Page 10 of Roulette Rematch

“I get that, I’m totally the same way,” Madison said, shrugging. “People don’t always take blondes seriously, do they?”

“Nope!” Lisa said with a pop of her lips, and the grin she turned on Elliott said that their first night of Roulette must have been an interesting one. Well, interesting enough to win for sure.

“Well, we’re really glad you guys agreed to join us out here on the West Coast and help us out as impartial judges.” Gesturing around the club, Madison felt a sense of pride fill her, even though she technically worked for the Runway side of things. “So, what do you think of Black Light West?”

“The rooms are fucking amazing,” Lisa gushed. “And I love your setup here. We got to walk through on a tour earlier and it’s way different than Black Light back home. You guys have so many different spaces!”

“We’re pretty proud of it,” Madison said, unable to hide the grin on her face. Movement in the corner of her eye drew her attention, and she waved at Susie who was already walking back down the bar to serve more members. Grabbing the vodka soda, Madison took a long drink before she looked at Elliott. “And Master Elliott, what do you think of our club?”

“I think it’s a beautiful space, but I’m still going to be impartial. Jaxson was pretty clear that he wants me and the other guy to take notes about the scenes we observe and provide feedback on them — not how pretty the club is.” Elliott’s tone was professional and definitely dominant, but Lisa seemed unfazed as she elbowed him in the ribs.

“He likes the club, trust me. He’s just taking this responsibility very seriously.”

“It is an important responsibility,” Elliott said, his voice low as he slid a hand around the back of Lisa’s neck. “And you need to take it seriously as well.”

“Yes, sir,” Lisa answered, and Madison grinned.

“Well, if there’s anything we can do to help you out, just ask any of the DMs. We’re all here to make this night a success!” Picking up her drinks, she took a step back from the bar. “I’m sorry, but I really have to get to the stage. People are already in the theater and Elijah will kill me if I start this late. Make sure you guys get good seats, and stay in town long enough so I can show you around Runway too! You’ll definitely want to see it in full swing.”

“Sure thing!” Lisa said, and Elliott nodded.

“Of course, thank you.”

Turning away, she didn’t even make it to the entrance of the theater before she heard Jaxson’s distinct voice call out, “Madison!”

Seriously?

Holding a glass in each hand, Madison followed the sound of his voice and found the infamous trio chatting with Elijah near one of the new couches. Chase waved her over, and she slapped a smile on her face as she approached.

“You look gorgeous as always, Madison,” Chase said, and it looked like he thought about leaning in for a hug before he noticed her hands were full.

“Thanks! Just trying to keep up the persona for the MC gig, you know?” Laughing a little, she tried to adjust her fingers, lifting them one at a time from the freezing glasses. “Are you guys excited about being here for Roulette this year?”

“I’m just glad I have both my husbands with me for Valentine’s, and we get to be together for Roulette,” Emma answered with a kind smile.

“Having a night away from the twins is also a relief. Everyone keeps telling us that the threes are harder than two, but… I’m not sure how that’s possible.” Jaxson glanced at Emma when she smacked his arm, and he shook his head, whispering, “Naughty girl.”

“Sorry, sir.” Pink rushed into Emma’s cheeks, but Jaxson’s gaze returned to Madison a moment later.

“We just wanted to thank you for continuing to handle the MC role here at Black Light West. It’s your third time, right?” Jaxson asked.

“It is!” Chase confirmed for her, and she nodded.

“Yep, it’s year three.” Madison’s fingers were going to freeze off if she didn’t set these damn drinks down soon, but she couldn’t exactly walk away from the owners of the clubs she worked for.

“Time really does move faster once you have kids,” Jaxson said, chuckling softly. “It feels like no time at all since we opened the clubs on the East Coast, but that was five years ago.”

“We’re all really glad you did!” Madison made herself smile through the chill soaking into the bones of her hands.

“My family and I are just glad that it gives people a safe place to be themselves,” Jaxson replied. “I’ll make sure to say that during my little intro, but I won’t talk long. I definitely want to welcome everyone, but then I plan to spend the evening with my husband and wife.”

“Just us. It’s going to be wonderful,” Emma added in a dreamy tone.

“You know, Madison, if you ever get tired of being the MC, or just want to spend some time enjoying the event yourself…” Chase grinned. “We can find someone else, all you have to do is speak up.”

“I appreciate that, but I swear, I totally love it! It’s fun to be involved, and I like getting to know the members who spend more time at Black Light than Runway. It helps me recognize them upstairs.”

“How does Trevor feel about you spending every Valentine’s Day working?” Emma asked, and Madison immediately looked at Elijah who carefully avoided making eye contact as he pretended to watch the members hovering around them.

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