Chapter 74
Vivian felt genuine sympathy for Audrey, though a pang of envy twisted in her chest at her friend's carefree independence. She secretly longed for the day when she too could embrace such unbridled freedom.
Their taxi came to a smooth halt outside the sleek entrance of Mirage Lounge. Vivian stepped out, her eyes tracing the modern neon sign glowing with understated elegance. The establishment radiated sophistication without crossing into vulgarity.
Yet the moment she stepped inside, the heavy scent of expensive liquor assaulted her senses. Strobe lights crisscrossed through the haze while bass-heavy music pulsed from private rooms. Everywhere she looked, men and women exchanged glances laden with unspoken promises.
This was foreign territory for Vivian. "Wouldn't we be more comfortable at a nice restaurant? What's so special about this place anyway?" she asked, shifting uncomfortably in her heels.
Audrey merely laughed, draping an arm around Vivian's shoulders as a hostess led them to a secluded VIP area. "The food here is divine, darling. But tonight, I'm introducing you to real adult entertainment," she purred, eyes sparkling with mischief.
Vivian barely had time to settle into the plush seating before a procession of strikingly handsome men entered. Each stood well over six feet with sculpted physiques that wouldn't look out of place on a fashion runway. Their presence made the spacious room feel suddenly intimate.
These must be the high-end escorts she'd heard about in gossip columns. Though Vivian had never frequented such establishments, the scene unfolding before her left no doubt about their purpose.
"Welcome, ladies," the men chorused in velvety tones that made Vivian's pulse jump.
Audrey remained utterly composed, clearly no stranger to such venues. She nudged Vivian sharply. "Check out the one by the far wall," she whispered with a wicked grin. "Doesn't he remind you of that bastard Adrian?"
Vivian's gaze flickered to the indicated man. In the mood lighting, his chiseled jawline and piercing eyes did bear a passing resemblance to Adrian's features. The comparison left a bitter taste in her mouth. "A slight resemblance," she admitted reluctantly.
With a casual flick of her wrist, Audrey summoned the young man over. "You'll be keeping my friend company tonight," she declared with absolute authority.
The Adrian lookalike approached smoothly, uncorking a bottle of champagne with practiced ease. "Would the lady prefer cards or dice?" he asked, settling beside Vivian with feline grace.
Vivian's body went rigid. Despite the luxurious seating, she sat as stiffly as a schoolgirl at chapel. Her physical reactions had always betrayed her emotions - she found the man's proximity unsettling rather than alluring. Though objectively handsome, his presence sparked no desire, only an instinctive recoil.
Audrey rolled her eyes at Vivian's discomfort. "Adrian's probably slept with that mistress of his a hundred times by now," she pointed out bluntly. "You're practically divorced - why cling to outdated morals?"
Recognizing her friend's discomfort, Audrey turned to the escorts. "No physical contact with my friend. Drinks and conversation only. Understood?"
Vivian's fingers tightened around her champagne flute. If Adrian could move on so easily, why shouldn't she? Decent men might be rare, but the world certainly wasn't lacking in male companionship. Why should she resign herself to loneliness after escaping the Blackwood family's gilded cage?