Page 8 of Ravish

“You’re fine,” Sierra whispered.

“But...”

“Sierra’s right,” Max spoke. “As the caterer, what you’re wearing is fine. Tonight, you’re here as a guest. So feel free to walk around the club.” When Colby came back, he was holding a bunch of silicone bracelets. Max plucked a white one out of Colby’s hand. “Your wrist please.”

Lara held out her left wrist. Max fastened the bracelet. “What is this for?”

“We have a color coded system for Doms and subs,” Colby said. “The one you’re wearing signifies that you’re new and not ready to play yet.”

“Oh.” Lara’s cheeks grew warm. She watched as Max put a purple and white one on Sierra. Damon put a pink and white one on Tessa. Max and Damon took black, where Colby took blue.

She glanced up at Colby. “What do the colors purple and white, pink and white, black and blue mean?” She was curious about the other colors.

“Mine is a taken sub,” Sierra said. “Tessa’s is taken sub with medium experience.”

“Max and Damon are black for being Masters in the club. And Colby blue for being a Dom,” Tessa said.

“These turned out really nice, Colby.” Max raised his wrist, looking at the silicone.

“I’ll let you decide who you want to give them to. Once we get some feedback, I’ll make as many as you need. I’m assuming, like the others, members will keep their wristbands,” Colby said.

“Yes. That means, Lara, you can keep yours even if you don’t join us after tonight,” Max said.

“Oh. I’d love to join, but I don’t think I can afford it.”

Five jaws dropped open.

“What did I say?”

“You’re into the lifestyle?” Tessa recovered first.

“Kind of blurted that out, didn’t I?” Lara ducked her head. How could she have done that? Maybe because she felt comfortable around them. More so than her own family, except her aunt.

Warm fingers cupped her chin. “Nothing to be ashamed of.” Colby’s soft voice caressed her cheek.

Lara raised her gaze to meet his and found his green eyes alight with promise. She inhaled, trying to control the urge to fall into his arms.

As if Colby knew what she was thinking, his lips turned up. “I’m glad you’re interested.” He took her left hand in his.

A flutter of excitement flowed through her body.

“Why don’t we make sure the equipment is ready?” Max said.

“Yes, we should,” Damon commented.

Colby’s grin widened. “Until later.” He raised her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles before lowering it and moving away with the men.

“Oh my goodness,” Tessa said, fanning herself.

“Lara, I think you just found yourself a partner,” Sierra said.

The flutter became a flock of butterflies in her belly. Maybe she had. The two women wandered off, and Lara glanced at her watch. Seven forty-five. Max told her the club opened at eight, so she’d better get the rest of the food out.

* * * *

For the next two hours, Lara stayed by the food tables, not only making sure there was enough food, but to answer any questions. Several people were happy she had some gluten-free pinwheel sandwiches and other vegetarian options.

The food was going over well. That made her happy. A man walked up to her, and she automatically looked at his wrist. She’d been doing that all night. Blue. Dom. He stood, looking over the food.

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