Page 91 of Pressure

Marissa tensed at the sight of Jodie King making a beeline for them.

“House subs are supposed to wear all black,” she said as her eyes traveled Marissa’s body. “And you should probably go up a size next time you go shopping.”

Marissa’s fist curled and she fought the urge to punch her.

Lance cleared his throat and gave Marissa’s shoulder a squeeze.

“That’s enough out of you, Miss King. Where is your Master?”

“You’re my Master,” she said in a breathy voice that made Marissa want to hurl.

Lance blew out a breath and looked at the ceiling as if praying for patience.

Simon came bustling by with a case of beer for Mitch and Lance motioned him over.

“Yes, Master Lance?” the man said as he set the alcohol down.

“Please escort Miss King to the lobby and stay there with her until I or one of the other board members get there. If she gives you any trouble, you have permission to call security and have her removed from the property.”

Marissa nearly smirked as the catty bitch’s mouth opened and closed repeatedly.

“Go. Now.” Lance’s eyes were like Ice as he pointed to the doors that led to the lobby.

Simon touched her elbow and gave her a gentle shove.

“Don’t fucking touch me,” she hissed. Turning, she glared at Lance and Marissa. “You’ll regret the day you came back into his life.”

Marissa shuddered at the disdain in the girl’s eyes. She opened her mouth to respond, but Lance dug a hand into her hip and whispered, “Not a fucking word. She’s not worth it, Riss.”

Marissa nodded with a shaky breath and sat on one of the barstools.

“Have you seen Matthew?” he asked Mitch.

He shook his head. “Nope. Not yet. He’s always late on Friday’s though.”

Eli came walking by and Lance flagged him down.

“What’s going on?” he asked.

“I need you to go give Jodie a dressing down for me.”

Marissa did her best not to get angry all over again as Lance laid out what had just happened.

Eli’s face flashed with rage before he schooled his features and gave a terse nod. “One-month ban?” he questioned.

Lance nodded. “Seems fair. And this is her only fucking warning.”

Eli gave a terse nod of agreement.

Turning, Lance backed Marissa against the bar, planting a palm on the wooden surface on either side of her. She stared at him as he searched her face.

“I’m sorry about that,” he murmured finally as he leaned in to kiss her.

She shook her head. “It’s fine. I’m just glad she’s gone for a while.”

Behind Lance, Eli stuck his head in the door and motioned for her to come see him.

“Um… Elijah is waving me over,” she said, trying to squirm away from Lance.

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