Page 22 of Edged

Once behind the bar, Kaley noticed the music was heavier; there must be a lot of flogging tonight. The Doms loved music with an intense beat. She glanced around. It looked like a normal Saturday night. She settled in for her shift. At least it wasn’t a late one. Noah would take over at ten, and then Ward at one.

When ten rolled around, Kaley looked for Anthony. He’d stopped at the bar when he came in and then told her he was going to help another Dom for a bit. She noticed he was at the bondage station.

She made her way into the sub area and tucked her legs under her as she sat down. The week from hell was catching up with her. She’d been up at five every morning, not getting to bed until ten or later, and after dealing with her client today, it had all been too much.

Settling her arm on the back of the sofa, she laid her head on her arm. She could still see Anthony on the stage, talking with the Dom. She smiled. Anthony looked so delicious in the muted light, and she loved watching his muscles in his arm and back playing over his tight t-shirt.

Her eyes were so heavy. She’d rest for a few minutes while she waited for him.

* * * *

Anthony left the stage and glanced at the bar. Noah was there, so where was Kaley? He looked over at the sub area. There she was. He walked over and realized she was sound asleep.

They’d talked during the week. She’d been working over twelve-hour days. He was worried she wasn’t getting enough sleep. How could anyone sleep with all the noise in the club? She must be exhausted.

He saw a Dom approach her. Nope, not happening. Anthony started toward the Dom, but he shrugged and walked away. Anthony stopped and looked around for Max. He saw him standing by the bondage chair.

“Max,” he said quietly.

“Hey, Anthony. What do you need?”

“Is there a private room available?” At least Kaley could rest in a quieter place.

Max frowned. “I’m not sure Kaley is ready for that.”

“She’s not.” He gestured to the sub area. “She fell asleep, and I just want someplace where she can have some quiet until I can take her home.”

“I see. Meet me at room four.”

Anthony crossed to the sub area and picked Kaley up in his arms. She murmured something and laid her head on his shoulder. With careful steps, he carried her along the outskirts of the play area until he came to the private rooms.

“I can’t lock the door,” Max said, opening it.

“No worries, I’ll be sitting at her side in case someone comes in.”

Max nodded, and Anthony strode into the room. The door closed behind Max, the click loud in the quiet room. Max must have soundproofed these additions to Wicked Sanctuary. The lighting was subtle, and he grinned. This room was themed as the spanking room. He laid Kaley on the black sheets before finding a blanket in the cabinet to cover her.

He pulled the black leather chair over and sat down. The room had potential when Kaley was ready. There was a spanking bench, a St. Andrew’s Cross. Next to the cabinet with the blankets was an array of implements, all for impact play.

Relaxing against the leather, Anthony wished he had his sketch book with him. He had one in his vehicle, but didn’t want to leave Kaley alone. But maybe… He stood and opened the door. Luckily, Dane was walking by.

“Hey, Dane.”

“Anthony. Do you need something?” Dane looked over his shoulder.

“A favor. Can you watch Kaley while I run out to my SUV and grab something?”

“Sure. I’ll stand out here and make sure no one bothers her.”

“Thanks.” Anthony closed the door and maneuvered past the crowd. Once he retrieved his keys, he sprinted to his vehicle and returned to the private room in no time.

Dane nodded and walked away as Anthony opened the door. Kaley was curled up on her side, still asleep. Anthony took his seat, rested his left ankle on his right knee, and opened his sketch pad.

His fingers flew over the paper, page after page. He was amazed how sketching Kaley in person brought her to life on the page, even as she slept. He also realized that his desire to capture her with oils on canvas had changed from infatuation to need.

After a while, Anthony stopped, set his sketch pad and pencils on the side table, stood, and stretched. He had no idea what time it was. It didn’t matter. Max knew they were in here. After walking around the room for a few minutes, he sat again and leaned his head back.

“Anthony.”

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