She sighed. “Actually, I did. From what I can tell, we’re gonna have a packed house here tonight. Well, maybe not completely packed but more so than normal. I wanted to see if you needed anything. I’ve got eight submissives lined up to volunteer tonight and six Masters who have agreed to alternate monitoring the dungeon and the playrooms.”
“I’m sure that’ll be fine.”
“I don’t know about that,” she said, drawing out the words. “Rumor is, you’ve got Zeke coming tonight. From what I’ve garnered, he’s gonna have a line of submissives hoping to play with him.”
“He can handle himself,” I assured her.
“If you say so.”
“I do. And Ransom Bishop’s coming. I’m sure they can divvy up the submissives between them.”
“I just wanted you to know. Is there anything specific you need for tonight? Do you want me to have someone set up a scene for you? I know you’ve got two submissives coming.”
“Once I know, I’ll let you know.” Truth was, I hadn’t yet figured out what my plan was with them. Ever since I crawled out of bed with two warm bodies next to me, my head hadn’t stopped spinning.
I wasn’t sure which way was up anymore and I didn’t fucking like it. I was supposed to be in control. Of myself, of my surroundings, of the subs I played with. Yet every time I was with Clarissa and Troy, I found that hard-won control slipping.
“Well, I’m meeting Dylan for lunch. If you think of anything, just shoot me a note. I’ll make sure it’s handled before tonight.”
I nodded, grateful when she turned and left the room.
Unfortunately, the peace and quiet didn’t last long.
A knock sounded as someone stepped into the room. I looked up to see Ransom standing there, staring at me.
“Need something, Bishop?”
“Nah. Just lettin’ you know your boy’s upstairs. He insisted on coming.”
“Thanks.”
“I’ll be in the lounge if you need me,” Ransom informed me.
Taking a deep breath, I figured it was time to face the music.
*
Another twenty minutes had passed before I forced my ass up out of the chair and headed toward the stairs. When I stepped into my apartment, I found Troy sitting on the couch. His eyes lifted to mine, but he didn’t move, didn’t ask if I needed anything.
“I’m gonna take a shower,” I informed him as I passed through the room.
He didn’t say anything in response, but I didn’t expect him to. I needed to be the bigger man. After all, I was the one who had fucked up. Losing control wasn’t an option for me.
Needing some extra time to compose my thoughts, I followed through with the shower, taking my time, wishing Troy would join me but knowing he wouldn’t. When I returned to the living room half an hour later, he was still in the same place.
His eyes widened when I stepped in front of him, so at least he acknowledged something. Considering I hadn’t put on a stitch of clothing, I figured my nakedness was what drew his attention.
I dropped onto the couch beside him. “You have a problem, boy?”
“I … uh … well, actually…” His eyes turned toward the door. “Can I talk to you as your assistant right now?”
My assistant? I was fucking naked and he wanted to talk business? What the fuck?
“Boss,” he said. “I talked to Clarissa a little while ago.”
That got my attention and I peered over at him.
“She … uh… I asked if she was coming tonight and she tried to back out.”
“What? Why?”
His gaze swung to mine and he frowned. “Seriously?”
“Seriously what?” I had no idea what direction this was going.
“She woke up this morning to find you gone. I—” He looked away. “I think that bothers her.”
“Well, I had shit to do.”
Troy sighed heavily. “Perhaps she needs a little more from you than just … I don’t know … sex.”
Anger burned in my gut. “What the hell are you talking about? She slept in my arms the entire night. If I only wanted sex, I would’ve sent her ass home.”
Troy looked back at me, this time his eyes softer. “I’m not trying to rile you up, boss. I just thought you should know. When I woke up, she was gone. I called her and I could tell she was upset.”
“I’ll call her later,” I told him. “Check in.” I wasn’t going to apologize for getting out of bed. It wasn’t my fault she had been asleep at the time. I wasn’t the type to sit around and do nothing when I had so much shit to take care of.
“I think that’ll help,” he replied.
“Anything else you’d like to assist me with?”
“No, Master.”
So, it appeared he was back to being my submissive. This I could work with.
“Good. Then I want you on your knees.”
He didn’t move as quickly as I was used to, but he followed my instructions, getting to his feet before coming to stand between my legs. He went to his knees, his eyes on my face.
