Page 41 of Breaking Free

Piper met her glittering-green gaze. “I was teasing. We’re in this together.”

“Unless a hot dom sweeps us off our feet.”

“Like that’s going to happen,” she scoffed, rolling her eyes. “With my luck lately, I have zero chance of it becoming a fairy tale.”

“You sound like the grump next door. Think positive.”

“Easy for you to say. You’ve got one on the hook already.”

“We should have a signal, just in case,” Josie suggested.

“More than screaming ‘red’ at the top of our lungs?”

Her fellow kink club novice chuckled, although it sounded constrained. “That is a given. I mean a signal that says, ‘I’m into him and ready to go for it.’”

Piper tapped her lips with a forefinger. “I guess yelling Geronimo would be awkward in conversation.”

Her friend’s head swiveled toward her, auburn brows arched in surprise. “Piper Emory is not a cynic. Are you sure you’re okay with this?”

“Yeah. Sorry. I’ve had a rough week.”

“Understood.” Trying but failing to hide her disappointment, she offered, “We don’t have to do this tonight.”

“No,” Piper stated firmly. “We squeezed ourselves into leather, which ain’t easy. Since we’re here and look amazing, I say we go for it. Besides, won’t Master Axyl be looking for you?”

She bit her lip, clearly uncertain. “He was flirty, but we didn’t make concrete plans, and he gave us both invitations.”

“He has plans,” Piper assured her. “He couldn’t keep his eyes off you.”

“He’s gorgeous, funny, and oozes alpha vibes. I wouldn’t say no,” she said dreamily.

“For an ‘I’m into him’ green light word, how about ‘bright,’ as in brighter days are ahead, both in our personal and professional lives?”

“There’s the sunshine-and-daffodils friend I love.”

“Spare me,” Piper said, wrinkling her nose. “Besides, it takes one to know one. You’re an optimist at heart, too, aren’t you?”

Josie bumped her with her shoulder. “Don’t let that get around. I’m a badass leather-stitching bitch, and you know it.”

They exchanged smiles that turned into laughter. Then, with arms linked, they climbed the front steps of LA’s most notorious sex club and boldly walked inside.

The lobby was packed shoulder to shoulder, and it took them thirty minutes to get to the check-in counter. They each received a white ribbon to wear “in plain sight” to indicate their novice status. Then, they were waved inside because their paperwork was in order well before tonight.

The bar was at least twenty times bigger but just as crowded as the lobby.

“How about a little liquid courage?” Piper suggested, eyeing the wall of people at the bar that stretched almost the full length of the room.

“I’ll pass,” Josie replied. “I have too many butterflies in my stomach. If I drink anything, I’ll be sick.”

With only one option remaining, they made their way to the massive gothic doors of the Decadence dungeon. Hand in hand, they entered only to face yet another line at another counter. This time, they were asked to surrender their shoes.

“Club rules for all submissives,” the attendant explained when they reached her. Behind her was a wall of cubbies like at the shoe rental at a bowling alley. Josie, in particular, was annoyed to lose the boost in height her heels gave her but handed them over.

“We don’t need an escort?” Piper asked, recalling what Axyl had told them about nonmembers.

“Not when Master Eric opens the doors. It doesn’t happen often, but he wants everyone to see the special demonstration tonight. Later, when all the stations are open, and everything is in full swing, you’ll need someone with you.” The perky young woman, dressed entirely in black except for her striking crimson lips and nails, diligently stamped their hands and a square of paper with matching numbers. “This is your claim number. We don’t issue stubs. Wearing as little as we do, where would we tuck one away?” she explained with a wink and a grin. “You’re all set. There are dungeon monitors and club masters throughout the playroom to answer questions or assist as needed. Have fun.”

As if waiting for their cue, the party of four behind them surged forward, practically pushing her and Josie aside as they eagerly handed over their shoes.

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