Page 90 of Gamble
“Damn right we are,” Elijah replied without hesitation, pulling Reagan back against his chest, his arms wrapping around her possessively.
The casual way he claimed her, the certainty in his voice—it made Reagan’s heart flutter with something that felt suspiciously like love. Or maybe lust. It was hard to think straight when being seeped in sex.
“What’s the situation here?” Elijah asked, nodding toward the room Tyler had been monitoring.
“Judge Bronner with his newest toy,” Tyler replied, his expression growing more serious. “Something about the dynamic feels off to me. She seems scared rather than excited, if you know what I mean.”
Elijah’s jaw tightened. “How much longer?”
“They just finished,” Tyler said as the door to the private room opened. A distinguished older man emerged, followed by a young woman who looked dazed and uncertain. Reagan felt her protective instincts flare at the girl’s possible distress.
The judge spotted Elijah and approached with an oily smile. “Keaton! Good to see you back. I trust you’re feeling better?”
“Much better, thanks,” Elijah replied coolly. Turning, Elijah addressed the submissive woman. “And how are you feeling, young lady? Are you enjoying your time here at Black Light?”
Reagan was relieved when the waif of a woman nodded, tucking a bit closer to the judge. “Yes, sir.”
“I’m glad to hear it. You do remember what the club’s safeword is, don’t you?”
The judge’s expression soured, but he didn’t intervene with Elijah’s interjection.
“Yes, sir. It is red… or yellow.”
Her answer clearly placated Elijah, and he nodded to the judge before adding, “If you’re finished with the room, we’ll take it next.”
“Now wait just a minute,” another man behind them protested. “We’ve been waiting?—”
“And now you’ll wait a little longer,” Elijah said with quiet authority. “Tyler, see if you can find an alternate location for the Browns to play tonight.”
It wasn’t a request, and Tyler nodded immediately. “Of course, boss.”
Reagan watched the exchange with growing admiration. This was Elijah in his element—protective, commanding, ensuringeveryone’s safety while maintaining absolute control. The man who’d needed her help to get dressed a few weeks ago was gone, replaced by someone who could silence opposition with a glance.
After the judge vacated the doorway, Elijah guided her into the private room. Reagan’s breath caught at what she saw. The space was decorated like a set from Game of Thrones—heavy wooden furniture whose purpose she could only guess at, chains and restraints mounted on the walls, an assortment of punishment implements displayed with careful artistry.
Her imagination ran wild as she tried to picture what each piece was for, how they might be used, and more importantly… what it would feel like to be bound and helpless while Elijah worked his magic on her willing body? It was hard to imagine learning to like the kind of pain she’d read about online.
“Too much?” Elijah asked, noting her wide-eyed expression.
“No,” she said quickly. “Just... overwhelming. But in a good way.”
He moved to the windows first, closing the blinds to give them privacy, then flipped a switch near the door that she assumed controlled some kind of monitoring system.
“There,” he said with satisfaction. “That gives us a bit of privacy.”
Reagan felt a wave of relief. As much as she’d been fascinated by the voyeuristic aspects of the club, she knew she wasn’t ready to be on display herself.
“I’ve noticed something about you,” Elijah said, moving closer. “You love to watch. You’re a natural voyeur, but then again, I think I knew that back at the pool in Vegas when you were so turned on watching the girl in the bikini getting plowed from behind.”
Heat flooded Reagan’s cheeks that he’d so easily recognized her thoughts, but she didn’t deny it. “I find it... educational.”
Elijah chuckled. “If you say so, baby. Later, assuming you decide you like being at the club, we’ll test to see if you enjoy being on display for others as much as you like watching.” His voice carried a commanding edge that never failed to make her pulse race. “But not tonight. Tonight is just about us.”
The thought of being watched while Elijah dominated her sent a shiver through Reagan’s body—part fear, part excitement. She definitely wasn’t ready for that level of exposure, but the fact that he was already thinking about their future here made her heart soar.
“Are you ready?” Elijah asked, his voice dropping to an intimate tone that seemed to reach directly into her soul.
“Ready for what?”
