Craving My Ruthless Ceo novel Chapter 173

Chapter 173

Anna’s POV

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The bass hit hard as I stepped into the club again, red lights flashing over half-naked bodies. A woman was pressed against the wall, her head tipped back while a man kissed down her neck his hands sliding up her thighs. Everywhere I looked, it was the same.

I thought I’d be used to it the second time. I wasn’t.

My cheeks warmed despite myself. I’d seen it before, but watching people go at it so openly still sent heat through me.

It’s just a different kind of party, I told myself, gripping my small clutch tighter. You can handle this.

My phone buzzed in my hand, and I looked down at Laurent’s message, relief flooding through me.

Laurent: Running a bit late. Small incident, nothing serious. Pierre will take care of you until I get there. He’s already at the club. See you soon.

I frowned slightly. Pierre. Laurent’s friend who’d been there when we first came, the one with the corny smile and appraising eyes.

I remembered him vaguely, tall and confident in that way that bordered on arrogant. He’d been polite enough, though something about him had made me keep my distance.

“Anna!”

I turned to find Pierre weaving through the crowd toward me, that same corny smile in place.

He was dressed in dark slacks and a burgundy shirt, his hair styled perfectly despite the club’s humidity. A silver “Birthday Boy” sash crossed his chest, glinting under the lights.

“Pierre,” I managed, forcing a smile. “Laurent said…”

“Yes, yes, he texted me.” Pierre reached me, placing a hand lightly on my lower back as he leaned in to be heard over the music. “A small incident he couldn’t get into on the phone. He’ll be here soon, but he asked me to make sure you’re taken

care of.”

His eyes swept over me. “You look beautiful tonight. That dress is perfect on you.”

“Thank you.” I shifted slightly, creating distance between us. “And happy birthday.”

“Ah, you noticed!” He touched the sash with a grin. “Yes, the big three-oh. Hence the celebration upstairs. Come, it’s too loud out here. There’s a party, a private section. Much better.”

“I can wait for Laurent here…”

“Nonsense!” Pierre’s grip tightened just slightly. “It’s my birthday and I want you there, Laurent specifically asked me to take you up. Besides, you’ll love it, Very exclusive,”

Before I could say anything, he pulled me through the crowd and toward the stairs.

We went up, the music still blasting but a little more muted.

Second floor. The same hallway Laurent had taken me before.

He opened a door, and noise spilled out as my heart picked up speed.

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Chapter 173

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About fifteen people filled the space, some I recognized from my first visit. Relief washed through me when I spotted familiar faces.

“Anna!”

I turned to see Celeste, who’d been kind during my first visit. She wore a red latex dress that looked painted on, but her smile was genuine and warm.

“Celeste!” I couldn’t help but smile back. “It’s good to see you again.”

“And you, darling.” She pulled me into a hug, her perfume expensive and floral. “I didn’t expect to see you back so soon. Laurent’s really taken with you.”

Before I could respond, a tall man with an athletic build approached. Marcus. I remembered him too.

“Well, well. If it isn’t Laurent’s mystery girl.” Marcus grinned, extending his hand. “Good to see you again, Anna. You surviving the chaos?”

“Barely.” I laughed, shaking his hand. The familiar faces made my shoulders relax slightly. “This place is still… a lot.”

“You get used to it,” Celeste said, looping her arm through Marcus’s. They looked cozy together. “Come sit with us for a bit.”

“Actually,” Pierre interjected, his hand returning to my lower back, “I was hoping Anna would stay close to me. It’s my birthday, after all.”

He said it lightly, but there was an edge underneath.

Celeste’s eyes shifted between us, something unreadable passing across her face. “Of course. Happy birthday, Pierre.”

“We’ll catch up later,” Marcus added, but his smile had dimmed slightly.

Pierre pulled me along before I could say anything, leading me further into the room.

The space was divided into different areas: a bar in one corner, plush couches and chairs arranged closely, and along the walls… my eyes darted away quickly.

Couples and groups engaged in various intimate activities, some just kissing, others doing much more.

“Don’t look so scandalized,” Pierre murmured in my ear, his breath uncomfortably hot against my skin.

“They’re just enjoying themselves. That’s what this place is about freedom, pleasure, liberation.”

I swallowed hard, trying to find somewhere safe to look.

My gaze landed on a woman being led past us, wearing nothing ut a leather harness and thigh-high boots. She smiled at me like this was the most normal thing in the world.

Pierre introduced me to a few others as we moved through the om.

“So, Pierre said as we finally reached the bar setup in the corner Laurent tells me you two are close. Getting more comfortable with the… atmosphere here?”

“It’s… different,” I admitted, trying not to stare at a woman who walked by topless, champagne glass in hand. “It still takes some getting used to.”

Pierre laughed, picking up a champagne flute. “You’re adorable innocent.” His eyes traveled over me slowly, lingering in a way that made my skin crawl, and not in a good way.

“I can see why Laurent’s fascinated. There’s something about innocence that’s… intoxicating.”

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Chapter 173

The way he said it sent a chill through me.

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“You know,” he continued, moving closer, “everyone starts out like you. Nervous, wide-eyed, shocked by what they see. But with time…”

He gestured around the room.

“You realize how liberating it is. No judgment or shame, just pur pleasure.”

I shifted uncomfortably, trying to maintain some distance. “I’m sure it works for some people…”

“It works for everyone, once they let themselves try.” He handed me the champagne. “Here, drink. Celebrate with me.”

“I’m okay, thank you.”

His expression hardened slightly. “Anna. It’s my birthday. You’re not going to deny the birthday boy a drink, are you?” There it was again, that pressure, an expectation. But this time framed as a favor, a kindness I owed him.

“I just prefer to wait for Laurent…”

“Laurent would want you to enjoy yourself.” Pierre pressed the glass into my hand, his fingers closing over mine.

“Besides, it’s just champagne. Nothing to worry about. Do this one thing for me. It’s my birthday.”

The guilt trip worked better than direct pressure. I found myself taking the glass, feeling childish for making such a big deal

out of it.

“There we go.” He smiled, satisfied, and picked up his own glass. To new experiences.”

I raised the glass to my lips but didn’t drink, pretending to sip while my mind raced.

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