Page 38 of The Assignment: Room 3

“Why were you parading Celest around naked?”

“Just a bit of fun.”

“Your version of fun is worrisome.”

“It’s just a quick fuck between friends. Same as with Viv.”

“Viv is a Mistress. Fucking her doesn’t create a power dynamic.”

“Duly noted.” I change the subject. “Did you go up to level three?”

“Yeah. It looks phenomenal. You’ve outdone yourself, bro.”

I order another round and make a toast. “Here’s to our kinky empire.” We clink glasses before downing our drinks.

“To the empire.”

We chat back and forth for an hour or so, discussing plans for the club. I don’t want to stop at level three. I still have so many ideas.

Knowing that Celest is waiting in my room has my cock twitching. “I’m going to go and get my rocks off. As much as I love your company, Dal, I have a mouth calling my name.”

“No glove, no love, Flex.”

“Yeah, yeah. Always. I don’t want any mini versions of myself running around Manhattan.”

“Good. None of us want that.”

“Don’t give me that shit. You’ll be popping out perfect little babies in no time now that you’ve been tamed.”

“Bullshit. I’ll never be tamed.”

“Say it with more conviction, and maybe I’ll believe you. Anyway, enjoy the rest of your night. I’m going to fuck a very sexy submissive. I suggest you do the same.”

His brow furrows at my throwaway comment. “Refer to Naddie as sexy again, and you’ll be eating through a straw.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Bro, you need to calm down. I get it. You’re in the piss all over your territory phase, but you really shouldn’t bother when it comes to me. You know Nad will always be safe with me. We’re fucking family.”

He runs his fingers through his hair. It’s his tell when he has something on his mind. “Yeah, I know.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” He may as well have a flashing neon sign above his head.

“Bullshit.”

“Go get your rocks off. I’m going to head home and fuck my wife. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

“This conversation isn’t over.” Since his mom died, I’ve been keeping a closer eye on my best friend. I know he has Nad, and she is always sensitive to his needs, but he’s family. The only one I’vegot. He’s my one weakness. I’d lay down my life for him. If I could’ve switched places with his mom, I would have done so gladly because they were the only people who gave a shit about me. Stability wasn’t something I was blessed with in my teenage years. Not until I joined the Navy to become a SEAL.

Dal was the guy I called when I was deployed overseas. For holidays and birthdays, he has been my anchor. His mom was my mom in every way that counted. I miss her every fucking day, so I recognize that open wound in Dalton’s chest that no one will ever fill. I have several wounds myself, and I would never wish them on my worst enemy.

“Night, Flex.”

Before I have time to let myself dwell on those I’ve lost, I gather up Celest’s clothes and make my way back to my private room to wake her and fuck her into submission. Not that she needs any persuasion.

She’s still curled up in the covers when I open the door, careful not to let it slam when it closes. I place her clothes on the dresser before taking a seat on the bed beside her. I run a hand gently down her back and watch as she quivers at my touch.

So responsive.

---