Beneath the Scars (Masters of the Shadowlands #13)(44)

Of course he’d heard. The Shadowkittens knew—and spread—all the gossip in all the world, and Buchanan’s Sally was one of the worst offenders. “Yeah. It was good to be back.”

“Being laid up can drive a man stir-crazy.” The FBI agent had taken a bullet in the leg a year and a half ago.

“It did. So how is married life?” Holt’s train of thought left the station as the people around the bar parted enough he could see Josie. Well now… “I see the new bartender decided to join in the roleplay fun.”

A police hat covered Josie’s short hair. She had on a short-sleeved blue uniform shirt with a badge, and her gun belt held a tiny plastic pistol and baton. Holt’s smile grew. No police officer had ever enjoyed herself so thoroughly. Hands a blur as she mixed drinks, Josie was laughing and chatting with the members around the bar…and bouncing with the beat of the music. She was adorable.

“Ayuh. She’s having a good time.” Also dressed like a gang member, Galen walked over. He had an arm wrapped around his and Vance’s submissive, Sally, pinning her to his front. Leaning down, he handed Vance one of the two beers he carried in one hand.

“Evening, Galen.” Holt’s lips quirked. “Gotta say, your patrol officer there looks somewhat the worse for wear.”

The short brunette wore an over-sized, long-sleeved uniform shirt. One of the Doms had pulled her sleeve cuffs past her hands and knotted a rope around the wristbands, effectively restraining her. Tears had streaked dark mascara down her cheeks, and she had the unmistakable glassy-eyed appearance of someone who’d enjoyed a long, painful—and pleasurable—session.

“Ah, well, she’s new to law enforcement and didn’t check she had backup before chasing a suspect.” Galen shot Vance a look. “Rather like someone I know.”

The two men had been partners in the FBI before Galen quit and started a business. Vance smiled. “She’ll be more careful, I’m sure.”

“Next time, I’ll shoot first,” the irrepressible brat muttered under her breath.

Holt winked at her before asking his fellow Masters, “When I checked the schedule yesterday, I saw I’d been taken off DM duty tonight.” It was why he’d gone on the boat when Raoul had asked for help. “Was there a reason?”

“Z knew you returned to work at the hospital this week and would be dragging.” Vance took a good swallow of his beer and sighed appreciatively.

“Mother Z.” Holt shook his head ruefully. He was fine. In fact, anticipation rolled through his veins at the thought of the scene with Josie. “Is Z around?” He should take care of the protocols first.

“Yeah. Anne volunteered to babysit Sophia, so he’s brought Jessica for a scene.” Galen grinned. “Poor subbie. She turned bright red when he said they’d be playing in the dungeon.”

Holt laughed. The curvy blonde both hated and loved doing scenes in public.

Vance glanced at his watch. “They’re probably finished by now.”

“Good enough. I’ll wander on back.”

“You should wear a gold coin pouch and make the submissives happy,” Sally piped up. “They’ve missed you.”

“It’s good to be missed. But I have something else in mind for tonight.” Near the rear, he spotted Z and Jessica leaving the back hallway.

Short and curvy, the blonde wore a black and white striped “prison” outfit. The skimpy halter-top and short skirt were less a uniform than an excuse to riot. Her hair damp with sweat, Jessica looked as if she’d had a good hard session.

Z had his arm around her, half holding her up. The Shadowlands owner had on a black uniform shirt complete with silver badges and insignia. He gave Holt a swift perusal. “You survived returning to work, I see.”

“The first night, they stuck me on the desk, doing paperwork, and relieving people for breaks. I had to beg to get to do something on Thursday night.”

“It’s good to see you back,” Jessica said.

“Thanks, sweetie.” He smiled. “Now that I’m out and about, can I stop by and play with Sophia sometime?” Z and Jessica’s baby was around six months old and cute as a button.

“Of course.” Jessica gave him a stern look. “But you have to stop spoiling her with a toy whenever you show up.”

“She’s smart; she’s brave; she’s inventive. She deserves some spoiling.” He turned to Z. “On another subject…”

Z chuckled. “What can I do for you?”

“Let your bartender quit at 1 a.m. so I can see how she does with a real scene.”

Jessica’s mouth dropped open. “You want to play with Josie?”

“Excellent idea.” Z didn’t appear surprised. “You have my permission…if she agrees.”

“Of course.” The little bartender might have had second thoughts, but he didn’t think so. She’d wanted to play. And damn, he wanted to show her the joys of true domination and submission.

“You be careful with her,” Jessica demanded. “She—Mmmph, mmmph.” Master Z’s hand over her mouth reduced her admonishments to unintelligible sounds.

“Kitten,” Z said gravely, “a submissive giving orders to a Dom in the Shadowlands rarely ends well.”