Page 105 of Illicit Education

Reed placed his hands on my thighs. “Good girl,” he whispered, for me alone. And, for a moment, it was just the two of us again. His eyes searched mine, lust and wonder mixed in his onyx gaze.

“Well done, Master Creed,” Mina’s voice boomed through the air.

I jumped, my spine stiffening. I hadn’t expected to see her here tonight, and, judging by the look of surprise in Reed’s eyes, neither had he. She’d been out of town for two weeks and–

“It is very important,” she continued, an edge to her tone, “that anyone who enters my clubs knows that they are safe and they are in control–at all times.” Mina strode onto the stage, shooting me a quick glance. I began to smile, but her eyes were tight, like she wasn’t pleased to see me.

Or she wasn’t pleased to see mehere.

Tied to a chair on her stage.

Shit.

I focused on Reed, still squatting in front of me, but his face had hardened, his gaze unreadable.

He took a deep breath and stood, facing the audience.

“Even those who choose to relinquish control must do so with the knowledge that consent is theirs to retract at any time.” Mina looked back at me over her shoulder, then added, “Now, I apologize for the interruption, but Master Creed and I have some official club business to attend to.” She paused, breathing deeply. “Please enjoy a round of drinks on the house.”

She turned toward us, eyes shooting daggers at Reed, then she gave a curt nod toward the edge of the stage and strode away from us.

He began to follow her and she barked, “Untie her.”

Reed paused, then scanned my body, from my bound wrists to my legs strapped to the chair, his eyes widening as if he’d forgotten he’d strapped me in.

Oh boy.

Someone hurried onto the stage and handed him a knife, which he quickly put to work slicing at my restraints. When I was free of the ropes, he asked, “Can you walk?”

I stood, nodding. “I’m fine.”

This girl might have had a serious case of lady blue balls, but I could also read a room. And we were in deep shit. For what, I didn’t know, but I wasn’t going to let him face it alone.

I slipped my hand into his and allowed him to lead me off the stage and down the hall, my heart beating rapidly against my ribs.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Rylan

As soon as we stepped into a downstairs office, Mina rounded on us. “What the hell was that? What did I just witness?”

Reed squared his shoulders, positioning himself between us protectively.

Mina scoffed. “Oh, don’t get it twisted, I’m not the one she needs protection from.”

I stepped back at the vitriol in her voice.

“Rylan, please have a seat.”

Reed’s hand flew out and his fingers encircled my wrist. He pulled me behind him more fully.

My eyes widened in shock as I watched Mina’s eyes flash with anger.

“Cabot,” she said slowly, her voice low and threatening, “do not forget your place here.”

On a deep breath, he released my wrist.

“Rylan.” Mina motioned to a chair off to the side. “Please.”

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