Page 80 of The Assignment: Room 3

Nothing.

It’s ridiculous to think she’d answer at this time of night—early morning. It’s three o’clock.

When I step under the rainfall showerhead, I let the steam curl around me, the water washing the ride away. It’s always sweaty when you ride for hours, but adding Celest at my back had me hot and bothered in every way.

I wasn’t prepared for how she’d get under my skin. It might be for the best if she doesn’t get back to me. She’ll go back to putting on a show at Venom, and I’ll find an obedient little sub to dominate. One without complications.

What a fucking dickhead thought. It’s one thing to have criteria for a submissive, but having met Celest’s daughter today, she’s not a ‘complication’ to fix. I’m nothing like her last Dom. They had a contract. She confided in him, thinking that he would embrace Gracie in order for them to move forward in a committed relationship.

Fucking hell. I’m not like him because I’mworse. I offered her nothing more than a quick fuck and some punishment. No contract. It seems the universe has a sense of humor because I like this woman, and she doesn’t feel the same way.

By the time I step out of the shower, it’s too late to go to bed and still get up to go to work. Three hours isn’t long enough, and I’ve pulled all-nighters before. SEAL Team teaches you to go days without sleep. Life and death situations tend to make anything possible. Whatever is necessary for the mission.

I’m the guy who will always find a way to achieve my goal. Is Celest just a goal? Should I walk away from her?

I shrug on some gray sweats, a hoodie, and some running shoes.A few miles will clear my head and wake me up enough to get on with my day. I have shit to do at the club in preparation for the grand opening of the training suite.

By the time I reach Central Park, I’ve got a second wind, pounding my favorite trail while I figure out my next steps. There are only two options here—I walk away from Celest and our friends-with-benefits agreement, or I make her mine. The whole fucking nine yards. There’s no in-between.

When my mind is made up, I grind out another few miles before heading to the club. I’ll shower and change there. I’ve got too much to get done today. The place is dead when I arrive, and I love this place when it’s like this. Quiet but sultry. It’s my fortress of solitude.

I do my best thinking in my office here at Venom, and with a party to plan for the training suite, I make a few calls.

“Flex Navarro. I thought you were nocturnal.”

“Theo. Hilarious as always. I think we’re all nocturnal, aren’t we?”

“True. What can I do for you?”

“I just wanted to firm up plans for the opening.”

“Sure. There are a few demonstrations on the list you sent me that I would be happy with. Do you have someone to do the Shibari session yet?”

“I have Logan Fitzgerald doing the Shibari class. He is second to none. Genevieve is going to be doing a session on dynamics with more than two people.”

“What about anal?”

“You’re not my type, Theo, but thanks.”

He starts laughing. “Nothing like discussing anal at nine in the morning.”

“I’ll do anal any time of day. I’m an equal opportunities ass fucker.”

“I’m hurt that you’ll fuck any ass but mine.”

“Are you butt hurt?” I can’t even say it with a straight face.

“It’s never a dull conversation with you, Flex. Do you have a sub in mind for me to demonstrate with?”

“Well, that’s one of the reasons I called. Do you currently have a sub that would be comfortable in the group setting?”

“I can bring a sub.”

“Are you sure? I can provide a sub if you’d rather do it that way.”

“I’m good. I have a sub right now, and she’s fine to demonstrate. Group settings aren’t a hard limit for her. And I’d say she’s enthusiastic when it comes to anal play.”

“Excellent. I have a full chest of plugs and beads. Obviously, bring anything you’re particularly partial to or email me, and I’ll order whatever you need.”

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