Page 64 of Hidden

They talked about places they’d traveled, how they got into the kink community, and family. She noticed he clammed up a bit on the last one, so she didn’t push. There was plenty about her own family that she didn’t want to talk about.

Gage sauntered up to their table and pulled a chair from another one to sit with them.

“Tell me about Darci. Does she usually play with intense high protocol Doms with a penchant for tears and pain?”

Carrie’s eyes went wide. “I can’t say she doesn’t, but I also don’t see her with other partners very often.”

Peter frowned and leaned forward. “Why do you ask?”

“Because she came and asked me about Damion. He’s a friend of mine. New to the area, but not new to the lifestyle and he’s not for the faint of heart. Let’s just put it that way. So it surprised me when sweet little Darci came and asked me about him.”

Carrie laughed. “Darci’s got a good head on her shoulders and she’s got plenty of people looking out for her. Thanks for the heads up though. I’ll do a check in with her if I see them playing.”

Gage squeezed her shoulder. “Good. And thanks for all your help with the membership applications. We got a lot more than I was expecting. What do you think of the night so far?”

Carrie smiled. “I’m with good company, so I’m having a great time. And it looks even better in here than when I left last time. You’ve outdone yourself.”

Peter looked out at the dungeon, and Carrie followed his gaze to see what had caught his attention. It was Darci, kneeling naked beneath a suspension frame—the very one that Peter had pointed out.

Carrie watched the scene begin and winced when Damion fisted a hand into Darci’s hair and jerked her to her feet, taking the girl by surprise.

After watching the scene for only a few minutes, she had to look away. “Who is he to you, Gage?”

“Just a friend who’s new to the area.”

Carrie thought that sounded vague, and it made her even more uncomfortable with the situation.

Peter had moved his chair closer to hers to make more room for Gage, and he slipped an arm around her shoulder.

“What’s your favorite toy?”

She turned her head to look at him, hating to tear her eyes away from Darci and Damion.

“It depends on my mood, but a cane or a whip are good choices.”

He traced a line along the column of her neck as he stared at her.

She licked her lips, which suddenly felt parched, and picked up her glass.

“And do you enjoy playing in public?” He’d shifted so his mouth was closer to her ear. His breath sent shivers down her spine as she took another sip of whiskey.

“It’s the only way I’ve ever played.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Seriously?”

She nodded and lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “I don’t take people home, and I rarely go home with other people unless I know them well. Playing in clubs and at house parties has always felt like the safer option.”

“Safer how?”

Carrie squirmed under his intense gaze. How did she tell him it was safer because men who got close wanted things she couldn’t give?

Movement in her peripheral vision caught her attention, and she broke free of Peter’s gaze just in time to see Damion unhook Darci’s cuffs and stalk off. Darci dropped to her knees and put her face in her hands.

Carrie bolted from her chair and Peter was seconds behind her.

“What the fuck did he do to her?” She paused long enough to glare at Gage before rushing to Darci. She crouched down and wrapped her arms around her. Peter went to the edge of the suspension frame and picked up her dress then came to crouch on the other side of Darci.

“What’s happened? Do I need to go kick his ass?” Carrie brushed hair from Darci’s.

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