hand, as if the box were a live wire ready to electrocute her. She couldn’t believe the offer and the choices now facing her. Nina felt trapped, cornered, like a prey caught in a hunter’s snare.

Inner conflict consumed her. Torn between desires and her conscience. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, to clear the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.

Nina eyed the box again with anticipation. She knew better to accept another gift. But a forbidden curiosity gnawed at her. That wanted to see what was inside. To explore what lay beyond the confines of her ordinary life.

She closed her eyes, her mind a chaotic mess of thoughts and fears. Nina thought about Gerald. About how their marriage could shatter into a million more pieces, irreparable. A part of her wondered, “What if?” Could she enjoy excitement, pleasure, freedom, while preserving her marriage?

She opened her eyes, her gaze landing on the box again. While her eyes were closed, she had opened it, her own body betraying her once again.

Nestled inside, wrapped in tissue paper, was a dress. The black, form-fitting garment shimmered in the evening’s fading light. It was beautiful, exotic, and nothing like anything Nina had ever worn. She ran her fingers over the fabric, feeling the smooth silk beneath her touch. She couldn’t help but imagine herself in the dress, standing out, drawing attention.

Nina looked at her reflection in the rearview mirror, her eyes wide with anticipation and fear. She bit her lip. Her mind raced. She should throw the box out the window, not accept another gift. But the dress, it called to her, whispered promises of adventure and freedom. It drew her in to the possibilities it represented.

Before deciding on a life-altering choice, Nina took a deep breath.

She needed advice.