Page 191 of The Dommes

She’s joking, but I can sense she’s intrigued by me. I should hope so. She only got half the usual effort in the Kathleen Special when I rubbed her clit and spanked her ass at the Manoir. Not a bad run with another woman, if I do say so myself.

Something I pretty much did for Ira. I sigh.

“Was hoping to see you up in the mountains again. You and your charming partner.”

I can’t tell if she’s making small talk or genuinely missing my touch. Is it the same way I miss Ira’s touch right now? I don’t know.

“They’re not my partner.” I lower my voice as two women walk by, leaving the bathroom. “We’re on break, anyway.”

“Aw. You’re a hot couple. Can only imagine what it’s like when two Dommes collide. More than sparks flying, right?”

“You could say that.”

“I am saying that.” June turns, leaning against the sink as she watches me pat down errant hairs on my scalp. “If you hadn’t kicked me out of my room… well, the only reason I let you do that is because y’all paid me such a nice tip to fuck on my bed. Was a shame to change those linens the next day. I had to sleep in a guest room.”

I’d feel for her plight, but I highly doubt Ira and I were the only ones to do that. “Our relationship is complicated.”

“Totally! You know, it’s not nice to gossip behind someone’s back, but you two were the topic du jour for a few days around the place. Me and another girl got into a heated discussion about whether two Dommes could have a functioning relationship. We figured they’d either have to be poly and get their kicks elsewhere or switch like the Anderssens.”

She looks at me, waiting for me to confirm one or the other.

“I wish it were that simple.”

“Nothing about love and sex ever is, right?” June steps away, waving a hand in my direction. “I’ve gotta go. Ol’ man is waiting for me. Says something about wanting a dance while the night is still young. Try to enjoy yourself.”

The bathroom door swings shut, and I’m alone on my end of the sink. Before the silence can get to me, I grab my clutch and vacate.

The Ace has come a long way from the sheet-covered spectacle it was months ago. The Mathisons and their subcontractors did an amazing job transforming it so quickly, and without compromising quality. That means they paid a hefty sum. I hope they have the funds to cover it.

Haha, who am I kidding? They’re richer than my family!

I’m rather late to the party, so people are already dancing and mingling. People dressed in the uniform the Mathisons picked out for the employees make the rounds with trays full of champagne. I grab a glass and look for my father, currently talking to Donovan Mathison.

“What a fantastic display of ingenuity and historical accuracy,” my father says, cheeks flushed from too much champagne. “I’m impressed you made it this far on such short notice.”

Donovan smiles, but there’s something hollow about it. Maybe he’s turning into his kid, wherever she is.

Yeah, he’s turning into Ira. Because here comes Stephanie May, sashaying in a pearly-white gown and up-do.

“Kathleen,” she says, lips dripping with venom. “So nice to see you. I heard you went on a trip… I hope it was nice. That would explain why I haven’t contacted you recently.”

Fuck her. She’s talking about the fact I haven’t paid her off this month. I would have arranged it while I was gone, but Carolyn was insistent that she would “take care of it.” So far, nothing seems to have been taken care of.

“It’s nice seeing you too.” I turn to my father, avoiding both Stephanie and Donovan’s gaze. “Daddy, you should try the wine they have around here. I sampled the same brand in Germany, and it was divine.” Finally, I glance at Donovan, a sour smile on my face. “You have good taste, Mr. Mathison.”

“Oh, I didn’t select that. Ira did.”

“Of course they did.”

“If you see that bugger, let them know they need to dance with someone before I throw Stephanie into their arms.”

“Oh, Donnie, you needn’t be so awkward.”

Everyone except Stephanie is stiffening, and she’s playing up the image of her and Ira in case I missed it. Yes, honey, I’m jealous.

And annoyed that Donovan is not-so-subtly suggesting that I dance with Ira. Someone I haven’t touched since we last fucked.

I see her out of the corner of my eye, weaving in and out of people, servers, and reporters. She stops to kiss an elderly woman’s hand and compliments her husband. She pulls aside a server and informs her that there’s a run in her tights. She steals multiple glances in my direction, probably shitting herself over me talking to Donovan and Stephanie.

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