Page 73 of Entwined

“She is. And gaining quite a following on Instagram. She’s popular. I’ve had several DOMs inquire about her status.”

“She’s taken.”

“Is she?”

“FUCK ALEX!” I pinch the bridge of my nose.

“Stop being such a pussy and come claim her then.”

“Oh, I’m planning on it. Very soon. Keep her out Alex. I’m not fucking around here. And keep that Jecca girl out too.”

“Fine. But the regulars won’t like it. The two of them keep the men salivating for a chance.”

“I bet they do. I don’t bloody care. End it.”

I hang up with all my muscles clenched. I need to end my Robin Hood crusade and get back to my life as soon as possible before my dove really does fly away for good.

“I’m sorry Miss. Your names aren’t on the list tonight.”

“Check again,” Jecca demands, standing up straighter in her strappy heels. I feel sexy as hell tonight in a short sequined dress that shimmers aquamarine in the light. Jecca styled my hair with a curling iron and I even splurged on a pedicure.

“You look hot. Like a damn mermaid. We’re getting in.”

But the bouncer doesn’t budge. I raise an eyebrow, pushing my index finger into his chest, “Call your boss.”

He swallows hard, then turns away, speaking into the radio clipped to the front of his suit. “The orders came from the boss. The two of you are out. Don’t come back.”

Jecca turns on her heel, “This place was a dump anyway.” She turns up her nose, grabbing me by the elbow as we walk away. “It worked.”

“What did?”

“Our plan. Someone doesn’t want us here anymore. I’d bet my inheritance it was either Christos or Phillip. I’ve made friends on the inside. I heard they were both asking questions… like if we hooked up with anyone or were looking for a DOM.”

“I’m not sure if we should be excited or terrified.”

“Truthfully, I’m both.”

“Me, too. But promise me Jecca—right here; right now. We won’t let them suck us under. We need to stay strong. We can be with them if we choose to and not lose sight of who we are…what we want from life, too.”

“I understand, and I whole-heartedly agree. Don’t forget, men love the chase. It’s a game… the fun part of the game is pretending we don’t want to be caught. So, let’s keep running.”

“In those shoes? Doubtful.”

“Come on, we look too hot to just go home. Where to?”

“The hotel bar at the Ritz. They’ll be punters there. If we’re lucky—paparazzi too.”

“Let’s call them?”

“The press?”

“Yes. Let’s give a hot tip.”

Jecca pulls out her phone grinning. “Hello? Is this the Daily Star? I just saw Christos Devillo and Lord Grantham at the Ritz bar.”

“Come on! Let’s take a cab. If we hurry, they will surely snap pictures of us instead! After, we can go to McGee’s and show off!”

I giggle, feeling like a college girl; being silly and letting my hair down. I’m so glad I didn’t miss out on this. The time to be sober and studious will come later. Right now, I just want to feel free.

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