Page 217 of Rescuing Ally: Part 1

He straightens, all casual command. “Meet me in the storeroom in three minutes. Nothing longer.”

My pulse slams into high gear.

“If you’re late…” He shrugs. That dark smile returns. “I’ll just add it to the punishment already coming tonight.”

Then he walks away. Like it’s settled. Like it’s already happening.

Because it is.

And that’s the worst part.

I know damn well—I’m going.

Three minutes.

I wait.

Thirty seconds.

Sip my coffee. Pretend to clean the counter. Avoid eye contact.

Then I slide toward the hallway, slow and casual, like maybe I’m just going to the back for napkins or… I don’t know, a deep existential scream.

I make it five steps.

“Uh-huh.” Malia’s voice rings out behind me, suspiciously chipper. “And where exactly do you think you’re going?”

I freeze.

Jenna’s voice follows, wicked. “Better hurry, babe. Gabe’s on a timer.”

Mia glances at the clock. “She’s got, what? Two minutes and twenty seconds?”

“Two-fifteen now,” Rebel announces. “Hope she stretches first.”

“How do you …”

My face ignites.

Sophia cups her hands around her mouth. “Don’t forget the chalk, Ally.”

Laughter erupts. The whole café is howling.

Even Max barks, tail wagging like he’s inon the damn joke.

I shoot them all a murderous glare over my shoulder, but it’s useless. I’ve already been outed. There’s no dignity left.

Only heat. Anticipation. And the slow, aching crawl of submission sliding into place.

I straighten my spine. Smooth my apron.

And walk toward the back.

The storeroom door clicks shut behind me.

Gabe’s already there—waiting.

One look. That’s all it takes.

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