“Ria, you’re going into the dungeon?”
“She is,” Connor said firmly.
Landon looked up at Connor. “No offence, Connor, but I have to hear from her that this is what she wants. She’s automatically given membership because she works here. But she’s never played before, and I want to make sure she knows what she’s doing. Ria?”
“I’m okay, Landon. No one’s forcing me into this. I want to do it.”
“You ever played before?”
“Yes.”
His face eased. “All right then. Still, since this is your first time here, you’re required to check in with Joe, who’s on duty tonight. He’ll keep an eye on you.”
Relief filled her. Even though she didn’t think Connor would do anything to hurt her, she wouldn’t be here if that were the case, learning Joe was on duty eased her mind. He’d watch her closely.
“Thank you, Landon,” Connor told him sincerely. “I’m glad to see you looking out for the subs. Especially new ones, like Ria.”
Landon looked surprised then relieved. Had he thought he was going to get in trouble with Connor? She’d guessed if he was a jerk, he could have reported Landon to Ajax. Instead, he’d thanked him for doing his job.
Connor drew her forward, down the hallway. Her heart pounded.
Shit. She was really doing this. She was going into the club. God, she hoped she was making the right decision.
7
He sensed Ria was starting to freak out. He stilled just as they entered the dungeon, giving her a moment to take it all in. It wasn’t about forcing her to play. Even though he wanted to throw her over his shoulder and completely take charge, that wasn’t the way to do it. It needed to be her choice. She needed to know she always had the ultimate control.
Normally, with a sub who had some experience, this wouldn’t be such a concern. He’d walk into The Twisted Thorn, the club owned by his bosses, negotiate a scene with whatever free sub caught his interest, play, give after care, and walk away.
Rinse and repeat.
Huh, since when had that become boring? He hadn’t consciously thought about it, but while he’d still been going to The Twisted Thorn regularly, more often than not he went to see his friends, not to play.
In fact, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so eager to scene with a sub.
But she was nervous. Obviously, her previous experience hadn’t been an entirely positive one. Questions hovered, but he pushed them back, knowing she was unlikely to answer them. She was a pretty closed book. Except when her emotions were high, then things slipped out.
He could strip down those shields while they played together. But not now. Tonight, was all about building trust. About her knowing that he would take care of her. Would put her first. And was Dom enough to be in control. Because Ria wouldn’t submit to someone she couldn’t respect.
He moved behind her, pressing her back against his body. “Bring back memories?” he whispered in her ear, gratified when she shivered lightly.
“Yeah,” she answered back quietly.
He nipped her neck gently. “How do you address me?”
She stiffened for a moment, and he thought she was going to balk at his implied order. That wouldn’t be a good start. Then she relaxed.
“Yes, Sir.”
“Good girl.” He licked at where he’d given her the small nip. She trembled. “Did this other Dom do something you didn’t like? Scare you? Hit a trigger?”
“No, Sir. The problem wasn’t with this.” She waved her arm around.
Ah.
“So, he hurt you emotionally.”
“He betrayed me,” she said in a harsh whisper. “Said he was one thing, and it turned out he was another. He used me.”