“Are you okay? Can I get you something else? Something to eat perhaps?” Brooke looked up and searched Courtney’s eyes. “No, no. I’m fine. It’s just this place. It wasn’t what I expected.” “All of our first time guests have the same reaction. Just relax. Mia will explain everything.” Courtney swiveled on her heels and clicked her way to her desk. Moments later another set of footsteps echoed through the lobby. Brooke regarded a beautiful woman who first stopped at the desk to talk briefly with Courtney before heading her way. Brooke gave the woman a once over glance. Black slacks hugged narrow hips and her glossy long black hair complemented her snug red sweater. She smirked at the woman’s stilettos. It must be part of the dress code, she thought looking down at her loafers. She wouldn’t last an hour tottering around the hospital on those things. Brooke rose from her chair when the woman approached with a toothy but genuine smile. She took Brooke’s hand into her own. “Hi, Dr. Allaire. It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Mia Lavender, Vice President of Client Experience here at The Satin Rose Experience. We’re glad to have you as a guest for the weekend.” “Good to meet you. But please, call me Brooke.” “Okay, Brooke. Let’s go into my office where we can talk about your expectations while staying at the Satin Rose.”
Mia guided Brooke to a small sitting area in the corner of the office. “So, what can I do for you this weekend?” Mia asked. Brooke looked at Mia and at the coffee table in between them in search of a brochure or menu of spa services. “I’m sorry to sound naïve, but this isn’t the type of spa I’m used to. What services do you offer other than the normal massages and facials?” Mia moved to the edge of her chair and smiled. “What exactly did Pamela tell you about SRE?” “To tell you the truth, not much. She just says she’s a new person when she gets back. The membership fee is the best money she’s ever spent.” Mia looked into Brooke’s eyes. She seemed to be waiting for her to say more. “I’m going to be blunt here. The Satin Rose Experience is not a day spa. It’s a high-end BDSM club. Your friend Pam doesn’t come for facials and massages.” Brooke’s face heated and she was sure her normally pale complexion had flushed a rosy red as she processed the information Mia had just laid on her . Pamela was into BDSM? She comes to New York for whip and chain treatment ? Impossible . Even more impossible was the fact that Dr. Brooke Allaire sat in some posh New York City bondage club. She had to get out. Fast. “Look, there’s been some mistake. I’m not interested in any part of this. I really thought I was here for a spa weekend to reflect and regenerate from a stressful time in my life. I-I can’t stay here,” Brooke said as she stood. Mia placed her hand on Brooke’s shoulder. “It’s okay, Brooke. Really. Sit and relax for a moment. Let me see if I can get you a room in the main hotel.” Mia strode to her desk and picked up her phone. “Courtney, please call Rosebud and see if you can book Dr. Allaire into one of the spa suites. Uh-huh. Yes. Thank you.” Mia hung up and smiled at Brooke. “Just give us a moment.” “I’m really sorry for the mix up. I’m going to kill Pam.” Mia walked to the front of her desk and leaned back. Her blue eyes sparkled. “Why do you think your friend did it? Booked you a suite here for the weekend? She specifically reserved Suite One, the biggest and most expensive suite at SRE. There must be a reason.” Brooke shook her head. “I don’t know. Maybe she thought it would help me.” “Maybe it will.” “I don’t see how getting tied up and tortured by a stranger will help me.” Mia crossed the room and sat on the chair next to Brooke. “SRE isn’t about being tortured by a stranger. It’s about fulfilling fantasies, satisfying curiosity and possibly ridding