Page 27 of Too Hot

“Did he ever mention being at another club?” Brianna’s mind puzzled the pieces together. She sometimes saw things others didn’t. It helped her be a better teacher.

“No,” Max answered. “The BDSM community is a small one, and someone would have mentioned an issue.”

“Is that really true?” Allyson piped up. “Not all clubs have rules or are SSC. The ones I used to attend in Seattle didn’t. I doubt anyone would mention someone like Ward.”

“Fuck,” Max spit out.

More pieces, Brianna thought. “If not all clubs have rules, it could be he was going to other clubs.”

“Then why join here?” Zeke asked, holding Allyson close.

“Power,” Anthony muttered.

“Power, ego, whatever floated his boat,” Rafe said.

“All of that is probably right,” Brianna said. “He was arrogant to think he wouldn’t get caught, and he escalated his need for power. I know you all know sexual assault is not for sexual satisfaction. It’s for power over another.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Rafe stiffen. “And before anyone gets their dander up, it hasn’t happened to me. I’ve taken a lot of psychology classes.”

“But you’re an elementary school teacher,” Rafe said.

“I still had to understand basic human behavior.”

“Well, damn,” Colby muttered.

“I don’t think Ward realized how close of a family you all are.”

“What do we do now?” Sierra asked.

“I’ve already removed his code from the security system,” Max said.

“Logan has Emily’s side of the story,” Kaley said.

“I’ve talked with Emily about an emergency temporary restraining order. I’ll file it first thing tomorrow and make some calls,” Jordan commented.

“It’s the weekend, so arraignment won’t be until Monday,” Crystal added.

“Will he get out on bail?” Brianna asked.

“More than likely,” Jordan said.

“Then we make sure Emily is safe,” Sierra replied.

“She will be, honey.” Max put his arm around his wife. “While the restraining order isn’t foolproof, new locks, an alarm system, and all of us we’ll make sure of it.”

Brianna’s heart swelled. This is what she missed: Being a part of something special. And these people were remarkable.

“Well, I don’t know about anyone else, but I’ve had enough excitement for a Friday night,” Colby said, standing up.

“Yeah.” Zeke stood, as well. “The club is going to be open tomorrow?”

“Yes,” Max said.

Everyone carried their glasses and the empty bottles to the bar. Kaley slipped behind the bar, loaded the glasses into the dishwasher, and tossed the bottles into the recycle bin.

“Kaley, you didn’t need to do that,” Max said.

“It’s done.” Kaley smiled as Anthony pulled her into his arms.

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