Page 109 of The Masquerade: Room 2

“Flex is sad he missed our little show on the voyeur floor.”

“Oh, I could definitely do a repeat performance.” Her eyes heat under Flex’s feral gaze.

“I’ll hold you to that one, pet.”

I leave everyone else to filter out to the hallway and wait for Pierce. He looks tired today. Exhausted. “How are you holding up, little one?” He always puts my needs ahead of his own.

“Don’t worry about me, Daddy. I’m fine. How are you? I think your lawyer sealed the deal with the closing statement.”

“I’m okay. I just want this to be done. I miss operating. The thought that I might never get the chance again is more than I can fathom. These past few months have felt like a lifetime.”

“You’ll be operating by this time next week.”

“I’m sure you’re right. And you’ll be at my side. Joseph agrees that you’re the new me.”

“High praise indeed.”

“It is. He hates teaching these days. The fact that he has a smile on his face when he talks about you is a damn miracle. That’s how good you are, and don’t you forget it.”

“I won’t. Dalton has had lunch catered at the restaurant across the street. Come and have something to eat.”

“Sure. Trust him to put on a fucking buffet at my court hearing. It could be days before the jury reach a verdict.”

“We’ll eat, hang out for a little while, and go home. He knows you need to keep your strength up.”

“I didn’t realize I needed a parent.”

“They are our family, Daddy. Just get used to it. All four of them are family. You and I are family. Forever. End of discussion.”

“You’re a bossy little submissive today.”

“Yep. Get used to that too. I’m the one who’s looking out for you. This relationship isn’t a one-way street. Just because you’re a Dom doesn’t mean you don’t get looked after too. That’s my job, and I take it very seriously.”

“If we were anywhere else right now, I’d put you over my knee for the sass in your tone.”

“Promises, promises. When we walk out of here victorious today, you can put me over your knee at the club tonight. Flex wants to see what all the fuss is about with you, me, and Celest.”

“Does he? He can look, but he can’t touch. You’re mine, little one.”

“Always.”

We walk hand-in-hand out to where the others are waiting for us, Flex inhaling his lunch. You’d think the man was starved.

Pierce is obviously nervous about the verdict, but no one acknowledges it, aware that he wouldn’t thank any of us for bringing it to his attention. I’m so glad they came to support him today. I believe the outcome will be in our favor, but I think he needs to see that more people care about him than he realizes. He matters to every person in this room. He is loved.

I’m so proud of him for standing up for that mother and son. So proud that he finally stood up to the demons that have been haunting him all these years.

We laugh and joke, distracting each other as much as we do Pierce. We’re all on tenterhooks for the next few hours, trying to relax, knowing this is going to be a waiting game. What we’re not prepared for is Nad getting a call two hours later saying the verdict is in.

I’ve got to believe that it’s quick because it is so clear that Pierce isn’t at fault here. He didn’t initiate the skirmish, and even if he did, he was doing the right thing. I steel my nerves, stuffing them as far down inside me as I can and painting a smile on my face.

Taking Pierce’s hand in mine, I lift it to my lips, savoring his scent. “Let’s go and get your not guilty verdict.”

He pulls me aside as everyone starts making their way out. “Promise me you’ll finish your training.”

“I will. With you.”

“Of course. But…”

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