Page 11 of Ravish

“Let me check.” He didn’t want to say anything out of line. “Be right back.” Colby found Max sitting with Sierra in his lap. He paused within eye sight, not approaching until Max nodded.

“What do you need, Colby?”

“How much can I tell Lara about the vetting process?”

“I trust Lara to be discreet. You can tell her anything you want.”

“Thanks, Max.” Colby made his way back to Lara. Their empty plates were gone. “Did you get rid of our plates?”

“I did.”

“Thank you.” He noted how she cared for everyone, even him. His heart warmed. Colby was used to taking care of himself and his mom. “Max has given me permission to discuss the vetting process with you. Would you like to move to one of the sofas to be more comfortable?”

“I’m fine here, and I can keep an eye on the food.”

“All right. Those interested in joining the club go through a series of classes.”

Lara tilted her head. “Classes?”

“Night one: you’re given an NDA to sign, a background check approval form, and a questionnaire.”

“Oh wow. I already signed an NDA, and I’m guessing the background check causes a lot of people to leave.”

“More than you realize.” When he joined, the first night his class had started out with fifteen people; by the end of the night, there were six of them.

“So after the first night?”

“If the background check comes back clean, it’s on to class two. There you get copies of everything from the week before, and we go over the rules of the club and how to address everyone.”

“Why do I have a feeling the rules are strict?”

“Not really that strict, but they’re for safety and to keep certain protocols in the club.”

“What kind of protocols? I saw some strange rules at the parties I attended in Berkeley.”

“Not high protocol. Mainly over addressing other members, clothing, and such.” Lara nodded, and Colby continued, “Class three is basically walking you through the club and explaining the equipment. The last class is an actual club night.”

“What do you mean by club night?”

“Like tonight.” He waved his hand. “The classes are on Thursday nights, and while the club is open, it’s pretty quiet.”

“I see. So the club night, is that when I make a decision on a Dom?”

“There’s no timeline on you choosing a Dom.” Colby leaned over. “But if you’ll allow it, I’ll be your Dom through the classes.” He waited as Lara sat there, staring at him.

“I’d like that, Sir.”

Chapter 3

The “sir” slipped off her lips naturally. Lara barely prevented herself from dropping to her knees and resting her head against Colby’s hard thigh. She’d seen subs do that. It wasn’t something she ever thought she’d want to do, but Colby did that to her.

“You honor me, Lara.” Warm fingers touched her cheek.

Fire ran over her skin. She leaned into his touch, and his eyes sparkled with desire. Oh yes, they were compatible, at least in the minor stuff.

“I noticed when Bennett touched you earlier, you pushed him away.”

“When Bennett put his hand on my arm, it didn’t feel right. His touch isn’t yours.” That was the only way she could think of to explain it. “So how do we do this?” Lara wondered if she was crazy for even thinking about this. No, she wasn’t. Her ex called her needs unhealthy and had refused even to consider her requests. She’d buried that part of herself. But with Colby, it was all coming out.

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