“If you’d like to do a scene with me, I have an opening later tonight.”
I jerk my gaze to the left at the sound of that deep voice and then spin my head around to see if anyone is behind me before returning my attention to the tall man who is now leaning against the edge of the bar and looking down at me from inches away.
Master Quinten. I don’t have to ask his name. Everyone in Surrender knows Master Quinten.
He smirks. “Yes, I’m talking to you. I saw you watching my scene earlier. I’ve seen you watch me in the past, too.”
I feel heat rise on my face, which annoys me greatly. “I’m not a sub.”
Master Quinten is taller than me. About six-two. And broader. I’m a fairly big guy myself, but I bet he has three inches and twenty pounds on me. He’s also older. I figure he’s mid-forties. I’m thirty-two, but that’s old enough to know I’m a Dom. Not a sub.
He smiles as if he’s humoring me. “You’re sure about that?”
Damn, he’s intimidating. Sure, I’ve watched him several times, but that’s because he’s such a strong Dom and I figure I can learn a thing or two from his style. Everyone watches him. It doesn’t matter if he’s dominating a woman or a man. It’s like watching live art unfold.
I shift my weight on the barstool and absently grip my glass of water. “Certain,” I respond as I sit up taller. “My submissive will be here soon. She’s running late.”
I’ve been with Josie for a few months now. We’re still working through the kinks that accompany any new relationship, but I can already tell we have chemistry.
The man leans closer. “No reason to be offended. There’s no law that says you can’t be both dominant and submissive at the same time.”
“Well, I’m not.” What on earth kind of vibe have I been putting off that would make Master Quinten approach me or suggest something so absurd?
He nods slowly. “Well, just consider it. My offer stands if you ever change your mind.”
I’m so unnerved I can’t even respond.
His gaze glances past me for a moment. “I believe your submissive has arrived. I’ll leave you to enjoy your evening.” He sets his large hand on my shoulder and gives it a brief squeeze before releasing me and turning to walk away.
I’m still staring at his back, stunned, when Josie reaches my side.
“Everything okay, Sir?” she asks.
I jerk my attention to her and force a smile before wrapping my arm around her and pulling her between my legs to kiss her. “Of course.”
“You’re kind of pale, Sir. Did that man say something upsetting?”
I shake my head. “Nope.” I’m not sure I’ve ever lied to Josie before, but I can’t stop myself. I haven’t processed that weird interaction yet, nor do I want to. What he was proposing was preposterous. I’m a Dom through and through. Have been ever since I entered the lifestyle.
I shake the interaction off and cup Josie’s face. “I reserved a station for us. You ready to try something new?”
She smiles. “Yes, Sir. I’d like that.”
“Good.” I just hope I can get my head fully in the game before our time slot. Right now, I’m struggling.
Fuck Master Quinten. He was way out of line. I wish I’d had the balls to tell him so. He’s obviously not nearly as perceptive about people as I assumed if he thinks I have a submissive bone in my body.
Chapter 1
One year later…
Josie
As I enter Master Kellen’s office, I glance over at Sabine, his little, and Lucy, her friend. They’re sitting at Sabine’s small table, and both of them have their heads tipped down, giggling over whatever they’re reading. A longing lurches in my chest, the same longing that has been growing over the past two months.
I smile because I’m caught up in their happiness, but my smile doesn’t lift my mood or reach as deep as it should. Because I’m jealous of what they have.
It’s a snowball effect, one I’m also growing used to. That jealousy leads to guilt and the guilt is causing me undue stress. It’s uncalled for.
I have a wonderful life. I’ve been with Master Grayson for over a year. I love him, and I know he loves me, too. He’s an amazing Master. That’s why it bothers me so much that lately I’ve been craving something more.
“Josie?”
I jerk my gaze toward Master Kellen. He’s staring at me from behind his desk, his eyes drawn together