clothing that would entice Gus, but also confuse. Leather gear, but in a pale orange sherbet. Daring, but feminine. A scanty top that looked more like a shredded bikini bra with skinny straps holding it together. A tight but supple leather skirt with dark flames edging the hem. She’d chosen red gladiator sandals with 3-inch heels. She wore no underwear, no hose. Nearly nude, if she bent she’d flash the crowd, but she intended to give them a show to prove she didn’t give a damn. That last Friday she’d strode through the hall with her own come gleaming on her thighs because she’d meant for it to happen.
As feminine and flashy as her clothing was, she’d pulled back her hair into tight ponytail and worn little makeup other than kohl-rimmed eyes. She’d entice and intimidate.
When Gus strode nude into the hall, his strides stalled as he caught sight of her.
Her breath caught at the sight of him, his frame, so large, so vulnerable in his nudity. His face gave little away of what he was thinking, but she noted a pulse pounding at his temple. His skin glowed with a slight slick of sweat. Already, his cock lifted from his groin.
By the square jut of his chin, he told the room to go to hell, and his gaze never strayed, never dropped from hers. Not until he climbed the steps and approached her. Her breath hitched the moment he dropped his head, staring at her toes.
With everyone watching, she fought to clear her mind. To concentrate on Gus. “I thought I might see you this morning,” she said softly.
Not raising his head, he murmured, “I had the day off. No doughnut run.”
“Oh.”
His head lifted slightly. “I didn’t know if you’d want to see me again so soon.”
She accepted his explanation, realizing he’d likely needed the space as well. To think about where this thing they had was going. They’d moved so fast. “I don’t usually push this swiftly with a sub to public displays…” She bit her lip to keep from saying more. Already, the doubts were crowding in that she’d chosen the best way to move forward.
“Don’t worry,” he whispered. “I’m ready.”
Gratitude shouldn’t have been what she felt. Not if she were truly trying to take back the bit she’s surrendered the last time they’d been together in the club, but there it was. She breathed more deeply. “This won’t be easy.”
“Don’t hold back,” he said, his voice gruff. “Whatever you need…”
She cleared her throat and pitched her voice louder. “Do you remember your word?”
“Doughnut,” he replied, no hesitation in his deep voice.
She cleared her expression then pointed toward the sawhorse. “Stand in front of it.”
Gus gave her a last smoldering look, then turned and walked toward the sawhorse. She glanced over the gathering crowd, found Mondo, whose dark eyes gave away nothing of what he was thinking.
Although not officially the dungeon master, he was one of the club’s most experienced Doms. If he found fault with anything she did, he’d call a quick halt to the play. She wondered if he’d be equally moved to spare his friend embarrassment.
With doubts still swirling inside her, she turned to eye the man who’d filled her thoughts from the moment their gazes first met. He’d been handsome and intimidating in his dark uniform, but naked, he was devastating.
Not an ounce of fat softened his large frame. Muscles flexed in his shoulders. His round buttocks drew her gaze. Lord, she wanted to play there. See how much he could take.
All that power would be leashed—and all hers. She raised her chin, indicating to her helper, standing at the back of the crowd, that it was time to begin.
From the corner of his eye, Gus watched Craig striding through the crowd. He wore loose drawstring pants. His chest and arms were oiled and his face was set. Only a friend would note the wicked delight dancing in his green eyes.
Gus gave him a frown, not understanding until Craig climbed the steps onto the
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