Page 1 of Conflicted
Prologue
Although surrounded by close friends at the local munch, Ruby stayed impatient while she waited for Sandra to arrive. Ruby’s best friend was returning from Las Vegas, where Sandra married her fiancé and Rope Top. She and GT had eloped after it became clear to them Sandra’s mother, Gisela, tried to hijack their wedding to turn it into a high society affair.
Ruby couldn’t stand Gisela Duncan. The woman didn’t deserve the title ‘mother’ in Ruby’s opinion. GT was a wonderful guy, and he evidently loved her BFF enough to stand up to his mother-in-law. The way he thwarted ‘ghastly Gisela’s’ plans had been brilliant, and Ruby would have donated a kidney to be a fly on the wall when the hated woman found out what her daughter and son-in-law had done.
Ruby’s hatred of Gisela mostly had to do with the way the woman treated her own mother, Jewel. Ruby – and Sandra for that matter – adored Jewel, and the hardworking hairdresser didn’t deserve the scorn Gisela bestowed on her. However, Gisela was a socialite who hadn’t accomplished much in Ruby’s eyes. Ruby grinned – well, aside from giving birth to the most wonderful friend a person could want.
Hand in hand, Sandra and GT entered the Smokehouse Grill.
“There they are!” Ruby bounced on her toes, and her best friend giggled.
Sandra had never looked happier, and Ruby’s world brightened. GT said something Ruby couldn’t hear, and he let go of Sandra’s hand. Eager to be the first to congratulate the happy couple, Ruby held out her arms, and Sandra returned her hug fiercely. Other Club Indigo members closed in on them, and GT received handshakes and backslaps from the men and hugs and kisses from the women.
Even Suzie and Connor, who rarely turned up, made their appearance. As far as Ruby could tell, it looked like the entire membership of the club had come. Ruby felt relieved because never before had so many new people RSVPed for a munch. Club Indigo had a excellent reputation on Fetlife, and more locals found the club every month. Not everyone joined, but the munch served its purpose. Giving every interested person enough attention was important for both the attendees and the club.
Ruby could remember her first munch. Even with her best friend by her side, she’d been uncertain which didn’t often happen to her. She remembered how pleasant it had been when people made an effort to make her feel welcome. Ruby paid it forward by doing the same for others. After a brief last hug, Ruby left Sandra glued to GT’s side and walked over to a tall, fit dark-skinned man, she recognized from his profile picture on Fetlife.
“Good evening,” she greeted, “Are you LionTamer02?” At his surprised nod, Ruby laughed and held out her hand. “I’m Ruby.” She paused, realizing her name wouldn’t help. “Rubyella on Fetlife, and one of the hosts tonight. Ah...” Under normal circumstances, she wasn’t at a loss for words, but something about this guy had her tongue-tied, and she was unsure what to say next. What the hell – I’m never unsure!
He took her hand in a surprisingly gentle grip and answered, “Good evening, Ruby. I’m Nathan. I was just wondering if I’d come to the right place.” He swirled his head around. “Everybody is looking so, um, normal.” Ruby laughed out loud at his obvious discomfort, and some of her tension left.
“We only bring out the whips and chains at the club,” she quipped. Okay, a lame joke. She hurriedly added, “At a munch, vanilla rules. What did you expect?”
He stroked his chin and looked around with wonder in his eyes. “Not sure, just not – this.”
“Oh, well, sorry to disappoint.” Ruby strived for a straight face.
He narrowed his eyes at her, and she got the delicious tingles of a dominant staring her down. “Are you teasing me,” he lowered his voice so only she could hear, “sub?”
“I wouldn’t dare,” Ruby smiled playfully before adding a soft, “Sir” for his ears only.
“Actually, she would.” Will’s deep voice behind her nearly made her jump. “Ruby can be a handful, to say the least. I’m Will.” He held out his hand to Nathan, and the other dominant grabbed his in return.
“Nathan.”
Ruby sucked on her lip piercing, while she waited as the men measured each other without breaking the handshake. What the hell is that all about? Ruby didn’t have a clue, but she was pretty sure she didn’t like it. It felt like Will was staking a claim to her. Well, fuck it! Ruby lifted her chin and stared Will dead in the eye. Will let go of Nathan’s hand and met her gaze head-on. Ruby couldn’t tear her eyes away even if she wanted as he blasted her with sheer determination and dominance. Will was no longer the inexperienced wannabe Dom she’d first scened with eighteen months ago. He had become a seasoned dominant who knew how to control her. Pity the man solely focused on ropes, because she liked the variety.
Ruby’s stomach fluttered, her breathing stuttered as all the blood in her body seemed to rush to her breasts and pussy. Ruby lowered her head to a more respectful angle and earned herself a "good girl" from Will.
A masculine chuckle from her right, followed by “I’m definitely in the right place” from Nathan, reminded her they weren’t alone. It helped her to pull in a much-needed breath of air. Almost squashed like a bug between two six feet tall and hard male bodies, Ruby should have felt crushed, but all she sensed was excitement and elation.
