Page 18 of Master My Love

Valerie furrowed her brows, a contemplative expression on her lovely face. “Those two are clearly in love, but they’re confused about their roles, don’t you think? Marco hardly seemed submissive?” she continued, her gaze flickering to him briefly before returning to the spot where the couple had been standing. “And the way he led her out of here... I imagine a spanking will be his next order of business. Giving, not receiving.”

Her spot-on analysis of the situation sparked his investigator’s instincts. It seemed unlikely for someone who was new to the lifestyle to possess such insight. He grasped her wrist, encircling it with his fingers.

“We need to talk,” he declared, pulling her along.

In her hurry to keep up with his brisk pace, she sounded slightly winded when she asked, “But...what about the tour?”

“We’ll take care of that after I get some answers.”

Chapter 5

ERIC LED HER TO ONEof the many booths that lined the perimeter of the immense room. He motioned her onto the plush U-shaped seat. Once he slid in beside her, with the push of a button, a recessed screen closed them in, giving them privacy.

“Okay, tell me what that was all about and why I shouldn’t strap you to the nearest bench and paddle your ass for breaking nearly every rule in the book.”

Her eyes widened, a mix of fear and exhilaration.

He’d deal with both, later. For now, he wanted answers.

“Don’t test me, Valerie.”

“Well,” she replied hesitantly, her voice trembling along with her hands, which she clasped tightly and dropped to her lap. “There isobviouslymajor friction in their relationship—”

“No, not between Lyla and Marco. Explain how you came to your conclusions without ever having met them.”

“Oh, that.”

Averting her eyes, she tugged at her short skirt. His eyes followed, noting the nervous habit. He also noticed the hem had ridden up. His admiring gaze scanned her creamy thighs then he forced his gaze to her face determined not to get distracted as he waited for an answer.

“I suppose I’m just observant.”

“I think it’s more than that. What do you do for a living?”

Her flush told him he was on the right track. He’d developed a few observation skills of his own, a necessity whether leading a team on a mission or running a successful business. And, overseeing a membership approaching one thousand, it was crucial for him to be aware of what was going on in his club. That he’d missed the issue with Lyla and Marco bothered him. Was he overextended between Rossi and Decadence?

He watched her squirm for a moment then leaned in and commanded in a firm tone, “Stop fidgeting and answer me. I'm not fond of repeating myself. If you were my sub and stalled the way you have, you’d be over my lap feeling the flat of my hand on your bare ass.Having an agreement for tonight doesn’t mean I won’t.”

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