Union of Sin by Eden Summers Read Free Book Online Page B

already in lingerie and making their way back into the main part of the club. All of them wore masks to partially or completely hide their faces.
    “Hey, Zoe,” Shay called out.
    Zoe James, one of their regulars, sauntered toward them. “I’m loving this masquerade idea.”
    She wore a flattering shimmery dress, her sexy attire matching her equally appealing personality. However, it was her companion, the dark-haired woman lingering behind her, that caught his attention.
    Her inability to hold his gaze confirmed her club virginity before his focus had a chance to rest on her wristband. The poor woman was distraught, her wringing hands another indication of her anxiety.
    If it were any other day, maybe he would’ve tried to offer support. A welcoming smile or an indication for Shay to show her around. But there was something about her that put him on edge. She was too nervous, her gaze lowering almost as if in submission as he scrutinized her.
    Did he know her? Something inside him sparked familiarity, yet he couldn’t place her features. He usually noticed the blondes. Ones who didn’t need to bolster their confidence behind a mask of bright lipstick and dark eye makeup. This woman was a poser. The type to boost her esteem through a fake façade.
    So why was he suddenly comparing her features to his wife? Fuck. He needed to ditch the matrimonial titles and remember Cassie was destined to be his ex.
    A new wave of hurt hit him as he tore his gaze away and massaged his forehead to fight the lingering thoughts. “I gotta get going.” He maneuvered around them, not chancing another glance at the woman. “I’ll see you all inside.”
    This was what it had been like all week. All month. Every woman reminded him of Cassie. Every shadow was hers. She was already haunting him, and there was nothing he could do about it. Not that he wanted to rid himself of her presence. The memories, although painful, were also a blessing. Without her, he was nothing.
    He entered a four-digit code into the panel at the closed door at the end of the hall and yanked the heavy wood open. Pleasure bombarded him. Not his own, unfortunately. The fulfillment of others surrounded him as he strode through the newbie area and into the main room of Vault of Sin.
    He inclined his head at guests, recognizing some and completely oblivious to the identity of others as he maneuvered around patrons. Beds were already in use, their occupants participating in varying degrees of flirtation, foreplay and sex.
    Leo was behind the bar, dressed the same as T.J. in a suit and tie—standard attire for Vault staff.
    Leo jerked his head in greeting. “I’m glad you came.”
    “Was there ever any doubt?”
    He hated the diminished respect Leo and Brute had tried to hide due to his time off. Since returning, they tiptoed around him, treating him like a casual part of the ownership team instead of an equal partner.
    “Maybe a little.”
    T.J. winced. “Well, I’m here. What do you need me to do?”
    “Want to take over helping Travis while I do a walk-around? Brute will be finished assisting security at the door soon. Then I think the two of us should relax and take the night off.” A smirk curled the corner of Leo’s lips. “You never know, you might find someone willing to occupy your time.”
    “Yeah, whatever.” He ignored yet another hint to move on from his wife. His ex. He’d never get used to calling Cassie that.
    They didn’t understand. If you fell off a bike and skinned your knee, you got straight back on to fight the childish fear. If you shattered your marriage, devastating not only your own life, but also the future of the one person who would forever hold your heart, you didn’t slide straight back into the dating pool. You waited for the burn to heal. You waited for the shattered parts of your soul to return from wherever the fuck they’d fled to, so you could finally sleep at night and gain some perspective that wasn’t tarnished by the