Page 8 of Absolution

“Hey.Do you mind if I sit?” Bridget was worrying her lip. I was a little surprised, because she wasn’t a hesitant person. She possessed an aura of confidence I’d always envied.

“Sure.”

I scooted over to share the love seat. Things had been awkward between us ever since she’d ‘tattled’ to Connor.

“I know you’re still pissed at me.”

Bridget wasn’t shy about putting things out there. Yes, she was my boss, but she was also one of my best friends. I loved that she could separate the two.

“A little.”

Bridget clasped my hand. “I can’t be sorry though. You don’t realize how scared I am for you. We’ve been friends for five years. I know you, Gina. I know when something isn’t right.”

“Things are… complicated.” I didn’t know how else to explain it.

She nodded in understanding. “I kind of figured. I know I can be bossy and pushy, but it’s because I care so much.”

“And I love you for it. No one’s heart is bigger than yours. But sometimes you push too much.”

I could tell she was truly thinking about what I was saying, which only proved what a great friend Bridget was.

“I can’t make any promises I know I won’t keep, but I’ll do my best to back off.”

I knew she’d try, and I’m glad we were able to settle things.

“That’s all I can ask.”

“The girls were asking about you earlier,” she said, changing the subject. “Why don’t you come hang out with us for a bit? I noticed you’re wearing pink tonight.”

Bridget gestured to the rubber bracelet on my wrist. One that had been missing lately.

“It seemed like a good idea earlier.”

I wasn’t sure what compelled me to wear it. I hadn’t felt like finding a play partner the last couple weeks, and it was becoming problematic, since submission was how I rid myself of all the toxic emotions building up. Which meant shit had continued brewing inside my head.

“I’m glad. C’mon, let’s go mingle.”

I let Bridget pull me up from the couch, and we joined a small circle of other subs standing around chatting. Before long, my skin prickled with unease, and I rubbed my fingertips along the side seam of my leather skirt. I started sweating and losing focus on what was being said around me, until a deep, masculine voice rattled in my ear.

“Hello, ladies. You’re all looking beautiful tonight.”

Everyone’s head turned to find one of Eden’s owners, Donovan Jeffries, standing there with a bright and charming smiling. I noticed it hadn’t traveled up to his eyes. They were dull and lacking a true sparkle.

“Thank you, Sir.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Bridget’s lips tighten as she narrowed her eyes. What had he done to piss her off?

I jerked slightly when his gaze met mine, and he spoke directly to me with an elbow offered for an escort. “Gina, may I have a word?”

My gaze lowered to the floor to hide my trepidation, but I slid my hand through the crook of his elbow and hoped he didn’t feel me trembling. Donovan and I had never scened together. Which made his approach that much more puzzling. He assisted me onto a stool when we reached the bar.

“What can I get for you?” The bartender asked.

“I’ll have my usual, and a white wine for the beautiful submissive here,” Donovan ordered for both of us.

I was glad he spoke, because I was having difficulty finding words. Joe nodded before leaving to fill our order. I admired Donovan’s body when he leaned against the bar and gazed down at me. He gestured toward my bracelet.

“You’re wearing pink tonight, and I just happen to be looking for someone to play with. You’re also not wearing a collar. So, is it safe to assume you are free to play with anyone?”

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