My Addiction (Club Desire #2)(8)
“Aftercare isn’t a big thing around here.” She leaned forward and glanced around discreetly as if making sure she wouldn’t be overheard. “That’s not to say it doesn’t happen. It does. But it’s probably not what you’re used to. From what other subs have told me who play elsewhere, aftercare in The Dungeon is a pale imitation of what it is in some other clubs.”
Dex blew out a long, slow breath, reminding himself that his main objective here wasn’t to fix The Dungeon or teach Ed Ralston how to run a club effectively.
Kate licked her lips before continuing. “Anytime we’ve had a new Dom here he’s been overrun by subs in his first few weeks. Subs vying for a spot on the new guy’s roster, so to speak. With all of that attention, I think they are more worried about quantity than quality.”
Dex gave a single nod. “I think I need to get the lay of the land. It sounds like it’s very different here from what I’m used to.”
He glanced around the room, noticing only two other booths filled, and those with people he recognized as actors or politicians, although none of those on his list to check out.
“What would you say to giving me a tour, and then letting me buy you dinner? I know it’s out of the ordinary for a Dom and sub who have just met, but it sounds like I’m already breaking the mold here.” He smiled, hoping she would readily agree. “Feel free to turn me down. I won’t make you break my nose to get me to take the hint.” He grinned at her quick laugh.
“Let’s talk about it as soon as we finish our drinks.” She raised her cup in a mock toast.
He didn’t see any telltale signs that she was looking for a way to say no. Only that she wanted to continue talking, and wasn’t yet ready for a venue change.
She confirmed his thoughts when she pierced him with a curious gaze. “You said your day job was as an analyst, so are you a PI or something at night?”
Dex clamped down on his instinctive surprise. Her asking about him being a private investigator hit very close to home since he was here undercover. He would have to be careful in case she knew more than she should in that arena.
She went suddenly silent before continuing with what she had been saying. “You implied earlier you had a night job, but you seem much too astute to be teaching computer programming or anything along those lines. Besides, not many people would’ve realized I was about to crack Balkins’s nose just from my stance.”
She gave a forced smile, showing him it was more than pure curiosity that drove her to ask. He wondered what had made her fall silent so suddenly. Why had she specifically asked if he was a PI? He was pretty sure his cover was tight, but he would have to mention the possibility of a breach to his team so they could be on alert with a backup plan.
Dex leaned back, relaxing, and hopefully putting her more at ease. “I teach self-defense classes. In a couple of my old dungeons, I taught one every Wednesday night.” He noted the interest in her expression. “I’ve found a few places here in L.A. that might need an instructor.” He shrugged. “I enjoy it, so if indefinite turns into anything more set in stone, I might apply.” He doubted this case would take that long, but if it did, taking on a class or two would lend credibility to his cover story.
“That explains a lot.” She brightened, and a flicker of relief flashed across her features before it vanished. “What type of self-defense do you teach?”
He wondered about her quick flash of relief. He would have to be on the lookout for why she would be concerned about a private investigator.
As for her insight into self-defense, he smiled inwardly. Most people didn’t realize there was more than one kind. Most knew there were several types of martial arts, but thought of self-defense as one large bucket. Dex did have martial arts experience, and mixed that in with what he taught, but that wasn’t the case for most classes.
He resisted the urge to reach out and trace Kate’s plump bottom lip with his finger. She was a beautiful woman as well as an intriguing one. “My classes are a combination of karate and judo, with a healthy dose of street fighting thrown in for good measure.”
Her interest sharpened immediately, and she made a “hmmm” sound. “Any upcoming classes?” she asked playfully.
“Not yet, but I do offer private lessons.” He grinned at the flash of desire in her eyes.
Kate cleared her throat. “Have you asked Master Ralston about teaching a class here? I know several subs who would be interested.”
Dex mentally ground his teeth. His quick intro to the details of this case had told him that his support team had asked Ed Ralston if he thought a class would be a good addition to the activities at The Dungeon, at least for as long as he was here. Ralston had assured them Dex would find few, if any, students here. Although the man had been very cooperative in placing Dex as a Dom long enough to complete the investigation.
“I’ll have to touch base with Master Ralston on that when I talk to him next. If you know enough people who are interested, I’m very willing to teach the class.” Dex clenched one fist under the table where Kate wouldn’t see it. It would be a great opportunity to get to know the other submissives so they might open up about any useful information they had.
Kate cleared her throat. “I’ll ask around. In the meantime, maybe we can talk about those private lessons.” Her cheeks flushed at the same time Dex’s cock hardened to an almost painful state.