Page 59 of Filtration Play
“While I’m hoping the changes in Fin are going to lead to positive things, you know your acceptance here isn’t dependent on your relationship with them, right?” Meg said, bypassing bullshit conversation entirely. Well, damn.
Ollie opened his mouth and then closed it again. Her words soaked him to the core with warmth, even if he didn’t have a clue how to respond.
“You’re witty yet respectful, unlike your Dom, and you’ve made your mark here already,” Meg said as if she sensed he still reeled. “I just want to be clear that we want you around. Our scene needs more folks like you.”
His heart thumped hard, as if it might beat out of his chest. “I think you’re drastically overestimating me.”
Meg arched a brow. “Sounds more like you’re underestimating yourself.”
Having somewhere where he could be seen? Fuck, it was what he’d always hoped for.
Before he could respond, the door chimed as it whipped open again. A blonde with her hair in a ponytail, designer threads, and tanned legs for miles strode inside. Her gaze landed on him and Meg, and she brightened up.
Ollie’s brows drew together in confusion. He’d never met her before in his life.
“Meg,” she squealed.
Meg sat up a little taller. Curious. He hadn’t seen Meg on the defensive before, but this seemed like it, her dark eyes sharper. “Here to talk about the show with Fin?”
The pieces clicked into place.
“Oh, so you’re the one hosting the photography show?” Ollie asked. “Hera, right?”
“And who are you?” she asked, her bright smile toning down a few notches.
“I’m Ollie, Fin’s…” What was he? He wasn’t Fin’s boyfriend, but they had agreed on a D/s relationship. “Fin’s sub.”
Hera’s brows drew together. “You mean flavor of the week, right? They’re notorious for trying out every newbie in town.”
Meg bristled, and a sick little feeling brewed in Ollie’s gut. He knew about Fin’s reputation, but he was insecure about where he and Fin stood. No need to have the transitory aspect drilled in.
“How many partners Fin takes or doesn’t isn’t up for judgment,” Meg said, her voice dangerously low. A predatory quality slipped into it that Hera seemed oblivious to as she rolled her eyes.
“I’m not judging,” Hera said. “Just stating facts. Guaranteed, they’ll have someone new on their arm at the show in a few weeks. Hell, maybe I’d like to attend with the illustrious photographer myself.”
Jealousy burned through Ollie. What the fuck was her issue?
The only thing keeping him from making a hasty exit was the fact that he’d had that conversation with Fin. “Might be tough, since they already extended the invitation to me.”
“Is there something you need, Hera?” Meg lifted her chin. Everything about her posture screamed danger.
“Oh, I need to rent the dungeon.” She batted her lashes, doing a complete 180 from the catty comments a second ago. Had Fin played with this chick? Ollie didn’t trust her for shit. “I know it’s in use and such, but it’s not open during Play Nights, right? I’ll pay you well.”
Meg’s eyes blazed. Honestly, Ollie was a little afraid for Hera, and he didn’t even know her. “No.”
“Oh, so you’ll use it for your private play parties, but you won’t rent it out? I have friends coming in from out of town, and they heard about Whipped. They wanted to play here.” The pouty attitude didn’t seem to faze Meg in the slightest. If anything, Meg had turned to granite.
“Asked and answered,” Meg said, her tone chilly.
“This is her business,” Ollie said, shocked to find himself speaking up. But the absolute audacity of the woman blew his mind. “She’s allowed to choose what she wants to do with it.”
“You talk big with your whole welcoming community,” Hera spat, ignoring him. “Yet you keep out anyone who isn’t in your inner sanctum. People are tired of the attitude, Meg. Your sanctimonious play nights, your ridiculous rules.”
Meg crossed her arms over her chest. “You don’t like the way I run my business, then you can see yourself out.”
Hera’s mouth dropped open. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Meg arched a brow. “I don’t kid. This isn’t the first time you’ve pushed my boundaries, but it’s the last.”
