In the Captivity of Temptation
Description
In the wake of a painful breakup, Milana finds herself reluctantly pulled into a mysterious club where darkness reigns and intimacy is redefined. When she meets a captivating stranger who ignites her dormant desires, Milana is thrust into a whirlwind of temptation and longing. Just when she thinks she's found an escape, the encounter takes an unexpected turn, leaving her breathless and questioning everything. Back in the light of day, Milana's life becomes even more complicated when she unexpectedly crosses paths with Andriy Poliansky, the new partner at her law firm. Their chemistry is undeniable, but with her heart still healing, can she embrace the thrill of new beginnings without losing herself in the process? Will Milana dare to explore the depths of her own heart, or will the shadows of her past hold her captive forever?
Chapter 1
Jun 6, 2025
I’m fresh from a breakup, and my best friend thinks the best way to move on is to drag me into a mysterious club with a bizarre dating setup. You’re supposed to meet people in the dark.
Weird, right? I thought so too. Until I met this man...
Now I get the concept of this club. There’s no need to wear a mask of politeness or pretend to be genuinely interested. Here, all that falls away. Other senses take over, sharper and more intense. Tactile, for instance...
My fingers itch to glide over the palm of a stranger, to feel that warmth and confidence again. I shake my head, trying to push those sudden impulses away. Just then, I feel the man casually running his hand under the table, his fingers brushing my thigh as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.
He’s awakened something deep inside me, those dormant urges, my desire and longing to be touched. And his voice damn his voice it makes me want to strip off my clothes right here and now.
“Taste this. It pairs perfectly with the wine.” Before I can think, he presses it against my lips.
What the hell is happening to me?
***
Three hours ago.
"Tan, this is a bad idea, I'm telling you," I argue with my friend, who, as always, tempts me into some provocative excursion. But those times are long gone. And I've changed, I don't play such games anymore.
"Come on, Milana. What are you talking about? I'm not suggesting you jump into some rich guy's lap. It’s just a club visit."
"It’s a private party," I correct her with a sour face, still doubting.
"Oh, big deal. A private party. When was the last time you went out anyway?" she throws skeptically.
"A long time ago," I say, trying to hold back tears.
"Uh-huh. Probably before your precious Levchuk, right?" she snaps, and I grit my teeth.
That relationship lasted a rough year and a half, leaving its mark on me. It hurts to see Max living it up with a string of beautiful girls. I thought I had found real love, but it was all just a fantasy.
"So what now?" I ask, raising an eyebrow defiantly.
"Nothing. You've gotten so boring, dear."
She’s definitely trying to provoke me, and I know it, yet I still bite.
"Alright, I’ll go."
"Oh, you’re going to love it," Tanya says, practically bouncing with excitement. I already regret letting her drag me into this. "Just be ready for tonight."
"What’s the dress code?"
"Something daring," she replies with a sly smile.
"I don’t get it. What kind of party is this, anyway?" I arch an eyebrow, confused.
"Oh, you’ve turned into such a dullard," she pouts, her lips playful. "A friend of mine has two invitations. His buddy is celebrating something big and rented an entire house near Market Square. Can you imagine? How could you say no to that?" Her excitement is infectious, even if I don’t quite understand it.
"Wow, how original. You want to crash a stranger's sketchy party and drag me along?" I say, raising an eyebrow.
"You already agreed," Tanya presses, clearly holding back a laugh. "Moss is literally growing out of your ears."
I roll my eyes. "Fine, I’ll be ready. To hell with you."
"Great! We’ll pick you up," she replies, satisfied, as she heads for the cafe exit.
I get up and follow her out, a knot forming in my stomach. The feeling that I’ve signed up for something reckless doesn’t go away. But I’m not one to back down, at least I used to be. Since breaking up with Max, everything feels jumbled, and I’m not even sure what I’m capable of anymore.
As I rummage through my closet for tonight’s party, I realize Tanya gave me hardly any details. I decided to go with something neutral but still eye-catching. I settle on a fitted long-sleeve dress covered in shimmering gold sequins that hits mid-thigh.
I check myself out in the mirror, feeling satisfied. It’s seductive but not overly revealing. I smooth my blonde hair, apply some light evening makeup, and step out of my apartment. Tanya texted that she and Artem are waiting downstairs.
I slide into the back seat of a black SUV, where Tanya’s boyfriend, though I still can’t figure out how serious they are, drives us downtown. He parks, and we stroll along the cobblestone streets toward Market Square, then veer into a narrow side passage. Before long, we arrive at a nondescript three-story building.
At the entrance, security checks our invitations, and we step inside. The first floor is already buzzing with energy. It hits me that this place is probably no stranger to parties; the fact that no noise escapes suggests they’ve soundproofed it well.
Intriguing. I take a look around. The crowd is clearly upscale, with most women dressed in designer outfits. I’d memorized all the top boutiques in Lviv back in the day. My priorities have shifted since then. I scan the men, most of them older, around forty. Before I can observe further, Tanya tugs me up the charming, old staircase.
"Milanochka, this way," she chirps joyfully, and I still don't fully grasp what the twist of the event is.
Tanya clings to Artem like a bee to honey. Rubs up against him, cuddles, and doesn’t let go of her delicate hands. I just wrinkle my nose and nearly snort. I barely hold myself back. Thank God my crazy times are long in the past. And at least for that, I must be grateful to my ex. Because Max simply opened my eyes.
"Tan," I tug her free hand. "A few words, can you? You said 'private party,'" my eyebrow skeptically creases up. "And yet, there are over fifty people just on the first floor."
"Oh, sweetie. Everyone has their own idea of a private party. We’re not here to judge, right?" she says with a sly grin, flipping her chocolate hair as she clings to Artem.
We pass the second floor and continue upward, until Artem theatrically bows and opens the door at the top.
“Well, ladies, we’re here. Welcome to the 'Club of Vices and Virtues.'”
At his words, I freeze, and even Tanya slows down a bit. The door reveals a completely dark corridor, lit only by thin LED strips along the edges, creating an impression of an airport runway at night.
“Artem, can I talk to you for a sec?” I tug on his sleeve.
I’m not like Tanya; I have no interest in him, so I get straight to the point. I need to figure out what this place is.
“Milana, what’s the issue? Come on now, it’ll be fun,” he tries to reassure me.
“Yeah? Well, I’m not feeling it.”
“Alright,” he says, frowning at my challenging look. “The concept is simple. In the dark, people can talk without seeing each other’s faces. It helps avoid those first visual judgments, which can be pretty subjective.” He laughs at my confusion.
“Hmmm...” I raise an eyebrow, realizing this setup could be both intriguing and uncomfortable. I glance at the couple in front of me. “That’s fine for me, but what about you two? Looking for some spicy experiences?”
Tanya blushes a little, and Artem narrows his eyes, taking his time to respond. Then he turns the focus back to me.
“Milana, don’t tell me you’re afraid to talk to a stranger.”
“I’m not scared,” I reply, caught off guard. “What’s the deal with this whole vices and virtues thing?”
He grins. “Everyone gets to decide where the conversation goes, whether it leans toward virtues or vices.”
“Ooh,” I feel my cheeks flush at his assumptions, but his next words push me to finally step into this strange club.
“Are you afraid of your desires and hidden vices?” He winks slyly and starts down the dark corridor, pulling a bewildered Tanya along with him.
I take a deep breath. Challenge accepted. What do I have to be afraid of?
In the Captivity of Temptation
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