Page 14 of The Database

Over the next few weeks, more and more of Hunter’s things found their way into Emily’s apartment. She stayed at his place a couple of times but found his studio far too small and not as centrally located as hers was.

In the bedroom, things couldn’t be better. They would take turns playing Mistress and Dom and had even added more to what was now their collective toy box. Emily had purchased a bull whip but decided not to use it after breaking a very expensive vase one night while practicing. She just couldn’t get the flick of her wrist right.

Her friends were razzing her, telling her to come up for air, but she never grew tired of Hunter’s company, nor him of hers. But the time had come for her to introduce him to her friends, so she and Sabrina set up a date night for them and their significant others on Saturday night, eight at Stella’s bar and grill down in the village.

Emily and Hunter arrived just before eight and were the first to be seated in the area that had been reserved for them. Hunter went to the restroom as everyone started to trickle in. He came back in as introductions were being made when in walked Sabrina.

“Come on Hunter,” Emily said, grabbing his hand. “I want you to meet my best friend Sabrina.”

He froze in place, his face flushing and Emily wondered what the fuck was going on.

Confusedly, she asked, “Do you two know each other?” she asked.

Before Hunter could answer Sabrina spoke up, “No Em, don’t be silly. Hello Hunter, it’s nice to meet you,” she said, extending her hand to him, reluctantly he shook it.

“Hi,” was all he said before taking his seat.

Emily shrugged and Sabrina laughed, continuing to introduce Emily to her date, Justin. After intros were done, Emily made her way back to her seat beside Hunter. She whispered to him, “Am I missing something here?”

“Ever heard of Internal Salvation?” he asked.

She flushed. “I have to use the restroom.” Emily bolted, once inside the restroom she splashed her face with cool water. She looked in the mirror uttering a single word, “Fuck.” She decided it was best to complete her restroom needs before facing the firing squad. As she exited, she heard two familiar voices having a rather heated discussion in the hallway.

“You fucking bitch,” the male said.Hunter.

The female cackled. “I told you I would ruin you for rejecting me. How fucking dare you.” She slapped him.

“You tried to ruin my life because I wouldn’t sleep with you?” Hunter asked.

“Yes. Now why are you here with Emily? Is it for redemption?”

“I wouldn’t give you the satisfaction you evil, wretched bitch.” She slapped him again, “Raise your hand to me again and you’ll be pulling back a nub woman,” he warned her.

Having heard enough, Emily chose to make her presence known. “Would someone like to tell me what the fuck is going on here?” she asked Hunter and Sabrina.

Sabrina scowled. “Just trying to find out what Hunter’s intentions are with my BFF.” She purred, sliding her arm around Emily’s shoulders.

Emily shrugged her arm off. “Really, because I heard otherwise. Tell me, Sabrina, did you set me up with IS to get back at Hunter?”

“No, don’t be silly. I knew you were a valuable asset and would enjoy yourself. Thoroughly. As you have.” She eyed Emily up and down as though she was a piece of meat.

“Hunter,” Emily asked. “I’d like to hear your side of the story. Were you using me as a pawn in your game of redemption?”

“I won’t lie, yes, initially I sought you out for that. Well, not you personally but I was looking for a woman from Internal Salvation to redeem myself with.”

Emily took a step back, feeling as though her heart were being ripped from her chest. Hunter reached for her but she pulled away. “Emily, I didn’t know. At least I hoped you weren’t with them. I never knew, until now.” He hung his head and turned to walk away.

Emily grabbed his arm. “Please, don’t leave.” She turned to Sabrina. “Sabrina, I thought you were my friend and you set me up and almost cost me the love of my life.”

Hunter looked up, his eyes revealing his true feelings, telling Emily without words that he felt the same way.

“Emily, what do you know? You’re just as foolish and immature as he is.” Sabrina spat.

“Sabrina, I used to look up to you. Now when I look at you all I see is a woman scorned. A woman who wanted something she couldn’t have. A jealous woman. An empty shell of the human I once thought you were,” Emily told her.

Sabrina raised her hand to Emily, only to have it stopped mid-air by Hunter. “You will not strike the woman I love.” He tossed Sabrina’s hand down with such veracity Sabrina stumbled back.

“You bastard, you’ll regret this,” Sabrina told him.

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