Page 10 of Mastered By Bliss

Can’t argue with that.I’d wrap that girl up in tissue and bubble wrap if I could.

Another car shows up, and three men and a woman get out.One of the men holds a leash connected to the woman’s wrist.Already playing—or they may have a 24/7 dynamic.

Gage stops in front of me.“I need to speak with you.When is your next break?”

“I can take it as soon as I let this group in.”

Gage steps inside while I check the IDs and membership cards of the new group.I recognize two of the men and exchange brief hellos, tell them all to be safe and have fun.The woman doesn’t make eye contact, but a small smile plays on her lips.

I follow them inside, wondering what Gage wants to talk about.

Something about Gage felt off.He’s been weird ever since he got the news his ex was killed.If it were anyone else, I’d think maybe he held some kind of torch for Nicola Johnson.But he doesn’t seem sad—at least, not about her.

I let Fouad know I’m taking a quick break and make my way to Gage’s office.

The door’s open, so I step inside.“Hey, what’s up?”

“I suppose I’ll get right to it.I love Leah.You love Leah.”

“Yeah.I do.”I have for a long time, longer than he’s known her.But this isn’t a dick measuring contest, so I keep that part silent.

“How do you feel about the way things are going?”

This is more self-reflection than I was prepared for.“Uh, I think it’s going well.The most important part is that Leah is happy.She’ll be happier once she realizes we aren’t going to stop loving her.”

He nods shortly.“I agree.”

A text from Fouad appears on my phone.Leah is here, asking for you.

“Leah’s here.”I show the message to Gage as I text Fouad,Send her to Gage’s office.

Gage frowns.“We won’t be able to talk, after all.”

“Talk about what?”

Fouad texts back that Leah’s on her way.

Gage folds his hands together over his desk, so tightly his knuckles go white.“I asked her to marry me.”

4

Leah

“Hey!”Fouad grins at me, his brown eyes crinkling at the corners.“Dmitri texted.You can go on back to Gage’s office.He and Gage are waiting for you.”

“Thanks, Fouad.”

He beams, his smile shinier than the gold hoops in his ears.

Cora follows me inside the club, but she stops at the door to wait.I’m glad this isn’t the kind of detail where the guard needs to follow me into every room and hallway.But even so, thisisa sex club.

“Do you want to wait outside?”I ask.

She shakes her head.“I’m familiar with this place.You’ll be safe in Gage’s office.”

I walk to Gage’s office, putting on mental blinders so I don’t get distracted by the cornucopia of kink happening before my eyes.I didn’t realize Gage was here—I wanted to talk to Dmitri about meeting Claudia, and, I don’t know.I just missed Dmitri.

Getting both guys is great.I’m not disappointed.

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