When he was done she placed the glass back on the bar, and nodded to the bartender.

Josh started to turn around to pay for the drink, but she said sharply, “It's handled, come.”

She moved off and Josh found himself following her, drawn towards her like a moth to a candle flame.

The booth she occupied, despite being in the center of the club, looked exclusive.

It was wide, with luxurious furniture in dark times covered in a rich velvet. Josh stopped at the entrance, uncertain.

Three subs knelt on pillows at different corners of the booths. Another one sat across a Sybian saddle, legs restrained by cuffs. His...