Just because she was on assignment didn’t mean she’d let just any man do or say whatever he wanted. She knew how to take down guys this size. She wouldn’t come away unscathed, but at least he’d be worse off than she.
The brute chuckled. “Head straight back. Don’t talk to anyone. If a Dom stops you, say, ‘My Master awaits.’ Any Dom at this club knows that’s code for ‘leave me the fuck alone’. It’s like using your safe word in a scene. Understood?”
“Understood,” she repeated before grabbing the strap of her bag to ensure it wouldn’t slip off as she waded through the crowd.
My Master awaits? Had she traveled back in time to some English manor where her duties included milking Betsy and stuffing her lord’s straw bed with this morning’s clippings? My Master awaits? In his damn dreams. It was one thing to play in the bedroom, but no way was she comfortable taking any of this BDSM stuff outside into the world. Hell no.
Laughter drifted out of the room as she neared, taking her ire with it. She knew the person behind the joyful voice, but the laughter felt foreign. Mason had been so serious on the two occasions they’d been together, and their phone conversations hadn’t netted a reaction like this. She liked that he felt at ease with the other man in the room.
Dread punched in her gut. She’d forgotten they wouldn’t be alone. Her steps faltered as she gazed down at her dress. Insecurity swamped her again, but the jovial sound coming from room reassured her the man at least had a sense of humor. She pushed through the door and the joyful camaraderie that had been shared seconds before died.
She stared at Mason, who gaped at her wordlessly. Her nervous smile shook in its place to the point she had to draw her lips in and bit them both to still the quaking.
“Damn,” the other man in the room muttered. He blinked at Mason. “You didn’t say anything about role playing. You know I love that shit. Why didn’t you save this for me?”
Shelby frowned at the man, not understanding.
“Let it go,” Mason murmured to him, but not taking his eyes off her.
“Dude, costumes don’t work with bondage,” the other man said, turning his gaze back to her.
“Go find Jedrek.”
The other man huffed but started for the door. When he reached it, Shelby had to step aside to let him pass. Only he didn’t. He stopped right in front of her. “I like French maids. You show up in that next week, and we’ll pretend I’ve caught you stealing my silver.” She flinched when his finger grazed her arm and trailed down it slowly. “After I’ve done a body cavity search, I’ll whip you good.”
“Emory!”
The man chuckled and looked over his shoulder. “Chill out, Mace.” Then, as he walked out the door, he muttered, “I can’t believe you’re letting that uptight douche have all the fun.”
He shut the door at his departure, and Shelby couldn’t hide the shiver that ran through her at the realization she was now alone with Mason—the man who now seemed past his shock and was giving her a slow, sexy smile.
“Interesting clothes, pet.” He started toward her. “I’m not sure if I should ask your reasoning or question you on the bag you’re carrying first.”
She licked her dry lips as she set it beside the door, making sure not to block it. “The answer is the same.” She shrugged as she wrapped her arms around her middle.
“Is it now?” His smile brightened.
“Yes, Master.” Mason’s eyes heated at her address, which gave a little bit of her confidence back. “You said to plan on staying the night. I wanted to be prepared.”
“I would have seen to your needs,” he chided softly.
“I…” She looked down. How was this man able to expose her with just a stare? She took a deep breath and focused on him again. “Thank you, Master. But my intention was to see to your comfort tonight. Should the scene go well, I mean.”
“My comfort?” He seemed genuinely perplexed, and she found it adorable. Adorable? He’s a point of interest. Get it together, Shelby!
“Granted, I don’t wear this on my job, but I thought it’d be fun to be dressed naughty while I gave you a massage.” Why was her throat so dry? She swallowed again and indicated her bag. “I brought some essential oils. For later, of course.”
Now he seemed completely shocked. Her attire had made