Hunter shook his head. “She needs someone she trusts, or she’ll bolt.”
It wouldn’t be bolting. It wasn’t like she was running away. She’d leave because her friend was sick. She could come back another night.
Except, she knew she wouldn’t. She’d never gather up the courage to come again. She couldn’t believe she was even here tonight.
“I really just want to go home,” she said, tired of the way they spoke like she wasn’t even there.
Hunter turned to look at her. “I get that you’re nervous. But you agreed to come here tonight for a reason. Don’t lose your courage now.”
Lacey drew in a deep, steadying breath. He was right, she had come tonight for a reason. To see if reality matched up to her fantasies. She was certain it wouldn’t. She was pretty sure that everything she’d read had romanticised BDSM and that she’d be horribly disappointed. But the fact that Cady enjoyed it had prompted her to at least come and watch.
And if she left now she’d never know.
Curiosity killed the cat.
Well, she didn’t have nine lives like a cat, but she was pretty certain she wasn’t in any sort of real danger. Whatever Hunter saw on her face made him turn away with a nod.
“Take her to Gray.”
Oh, fuck.
***
“Master Gray.”
Gray looked down at Jessica with a barely-concealed sigh of impatience. Jessica was one of those subs that believed being a submissive meant everyone else had to meet her needs. She didn’t want to think for herself. She wanted to live the life of a pampered, indulged princess. All take and no give. And for some reason, she’d set her sights on him. Well, he could guess why.
Gray liked to take care of others, and she liked being looked after. He was a good-looking guy, and she was shallow enough for that to matter. And his bank balance could keep her in all the designer shoes and clothes her heart desired.
She stood with her head respectfully lowered, her stance submissive. But she wasn’t a true submissive. She constantly manipulated and plotted to get her own way, topping from the bottom but doing it in such a way that some less-experienced Doms didn’t see what she was doing.
“Yes, sub?” he asked, deliberately not using her name. Maybe it was a little petty, but he wasn’t in a very patient mood.
She glanced up at him, a pout on her face. “Have I upset you, Sir?”
He sighed. “No, Jessica, you haven’t upset me. It’s just been a long week. What can I do for you?”
“Nobody wants to play with me tonight.”
God, she sounded like a whiny five-year-old.
What was wrong with him? Normally, he wasn’t this impatient.
“Have you spoken to Javier? Isn’t he on duty tonight?” They had a handful of more experienced Doms who were there to help the unattached subs if they needed help negotiating play with a Dom. They also helped guide the less experienced Doms.
“He’s busy. Would you play with me, Sir?”
“I’m not playing tonight,” he told her. “But I’ll find someone for you.”
He didn’t miss the scowl on her face as he turned away, searching for someone to pair her with, but he chose to ignore it. She could be somebody else’s problem tonight.
“But, Sir, I want to play with you.” Her nasal voice took on a definite whine as she reached out and clasped his arm.
He turned, giving her a cold look. “On your knees, sub.”
Immediately, she dropped gracefully to her knees and lowered her head, placing her hands palm up on her thighs.
“Did I give you permission to touch me?” He made certain his voice was calm but cold, clearly displaying his displeasure.