Sasha slipped the mask on and waited for further instruction.

“Your dress, Madame.”

“My dress, what?” Her voice sounded completely different behind the full-faced mask.

He chuckled. “The dress must be removed. All ladies wear a red silk negligee, and the men wear black silk boxers. Once you reach the end of the hallway, you will take the stairs to your right where your gentleman caller awaits.”

Holy fuck. This is it.

With no words to give him, Sasha nodded as she pulled the straps of her sundress over her shoulders, letting the garment drift down to pool at her feet. She kicked it up, grabbed the material from her foot, and handed it to him. He winked and dropped her dress over his forearm, then swept his hand out, gesturing to the other end of the hall. She stared at the darkness beyond the hallway. It seemed ridiculous standing here in nothing but her heels and negligee and a full mask, but somehow it excited her as well, for already she felt a dampness between her legs. What would her family think if they knew she was here? Poor Mom would have a heart attack and probably call the cops—just as Elisa suggested. She shuddered, wondering what Gage would think of her behavior. He’d probably burn the place down, or at the very least, beat up all the men in attendance. But what she chose to do with her life was no longer his business or his concern, and it was high time Sasha realized that as well. She was alone now and in control of her life.

The soft click of her heels were in tune with the classical music echoing through the stunning mansion. As she made her way to the foot of the stairs and looked up . . . there, on the landing, stood her gentleman caller.

She paused as her breath hitched and her skin tingled. Her lover had a body made from manual labor or maybe he worked out at a gym every day, either way, he appeared hard as granite. Black silk boxers encased strong, corded legs and the full-faced black mask hid everything but his eyes which were nearly as black as the mask. Sasha swallowed, suddenly nervous, yet turned on at the same time. Did she have the courage to ask for what she wanted? Yes . . . you do. You need this.

As if sensing her fear, the man lifted his arm, crooked his finger . . . and like a kitten drawn to milk, Sasha took the stairs toward Phoenix.