Nightmares Of Ecstacy | 18+

It was late at night, and I was on my way home. My husband wouldn’t be back until much later — both of us had been busting our asses lately, saving up for a trip to Santorini. It felt good knowing we’d racked up a solid amount for it.

I was in downtown, walking through the streets lined with bars and rowdy, drunk men, when I saw it.

A place called Hidden Hole.

Weird name, I thought, frowning a little.

It wasn’t exactly hidden, and there wasn’t even a sign of an actual hole anywhere. But something about it pulled me in, and before I knew it, I was already walking toward the entrance.

I pulled out my phone and quickly texted my husband.

Hey babe, I’m not gonna be home
till later tonight.

He replied almost instantly.

Alright, stay safe. Love you.

I shoved my phone back into my pocket, feeling a little strange as I got closer to the door.

It had been a while since I’d been in a bar, especially since Michael and I got married. We tied the knot young, just 20, and here we were, almost five years later.

Wow, has it really been five years already?

I pushed open the door, unsure if it was a club or a bar. The music blasted, vibrating through the air, and the place was lit in a sultry red glow that made everything feel a bit sexy. The energy was electric, and I felt excitement and nerves bubbling up inside me.

I walked inside further, taking a look around. I probably looked like a woman who had never stepped foot in a club before. Honestly, I couldn’t blame anyone for thinking that, this place was unlike any other I’d ever been to.

There was something different about it. Sure, it had all the usual elements on the surface, bouncers at the door, strippers dancing on the elevated stages, and waitstaff walking around with trays of drinks. The air was heavy with the smell of whiskey and the scent of expensive cologne.

I let out a sigh as I found a spot at the bar, sinking onto a stool. The bartender looked over at me with a grin. “You look like hell,” he chuckled. I couldn’t help but laugh along, feeling a bit more relaxed.

“Feel like one too,” I replied, trying to match his energy. The truth was, I hadn’t been out like this in ages, and it felt a little overwhelming, almost like stepping into a different world.

He raised an eyebrow. “Long night?”

I shrugged, rolling my eyes. “More like a long few years. I’m just here to unwind a bit.”

“Gotcha,” he said, pouring a drink for another customer before turning his attention back to me. “What can I get you?”

“Just a vodka tonic, please,” I said, keeping it simple.

While he mixed my drink, I looked around, taking in the sights and sounds. The bass thumped in my chest, and colorful lights flickered across the room. People were laughing, chatting, and moving to the rhythm of the music, and I couldn't help but feel a little envious.

He slid the drink in front of me, and I took a sip. “So, what brings you to this place?” he asked, leaning against the bar, casually watching me.

“Honestly? Just needed a break from reality,” I admitted. “My husband and I have been working nonstop, and I thought it might be nice to shake things up a bit.”