Ghosts of the Erlyn (Catalyst Book 3) by C.J. Aaron (books like beach read .TXT) 📕

span of his arms. Both were lined nearly floor to ceiling with narrow, individually numbered doors. The edges were trimmed with an ornately decorated border, the center appeared to be covered in a deep red fabric. Each was identified only by a thin numbered, silver plaque tacked into the wood of the upper edge. Several held keys hanging from the lock build into the lower trim; the majority did not.

“Remove your blades,” came the authoritative voice of the man from behind them. “Into number twenty-four.”

Andr was already in the process of removing the belt that held both his swords. Ryl followed suit, removing the sword at his hip, sliding it into the like numbered opening in the wall. The interior of the lockers was cushioned with a thick, padded cloth, similar to that on the doors. The fabric was soft to the touch and likely cost a fortune. Ryl pondered the necessity for the trivial expense. The thought of being separated from the Leaves that were still concealed behind his back was daunting. Andr must have read his expression, nodding subtly to signal the necessity The bouncer eyed them impatiently as Ryl removed and stored his custom leather holster. Once satisfied that both were unarmed, he removed the small key with a slight twist of his hand, sealing the enclosure, disguising its contents from prying eyes.

The brute rudely pushed past, turning as he reached the door opposite that which they entered. He wheeled back toward them, interlocking his fingers and cracking them as he stretched out his arms, flexing his bulging muscles. The sound echoed through the tiny chamber like thunder.

“I don’t think I need to discourage you from causing any trouble inside,” he grumbled. “There will be no warnings.”

He held out his hand, dropping the key unceremoniously into Andr’s palm.

Without waiting for a response, he lowered his hand, balling it into a fist and hammering it against the door behind him. He rang out a pair of solid thumps before pausing for a moment, adding a second set.

A moment later his call was acknowledged by the sound of keys turning in the lock from the opposite end. The brute stepped aside as the door opened to the sight of an equally powerfully muscled man.

“Enjoy,” was all the first bouncer grumbled, his face contorting ever so slightly into a pathetic attempt at a forced smile.

Without a pause, Andr stepped forward, Ryl followed in his wake. The man who’d opened the door moved from their path, revealing a room that was a world apart from the seedy tavern they’d just left. He motioned for them to follow.

The interior of the large room was immaculate. The walls were painted white with swirling silver designs etched onto their canvas. The delicate patterns formed symmetrical floral scenes on both sides of the room. The ceiling stretched two floors high, and in the corners, long folded curtains reached down to the floor. The deep red fabric shimmered in the low light of the lanterns, glistening with a metallic quality. There were comfortable looking couches arranged in perfect order along the walls. Between them stood artfully carved tables, each holding a beautifully adorned vase teeming with flowers.

Inset into the large, polished tiles of the floor and dominating the center of the room was a square pool. Petals of red flowers floated gracefully on the surface of the crystal-clear water. A pair of gently curving staircases on either side of the room led up to a balcony on the second floor. Their surface was covered in a carpet that matched the red of the curtains and upholstery of the couches that rested along the walls. A large ornately decorated desk sat in the center of the room beyond the pool; behind it sat an exceptionally well-dressed woman. She smiled warmly as they entered.

Gone was the overwhelming stench of the tavern. In its place was a soothing floral aroma.

Gone were the noises. The din was replaced by an unintelligible whisper of hushed conversation. There was a quiet splashing and a gentle lapping of water on the side of the pool.

Gone were the boisterous crowds. In their place, a score of women lounged around on the comfortable cushions of the couches or reclined easily in the clear waters of the pool. All were either completely nude, or draped seductively in sheer clothing that left very little to the imagination.

Ryl was immediately thankful for the cloak that shrouded his face in shadow. He could feel the heat on his cheeks and was sure the redness would have betrayed his immense surprise. His heart raced at the unexpected newness of the situation. His short life had so far afforded him no time for love, or carnal pleasures. He had rarely seen more of a woman's skin than the extremities which showed beyond the extent of her garments. Caught off guard, he nearly stumbled as he stepped forward following Andr and the bouncer. It was with effort that he averted his eyes, maintaining his focus on the back of the mercenary in front of him.

Without a word, the man led them around the pool to the stairs on the left side of the room. He could hear the soft giggles and coos of the women as they passed by. He could feel their eyes following them as they ascended the stairs to the second floor.

In the center of the balcony above, there was a small lounge adorned with similar furniture to that of the lower level. From either side of the lounge a dimly lit hallway led deeper into the brothel’s interior. The floor was covered in the same soft red carpet that had blanketed the stairs. Their feet made barely more than a muted thump as they continued down the hallway.

Evenly spaced, numbered doors lined both sides of the long hallway; all were shut. Though he tried not to focus on the noises, the unmistakable sound of flesh slapping against flesh and moans of pleasure filtered through the doors.

Nearly halfway down