Page 9 of Heist

“Yes,” Patrick bit out. “To my sister.”

Austin shifted uncomfortably as the two men ribbed each other.

With a wink, Eli said, “But back to Austin’s question. If the pairing doesn’t work for one of you after your initial meeting, either of you can request a change at any time. Like Garrett said, we believe the program is a perfect way to show good consent practices.”

“How sexual would I be required to be with my Dom?

Elijah shook his head. “Not at all, unless you want to be. We look at the trainer-submissive connection as a flexible relationship. For some, it’s more of a mentorship. For others, it can be sexual. If both parties agree to sexual activities, that’s fine, but we don’t encourage or require it.”

That made Austin feel at least a little bit better. Though she had to admit, she was having some extremely sexual reactions to Patrick.

Clearing her throat, she said, “I’m excited about this. I really want to spend more time here. Maybe having an official role with the club will allow me to give myself permission.”

At that, Patrick flashed her a smile that sent her heart skittering. Why hadn’t she noticed his smile before? “You always have been a workaholic,” he said.

Austin chuckled. ‘I’m a woman in a man’s world. I kind of have to be.”

The conversation carried on with Austin asking questions and the board answering them. By the end of the conversation, everyone seemed in agreement that Patrick would be a good match for her. He still wasn’t one hundred percent on board, and Austin had to admit that it hurt her ego a little bit.

As the conversation was wrapping up, they said goodbye one by one and wandered off to enjoy the evening, telling Austin they would let her know who they matched her with before the party tomorrow night so they could start her orientation.

Soon, Patrick was the only one left and Austin felt her nerves returning.

“Get a lot of interest?” she asked, trying to make small talk.

He shook his head. “Nah., I haven’t played in a couple of weeks. Maybe we need to drum up some new members.”

Austin rolled her eyes. She’d forgotten what a player Patrick could be. “No, you dummy. I meant interest in the house sub position. Eli told me the board was asking a number of people to consider taking part.”

Patrick laughed before his expression turned stern. “First lesson for a house sub. It’s Master Patrick, or Sir.”

Austin gave a nervous laugh but couldn’t deny the butterflies that formed in her gut at the thought of calling him Sir. “I’ll keep that in mind. Now answer my question.”

He shrugged. “There have been a few people show interest.”

Austin drained her glass. “So, you really don’t want to be my trainer?” God, she sounded needy.

“Geeze, Austin, don’t say it like that. It’s not that I wouldn’t want to. I just never know when we’ll need your legal expertise at the office.”

Austin sighed. “For being such a player, you sure are ethical,” she teased, though disappointment was forming in her gut.

He tossed his head back and laughed. “I seem to remember trying to sleep with you in college and you weren’t interested. What’s changed?”

She had honestly forgotten about his one advance in college. It hadn’t been a good time in her life though, and she turned down any advance that came her way. Her face warmed and she tried to blame it on the scotch as she tamped down the memories. “You heard Elijah, no sex required mister.”

“Master,” he teased with a growl. “And you’re right, but I tend to like a little sexual play with my trainees. Listen, try not to worry about who you get paired with. This is supposed to be fun. Now get out of here and enjoy the party. Everything will sort itself out.”

Austin grinned and gave him a salute. “Yes, Sir. I’ll talk to you later then.”

“Good girl,” Patrick said with a wink.

As Austin stood, a young girl approached who couldn’t have been more than twenty-one. “Are you Master Patrick?” she asked in a small voice.

He turned with a smile and shook the girl’s hand. “I am. And you’re Olivia, right?”

“Olive, but close. I had some questions about the house submissive program.”

Austin backed away. “I’ll let you two chat. Derek was asking me about playing. I think I’ll go see what he’s up to.”

Patrick’s brows cinched together as he frowned, but he gave her a curt nod and said, “talk later.”

Without looking back, Austin made her way to the dungeon and nearly ran into Derek.

“Hey gorgeous. I was just coming to find you. You ready to play?” he asked.

Austin gave him a bright smile. “Sure am. Let’s see what you have in that toy bag of yours.”

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