Page 11 of Extraction Play

Maybe because Eva seemed to be struggling with the same sort of poison. The loneliness that kept her in a cage, apart from everyone, even when she was in a crowd. She’d fought to be seen for most of her life, vanishing into the whirlwind of trying to keep her and her mother alive, so of course she wouldn’t just happen upon visibility now. She craved those moments when she experienced it under the hand of a dominant, when someone else was in charge for once.

“If you need a loneliness buddy, I have some space in my calendar,” Pixie said. Spending more time with Eva would be hellish because of her crush, but the woman’s attention sparked her awake in a way little else had lately. “Although I understand you came down here to see your brother.”

Eva let out a sigh. “He’s got a life here, though, and he’s just entered a relationship that makes him happy. I haven’t mentioned any of my bullshit. He’s dealt with enough over the years.”

“He’d still want to know what was going on with you.” As if she was so great at takingthe same advice.

Eva arched her brow, indirectly calling her out.

“In time, but in the meantime, the offer to hang is out there.” A part of her was thrilled Eva had reached out to her. The warmth of Eva’s hand still holding hers seeped through her body.

She didn’t want her to stop.

“Well, if I were looking for someone to check out the Conservatory of Flowers with?” Eva asked, her dark eyes sparkling and her lips curving in a sanguine grin that stole Pixie’s breath.

“Tell me when. My hours are unconventional.”

“All right, then,” Eva said, her seductive tone holding her captive. “It’s a date.”

Pixie’s insides burst into flutters.

If only.

Chapter Five

Wednesday had arrived and, with it, Play Night.

Eva had been warring over whether to go, but grabbing beer the other night with Pixie had cinched her decision. The golden light had faded with the early evening, the streetlamps blinking on. Part of her still expected to show up, find the coffee shop locked, and return home, even though she had Pixie’s and Meg’s info in her cell now.

As she walked along the sidewalk toward Whipped, her phone rang. At the sight of her brother’s name, she answered at once.

“Everything okay?” After they’d spent so much time at a distance, dealing with their own wounds in their own ways, she’d realized how much she’d missed Micah.

“Iknow Parker and I were going to seePrincess Brideat the drive-in theater tonight as a date, but you’re only here for another week. Did you want to join us? I’ve been a dick, all consumed with new relationship shit while you’ve been visiting.”

Eva worried her lower lip between her teeth. This was the chance to put everything out on front street with Micah. “Meg actually invited me to their Play Night, so I’m heading there.”

She didn’t want to tread on his territory, so if Micah was uncomfortable with her attending, she wouldn’t go.

“Oh, thank fuck,” Micah said, relief ringing clear in his tone. “I know you’re in the scene, so I wanted you to be able to get a better glimpse of ours than the club night, but the idea of you seeing my kinky hijinks is gross.”

Eva snorted. “Back atcha. Meg had warned me you and Parker had a date, so she said Play Night would be a good opportunity to explore.”

“They’re some of the best people I’ve ever met, so you’ll be in safe hands.”

Eva’s throat tightened, and the confusing brew of happiness and jealousy squeezed her like pulp. “Well, considering I’ll be the Domme, we should be more worried about whoever’s in my hands.”

“Ew, but I’m still allowed to be concerned about you,” Micah teased back.

“Same goes for you. You’re…nothing happened, right?” She’d gotten the gist of what went down at Ouroboros—a shitty Dom had almost scened with Micah, but Parker had stepped in—yet Micah hadn’t given her more than the bare minimum. “After the club night…”

“No, nothing did. If the scene had continued…fuck, I don’t know,” he admitted. “But Parker makes me feel safe, protected. So yeah. I’m fine. Thanks for asking though.”

“No thank-yous. I’m your fucking sister.” Guilt twisted her insides that she hadn’t pushed him for answers before.

“We both know family doesn’t guarantee shit. But do me a favor and make sure to have fun tonight.”

“You too.” Her heart pumped hard as she ended the call.

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