Page 63 of Hidden

She blinked at his command, but he was out of the vehicle before she could say anything. Then he came around to her side and opened her door. She took the hand he offered and slid off the seat and onto the pavement. He didn’t let go of her hand as they walked toward the entrance.

“Good evening. Can I have your names and IDs, please?”

Carrie didn’t recognize the man, but Peter seemed to know him and easily handed over his license while Carrie pulled hers out of her wallet.

“Thanks for recommending me to Mr. Allard for this job.”

“Anytime, Nick. You’re active in the community and I know you’re a good security man. I’ll be coming to you for more help after we officially open.”

Carrie wondered how they knew each other. She’d never seen him at Edith’s house, and she didn’t recognize his name from any of the applications she’d helped Gage screen.

Inside, Carrie sucked in a breath. Someone had added lots of little finishing touches, and it was gorgeous on the inside. Nobody looking at the warehouse from the parking lot would think such a sensual, elegant atmosphere was waiting inside.

“Darci sure bolted off fast.” Peter glanced around the lobby as they walked through it toward the dungeon.

“She’s a social butterfly at these things. She’ll make her way back to us, eventually. You’re a gem for bringing us. I know how early you have to be up in the morning.”

He squeezed her hand as they stepped into the play space. It looked even better than when Carrie had seen it almost two weeks ago.

“Which area attracts you?” She didn’t know a lot about his kinks and was curious.

He scanned the various play spaces, several of which were already occupied, and pointed at a cube-shaped suspension frame.

“I like that one because it gives me a lot of space to work. I enjoy dynamic suspensions where my sub moves around a lot.”

That intrigued Carrie. She’d been suspended a few times, but it was more of a means to an end than because of a love of bondage.

“I would love to see you work sometime.”

He tugged her, so she stood in front of him with her back to his front and slid his arms around her from behind. “That can be arranged any time you want, little one.”

She blushed when he kissed her neck. As she was about to turn in his arms and take him up on his offer, Darci came bounding up to them.

“Hey lovebirds. What do either of you know about him?” She pointed to a man in charcoal gray slacks and a black t-shirt leaned against the bar.

Carrie squinted and tried to place him. “I don’t recognize him. But that just means his application isn’t one I screened.”

Peter shrugged. “I’ve never met him before. But this party was invite only so you can ask Gage. Are you negotiating with him?”

Darci bit her lip and nodded. “He’s pretty intense, but I think it might be fun.”

Peter reached out and put a hand on her shoulder. “Go talk to Gage for a reference, and then trust your gut, sweetie.”

Darci beamed and went in search of Gage.

“You’re sweet with her. I think she likes you.”

“Jealous?” Peter teased as he pressed a kiss to her neck.

Carrie laughed. “Not in the least. I know it’s not like that.” And she meant it. Even though little twinges of jealousy still tried to worm their way into her.

“Good. I don’t mind having fun with her, and I know you have an attachment, but you’re the one I want. Understood?”

She blew out a breath. “Understood.”

“Then what do you say we grab a drink and find a place to talk until you decide if you want to play?”

He rearranged himself so he stood beside her, one arm still around her shoulders and led them to the bar where they ordered scotch and carried it to a cozy table near the edge of the bar where they could look out at the dungeon and watch people enjoying the party.

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