Page 8 of Heist

Austin turned to find Derek smiling at her. He was a top she had played with a few times.

“Hey, Derek. Good to see you again. What kind of fun do you have in mind?”

“I brought a few new impact toys, including a single tail whip I’ve been wanting to try.”

Austin shook her head. “Can’t. I have to wear a backless dress for Holly’s bridal shoot in a couple of weeks. My whip marks always take forever to heal.”

Derek grinned. “Fair enough. We can do something else then. I’ve got a few of your favorites in my bag.”

Austin shivered as the thrill of negotiating a scene flowed through her. “OK. I have a meeting in the bar with a few of the board members. Let me get through that and get loosened up before we meet up and play.”

Truth was, she wanted someone to make her feel submissive tonight, and that wasn’t the kind of top Derek was. He was playful and enjoyed giving sensations and experiences more than he enjoyed dominating someone. Her thoughts drifted to her upcoming meeting. If she came away from it agreeing to be a house submissive, she could indulge in her submissive fantasies, maybe even a few she’d been too afraid to voice to casual play partners.

Derek gave her a hug and told her he would find her later.

Austin walked into the bar again, intent on ordering a drink to calm her nerves. In one corner, she spotted Dakota, Eli, Patrick, Lance, and Garrett sitting at a large table. Aside from Dakota, they were all Doms, incredibly handsome Doms. She swallowed and made a beeline for Mitch, the bartender, and ordered a scotch neat.

As she leaned against the bar, she took a moment to study Patrick’s profile. Dirty blonde hair, a dark t-shirt stretched across his broad shoulders as he leaned in, whispering something to Eli. His face was scruffy, as if he hadn’t shaved in a few days.

Dakota stood, tossing her head back in a laugh before she turned and headed in Austin’s direction.

“Hey, hot stuff,” she said when she reached her. “I love the corset.”

Austin smiled and sat her scotch down to give the woman a hug. “Thanks. I’m just happy to be in a place where I can wear one again.”

Dakota grinned. “We’re glad to have you back. I just wanted to come over here and say the fellas are ready for you if you are. I know it’s a bit early. I’m going to hang out for the first little while just to make sure you’re comfortable, if that’s OK with you.”

Austin nodded and picked up her glass again. “That sounds great. I’m nervous as hell.”

Dakota laughed. “They’re an intimidating bunch. Just remember that you could whip their asses in a courtroom any day.”

That made Austin giggle as they approached the table.

“Hello, Austin,” Eli said. “Have a seat. Hope you don’t mind us starting early.”

She shook her head. “That’s fine by me.”

“Normally this would be a formal interview where we get to know you. Since we all know you, this is more of a chance for you to get your questions answered and a chance for us to ask for clarification about anything we may have questions about in your application,” Lance said.

Austin’s face warmed at the thought of all of them having read her application. It had asked some very personal questions about her submissive desires and fantasies.

“Is there anything you want to know?” Patrick asked.

“What is the purpose of the house submissive program?”

“It has a few purposes,” Garrett said. “First, it’s a great way for people new to the lifestyle to learn about dominance and submission. Second, it’s one way that we model good consent practices for other members. Third, it’s a great way for members to see all kinds of different D/s dynamics because we do try to customize each subs experience.”

Austin nodded and twisted her glass in her hands. “Do I get a say in who I’m matched with?”

“In a manner of speaking,” Eli said. “We match you based on limits, likes, dislikes, and the personality test that was part of your application. I’ve already told you I think you and Patrick would be a good fit.”

Austin raised an eyebrow. Was Elijah playing matchmaker, trying to set her up with his fiancé’s brother?

Patrick gave an uncomfortable shrug. “I don’t know man. I’m not saying it wouldn’t be fun, but Austin and I have worked together at Eastman Enterprises a few times. You know how I feel about that.”

So, her suspicions were correct. He didn’t show interest in playing with her because he didn’t want to mix business and pleasure.

Elijah held up his hands. “Hey, I was just giving you my two cents. I didn’t say that’s the way it had to be. Look at me though, I blurred the lines of business and pleasure and I’m getting married in a few weeks.”

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