Page 32 of Mistress A-0002

“Main Master.” Melissa beamed back at me, just as much in a role as I was. She wasn’t happy, she was still pissed about our meeting in Braddock’s hospital room. So was I. “Did I get the time wrong?”

“No.” I laughed. “I had to check up on a few things before dinner.” I nodded a greeting towards Jett, taking in his uncomfortable impatience. His mother didn’t seem to notice as she hesitated before speaking.

“I’ve been talking to Hale on the phone. Perhaps after dinner, we might have a private word about that?” Again, she paused. “I wanted to talk to Sebastian as well, but last I heard he was in Chicago.”

I nodded, internally smiling at the mention of my new friend. Sebastian had thought by sending his brother to Melissa, he’d have her wipe out my work with her own. Seb didn’t want Hale as a Master, but I wasn’t leaving either of them a choice in the matter. I needed Hale. Even more now…

“That’s right?—”

Jett cut me off. “I’ll leave you two to talk. I just forgot I had to do something real quick. If you’ll both excuse me.”

He didn’t give me time to respond. He spun, taking off, leaving me alone with his mother.

“Sorry. That was rude of my son. I think he’s been seeing someone here. Jett’s been preoccupied like that for the last few days.”

“It’s fine. What about Hale? You’ve been talking to him on the phone?”

“Yes. Not an hour ago, actually.Elec.” Emotions had her looking down, and her tone turned sad and soft as she continued. “I just wanted you to know, I didn’t step on your toes. I happen to think it’s the right choice, truthfully. Hale Rivers will be an asset to the Gardens. We need him on our side. If you were wondering whether I altered his mindset, I did not. Quite the opposite. I told him to follow you, Elec. I told him to trust you. That if you wanted him here, it was in his best interest.”

The tick of her cheek threw red flags. For seconds I swept Melissa’s overly pleading expression. She peered up at me as ifshe were every ounce the victim but expecting a gold star. As if, even though submissive, she had just made my life easier. And it would have, if only I believed her. I didn’t. I had no doubts she tried to alter my commands and failed at doing so. The triggers I instilled were new, and I was the only one who could modify the programming.

“I appreciate your understanding. Hale is a perfect addition to the Gardens. I’m glad you see that.”

“I do. Do you know who else I think is a great addition?”

“Who’s that?”

Melissa gestured her head to the lounge area, and I followed, sitting with her at one of the tables.

“Pearl Mallory. I hear in the grapevine that you’ll be offering a contract to Ethan soon. Marriage. I was wondering when he would settle down. I won’t lie when I say that I contemplated arranging something between him and Marian, my daughter, but the risks…” she paused. “They outweigh the benefits, I’m afraid.”

“I agree. Pearl is perfect for Ethan. They will be a fantastic match for the circle.” My lids narrowed. “Who told you about the contract? I don’t recall telling anyone I didn’t trust, and they wouldn’t have breathed a word.”

The side of Melissa’s lips tugged back, and I glanced down as her finger began tapping. The room tilted, fading for the briefest moment. I could feel colors merging and swirling. Time seemed to go in and out. Was she talking? Was I? Words. Words.I am in control of me. Only I control me. I...I…control.A roar filled my ears and before I could realize what I was doing, I latched to her hand, squeezing her digits with a force that had her crying out.

The spinning came to a standstill. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

Surprise had her mouth parting as she tried to rip her hand back, but I wouldn’t let go. I pushed to my feet, still feeling off-balance. Still squeezing.

“Elec, that hurts. What amIdoing? What are you—” Her lips parted, and her gaze quickly cut to the hand I squeezed. “Oh, God. Oh God. Is that it? Oh no. If I triggered you, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to. I have so much on my mind. I wasn’t thinking. Or, I mean, I tap when I think, but I wasn’t doing it deliberately to mess with you.”

The fact that I was even standing couldn’t register. Nothing was. My thoughts were blurring with a deeper-rooted version of my own, and I was a breath away from being under her control. I knew that as I held to her hand with nearly crushing force.

“Break it.”

“Elec, I?—”

“Undo the fucking hook,right now.”

“I’m not sure what—You can’t seriously think—Elec.”

I let go of her hand and withdrew my phone, hitting Nineteen’s number. Melissa tapped three times against the table, her face turning worried but hard. Like water to a flame, I felt the sudden fog dissipate, but not entirely.

“Okay, we see the problem now. You’re influenced by the tapping. Nothing more. It’s a trigger, not a bullet. You’re fine. You’re lucid. Apparently,” she growled, gesturing to the phone I held out before me.

Slowly, I brought it to my ear.

“Main Master? Main Master,are you okay?”

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