Page 7 of Heist

Chapter Three

Austin swung her legs out of the black town car, thanking the driver as she stood. Her flight had landed in Colorado some three hours ago, and she’d had just enough time to freshen up in her hotel room and pick out a sexy outfit before it was time to call a car to take her to the club.

Now, she walked up the steps to the converted ski lodge and felt a little tingle in the pit of her stomach. It never got old, the thrill of coming here. This was a place where she could live out nearly any fantasy, any desire, with consenting, like-minded people who weren’t going to look at her funny because of the things that turned her on. Though sometimes her fantasies embarrassed even her, and she kept those to herself, she felt the most liberated here. The members were her family. The ten grand a year she spent on dues was worth it.

But tonight felt different because she was meeting with some of the board members to discuss her application to be a house submissive. She had no idea what to expect.

“Austin!” the girl behind the reception desk exclaimed. “It’s been forever.”

Austin leaned over the desk to accept the hug Cassie offered. “I know. Work has just been crazy.”

As she signed in, Austin noticed Cassie’s bare wrist. It had sported a silver bracelet with green gems the last time she was here. “No more Master Lance?” she questioned.

Cassie laughed. “Girl, you have been gone too long. I finished my training with him almost two months ago. I met someone after that and I’m really into him, so I stepped down from the house sub position. Now I just work reception so I can get a discount on my membership fees.”

Austin grinned. “Aww that’s awesome. I’m happy for you, sweetie.” Cassie must have been one of the ones Eli was referring to when he told her they had lost a few house subs recently.

When Cassie confirmed her check-in on the computer system, she made her way past the front desk and into the bar. Holly immediately scooped her into a hug.

“It’s about time you showed your face here.”

Austin squeezed the girl and stepped back. “I know, I know. Work keeps me busy though.”

“Did you get the promotion you were after?”

Austin shook her head and Holly’s face fell. “I’m so sorry. I know you were really hoping for it.”

Austin tried to shrug it off. “It’s all going to be OK. I have a free weekend now. Maybe I’ll be back more often since I’m not chasing that silly promotion.”

“Silver linings,” a deep voice said from behind her. Austin turned and smiled at Elijah Barrett.

“Hey, Eli. Good to see you.”

He reached out and squeezed her shoulder. “Good to see you too. Thanks for filling out the house sub application. We’re going to keep your interview pretty informal since we already know you. We’ll meet for drinks at the bar in about an hour if that works for you.”

Austin nodded. “Sounds great.”

“I’m super nervous about this,” she whispered to Holly as they linked arms and walked across the bar and into the dungeon.

“You’ll be great, Austin. Don’t stress too much,” Holly said.

Austin never grew tired of walking into this space with its rich wooden and leather furniture made for pleasures of the flesh. The party was just getting started, so people were still milling about talking and laughing with each other, but soon, the place would be filled with whimpers, moans, and sights one might never expect to see.

A familiar voice crackled over the dungeon PA system.

“Evening y’all.” It was Dakota Hylander.

“Evening,” several club members shouted back at her.

“I wanted to remind y’all that tickets go on sale tonight for the masked gala. It will be here in just eight weeks and boy do we have some fun stuff planned for you.”

The audience cheered and Austin felt her stomach tighten into knots. She would be doing something—she wasn’t sure what yet—at the masked gala.

“That’s my cue to go help Cassie in reception,” Holly said, giving Austin another quick hug. “People are going to want their tickets for the gala. Don’t be too nervous about the interview. You know these people. You’ll do fine.”

Austin waved to her and wandered through the crowd in search of someone to talk to. Her heart leapt into her throat when her eyes landed on Patrick talking to a man she didn’t recognize. They were friends and often engaged in witty banter when they were in the same room but watching him now, knowing she was about to sit down and talk to him about some of her deepest fantasies was making her shake with nerves. Not to mention he suddenly looked ten times hotter than he’d ever looked.

“You up for some fun tonight?” a voice from behind asked, shaking her out of her trance.

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