Beneath the Scars (Masters of the Shadowlands #13)(27)
Wow, more people were into BDSM than she’d ever realized. “Sure is. Have you been a member here very long?”
“A year or so. The newsletter said Z’d hired a bartender named Josie, so I decided to find out if he meant you.”
“Well, as you see…”
“It’s great to have you here.” His smile widened. “The Highlands regulars have been grumbling quite loudly about losing their favorite bartender.”
“Really?” Smiling, she served him a drink and got caught up on the news. She had to laugh at his wry description of a lost sale. He was a sociable guy, always polite, and had asked her out a couple of times in the past. When she told him she had a child and didn’t date, he’d taken the refusal good-naturedly.
He took a sip of his drink. “What do you think of the Shadowlands?”
As she considered her answer, she noticed Master Holt had stopped his conversation with Marcus and was openly listening. Her cheeks heated. “It’s different, but I’m enjoying the change. I hadn’t realized how nice it is when no one gets drunk.”
“What about the kinky stuff going on all around you?”
She avoided looking at Holt. After a night of dreaming about him, she felt off-balance seeing him in person. Especially in the Shadowlands. “I can see why 50 Shades was so popular. I’ve never… Well, it’s…interesting.”
“Good.” Peter leaned forward and put his hand over hers. “You know, we should play a bit on your break. I could give you an idea of what it’s like. Nothing intense.”
She stared at him. And hated—hated—that she wished Holt had made the offer. What in the world was wrong with her? “I…um, surely that’s not allowed. I’m here to work.”
“Josie.” Master Holt broke in. “Did you sign membership papers and get the physical and background check?”
She nodded.
“Then you’re allowed.” He smiled slightly. “Z handles the employee applications much like membership ones in case a person decides to participate.”
“That’s very foresighted of him.” Downright cautious to boot. She glanced at Holt, felt the impact of his eyes, and looked away.
“Perfect. So, Josie?” Peter prompted.
But, but, but… With relief, she spotted someone waiting for a drink at the other end. “Let me take care of that person. I’ll be right back.”
She took orders from a cute male submissive with big brown eyes and netted time to think as she mixed the two gin and tonics.
Admit it, Josie, you want to see what a scene would be like.
However, she’d be in front of everyone. Not so good. Of course, a bartender was always on stage.
The bondage stuff would be rather unsettling. Still, she wouldn’t mind trying it.
But…she hardly knew Peter.
“Here you go.” She handed the drinks to the young man and watched him prance back to a tough-looking Dom. Upon receiving an approving smile, the submissive glowed with delight.
Huh. She couldn’t imagine being overwhelmed at a compliment from Peter, although he was a likable man. She sure hadn’t realized he was a Dom. She had noticed, however, when he and his friends were drinking in The Highlands, he was always the one in charge.
A man who was confident—a boss type—was quite attractive.
The young submissive with the drinks knelt in front of his Dom. Happily. He sure acted as if he found his Dom to be more than just attractive. He really showed that whole dominance-submission stuff. Like… She could see he had an overpowering need to do as told. The way he took so much pleasure in his obedience was eye opening.
She sure couldn’t be much of a submissive since she didn’t automatically obey any order given—well, not always. In fact, these Masters here had managed to circumvent her customary think first, act if agree habit.
Moving down the bar, she gave a Domme a Diet Coke and bottled water. Politely, she answered a younger Dom’s request for another beer by saying he’d reached his two-drink limit. Giving him a sympathetic smile, she offered a Red Bull and was pleased when his scowl turned rueful and he thanked her. Members here responded far more politely to getting cut off than her nightclub customers had.
She saw Peter was patiently waiting for her return. Decide, Josie.
Why not try a scene? It wasn’t as if this would be a date or anything. She’d watched lots of what they called “pickup scenes.” Face it, she was dying to see what it was like. Maybe she’d even find out if she really was submissive.
When she reached Peter, she put her forearms on the bar. “I’d love to have an actual introduction to this stuff. Yes.”
When Holt’s pretty neighbor agreed to a scene, he frowned. Sure, he’d stepped in to clarify the paperwork, but he hadn’t thought she’d agree to play with Peter. He’d figured her for being more conservative. As he sipped his Mountain Dew, he studied her.
A flush nearly hid the scattering of freckles over her nose and cheeks. Her gorgeous green eyes held a hint of wariness. So fucking appealing. He wanted to explore those emotions with her, heightening the excitement, easing the wariness…at least for the first scene.
No, he knew better than to mess with a neighbor. Don’t be an asshole.
He did notice she showed no sexual interest in Peter, which wasn’t uncommon. A good scene didn’t require sex. However, the Dom had a definite interest in Josie.