Page 27 of Under His Command

Cassie was a mess, even though she hid it well. She needed someone who cared, who would give her a little loving guidance, not to mention the kinky pleasures she craved.

Steely gray-blue eyes and a dimpled smile flashed in her head, as did the fear that after Flynn, no one else would measure up.

“That’s why you’ve got to put yourself out there.” Jules’ soft voice pulled her back to the present. “Hiding behind a computer screen isn’t doing a thing for your love life.”

“Decadence LA is the place to find the dominant you’re looking for, Cassie. Our members are invested in the lifestyle. They have a wide variety of interests and backgrounds and everyone, including guests, are thoroughly vetted. The security is top-notch, with surveillance and plenty of dungeon monitors making rounds. If you get into an uncomfortable situation, help is only a safeword away. And since you’re under my protection, you’ll have me to fall back on if you get scared tonight.”

He was such a good friend; she was lucky to have them both. “Thank you for that, Colt.”

“Sir or Master Colt for tonight, Cassie,” he reminded her.

Jules winked at her. “They’re big on titles and respect. They often assign violators public punishment, so watch what you say tonight, honey. Okay?”

“Now you’re scaring me.”

“Don’t be,” her friend assured her. “It’s just a fun ice breaker event, and a guaranteed way to meet new doms.”

“Maybe you should go over the rules one more time.”

Her friends shared a look and a smile, but Jules indulged her again.

“You’ll get five ribbons at the start of the evening. Mingle, chat, or dance with whomever you like. As you do, pass out your ribbons to five doms you like who match your costume. But do so before midnight, which is the time of the big reveal. Then, the masks come off, and you will choose a play partner from those who hold one of your ribbons. That’s your ticket for a tour and a scene in the dungeon.”

“You can opt out,” Colt advised, his tone serious, “but that means you won’t get to go beyond the lounge and bar. The hope is that curiosity will add an incentive for newbies to play. Though remember, you negotiate for only what you feel comfortable doing. If all you’re ready for is a tour and a chat, that’s fine. If your limit is being tied to a cross while fully clothed, so be it. Or, if all you want to do is observe, that’s also your call. As is going full out because you hit it off with someone. It is always up to you, Cassie. Understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I have one rule of my own.” His eyes briefly locked on hers in the rearview then cut back to the road. “Since you’re my responsibility tonight, and because I care about you, I ask that if you decide to play, you let me know who you’re with and where you’ll be. And, I have veto power. I know these people. Some are into edgy shit, which is fine for them, but I don’t think you’re ready for anything extreme after such a long break. Once you’ve been to the club a few times, played a bit, and gotten your feet wet, should you want to explore, the decision is yours.”

Eyes wide, she once again looked at Jules who peeked over the seat, nodding encouragingly. Now Cassie was really freaked out, especially about the “edgy shit” he hadn’t defined. Still, with a safeword, Colt’s veto, and the decision up to her over how far she wanted to go, she answered, “Yes, sir.”

“Good. We can expect smooth sailing, then.”

She wanted to ask if he knew her, or snap off something sarcastic like “famous last words,” but she wisely held her tongue. Jules turned front without commenting while Colt lapsed into silence, focused on the road as he took one of the many LA exits off the 101.

Chapter 8

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