Page 97 of Breaking Free

“Don’t mention it, kid.”

Surprised by the unexpected nickname, she echoed, “Kid?”

“Josie mentioned that she’s two years older than you. I understand age gaps are common in Hollywood, but my limit is ten years. Twelve at the most.” He shuddered visibly. “My niece, who I used to babysit for, is older than you.”

Piper couldn’t help but smile. “Does that mean I can call you Uncle Hunter?”

“Not if you want to keep your job,” he warned. Then his eyes flew wide. “I wouldn’t fire you over a joke. I was teasing. I swear!”

“So was I,” she assured him. “I’ve got to admit, it’s an enormous relief knowing it isn’t you, especially since we work together and live within a stone’s throw of each other.” Screwing propriety, she reached for his hand anyway. “Still friends?”

“Always,” he replied, covering hers with his briefly. Then he excused himself. “I need to get going,” he said, already sliding out of the booth. “I’m, uh, meeting someone.”

Piper couldn’t tell if it was just an excuse to escape or if he was embarrassed because it was true. They were in a sex club, after all. She let it drop because it was still awkward even after clearing the air.

“Of course. Have a good night,” she called.

She could have sworn she saw him wipe sweat from his forehead as he hurried away.

Piper went back to people-watching. The lounge was an interesting place. She could tell there was a wide range of power exchanges amid the membership. Some couples sat and chatted like anyone would at a bar. Others were more formal, one submissive kneeling at her dom’s knees. She seemed content there; her dom’s hand—check that, probably her master’s hand—gently, and rather sweetly, stroked her hair.

A shadow fell across the table. She looked up into Tristan’s steely blue eyes.

“Have you been waiting long?”

“For a bit, but we got here early. I didn’t mind though. I’ve been taking it all in.”

“And partaking. How many is that?” he asked, nodding toward her empty glass.

“My first and last. I’m aware of the club limit and mine.”

“Smart girl. Are you ready?”

She took a deep breath to steady her nerves. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

When he held out his hand, she grabbed it. The adage “in for a penny, in for a pound,” which her grandmother Emory used to say, echoed in her mind. Then she scooted out of the booth.

Chapter 24

HE WALKED HER THROUGHthe playroom to the back wall and into the same station as his demonstration with Narissa. Instead of being on the outside looking in, tonight, she would be the one bound by the rope master. It seemed beyond her comprehension.

“Did you stretch?” Tristan asked.

“Before I left home, but that was an hour ago,” she said, as her gaze swept the people at the velvet rope. Only a few had gathered, but as others noticed activity, the number grew.

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