Page 8 of Mistress Mayhem

As does the makeup that covers half my face. Black and white paint gives me a ghoulish, skeletal look that is an homage to the times before the Last War when people dressed up for Halloween—which is what Mayhem was previously known as. I know that many of my guests will be wearing masks tonight, but not me. Though, I guess the face paint is a kind of mask in itself, isn’t it?

Overall, the look is striking. I look beautiful with just a hint of danger, which is perfect for tonight.

When my phone rings out, I smile.

It’s showtime.

Chapter Five

Sage

Thealarmblaresfrommy phone and throughout the speakers in the house, altering all of us that Mayhem has officially begun.

Shutters slam down over the windows and the doors, locking us inside. After all, one can’t have a Mayhem party without the best of security. It wouldn’t do for my guests to be scared while attending my soiree, would it?

I laugh at that, stepping out of the room and moving toward the stairs. Now that Mayhem has begun, it’s time to make my grand entrance and introduce myself to the nosey vultures who have shown up today. And, of course, assure them of their safety from outside threats—just not inside threats.

Not that I’m a threat to all of my guests. No, I’m only a threat to the four men who irrevocably changed the course of my life.

Cary, Howard, William, and Lawrence.

I repeat their names over and over inside my head as I make my way down the stairs.

It’s become a calming mantra to me—repeating their names over and over again. One would think it would have the opposite effect, but what can I say? Obviously, my brain isn’t wired the same as everyone else’s. And that’s just how I like it.

I’m almost giddy with excitement as I come to a stop at the bottom of the stairs. I close my eyes and take a calming breath. I can’t let any of the guests see this side of me, or they’ll all go running for the hills. Not that there’s anywhere for them to run. After all, we’re all locked in until Mayhem ends at sunrise.

Even so, it’s probably best not to scare the sheep.

“Mistress.”

I blink my eyes open to find Leo standing in front of me. He bows his head for a moment before grinning up at me.

It might seem a little odd that he calls me Mistress—and no, I’m not his Domme—but my employees decided to shorten my Mayhem persona to Mistress. I’ve told them again and again that they can call me Sage, but they seem to enjoy calling me Mistress. If it makes them happy, who am I to take that away from them?

“I assume you saw that they’re all here?”

I nod, a smile gracing my lips. “I did. Thank you, Leo, for making sure they all arrived safe and sound. I take it there were no issues?”

“None on our end. Everyone is where they should be, awaiting your orders. We’re all looking forward to tonight.”

I laugh at that, reaching forward to tap my hand against his cheek. “Of course you are. My little band of psychos.”

“You love us,” he says with a grin, and I nod because he’s right. I do love them, and there’s no way I could pull off what I have planned tonight without them.

“Of course I do. I’m also looking forward to tonight.”

Leo bows his head again. “You’ll let me know if you need my services for anything more than the usual, won’t you?”

I have to fight to keep my smile in place at that. I slept with him once, and he’s been a bit clingy ever since. That’s what happens when you sleep with psychos. You wouldn’t think they’d become attached, but I think it might be because I’m a little psychotic myself. Unfortunately for Leo, it was only a one-time thing. Not because I have anything against him. He’s an attractive guy and a tremendous lover, but my heart belongs to three men I’ll never see again.

A little sad? Yeah, but it is what it is.

I long ago realized that I’d be alone for the rest of my life. My heart doesn’t want anyone besides the three of them—even if my body disagrees. Which is why I only do one-night stands.

“While I appreciate the sentiment, Leo, you know that was a one and done. Please don’t make me have to remind you again, or I’ll have to send you packing.”

He looks like he wants to argue, his smile long gone, but he eventually nods. “Of course, Mistress. I apologize for overstepping.”

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