Page 34 of Pressure

She shook her head. “Please just go.”

Using his thumb, he wiped the tear away and stepped back. “I’ll see you in a couple hours.”

At the bottom of the stairs, he leaned against the wall and took a deep breath.

In the dungeon, he sat in a corner and watched. Was someone in this room working against them? The thought that someone he’d personally helped vet might be here for nefarious purposes made him ill. Safety and security of the membership was his primary task. Providing a safe place for people to express themselves without fear of judgment was the reason he’d signed on to the project with David in the first place.

When the party was over and the last of the guests had filed out, he headed for the stairs to get Marissa. They nearly collided when he opened the stairwell door.

“I was just coming to wake you.”

She shook her head. “I didn’t sleep much. Thanks though.”

He narrowed his eyes. “You can go back to bed then.”

“I’m good. Just tell me what I need to do to help out down here.”

He growled and pulled her out of the doorway. “You need to do as you’re told and go back to bed.”

She scowled and folded her arms. “I want to help. I’ll sleep later. I’m too amped. And I don’t see anyone around so stop trying to dom me.”

“Fine. Go help Mitch shut the bar down.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Hearing Sir on her lips was the last straw. He hauled her to him and pressed his mouth to hers.

“What the fuck,” she hissed when he pulled away.

“Don’t call me Sir unless you fucking mean it,” he said as he turned her in the bar’s direction and gave her a gentle shove.

“Well that was hot,” Dakota said from behind him.

He turned to find the sassy southern sub grinning at him.

“Stuff a sock in it, Dakota or I’ll stuff it for you.”

“Ooh. Somebody’s feeling surly tonight. What’s got your panties in a twist?”

Lance just glared. “Not right now, Dakota. Who’s in charge of shutdown tonight?”

“That would be yours truly.” She pointed to herself with a wink.

“Give Marissa something to do when she finishes at the bar. I need some fresh air.”

Dakota nodded and Lance stalked toward the entrance. When he passed Jodie cleaning up the front desk he sighed and stopped to check on her. She was still his responsibility and he’d basically busted her ass and ditched her.

“Marissa seems nice,” she said as she stacked loose papers and put away office supplies.

He nodded but didn’t say much. “Is it going to be a problem for you to interact with her since you’re both my trainees?”

She shook her head. “No, Sir. I don’t think so.”

He reached out and squeezed the girl’s shoulder. “Good girl. When you’re done with the desk, go check in with Dakota. If I don’t see you before you leave, sleep well and be on time tomorrow night.”

She nodded and flashed him a smile. “Yes, Master Lance.”

He turned and headed outside. On the porch, he leaned on the railing and looked down at the cars parked below. There were only a few cars left, but the lot would be full again tomorrow.

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