Page 81 of Masters of Pleasure
“Come in,” Olivia said again, gesturing impatiently.Nick had already moved into the space between the two chairs in front of Olivia’s desk.His brother occupied one of them, which meant he was leaving the other one open for her.
Avery only hesitated for a moment before coming in and closing the door behind her.Before moving to take her seat, she let out all the air in her lungs, which felt great—she wasn’t used to wearing a corset.As she did so, Luke gave her an encouraging smile that she returned.
It was funny how the two brothers could look so alike yet be so different.They both had the same darkly handsome good looks, and no one could mistake them for anything but brothers.They also had a similar air of confidence, but Nick’s was far more hard-edged.Luke also looked way more relaxed and had a soothing demeanor, whereas Nick was always wound tight as a wire.Where Luke was a placid pool of calm, Nick was quivering with barely contained energy.
Yet something about Nick had always called to her, while she’d never been attracted to Luke, even though she thought he was very attractive.
Sitting down gingerly in the seat, she was very aware of Nick looming behind her.He probably had a fantastic view straight down to her boobs.She totally did not sit up straighter and take a nice deep breath when she realized that… at least, not on purpose.
Taking her own seat, Olivia looked across her desk at them, folding her hands in front of her.
“So… Nick, I take it your sudden interest in the Dominant’s class is because you found out Avery is a submissive?”
Trust Olivia to stab right into the heart of the matter.Avery’s cheeks flushed hot red.
“I’m not sure I’m really still submissive.That’s part of why I—” Avery’s teeth snapped shut with a click when Olivia transferred her steely gaze to meet Avery’s.Oops.Avery’s head dropped, and she studied her hands without even thinking about it.
“You’re submissive, sweetheart,” Olivia said gently.“That doesn’t go away, even if you haven’t been in a club or had someone to be kinky with for a while.It’s possible to deny or ignore parts of ourselves, but that doesn’t mean that part is actually gone.I’d hazard part of the reason you questioned whether you really are is you wanted to see where things could go with Nick, and you knew he’s not kinky.”
Avery bit her tongue.She’d heard Olivia was observant enough to seem psychic, but she’d never had it turned on her.She almost sagged with relief when Olivia returned her attention to Nick.
“Nick?”Olivia prompted him.
“Yes.”Short, simple, succinct, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.Yes, of course, his interest in taking the class had to do with his employee, who he wasn’t actually dating.
Avery buried her face in her hands.
“Is there a problem with that?”he asked, sounding confused.
Dropping her hands, Avery twisted in her seat, as much as her corset would allow, to look up at him with exasperation.She pretended not to notice when his eyes dropped to her boobs before returning to her face.
“Is there?We’re not… I mean, we’ve flirted.We’ve kissed.Youjustasked me on a first date less than five minutes ago, and I haven’t even said yes… yet.Don’t you think you’re moving a little fast?”
“When I know what I want, I get it.”He shrugged his shoulder.“I want you.”
Now she was breathless for an entirely different reason.His unswerving confidence was part of what she found so hot, even when it was infuriating.
“Well, this should be fun,” Luke muttered, but when Avery looked at him, he winked.He actually looked as if he was having fun watching her and his brother face off.
“I think the best thing we can do right now is give the two of you some space to talk.Then, Nick, you need to read over this, fill it out, and sign it.”Olivia picked up a small folder on her desk and handed it to Nick, who stepped forward to take it, his brow furrowed.
“Have you been holding onto this just in case I finally decided to take the class?”
The look she gave him was withering.It wasn’t even directed at Avery, and she still felt like shrinking into her seat.Nick was made of stronger stuff, though he took a step back and looked a little abashed.
“No, honey, I have a stack of them here because the next class starts on Monday, and I’ve been getting together the materials for the students.”Olivia shook her head.“Though I’m sure it’s tempting to believe the world revolves around you.”
“Can’t prove that it doesn’t,” Nick said with a wink.“You might have not known I was signing up today, but the universe was prepared for me.”
Olivia’s lips twitched, and she almost smiled.Had to admire Nick’s balls.
“He’s insufferable,” Luke said, shaking his head.He caught Avery’s eye again.“Are you sure you want him?You can do better.There’s a bunch of Doms at Stronghold who already know what they’re doing.”
Avery laughed, more at the expression on Nick’s face than at Luke’s joke—his big brother clearly knew how to get under his skin.
“Let’s give them a few minutes,” Olivia said, interrupting what was sure to be an outburst by Nick.Getting to her feet, she shot Luke a stern look and crooked her finger.He stood, grinning cheekily, not at all put-off.Luke murmured something in her ear as they went to the door, which made her chuckle.
The door closed behind them, leaving her dressed in fet gear next to her boss and crush.
