She inhaled slowly then nodded, though her pulse hadn’t slowed. “I guess I’ll get used to it.”
Alec squeezed her tighter. “I hope not. The thrill’s in the unpredictable.”
They emerged from the hall into Devil and Cari’s den, where club members stood shoulder to shoulder. The stage and spotlight were achingly familiar, but the chair where she’d first surrendered was gone. In its place stood Leland, a mic in hand, his voice booming.
“Our next lovely submissive is Amalie. What are you offering for charity tonight, darlin’?”
Amalie leaned in, voice sultry, lips parted in an audacious smile. “Me, of course.”
The crowd laughed.
“What are your limits?” Leland asked.
She tilted her head and smiled slow. “When have I ever had limits, Master Leland?”
He turned to the crowd. “There you have it, folks. For the right price, Amalie is yours for the evening.”
Emily gasped as realization hit. This was an auction.
“The bidding starts at 9:30,” Leland continued, removing all doubt. “A list of entrants, their prizes, and starting bids is available for preview. Check in with Mistress Betty at the table by the patio door.”
The crowd began to stir, some already drifting toward the preview table. Alec bent near, voice low. “This auction is different, Em. It’s for fun and entirely consensual. You’re safe here.”
“I’m just surprised, is all. But I’m a definite no for this one.”
Alec’s arm tightened around her. “I’d veto it if you tried.”
She leaned into him, her smile automatic. “I’m not breakable.”
“I know you’re not. You’re a helluva lot tougher than you look. Let’s get some air.”
Outside, the breeze cooled her flushed cheeks. They passed the buffet, and Emily’s steps faltered. Regina stood behind the catering table, sleeves rolled, hair pinned back. She looked thinner. Tired. Not the drill sergeant barking orders she remembered.
“Why is Regina here?” Emily whispered.
Alec followed her gaze to where her former boss plated hors d’oeuvres. “I should have warned you she’d be here. The team did a full investigation after the rescue. She cooperated fully, even opened her books. She was cleared but she’s on probation. Devil’s orders.”
Seeing Regina stirred bitterness. She didn’t want to feel anything, but memories surged anyway, unwelcome and sharp. She forced her gaze away. It snagged on another familiar face. In a garnet-red halter dress, Gaby stood alone sipping a sparkling water.
Before she could ask about her, Alec’s phone buzzed.
“Mateo’s going to lose his mind if I don’t relieve him.” He looked at her, the tiny crinkles beside his eyes more pronounced with his frown. “I hate to leave you on your own. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.”
“I’m a big girl, Daddy,” she teased. “I’ll be fine.”
He recoiled a bit. “Your smart ass is showing, Em, but I’ll take it as a good sign you’re back to your old self. Still…” He scanned the crowd. “I’ll find someone to keep you company.”
She laid her hand on his chest. “I’ll be okay for a few hours without you watching over me. Promise.”
“I’ll be in the security office,” he drawled. “Literally watching over you.”
“See!” she said, smiling. “I know a few of the subs. Deanna, Cari, one or two others. I’ll hang with them if I get lonely.”
“You’re sure?”
She pressed her hand to his cheek. “Yeah, Knight. I’m good.”
He hesitated then kissed her, with tongue and heat—nothing knightly about it. Before he left, he pressed something into her hand.
