Page 46 of Dare to Love Again

“Who gave you permission to do that?”

“I did.” This came from Master Eric who stood at the end of their table, Val tucked under his arm and close to his side. “Perhaps I wasn’t clear. When I said I’d arrange a dom for you, I didn’t mean for a one-and-done scene. You’re on extended probation; under Master Keiran’s direct supervision. Your probation officer, shall we say?”

“How long is this extended period for?” she snapped.

“Watch your tone, lass,” Master Finn advised. “Your probation lasts until your dom decides, which according to the master dom is still me.”

She couldn’t keep the scowl from her face—she was being manipulated and didn’t like it one bit.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Val shaking her head in warning, but too late. Finn didn’t let much get past him.

“While running around unsupervised, it appears you’ve forgotten your manners. Snapping and glaring at dominants, for example. I’ll spare you the whip and the more extreme implements, since that isn’t what you want,” he deliberately used her words against her, “but being with me won’t exempt you from punishments. As for scenes, I’ll have to arrange those with doms who might better suit your tastes. Master Tristan.” He held her eyes but addressed the tall dom still waiting and taking in their little drama. “Esme has expressed a desire for suspension; she also likes strict bondage, moderate pain, but no whips, canes, or gags. You’ll take care of my girl and show her a good time, yes?”

“Absolutely.” He took hold of her wrist and pulled her to her feet, a huge grin on his handsome face. “This should be fun, Red. Let’s go.”

He had her halfway to the dungeon before she found her voice. “Wait, I thought you didn’t want to be used as a pathway to membership.”

“You never mentioned your interests. Shibari is my passion, and I’m a rigger always in search of a sub I can tie up in knots.”

“No, please, I don’t want to.”

“What was that?” he asked, not stopping. “The band is loud tonight.”

“Red,” she shouted. He immediately came to a halt, and she said more softly, “I’m sorry, sir, but I don’t want to play.”

“Is it, you don’t want to play, Esme? Or you’re afraid to?”

“Excellent question, my friend.” Keiran’s burr sounded close to her ear. She turned to him, like the first night with Carlos, seeking his strength and protection, instinctively knowing despite their disagreement he’d give it unconditionally. When he immediately wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, she melted against him.

“I’ll take it from here, Tris. Thanks.”

“Anytime,” was his amused reply, but he didn’t take the hint and leave, apparently enjoying the show she was putting on more than the one on the stage.

Whatever. Things had turned out too easily in Finn’s favor. Her head fell back, and she voiced her suspicion. “You set me up.”

“No, lass, you’re easy to read.”

“But how could you know I’d refuse him?”

“I didn’t, but when you started panicking, you fell back on old habits—refusing all offers, even mine. Tristan is a friend, so is Eric, and both are very astute. They simply followed my lead.”

“And I played right into your hand,” she said stiffly, trying to pull away, but the arm at her waist held her securely.

“Other than me, you haven’t scened with anyone. It was safe to assume you wouldn’t go from shy observer to naked suspension in the blink of an eye. This proves you’re a long way from being off probation.”

“Because I wouldn’t let a stranger string me up by my feet?”

“No, because you think after one spanking and a good cry, you’re unstuck. I’m good,a stór, but I’m not a magician.”

Not missing his grin, she snorted at his arrogance and then, because his perceptive gaze saw too much for her comfort, looked out at the still very crowded dance floor.

“Another reason I was sure you wouldn’t go with Tris...” He caught her chin in his hand, giving her no choice but to face him. “You want me. You’re denying it and think you can brush me aside like the others, but despite all the conflicting emotions swirling around in your brain, when you felt threatened, you turned to me, which means you trust me on some level.”

Tristan leaned in. “Saint Keiran is patient and wise, little one. Trust him to guide you through whatever is holding you back. But if you want to experience the thrill of being strung up by your feet by a stranger, I’m your dom.”

Master Finn narrowed his eyes at the other dom who was enjoying this a bit too much, and said dismissively, “I’ll let you know if it comes to that, but don’t turn blue holding your breath.”

Without saying more, Master Tristan left, though he did so chuckling.

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