Page 63 of Master My Love

“It’s more revealing than anything I’ve ever worn before.”

“That’s because you forgot to wear panties,” Alicia, the regular receptionist, commented with a catty little sneer.

“Pay her no mind. She’s pissed Master Eric bypassed her and chose you.” Julianna’s eyes met the other girl’s, and she warned, “You better curb the attitude. If Master E gets wind of it, your ass will be out on Beverly Boulevard faster than you can say, jealous bitch.”

Her scenario must have been dead-on accurate because Alicia paled and turned to help the next guest.

Shocked by her friend’s vehement defense, Val couldn’t resist asking, “Are you sure you’re a submissive? Because that wasn’t merely assertive, it was out and out aggressive.”

“I’m a submissive, hon, not a doormat,” she said as she came out from behind the counter. “Besides, one common trait among us is caretaking of others. Consider yourself taken care of.”

Misty-eyed, Val hugged the younger woman who was turning out to be a good friend. “I better go. I only have three minutes. Wish me luck.”

Julianna eyed her with a slow grin. “In that outfit, you won’t need it.”

Val gave her a little wave then stepped into the bustling lounge. As she looked around for Eric, the noise from the chattering crowd and live band were close to deafening. There were hearts and cupids everywhere, and red, pink, and white streamers hung from the ceiling. The air was thick with the scent of roses, as every table had a beautiful bouquet of red roses as a centerpiece. Couples swayed on the dance floor, champagne flowed freely, and the atmosphere was brimming with romance. Eager to take part, she squeezed her way through the crowd, making her way toward the bar.

Someone touched her shoulder. Thinking it was Eric, she turned with an eager grin, but it faded upon seeing a dark-haired gentleman dressed in black lounge pants and nothing else. He looked vaguely familiar.

“At last, we get the chance to meet,” he said with a kind smile.

Puzzled, Val pulled away from his clinging hand. “I’m sorry, do I know you?” she asked, shouting to be heard over the music.

“I’ve had my eye on you since you interned at my office. It wasn’t the right time, but since you’re in private practice now, I decided to take my shot. I hope I wasn’t too forward with the invitation.”

“Invitation?” she echoed in confusion, thinking he meant for tonight. Then it all clicked. “For open sub night. It was you who sent it.”

“Guilty as charged,” he admitted with a shrug.

Suddenly, she placed him. “Dr. Colby? Oh, my goodness!” Her hands flew to her mouth, dismayed to run into someone she knew from her professional life.

“It’s Charles, and don’t worry, Val. Remember the confidentiality clause? Everyone here has signed one. Not to mention, most members are filthy rich. If they break it, it’ll cost them so they wouldn’t dare.”

“Still, it’s weird seeing someone in their pajamas when you usually see them in a suit and tie.”

“You look stunning in your sexy pjs.”

“Thank you, but... Dr. Colby, I’m terribly sorry to have to disappoint you. I’m with someone else.”

His face fell. “Pretty as you are, I should have known someone would scoop you up. What happened to you the first night? I waited.”

“Well, it’s rather funny how it all came about. I met someone before I got through the front door.” She frowned, thinking it made her sound kind of slutty and explained in a rush. “It was purely by chance. He’s an owner here. He knew I was having trouble getting up the courage to walk in all alone, so he took me under his wing. It’s a good thing, too, or I would have never made it inside. It petrified me coming here on my own.”

“Me, too. I’ve only been a member about three months. It’s a fantastic place. No judgments, everyone is kink-friendly, and open-minded.” He gave her a considering look, a small smile curving his lips. “I saw something in you, but your husband had so recently passed. I bided my time, but I guess I waited too long for that as well.”

“I suppose fate had a hand in it.”

“Possibly.” His gaze swept down her body in the nearly transparent nightie until he came to her feet. “Those are some shoes. I can’t imagine how you women walk in those things.”

“We hold on to a man for dear life.” Val laughed, also looking down at her clear strap sling back, mini-platform stilettos—an impulse buy. The heels were five sky-high inches. She’d worn nothing like them before, and although she was a touch unsteady, she enjoyed looking everyone in the eyes for a change.

“Would you like to dance while you wait?” Charles asked.

“No, she wouldn’t,” a familiar voice stated coolly, “because she’s mine.”

Val spun, but too quickly. Unused to her new shoes, she lost her balance and lurched forward, right into Eric. When he caught and steadied her, she beamed a smile of thanks up at him—yes, up. Despite her new shoes, he topped her by inches. She was over the moon to see him after what felt like forever, but he didn’t seem as thrilled, too busy glaring at the other man.

Dr. Colby’s gaze shifted between the two of them before settling on Eric. “She’s yours?”

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