Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 75195 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75195 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
But. . .we’re going to the North.
I pulled out my phone and texted my brother real quick.
Me: You know that guy I just met?
Me: I’m going on a date with him RIGHT NOW!
Me: I’m excited.
A little bit of pain entered my heart as I texted the last lines.
Me: I wish you could have helped me get ready.
Me: I love you.
Putting up my phone, I leaned closer to the window and checked out the signs.
Where could we be going?
The North was a very different beast. It represented a world of temptation and decadent gratification. There, the rules of society and decency were left behind. Pleasure reigned supreme, and every desire could be explored without judgement or inhibition.
This really will be an interesting date.
The only time I went to this part of the city was to collect data for my thesis. I’d conducted many interviews of people with intriguing kinks.
There was more to gather this year. Once I had it all, I would then need to analyze the data and draw conclusions about kinks and alternative sexual behaviors.
But. . .a date in the North? Where?
As we ventured northward, the energy of the city changed dramatically.
Even with the window up, I could feel the air thickening with a heady mix of sweat, perfume, and arousal.
Every time I came to the North, a tangible energy pulsed through the streets. I felt that same energy tonight throbbing through my veins and making my heart beat faster.
Many of the yellow buildings became darker in shade, shifting to gold or even black at times. Their neon lights cast an otherworldly glow over the sidewalks.
The clubs and bars were the stars of the North of Paradise City, each one more enticing than the last.
I guessed that the swinger clubs were the main attraction, where couples and groups indulged in their wildest fantasies in private rooms and dark corners.
And for those seeking something more daring, the North’s kink spots served as the perfect destination.
I spied tons of people strolling the blocks.
Wow.
Many dressed in revealing outfits, oozing an unmistakable sensuality. There were glimpses of leather and lace. For most, lots of skin was exposed.
We left the highway and continued heading more North than I had ever ventured for my research.
My eyes wildly went from side to side, drinking it all in.
The driver continued to navigate through the streets. The headlights of other cars passed by in a blur.
Finally, we pulled up to an imposing building.
I leaned forward and had no idea where we were or what this place was about.
My nerves tingled with excitement.
I looked at the building more, trying to make a guess of what could be inside.
It seemed pretty normal.
Sturdy brick and mortar made up the exterior. Tall windows and a grand entranceway invited people to step inside.
Alright.
Charles parked us in front.
Butterflies spun in my stomach.
Soon, Charles appeared at my door and opened it.
I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car, ready to embark on whatever adventure Tristan had planned.
I see that he truly is going to be a puzzle.
Charles gave me a half bow. “I am to take you to Mr. Russo.”
I wore a nervous smile. “Thank you.”
Charles guided me further.
What is this place?
As we approached the building, I noticed the manicured lawn. The bushes near the entrance were also trimmed and tidy.
To my surprise, I spotted men and women with kids, heading inside. Some carried books. Others had on book bags.
More people entered the building or left with stacks of books in their arms.
This is. . .strange.
In fact, there were a lot of people coming and going. And all of them wore casual clothes. The sound of their footsteps echoed, punctuated by the occasional rustling of leaves.
O-kay. What is going on?
We got closer.
Impressive columns flanked the grand entranceway.
Wait a minute.
I read the letters etched in elegant script above the building’s double doors.
North Paradise Library.
I widened my eyes.
What?
The driver led me up the stairs.
We’re having a date in the library?
First of all, I had no idea the North even had a library. There were very few residential areas in this part of the city.
Okay. A date in a library. . .I guess.
Charles held open one of the double doors.
Smiling, I strolled through. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure, Ms. Williams.”
We continued forward through the dimly lit library.
Cool air wrapped around me like a welcoming embrace.
The scent of aged books and polished wood filled my nostrils, triggering memories of the countless hours I’d spent exploring shelves at my University library.
Why would he pick this place for our first date?
Was Tristan trying to show me that he was interested in my academic pursuits?
By choosing a library which was a meaningful location to me, he could be demonstrating that he valued my career goals?
Hmmm.
If that was true, I found the gesture fantastic. . .and odd. It showed that he was willing to put in effort to make a connection with me.