“Good. Let’s talk about limits.”
Her eyes widened a bit. “Okay. I’m really new to this, so I have a lot of hard limits.”
“Do you have any objection to me looking at your questionnaire?”
“None at all. Am I allowed to look at yours?”
“Of course you are.” Rafe glanced around the club. “I see Max by the bar. I’ll be right back.”
He stood and crossed over to Max, explained what he needed, and Max grinned. “Sure. I’ll get them and bring them to you so you can get back to your sub.”
“She’s not my sub—yet—and I can wait.”
“I don’t think so.” Max pointed in Brianna’s direction.
Rafe turned his head. Noah was sitting on the arm of Brianna’s chair and talking with her. Brianna was smiling and chatting happily. Oh no, that was not going to happen. Without a word, Rafe marched over to the pair.
“Rafe,” Noah said as he approached.
“Noah.” Rafe took a seat in the chair across from Brianna.
Noah stood. “Great chatting with you, Brianna.”
“You too. Thanks for the words of encouragement.”
Noah gave Rafe a hard look before walking away. “What was that about?” Rafe asked.
“Noah was my mentor/trainer. He was checking up on me; that’s all.”
“Then why…” Rafe shook his head. Max liked to meddle in the budding relationships of his members. Where he found the time, Rafe didn’t know. “I’m glad it was Noah. He’s very gentle.”
“And you aren’t?” Brianna grinned at him. “I saw you with the kids. You’re sweet, gentle, and patient.”
“Hey, I have a reputation to uphold.” There was laughter in his voice.
“Here you go,” Max said and handed Rafe and Brianna each a folder. “Just give them back to me when you’re done.”
“Thanks, Max.” Rafe stared at Brianna. “Our questionnaires. Shall we read them and then chat some more?”
“Sure.”
Rafe settled back in his chair and opened the file.
* * * *
Brianna stared at the folder. Why did she feel like she was having trouble holding her own with Rafe? Maybe it was because she’d been so surprised to see him in Wicked Sanctuary. Her reaction to him wasn’t normal for her. Was she ready for this?
Yes, she decided. Ellie trusted Rafe; otherwise, she never would have allowed Logan to introduce Rafe to Brianna. She opened the folder and skimmed over his application and faltered when she reached fire under sensation play.
Fire play was checked off. Brianna vaguely remembered Max mentioning fire play wasn’t part of the offerings when she signed up. Not that she cared. Fire was not her thing. Fire never would be her thing. Ever.
She bit her lip to keep a bitter laugh from bursting free. Her gut clenched. Was she really going to get involved with a firefighter? Everything inside her told her to get up, tell him she was sorry, and leave.
Yet she still sat here, focused on what she was feeling. Excitement, apprehension, desire, hope. Hope? Yep, hope was there. Hope she’d found someone who would allow her to be herself.
Rafe would understand if she wasn’t interested in fire play. Plus, she had nothing against firefighters, one had saved her when she was a child. She’d never know if BDSM was for her if she didn’t try with Rafe. That’s what she was here for. Fire play didn’t have to be included in their time in the club.
Brianna took a breath and finished reading his questionnaire. She closed the folder to find Rafe staring at her. “Is there something wrong?”