Page 55 of Learn For Me

Biting was a kink he rarely dabbled with, despite the pleasure it gave him. Seeing his marks on a woman’s skin was a stamp of pride, but with Livvy, he imagined it was going to rile his primal side again. Though he’d been careful and hadn’t broken the skin, she would wear the bruises, his teeth marks, and feel his possession when the muscles ached.

They emerged into the chaotic energy of the play area, and his hand automatically rose to cover her ear, hoping to lessen the swell of sound—moans, flesh slapping, impact toys cracking and snapping.Shrieksand groans, whimpers and gratified cries of release.

Apparently, he didn’t need to bother—Olivia snuffled her nose into his throat, and with a soft sigh, began snoring lightly. How fucking adorable could she be?

Shifting her slightly in his arms, he made his way back into the bar area and wound through to the aftercare room. His friends—those who were still alert—gave happy waves from the table as he passed.

As soon as he stepped into the purpose-built space, a little sub he vaguely remembered from the original membership stepped out from the desk with a welcoming smile. Silver-blonde hair tipped with blue, pretty green eyes, and a pixie nose.

Like hell could he recall her name.

“Master Zeke,” she murmured respectfully. “What would you like me to fetch you this evening?”

“Water, please. Chocolate for my sub.”

“Of course, sir. Feel free to sit anywhere; I’ll find you in a moment.”

“Thank you.” Looking around for a suitable spot, his attention was grabbed by a hand gesturing in his direction from the far corner. Smiling, he wandered over to a couch the size of a small boat where Thane curled up with his head on his Mistress’s lap. “All the excitement is wearing our subs out, Constance.”

Threading her fingers through her sub’s hair, Connie returned his smile. Her expression was serene, sated, and Zeke guessed his own face reflected some measure of that peace. “It’s an exciting time. Three years is too long to go without a home. What do you think of the rebuild?”

Easing himself into the opposite corner, Zeke arranged Olivia so she was tucked against him, her back against the couch arm. She snorted indelicately, mumbling under her breath, but her body was still lax. “Good workmanship.”

“Hmm.”

He lifted a shoulder. “Maybe it feels a bit… modern. There are some elements of the old club which work well, and a lot of the new improvements are certainly needed, but…”

“It requires breaking in.”

“Like a new pair of sneakers,” he agreed. “I approve of the privacy rooms.”

“Made good use of one, if your girl is anything to go by.” The Mistress studied Olivia as her hands continued to soothe her man. “Is she everything you dreamed of, Zeke?”

“And more besides.”

“Excellent. We’ve been worried about you for a long time. Before the explosion, you played with a selection of women, but after… even after you healed, you lost that spark in your eyes.” Connie’s keen focus switched to him, making him want to wither under her scrutiny. “It wasn’t only facing death that knocked your confidence, was it?”

Perceptive shrink, he thought in amusement. Kissing Olivia’s hair, he shook his head. “Fallin’ in love with someone half my age, then havin’ to learn to live without her was pretty guttin’. Denyin’ those feelings took more energy than I thought. When she came home, it was a smack to the face.”

“Love is a bitch.”

The service sub hurried over with a tray in her hands. Gracefully, she set it on the small table beside the couch, placing it where he could reach the contents easily; two bottles of chilled water and a small bowl of Hershey’s Kisses. “If you require anything else, sir, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thanks, pet.”

With a small bow, the girl hurried back to her station.

“The staff are efficient,” he commented idly, snagging one of the bottles. Taking the cap off, he took a few deep swallows, then set it aside.

“Evander and Braun made sure serving the community was worth their while,” Connie replied, shushing Thane softly as he grunted. “You know, aside from doing their favorite thing and being helpful little bunnies. Reduced membership rates for our friendly service subs is an added bonus.”

“They get time in the club?”

“Split shifts, from what I’ve seen on the schedule. Everyone gets their playtime, don’t worry.”

Damn, as an owner—even a minority share owner—did he need to have his finger on the pulse of the club? Were there going to be meetings where ideas and shit got passed around and discussed, or was it more of a silent ownership?

Zeke found himself getting excited about the prospect of being involved. The Avalon family was back, and it was only going to grow from here. If it was tended and shaped, nurtured and encouraged, Avalon would come to mean something to more than just those who knew it now.

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