Page 6 of Power Play

Max glanced to where Regina was sitting. “It’s the sub’s choice, and sometimes Regina doesn’t want it.”

Dane frowned. From what he could see, Regina needed aftercare. Yes, having another woman sitting with her was good, but Regina’s body was shaking with her sobs. He didn’t believe she was hurt, but releasing some emotions. In his book, she needed to be held and comforted by the Dom.

People began moving away. “Feel free to look around, and even scene tonight, if you feel the tug.” Max nodded at Dane before walking away.

Blowing out a breath, Dane slipped to his feet and moved closer to the aftercare area. He gritted his teeth to stop himself from storming in and taking Regina from the woman’s arms. Considering the spunk he’d seen from Regina at the opening, that would not go over well. He shook his head. He needed to stay calm until she was recovered, then he’d lay down how he felt about her playing with other Doms. He wanted to be her only Dom.

* * * *

Regina was glad when her tears slowed. Damn, her emotions had flared out of control during the flogging. Usually, she could hold herself together, but not tonight. Letting go had been her only option once Colby started the scene. But it made sense with the last few days at work.

“Better?” Crystal asked. She’d come over when Colby carried her off the stage into the aftercare area.

“Yes, thanks.” Regina sat up. Thank goodness she wore minimal makeup in the club or she’d look like a racoon with mascara running all over the place. She didn’t care what manufacturers said, when a woman ugly-cried, mascara couldn’t hold up.

“Why do I feel like you had a bad week at work?” Crystal grabbed the box of tissues and put them in Regina’s lap.

“Super bad. I needed this release.” Regina took a handful and blew her nose before taking more and wiping her eyes. Now she could take deep, even breaths instead of short, sobbing ones. All the pain and anguish she’d built up inside her was spent. A good scene did that for her. Allowed her to release the emotions she couldn’t show on the job.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Crystal asked.

“No, thanks. I’ve gotten it out now. Mostly.” She smiled at her friend.

Next week, she’d been scheduled for the required talk with the hospital psychologist. That’s what happened when you lost several patients in a row. Being a nurse wasn’t for the faint of heart. Regina loved her job, but sometimes the outcomes weren’t happy.

“You have an admirer,” Crystal said.

“What?”

“Tall, dark, and male, but that describes most of the guys here.” Crystal grinned. “I’ve met him, but I can’t think of where.”

Regina wanted to turn to see who Crystal was talking about, but she didn’t. She didn’t need a Dom invading their space. Some of them didn’t like that she refused aftercare. She wasn’t a full-time sub to anyone. She had her reasons, and if they didn’t like it, that was their problem.

“You don’t have to sit with me, Crystal. I’m fine now.” She wanted to head for the bar and get something more to drink than water. A nice OJ or other juice would perk her right up.

“Are you sure?” Crystal glanced around the club.

“I’m sure.” Regina stood when Crystal did, and the women hugged and went their separate ways. Regina maneuvered through the people and smiled at Noah, who was behind the bar. “OJ please,” she told him.

“Coming right up, sweetheart.”

She slid onto the bar stool and waited. The club was hopping tonight, but it had been that way for a few months. It was a good thing Max decided to expand. She’d heard Dani, one of the other subs, say they were at capacity almost every night now.

“Here’s your juice.” Noah set the glass in front of her. “Bad day at work?”

“More like several days. I needed that release.”

“Are you okay getting home tonight?”

Regina smiled. Noah always looked out for her. He understood her not wanting aftercare, but he was one to make sure she would get home safe. “I’m good, thank you.” Noah nodded and moved away. She took a long drink of juice. Yes, just what she needed.

“That was one hell of a scene,” a male voice said next to her.

Regina turned, and her eyes widened. “What are you doing here?” She clamped her hand over her mouth when she saw the blue wrist band. This was the man from the gallery. But how was he here? She hadn’t seen him around before, and he was wearing a Dom wristband. She hadn’t heard from anyone about a new Dom.

He grinned, and Regina relaxed slightly. At least he didn’t seem angry that she’d talked out of turn, but she knew the rules. “I’m sorry, Sir.”

His hazel eyes twinkled. “I’ll excuse it this time, Regina.” Her eyes widened. “I surprised you.”

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