Page 129 of Bound By Her

His back to them, Adria pressed her hand to her mouth, trying like hell to stifle the laugh that threatened to bubble out as he disappeared down the hall.

Loretta stood frozen.

Adria said, “I think that’s the first time I’ve seen you speechless.”

Loretta frowned. “I think that’s the first time anyone has dared call me grandma.”

Adria looked at her. “If I live through the night, I’ll kill him for you.”

“Make it a slow, painful one, will you?”

“Of course.”

Adria enjoyed the moment of levity, before continuing her rounds. She was keeping her eyes out for Bryson, having no doubts that he was the ringleader in this little escapade.

Her phone vibrated.

X: Have you met with Teo?

Adria tried not to be annoyed with the constant micro managements.

We meet in ten minutes.

X: Look for the skimmer hat. Let me know when it’s done.

Adria, not needing any further distractions, put her phone away. Scanning the large social room, she spotted Cole kneeling at the feet of Mistress Eve. He looked comfortable and confident.

People thought submissives needed to be shy wallflowers with no backbone. But it was the opposite. They could light up a room like anyone else, sometimes more. They didn’t need bravado or falsities, they just needed to be their authentic selves.

Moving towards him, she spotted a skimmer hat. Adria noted that Teo wore a tweed suit with a matching tie. It was an interesting choice for an event like this. She made eye contact, and he nodded. The two of them had agreed to meet, in approximately ten minutes, in her private room on the fifth floor.

“Eve, how are things?” she said, embracing the gorgeous woman in front of her, kissing her on each cheek.

Adria could feel Cole’s eyes on her. She fought to keep her gaze on Eve.

“I could not be happier, Adria. Best decision of my life,” Eve responded, turning her attention to Cole.

Cole stared at the floor, although Adria could tell by his fidgeting that he wanted to look anywhere but.

“Pet, say hi to your former Mistress,” Eve said, giving Cole’s leash a minor tug.

Cole looked up immediately. His captivating hazel eyes holding her. It felt like a lifetime ago that he had looked at her. Adria didn’t think she would miss it. The revery, the trust, but from the pain in her gut it was clear she did.

“Cole, I am delighted to see you again,” Adria said, smiling.

A subtle blush settled on his cheeks, and his shoulder nuzzled into his Mistress’s leg.

“How—how are you?” Cole asked, his face changing to concern.

“I’m good, Cole,” she said quickly.

He shot her with a look that said he didn’t believe her, and after the state of today’s preview how could she blame him.

“I will be fine,” she amended.

Eve said, “They can’t all be winners like you, pet.”

Adria felt an odd urge to defend the boys that she promptly shook off. Why should she care what Eve thought of them?

---