Page 41 of Too Hot

“Also, we’ll use wood over the insulation same as the framing. What do you want for the floor?”

“Vinyl flooring is the best.” Rafe was impressed with the work Zeke and Gabriel had done. “It’s the highest rated. Not completely fireproof, but it’s one that helps stop the fire from spreading.”

“Perfect,” Zeke said.

“How do you see this working out, Rafe?” Max asked. “Where would you put your equipment.”

“Good question.” Rafe walked around the room to get an idea. “I’ll use two metal tables for the equipment. The table that I work on will be metal, but I’ll provide a cushion so it’s not so hard on the body.”

“I can purchase everything you need,” Max said.

“I already have the cushion from other demos I’ve given at private parties.” He hadn’t done a private party in a while.

“All right. I’ll need the dimensions of the tables you want. Do you want a cabinet to store your supplies in?”

“That would be nice.” It would save him time in having to lug his supplies and equipment around.

“I’ll order a metal one, as well, since we’re trying to keep everything fire resistant as much as possible.”

Rafe nodded. “This is wonderful. I can’t thank you enough for this.” He was blown away by what Max was willing to pay for.

“We’re all looking forward to it,” Zeke said.

“I’ve always been interested in fire play,” Gabriel said.

“I’m glad I could do it.” Max patted Rafe on the shoulder. “Now let’s go find our subs and have some fun tonight.”

“Oh yes. You did put me down for the St. Andrew’s cross, right?” Rafe asked as they made their way into the club.

“At nine,” Max confirmed.

“Great.” Rafe froze, his senses going into high alert. He glanced at the door to the club at the same time as the others did. A group of men stood there. Doms who had talked with Max about not being happy about the situation with Ward and hadn’t been at the club in the last week or so.

“Excuse me,” Max said and moved away.

“Hell no,” Zeke said, following Max. Rafe and Gabriel followed. By the time they arrived, Noah, Damon, Dane, and Oliver had joined them.

“Master Max.” Rafe wasn’t sure of this man’s name, but he seemed to be taking the lead.

“Alexander.”

The crowded shifted. Rafe glanced toward the bar. Kaley was behind the bar, and several of the women were seated. All watching, including Emily.

“We wanted to clear the air,” Alexander said.

Max nodded.

Alexander shifted from one foot to the other. “We spoke to you without knowing the full story. I apologize for that.”

“So do we,” the men behind him chorused.

“Ward had a hearing yesterday, and we found out this wasn’t the first accusation.”

Shock went through Rafe’s body. Max had said the background check came in clean. How could this have slipped through the cracks?

“The prosecution showed evidence of other assaults that were swept under the rug. We won’t let this one be swept away.” Alexander glanced over at the bar. “Emily will be safe, and Ward is now known in the community as a predator. He will not be welcome by anyone in the lifestyle who conforms to safe, sane, and consensual as we do.”

More affirmations from the men behind him echoed in the club.

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