Page 141 of Naughty Dreams
When she saw Roy and DJ, her expression brightened in welcome. They followed the perimeter of the marking tape to come to her, and she stood to give them a warm hug.
She held DJ for an extra second, easing back to give him a penetrating look, and putting her hands on his face on the outside of the mask. Her expression offered her understanding that there were no words, and the hug conveyed her sorrow and generous offer of silent comfort. It would have felt uncomfortable on their first meeting, but now it was welcome.
“I see you remember James,” Roy said, dipping his head toward DJ. “And I know you know my scene name.”
“Of course.” She understood right away. “It’s always good to see you, Master M.”
Roy helped her back up onto the chair and DJ leaned against the wall beside her. She kept a hand on them, reinforcing her delight with their presence, but she also gestured to them to bend closer. The thump of music from above, and noise of the people around them, required it.
“Julie, the manager of our erotic theater, and Des, her husband, will be here later tonight. He’s a rope artist. He’s performed in several of our shows, and is our safety director for any other rope acts. He looks mild-mannered, but he gets Hulk scary if any of the performers don’t put safety first.”
“Sounds like Roy’s soulmate.” DJ shot his Master a grin.
“How does Des feel about hanging someone by their thumbs?” Roy queried. “I’ve always wanted to see that.”
Madison chuckled. “I know he’s threatened to tie Julie to a fire ant hill on more than one occasion. Not that he ever would. He adores her, but she’s stubborn and loves him just as much as he loves her. It’s a state that requires conflict.”
DJ immediately pulled out his notebook.
“When he did that in your shop,” Roy murmured to her, “It was the first time since the plane.”
“I’m glad.” And since DJ was still writing, she mouthed, “Is he okay?”
“It’s up and down,” Roy responded in kind.
When DJ pocketed the notebook, Madison turned his way. “James, I’m about to ask you something really presumptuous, so it won’t hurt my feelings at all if you say no. But for the success of our little theater and my store, I’ve learned it never hurts to ask.”
“I was just thinking about that issue.” He leaned in and whispered in her ear. Her eyes widened. “You jammed withhim?”
“You bet your ass. I was torn between awe, worship and ‘how the fuck did he make his guitar do that?’ So ask away.”
Her hazel eyes sparkled. She really was quite compelling. Whatever the request was, Roy knew DJ was a goner on it. From the little twist to his lips, he knew it, too.
“Could you compose an instrumental piece for one of our upcoming productions? On our budget, we could buy you dinner at a pricey restaurant. Applebee’s. Olive Garden. Probably not both, though.”
DJ grinned. “Other than the publicity attached to my name, why me?”
“I didn’t tell anyone about your visit to my shop, just as he asked,” she tipped her head toward Roy, “But we were talking about the score for a particular scene, and Julie said the underlying dark sensuality of Survival’s music would be perfect. She’s written to your manager to ask permission to use the music from a couple existing songs, sans vocals.”
She smiled at DJ. “However, if you showed up tonight, I thought I’d ask if you’d consider an original piece. Or fast track the permission for the existing songs, if that’s easier.”
DJ had been following her rush of words with the indulgent kindness Roy had seen him use with a gushing fan. But when she took a breath, he said, “I can push it to the front of the line on the requests Moss gets. As far as the original piece…I might be interested.”
“Great. We can set up a time for you and Julie to talk. I know tonight’s not the time…unless you’d prefer to do it here?”
“I’m okay talking with her tonight, but he’s the guy to ask.” DJ tipped his head toward Roy.
“Oh, because of the security considerations. Of course.”
“No. Not because of that.”
At Madison’s perplexed look, DJ lifted his hand to show off the glowing stamp.
“Oh.Oh.Yes, of course. I’m…wow. So you guys figured it out. I’m so happy about that. Um…” When she looked at Roy, DJ noted her body language and expression changed subtly. “Master M, are you fine with James talking to Julie while she’s here?”
“If he’s interested and Julie knows how to be as discreet as you, no problems here,” Roy said. “But I appreciate the respect, Madison.”
Roy shifted to stand on DJ’s other side, DJ’s thigh brushing his as he slid an arm around him. He wrapped fingers over his hip bone, his thumb in DJ’s jeans pocket. DJ turned his head his way, nose brushing the side of Roy’s throat. Total possession. Fucking blissful.
