Page 87 of Triple Pucked
My gaze fixes on Everett’s collar. His eyes light up, and he puffs out his chest.
He raises his hand, as if to touch the collar, just stopping himself in time.
I bet that it’s another one of his bloody rules not to touch the leather collar.
“Mistress presented me with this after she’d been training me for two years.” He smiles. “She said that I’d earned it. I don’t take it off.”
“Cas isn’t wearing one.”
“Not yet. Maybe never. He does wear a temporary one at events. You should attend On the RACK on Saturday night. I mean, if you have permission”
I thrum with a sudden mix of anticipation and nerves at the idea. “Sounds good.”
“It would be a good idea to wear a temporary collar then,” Everett suggests. I swallow, imagining the weight of it around my neck already. “Are you coming to our Valentine’s event? Cas came up with the idea of a dark Alice in Wonderland. I’m incharge of decorating and costumes like at most of the big events, since my background is theater design and I own the 1001 Fantasies boutique.”
“I’ve worn costumes from your shop.” I rock on my heels, studying Everett with new respect. “You’re bloody brilliant! The things that you can do with leather are indecent. Also, can I borrow your coat?”
Everett gives a small, genuine smile. “Thank you. Leather is my kink too. But also, the only way you’re taking this jacket from me is by tearing it off my dead body.”
“That coat is worth a murder or two.”
“It is, right?” Everett looks the most relaxed that I’ve seen him. It’s either the bonding over leather or good coats. “The thing is,” he pushes D’Angelo’s steaming coffee toward me to pick up, “I’mownedby my Mistress but I’m still independent. It’s her control that helps me to fly. Her rules give me the confidence to take risks. It was your sir who believed in me and gave me the backing to start my small business. My mom got sick when I was in college, and I dropped out to pay for her medical bills. I worked three jobs. I was quiet and lonely, thinking that I had nothing to offer apart from my body and my obedience. Both Mistress and sir showed me that I was wrong through their friendship, acceptance, and support. And you could have that too.”
“I already have,” I reply, thinking of the new home that Eden and I have found in Freedom Mansion.
Everett smiles. “Good. Then let’s get these drinks back before Mistress sends out a search party, and I reach three.”
Everett grasps two mugs, straightening his back. Then he walks calmly back to the group, while I stumble after him trying hard not to spill the coffee.
I feel the intense prickle of D’Angelo’s gaze on me.
Everett holds out one mug to Kay, who takes it without a word, before passing the second to Fleet.
“Thanks, Ev.” Fleet takes a long drink. “Damn, I should kidnap your little butler for his coffee making skills alone.”
Instantly, Kay’s long nailed hand shoots out, snapping around Everett’s wrist possessively. “He’s mine.”
Everett glows, as if he’s been pampered all evening, from those two single words.
Robyn smiles at me, looking blissed out and relaxed.
Yeah, it does make me happy, as long as she is.
“Are you going to tell him or am I?” Fleet says with a dangerous gleam in his eye, turning from Kay to me.
I freeze. “What’s going on?”
“Speaking as your AC now, you need extra incentive in the game tomorrow night.” He leans forward. “Since goal scoring is what let you down, we’ve been discussing how to motivate you.”
“I suggested that the loser have a consequence.” Kay yanks Everett sharply behind her, until he’s back in place, standing on parade rest like a statue.
Of course she did.
My breathing picks up.
A punishment? Aren’t I getting enough of those from Blythe?
“I’m trying,” I whisper. “I’ll work as hard as I did in practice.Harder.I promise that I will score more goals than I ever have.”
