Page 33 of Second Chances

“Seriously.” She raises an eyebrow at her husband while Ryan dishes seven of the disgusting green vegetables onto my plate.

“You aren’t the only one.” Amy groans and pops one into her mouth with a screwed up face. James sits beside her, looking smug.

“Sometimes I curse the fact I’m a sub.” Sonia reluctantly takes a bite of her own sprout and gags. Matthew simply motions for her to stop being silly and eat the whole lot.

“I don’t know. I think it’s quite endearing. They’re just looking out for our health,” I respond. Ryan wraps his arm around my shoulder as I take a bite of my own portion. I’m not telling anyone at the table, but I’m secretly one of those who likes brussels sprouts. I know I’m weird.

“Honeymoon phase.” Miranda, Amy, Sophie, and Sonia all cheer at the same time, and the entire table erupts into laughter. Ryan pulls me in closer to him as the conversation flows, and I can’t help feeling like I’m part of a real family for the first time ever.

Chapter Fourteen

Ryan

Elena nuzzles into my side as we stand watching a Dom use a magic wand on his sub. It’s something I’ve purchased recently, and I can’t wait to use it on her.

“Shall we go?” I whisper into her ear, feeling a sudden urge to leave and have my beautiful girlfriend all to myself.

She turns her head up to look at me, her eyes sparkling with desire.

“Please.” Her response is breathless. I grab her hand, and we head toward the exit but don’t make it.

“Ryan?” Grayson calls out from across the room. The club owner is frowning. He makes his way over to me at a hurried pace. “You’re not leaving, are you?”

I look down at Elena, and she shrugs.

“We were, but is something wrong?”

“Fuck,” he swears and tugs on the ends of his hair. “I’d arranged a demonstration tonight, but the Dom has been called into an urgent meeting at work. He’s not going to make it. I asked Sophie if I could take his place, and she flipped on me because it’s a scene I refuse to do with her now she’s pregnant. I need to go and apologize to her. I wasn’t thinking by asking her. I’ve been run a bit ragged lately, and I made a mistake.” Grayson runs his hand through his long black hair. He looks incredibly stressed. “I saw you, and I remembered we’ve practiced this particular scene together several times.”

“What is it?” I ask hesitantly.

“Flogging up to gentle whipping. I’ve tried to call Matthew to come in as he’s the expert, but he’s busy with Andrew. Sonia’s not feeling well. Please Ryan, we have a massive crowd in tonight for this scene.”

Elena is still looking up at me.

“It would be a shame to disappoint the crowd.” She smiles at me, and I hear the excitement in her voice. I’ve watched her during a similar scene before, and she adored it.

“Ok, I’ll do it,” I agree, and we turn to go back into the club.

“You’re a savior. Thank you.” Grayson claps me hard on the back. “The sub is already at the stand and is ready to go. She’s a pain junkie, so I’m sure you’ll have a great demonstration.”

I feel Elena tense at my side at the mention of me playing with someone else.

“I don’t know.” I turn back to Grayson, and he realizes instantly he’s put his foot in it with another woman.

“Shit. Elena, I meant. Oh fuck. Seriously if I have any balls left by the end of the evening, it’s going to be a miracle.” He takes Elena’s hand, and she allows him to hold it while he apologizes. “Ryan hasn’t claimed you in the eyes of the club yet. I know you’re in a relationship, and I should rightfully assume that means you’re his in the club as well. I’m afraid my mind is all over the place. I’m worried sick about Sophie and the pregnancy, and I’m tired from the filming over the last few weeks. I’m a dick, and if you want to scene with Ryan, then please do. Equally if you don’t want to take part in the scene, and you don’t want him to do it with another sub, then I’ll find another Dom. I’m sorry, once Sophie’s removed my balls and mounted them into earrings, I’m sure she’ll let you wear them as an additional punishment for me as well.”

Elena tries not to giggle, but I can see the merriment at the small upturn in her lip.

“If it’s ok with you. I would like to do a scene with Ryan. I know he’s not claimed me in the eyes of the club, and I understand the rules you have. That isn’t a problem. It was just a shock to hear you suggest he does a scene with another woman. I guess I already have a bit of a possessive streak.”

I feel my heart skip a beat when Elena rises up on her tiptoes and kisses me on the cheek.

“Ryan?” Grayson cocks his head toward me. I’m still under his tutorage, and Elena is a new sub, so this is a big risk he’s taking with the club’s reputation. I suddenly feel nervous about being able to handle the responsibility, but Elena’s warmth at my side melts those worries away.

“If Elena wants to do it, I’m more than happy to give a demonstration with her involved.”

“Thank you both. I really need to go and see Sophie. You know where everything is. Go for it. The Dungeon Master will be on hand should you need him. Thank you, again.” Grayson leaves us both standing there a bit shocked as to what had just happened. Elena looks up at me, her mouth opening and shutting as if she’s about to question our decision and then changes her mind.

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