Page 29 of Bling

Chapter Nine

Isabelle’s heart raced as they approached the front of Solitaire. She wasn’t sure if it was the hit and run, or the searing kiss Garrett had just given her. It was likely a mix of both. She kept her head on Garrett’s shoulder and enjoyed his warmth until the car rolled to a stop.

He’d done everything he could to make his mistakes right, and when danger was threatening her, she’d found calm in his presence. Garrett deserved another chance and she was ready to give it to him. Deep down, she knew she wanted something more permanent and committed than Garrett was offering, but she couldn’t see tearing herself away from him anytime soon. They shared a connection and she wanted to enjoy it while it lasted. She just had to take precautions to guard her heart while she did.

“Come on, Doll. Let’s get you inside,” he said, interrupting her thoughts. She drew in a deep breath and did her best to leave everything but her role as his submissive behind. Really, she was the club’s submissive; she was just under Garrett’s supervision, but that wasn’t important. The important part was to get out of her normal mindset and slip into that submissive headspace where she was happiest.

Her submission was service oriented. A psychologist would probably have a field day with that, given the amount of time she spent caring for others, but she chose not to think of it that way. Here, the service wasn’t just about caring for someone who needed her. It was about digging deep into her psyche and fulfilling her own needs as well. The service she gave to the club filled her emotional well and gave her the strength she needed to do what she had to at home.

Garrett was a stern Dom who demanded excellence of her and any other submissive under his guidance, but he was also thoughtful and made sure that the fun they had together were things she enjoyed as well. She hated disappointing him or any of the others at Solitaire, so she strived to follow the rules and protocols and earn praise rather than punishment. In fact, aside from her first weekend as a house submissive, last weekend was her first punishment. It was something she hoped to avoid in the future.

When she was out of the car, Garrett and his driver had a hushed conversation she couldn’t quite make out. When their bags were unloaded, Garrett slung them over one shoulder and extended his hand to Isabelle.

“We’re not as early as I wanted to be, but we can go to my suite and spend a few minutes alone and get changed if you want. Though I’m a fan of this dress you’re wearing.”

Isabelle smiled as her cheeks warmed under his intense gaze. “I brought my corset, but I can wear that tomorrow night.”

Garrett’s hand tightened around hers. “Whatever you want, Doll. I’m just planning to take it off you later anyway.”

Her heart slammed into her throat. Was she ready to go to bed with him? She had been last week, but things had changed. She didn’t say anything. They could figure that part out later.

Inside, the lobby was empty still, and Isabelle noticed the registration desk was disorderly. Without thinking, she untangled her fingers from Garrett’s and began straightening it. As she shifted a vase of flowers into the right spot, she heard the snap of Garrett’s fingers.

“Isabelle,” he said sternly as she looked up. “Come here.”

Dropping a pencil into the office supply caddy, she hurried to his side. “Yes, Sir?”

“I understand that you take your role here serious, and I appreciate that, but I did not release you to do anything. Tonight, your focus is on me. You’ve mastered serving the club well, Doll. Now it’s time for you to focus on serving a Dom.”

Her throat tightened as he scolded her. “Yes, Sir. I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I just need to keep my mind busy.”

His smile was tender. “I understand. You’ve been through a lot. Just ask next time. You can finish your task. I need to talk to Master Eli and Master Russell for a few minutes. Send Master Hunter in when he arrives, please.”

When he was gone, Isabelle finished straightening the desk, then went to the small supply closet in the corner of the lobby and found a rag and some furniture polish to wipe it down.

As she was finishing shining the desk, the front door opened, and Hunter stepped in.

“Isabelle, I’m glad you’re here and safe, little one. Master Garrett told me what happened.”

She gave him a bright smile as she set the rag and polish on the counter. “I’m glad to be here. He’s in Master Eli’s office waiting for you, Sir.”

He stepped around the desk and offered her a hug before disappearing into Eli’s office. By the time the men emerged, the desk was done, and she sat waiting on the couch.

All four Doms looked at her with concern as they stood outside Eli’s office. She waved at them and stood as Garrett broke from the group and made his way to her.

“I’m fine, everyone,” she said.

The men nodded but continued to watch as Garrett extended his hand to her. “Desk looks great, Doll. Let’s go upstairs.”

“I’m assuming your little meeting was about me?”

He chuckled. “In a manner of speaking. We were just discussing safety protocols.”

They were standing in front of Garrett’s suite now and he swiped his key card. The suite decorated in pale yellows and grays had always been one of her favorites. Isabelle had never stayed in it, though she’d gotten it ready for members Garrett had loaned it to a couple of times.

Nerves overtook her as she stood in the middle of the room looking around. He gave her a quick tour even though they both knew she didn’t need it.

“The kitchenette is fully stocked. I take my coffee black with two sugars in the mornings,” he said as he opened a cabinet to show her the coffee supplies.

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