Page 74 of Breaking Free

“I’ve been coming here for three years and have never seen Master Tristan with his own submissive before. Have you been together long?” the pretty blonde asked as she leaned against her dom husband’s side.

“Oh, we’re not together,” she repeated for the second time in a half hour. “Not in the romantic sense, at least. I’m going to be his shibari model after he trains me.”

“Is that so?” the commander said, grinning.

Commander of what, she wondered. Was it a military title or a club honorific instead of sir or master? She was about to ask, which was probably rude, but the rules were lax tonight.

Before she had a chance, Master Eric joined them. “I find it interesting, too.” He settled into the chair across from Piper. It looked undersized compared to his powerful frame. Val, who was with him, took up residence in his lap.

“Have you enrolled in your introductory class?”

She nearly blurted out, “Class? What class?” but caught herself. That would have been rude, especially to the head dom in charge. “Excuse me?” she said instead.

“We offer classes for new members. They’re strongly recommended for new submissives and doms who don’t havean arrangement with a mentor. This was all spelled out in your approval letter.”

“I...uh...”

“Let me guess. You haven’t read it yet.” His head fell back, and he looked up at the ceiling, muttering, “Why do I even bother?”

Val patted his chest. “You only sent it out yesterday, master. There hasn’t been time for it to be delivered.”

“I also emailed it, as I believe I mentioned during our call,” he said pointedly to Piper when his gaze snapped back to hers.

“Forgive me. I was so excited about being approved I must not have heard that part.”

“It’s BDSM 101, essentially, and required for all novice members. It’s held twice a week for four weeks, at five right before the club opens.”

Shooting on her project started on Monday and ran until the director said cut.

He must have read her disappointment. “We’ll have a weekend class beginning next month if that doesn’t fit into your schedule. Until then, you can’t enter the playroom.”

“Yes, sir,” she replied, completely deflated. The studio didn’t schedule weekend shootings, but there were deadlines to meet, so it wasn’t out of the question. “I guess I should have read the small print before signing.”

“I believe the rules state the class can be waived if a club dom in good standing signs off on training.” Tristan had returned. He placed his hand on her shoulder, his touch light and reassuring. It felt nice, and, to her surprise, it had an almost-instantaneous calming effect.

“I’m training Piper,” he announced to the group and anyone within earshot, his deep rumble carrying.

Heads turned, and several curious glances were directed their way, including Cassie and Val’s.

“You?” Eric and Commander Flynn asked simultaneously, both doms appearing stunned.

“I’ve done it before,” Tristan drawled, sounding slightly offended.

The master dom’s gaze shifted to Piper, assessing before returning to Tristan. “You have,” he allowed. “But other than for shibari, you haven’t taken on a newbie for quite a while.”

“I’m sure once he gets started, it will all come back to him,” Flynn interjected with an amused curve to his lips.

“Let’s go.” Still looking annoyed, Tristan grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the chair. “Thanks for keeping an eye on her, Flynn.”

“Not a problem,” the commander replied, as his grin broadened into a wide smile.

“Nice meeting you, Piper,” Cassie said, nudging her husband in the side with her elbow, which made him burst into laughter for some reason.

Even with her long legs, she had to rush to keep up with Tristan. It was a bit like running a race, and she’d be out of breath in no time. Still, she had to ask. “What was so funny?”

“My friends think they’re comedians. Ignore them.”

“Okay. But can I ask where we’re going?”

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