Page 154 of For the Sub

A week after the silent auction, he’d sent her the basketball tickets she’d been so excited about.

He’d included a note telling her he’d enjoy going, but that she was free to invite someone else. They were her gift, and she could do whatever she wanted with them, as long as she enjoyed herself and the event.

Margot would probably be the happy recipient of the extra ticket, much to John’s disappointment, but guilt told her that Master Niles should be in the seat next to her.

Since that wasn’t possible, maybe she should just gift the tickets to Margot and John. No one deserved a night out like they did.

She entered the Den and saw Gregorio.

After giving him a half-hearted wave, she went straight to the ladies’ locker room.

Since her time with Master Niles, she’d managed to avoid private conversation with Gregorio, and she wanted to keep it that way.

She changed into a short skirt, spiky heels and an interesting, sheer shirt that had only one sleeve, leaving the opposite shoulder and arm bare.

With a flick of her wrist, Brandy slammed her locker door shut, ready for another now-meaningless evening at the Den.

She hadn’t lost the joy of submission—she’d just lost the enthusiasm for giving it to anyone other than Master Niles. So while she was happy to take care of the guests, she’d refused to participate in any scenes, something that Damien had so far been patient with.

“We need to talk.”

Brandy looked up to see Gregorio standing inside the doorway.

“This is the ladies’ room,” she informed him.

“And you’re hiding.”

When she didn’t reply, he went on. “And I’m done waiting on you.”

Then he intentionally spread his legs, folded his arms across his chest, and raised his eyebrows.

Resigned, she sighed.

Tonight he looked even more rugged than usual. He wore masculine motorcycle boots, a pair of painted-on pants, and a leather vest that hung open over his smooth, sun-kissed Mediterranean skin. Doms and subs alike would like to get their hands on this bad boy switch.

“I’ve known you, what, four years? Five? It’s not like you to be disinterested and lethargic.”

“My freelance business has taken off.” It was close enough to the truth that he should believe her. “I’ll be fine once I’ve met some of these deadlines.” Once I get over my ridiculous infatuation with a remote, heartbroken hero.

“Other people might accept that. I don’t.”

When she tipped her chin and swallowed the stupid lump that unexpectedly lodged in her throat, he took a step toward her.

“I’ve seen you at your best. And at your worst.”

“Same with you.”

With a tight nod, he acknowledged what she said.

“Is it Master Niles?” he guessed.

“No.” Her answer was too quick, too snippy.

“He looked like shit the other night.”

Her pulse hammered. “You’ve seen him?” Despite herself, her heart leaped, and she couldn’t keep desperation out of her tone.

“His production company had a shoot up here.”

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