Page 26 of Room One Hundred and Seven: Catch and Claim

Now that I’ve had it, I’m a little pissed to be left to my own devices still.

It makes me feel like I’m in limbo and that shit just does not work for me.

I stride into the main lounge and right up to the bar. I’m not much of a drinker because I don’t like to be impaired in any way, but one glass of wine is calling to me. When it’s delivered to me and I take a sip, I force myself to relax even though it’s not an easy task.

The last few days at Club Sin have been awkward and I’ve felt out of place. I know why, even though I haven’t been willing to give voice to what has me confused and feeling like I’m doing something wrong, even though nothing sexual has happened with Charlie.

Yes, he’s still my sub because it felt wrong to enter into a contract with him and then pull out without warning. Nothing sexual was ever promised between us. It’s not like he would push me for more considering his willingness to please me, no matter what that looks like.

“Mistress,” Charlie’s voice is soft. It pulls my attention away from where I’ve been staring at the glass of wine on the bar in front of me, for who the fuck knows how long.

Anger that is completely irrational hits me out of nowhere as I spin around to look at Charlie. His eyes are soft and filled with understanding, even though it’s the last thing he should be giving me. I have zero doubt that my annoyance and frustration over the last few days have gone unnoticed by him.

I shouldn’t be here.

The truth of that thought slams into me.

I’m not even sure why it feels so wrong to be here. It’s not like I’ve had some sort of commitment conversation with the guys. I don’t owe them anything. Still, the innocent interactions I’ve had with Charlie through the last few days feel wrong.

They shouldn’t. I entered into this contact with Charlie first.

Fuck.

I hate this shit.

Then there’s how I feel like a fraud now. I gave myself over to my three men. I gave them my trust and my body. After spending years holding all the control, I don’t know how to reconcile the night I spent with Hendrix, Dominic, and Wolfe.

“Don’t,” I snap at Charlie.

He rears back from me like I’ve slapped him, and regret sits heavy in the center of my chest. I shake my head as emotion threatens to overwhelm me.

I shouldn’t be here.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, the words hard to form and force past my lips. “It’s not you, Charlie. I,” I stand up quickly, knowing exactly where I need to go, “can’t be here right now.”

His eyes soften in a way that makes me want to snap at him again. Like he knows something I don’t know, or, at least, something I’m not willing to admit.

He probably does.

The last thing I’m ready to admit is how deeply Wolfe, Dominic, and Hendrix have wormed their way under my skin and into my life. Everything feels off when I’m not around them. When the fuck did this happen? Will anything go back to normal?

Do I even want it to?

“Of course, Mistress,” he murmurs and steps back, giving me more room and making it clear that he’s not going to stand in my way.

Even though I’m annoyed, his small action has warmth blooming in my chest. I give him a nod of acknowledgement, my throat constricting and making me unable to say anything else. I’ve never felt like a relationship with one of my subs has been wrong. Not until now.

The moment I’m standing on the sidewalk in front of The Centennial building, it feels like I can breathe easier. I storm toward my rental car, getting angrier with every step. How fucking dare they breeze into my life and change everything. Who the hell do they think they are? And then they just disappear while still watching over me like some benevolent god?

I just don’t think so.

I’m fuming the entire drive over to their townhouse. I don’t even know if they’ll be there. Not that it matters. They’ll show up eventually. And then I’ll give them a piece of my mind.

Every step sounds like a clap of thunder after I slam my car door and head straight for the front door of their townhouse. I knock as loudly as I can, my anger fueling me.

When the door swings open, Dominic is there with a scowl on his face. The moment his eyes lock with mine, his face relaxes, and a small smile plays at the corner of his lips. It’s enough to send me over the edge as I jump into an abyss of anger.

My finger hits his chest, and I take a menacing step forward. “How fucking dare you,” I seethe.

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