Page 32 of High Roller

“Good. Then you go set up for our scene and I’m going to fetch Lili again.”

On the way to get Lili, I pass Luke who looks a bit sullen.

“No Zara tonight?”

He shakes his head with a scowl. “She had to stay in D.C. and finish some business dealings for something she’s starting there.”

My curiosity is piqued, but I don’t have time to ask more questions.

“Can you do me a favor and keep an eye on Lili while I do needles with Gracie? Lili wants to watch, and Gracie said yes.”

Luke gives me a thumbs up. “No problem.”

Lili is surprised when I return for her, but she’s quick to let me hook the leash back on her collar. That shouldn’t bring me as much pleasure as it does.

Before we get to my play space, I hand her leash to Luke.

“Master Luke will be watching over you while I play with Gracie. You are to obey and address him just as you are me. Understood?”

“Yes, Sir,” she says confidently.

Is she embracing her submissive side?

I shove the intrusive question aside. Gracie deserves my full attention.

As we enter the space, with Luke holding Lili’s leash, Amarjit Singh stops me. “Victor, everyone is chattering about a new woman at your feet tonight. You’ll have to introduce me.”

As she talks, her submissive Jacob kneels at her feet and she pets his head.

“Maybe some other time, doc. I’m about to do a needle demo. Enjoy the party.”

“I always do, Victor. You and your colleagues put on the very best ones.”

When I turn back, Lili is staring at Jacob as if she’s seen a ghost. I put a hand on her shoulder. “Is everything OK?”

She gives me a curt nod. “Fine, thanks.”

I scowl, certain she isn’t telling me the truth, but I leave it alone because Gracie and a growing crowd are waiting.

Chapter 11

Gracie

It’sasmallthing,but I’m grateful that Victor handed Lili off to Luke to keep an eye on during our scene.

I know I have no claim to his time or attention, but it would have thrown off my mental headspace to see the two of them walk in together again.

She looks different. Pale. Maybe a little scared. Did Victor or one of the others frighten her?

“What’s wrong with Lili?” I whisper when Victor approaches the massage table set up at the front of the room. I’ve laid out his needles and other supplies needed and have been waiting patiently for him to arrive.

“It’s nothing, butterfly.”

I frown at him. “Are you sure you didn’t threaten her in Matteo’s office?”

He cups my cheek. “Stop worrying. Focus on the present moment. Luke is keeping an eye on her.”

When I don’t budge, he sighs. “Something seems off to me as well, but I don’t know what caused it. I swear. We can sort it out after we’re done. Now be a good girl and take your dress off and lay on the table.”

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