Page 116 of The Assignment: Room 3

“I know. She’s not going back there. I don’t care if she fights me on it, she signed the contract. Her safety is more important than her liking me.”

“I agree. I hope you don’t mind me saying this because my wifeis the same way. Celest is feisty. She is going to fight back. Maybe she should keep working here for now. It would feel less like you are dictating her comings and goings. You know I’m not into your lifestyle, but I just know Addi would pitch a fucking fit if I tried to tell her what to do.”

“Yeah. I love that she’s so headstrong. It makes for a great dynamic in the bedroom, but this is different. I’m genuinely worried about her safety, and if she hates me for it, I’ll take the risk.”

“So, ask her to stay.Askher to stop working here. If you force it, you’ll push her away.”

“How do you have all this sage advice, and you’re not even a Dom?”

“Unfortunately, my submissive sister fell in love with my Dom best friend. I knew way more than I wanted long before we bought Venom.”

“Shit. What was that like in the beginning?”

“A lot of anger. I just wanted to get Vittoria away from it all. I really thought she had been brainwashed. I hated Logan for treating her that way.”

“And now?”

“I try to be more open. The fact is that I have a number of friends in the lifestyle since taking on Venom, and they are in loving, healthy relationships. It’s not my place to judge.”

“Still… your sister. I’ve seen a demonstration of theirs at the club. Fuck me.”

“Say another word, and you’ll be the one eating your meals through a straw.”

“Fair enough.”

“Obviously, I’ll be at the training suite opening, but once that party starts, I’m out the door.”

“I get it. No one wants to see a sibling getting their kink on, but have you ever thought of taking a private room for the night and exploring what’s in there with Addi? I’m not talking about the voyeur floor or any of the communal spaces. A regular, private playroom.”

“Maybe. Someday.”

“Just saying… a little date night that’s something different.”

“I’m not sure I could do it. She’d probably be the Domme,” he says, a hearty chuckle escaping him.

“I don’t think you have to worry on that front. The feisty ones always want to submit.”

“She does look good on her knees.”

“And on that note, I’m going to head out.” I reach out my hand which he graciously shakes. “I’m sorry I punched you.”

“Trust me, if there’s one thing I understand in life, it’s that sometimes fear makes us lash out at the people who are trying to help. I was so self-destructive it took Xander stepping in to tell me to get my shit together and go get my girl. I’ve got your back, Flex. Anything you need, you come to me, and I’m there. But if you ever try to land another punch, I’ll fight back.”

“It won’t happen again.”

“So, do you want Celest to keep working here, or am I going to sack her? You know my thoughts.”

“I’m going to talk to her, and whatever she decides, I’ll deal with it.”

“Good man.”

When I reach the door, I turn back just long enough to thank my friend for his wise words.

“Thanks, bro. I appreciate it.”

“Any time.”

Gracie and Nora are safe at my place, and I brought Celest to the club. She’s spiraling. I can see it in her eyes. She’s anxious and desperate for the control of our Dom/sub relationship, so I brought her to my playroom tonight, hoping to ease her stress a little.

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