Chapter 11 by Zeebop

Where Does Blaze Take Lois?

The VIP Lounge

Angelica Blaze offered her right arm, and Lois slid her left arm in under the elbow, palm upwards to left flat against the owner of the Black Door's own hand, so that they lay soft and smoothly together. With the slightest of tugs, Blaze led Lois through the nightclub toward a door marked PRIVATE. A noticeably tall and muscular topless woman stood beside the door, a veritable amazon with close-cropped hair. Angelica inclined her head the slightest bit, and the amazon opened the door for them.

The chamber beyond was a kind of vestibule, dark purple curtains enclosing a space lit only by a blacklight, couches lining the walls. Black strips of cloth hung from from the ceiling, and the club-owner pulled one down.

"The lounge is only for select guests," Angelica's voice was soft as velvet, her warm breath on Lois' ears like a caress. "And we have our little traditions. Like the initiates of old, we ask that everyone enter blindfolded their first time. May I?"

Lois nodded her assent, and the club-owner carefully placed the strip of black cloth over the reporter's eyes, then began tying it in a knot around the back of her head.

"Not too tight?" Blaze's voice came out of the darkness—for truly, Lois could not see anything, vision the same whether her eyes were open or closed.

"Now," her voice was a whisper in Lois' ear, a breath upon her neck. "The other tradition. You must disrobe."

"And if I refuse?" Lois kept her voice calm.

"Then you aren't the woman I imagine you to be." The reporter could hear the smile in that voice. "Don't worry, you aren't being asked to walk in nude—a robe is provided for all." Padded cloth was placed in Lois' hands, soft and thin, like raw silk. "Of course, I'm more than willing to stay and..help you get changed. But if you prefer your privacy..."

Blaze let the sentence trail off, the meaning clear.