Page 29 of Breaking Free

“Axyl said it’s a social event where prospective applicants can get a full club tour and meet some of the members. The bar will be open, they’ll have music and dancing and more extensive tours of all the facilities. He said the stations will be open, and they’re having severalcan’t-missdemonstrations. If they’re anything like the sex machines today, I’ll need smelling salts.”

“Are you seriously considering joining?”

Josie looked at her like she was from Mars. “Heck yeah, I’m considering joining! Did you see that man?”

“How much are the membership fees?”

“Other than expensive, I do not know, but we can find out next weekend. You’ll go with me, won’t you?” Josie glanced herway, eyes pleading. “I doubt I’ll have the nerve to walk in alone, even if Axyl expects me.”

“You really like him, don’t you?”

“I do, although we barely had time to get to know one another. If we go, we’re under no obligation except to keep everything confidential. But we’ve already signed the paperwork and passed the screening. All we have to do is show up with one of these.” She held up two gold-embossed black invitations. “They’re issued only by a club master, which Axyl is. Please say you’ll come.”

“Aren’t you forgetting my 6’4” problem?” When she stared back at her, Piper drawled, “He goes by the name of Tristan.”

“Axyl says these mixers are always packed. What are the chances we’ll see him in that kind of crush?”

“That’s what you said about the vendor fair, and look who showed up.”

Josie waved off her concern. “There were 200 people there today, max. Regular and prospective members will be there next Saturday. That’s five times as many. Besides, you won’t be stuck behind a booth. You’ll be a moving object and free to mingle.”

Unconvinced, Piper shook her head. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Why? You handled him great today. Besides, as you said, there is no connection. I’m not sure what his deal is, but you shouldn’t let him and his surly attitude stand in your way.”

“You mean Josie and Axyl’s way. Don’t you?”

She blinked all innocent-like and continued her hard sell. “I can ask Axyl to introduce you around. Surely Tristan wouldn’t interfere if you were with a different dom. Better yet, a different club owner.”

The glimpse of what she saw today intrigued her, but she remained hesitant, caught between curiosity and caution. Withanother desperate “pleeeease” and puppy dog eyes, Piper finally gave in.

“Okay. Just don’t beg anymore. I’m not a dominant, and I don’t get off on that.”

When Josie blinked this time, it was in shock.

“What?” Piper asked, slightly offended. “We have spicy books in Iowa, too.”

Her friend grinned. “Farm girls aren’t as innocent as they’re purported to be.”

She sniffed. “You learn about the birds and the bees young on a farm.”

Josie reached over and squeezed her hand. “Thank you for doing this.”

“How could I say no after being promoted to wingman?”

“That was awesome. You jumped in as if we’d planned it.”

She glanced in the rearview mirror, gave a little finger wave to where Master Axyl stood watching and waiting, put the truck in gear, and took off.

As Josie excitedly chatted, Piper nodded and uttered an occasional “Mmm” or “uh-huh” as she watched the city go by her window. She didn’t see much; Tristan and his volatile reaction to her presence in his club consumed her thoughts.

Despite Josie’s reassurance that there was safety in a crowd, she felt a nagging sense of dread. He’d really explode seeing her at a recruiting event. But maybe she wanted that to happen. Was she pushing him, now, not only to smile but to show her emotions other than judgment, impatience, and anger? And, what she wanted most, a spark, like when he kissed her during the blackout.

Thinking about his rejection—time and again—she whispered to her reflection in the window, “To even consider this, you must be a closet masochist.”

“Did you say something, Piper?” Josie asked from beside her. “This truck is so loud.”

“I said I’m starved,” she fibbed, although it was true. She’d had toast for breakfast and nothing since. “How about you?”

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