I stepped outside, locked my door, and took a photo of their rental. It was a sleek black SUV. I sent it immediately to Shelly along with a quick text that we were leaving.
Lex opened the back door for me, but Majesty shook his head. “She should sit up front. More comfortable for conversation.”
“Front it is,” Lex agreed, opening the passenger door instead.
I slid into the seat, and Majesty climbed into the back, scooting to the driver’s side while Lex took the driver’s seat. The interior smelled like leather and something woodsy—cologne, maybe.
As Lex pulled away from the curb, Majesty leaned forward slightly. “Baker’s, right?”
“Yeah… it’s great,” I said, finding my voice. “The owner, Howard, is actually Shelly’s brother-in-law. You know her, right, Lex? The food’s really good—kind of Americanized everything but done well.”
“I do know Shelly really well actually. We’ve worked shifts and stuff at Club Illusions together. It’s amazing how much all the submissives respect her. That’s tough to do as a Dominant woman. Especially when she’s submissive to her husband. She’s so smart, too. She helped us set up our work network. Shelly’s definitely a friend you keep close.” He smiled at me. “I’m glad that you have her.”
“Me, too,” I admitted.
“The restaurant sounds perfect,” Majesty said, chiming in. “We’re not picky, but I looked at the menu on the way over and I can’t wait.”
I smiled in his direction, happy that I’d chosen it.
The drive was surprisingly comfortable. Lex played mellow jazz—something instrumental and soothing—while Majesty asked me easy questions about the neighborhood, how long I’d lived here, what I liked about the area. Nothing heavy. Nothing that felt like an interrogation.
When we pulled into Baker’s parking lot, I spotted Howard through the window and felt some of my nerves settle. Safe. This was safe.
Inside, Baker’s was busy for a Thursday night, the familiar buzz of conversation and clinking silverware filling the space.Howard caught my eye from behind the bar and gave me a knowing smile, then gestured toward the back corner. Lex waved at him and he returned the gesture, smiling at him warmly.
Of course Shelly had called ahead and told Howard. We were led to a secluded booth that still had visibility to the rest of the restaurant—private, but not isolated.
Lex was scanning the menu with focused intensity, dirty-blond hair tied back, strong jaw, serious expression. Majesty was leaning back in his seat, relaxed and observant, with an easy confidence in the way he held himself.
“Thank you for meeting us on such short notice,” Majesty said, with an easy smile. “We know this is probably a little overwhelming.”
“A little,” I admitted, grateful for the honesty.
“We wanted to get to know you before all the crazy kicks in,” Lex added. “This way we can establish some baseline communication. See if we’re all going to work well together. Answer any questions you have.”
“Makes sense.” I reached for the water glass already waiting at my place setting, needing something to do with my hands.
“So”—Majesty leaned forward, forearms on the table, completely at ease—“Shelly says you’re a personal stylist. That must be interesting work.”
I relaxed slightly at the familiar topic. “It is. I help people prepare for major events, shopping with them or for them, making sure they feel confident in what they’re wearing.”
“How’d you get into that?” Lex asked, genuine curiosity in his tone.
“I was interning as an errand girl, basically. The woman I worked for had a stylist cancel at the last minute, and I stepped in. Word spread after that.”
Majesty’s smile widened. “That’s one hell of an origin story. You saw an opportunity and took it.”
“I wouldn’t call it that impressive,” I said, feeling heat creep into my cheeks.
“I would,” Lex said, his eyes fixed on mine. “It tells us you’re adaptable. That you don’t freeze under pressure. That you’re willing to step into uncomfortable situations if it means helping someone.” He paused. “Those are good qualities for what we’re asking you to do at the Ranch.”
The weight of his attention made my skin prickle with awareness.
“Speaking of which,” Majesty cut in smoothly as if sensing I needed a moment to breathe, “have you looked over the class schedule we sent?”
“I did. It’s... comprehensive.”
Lex’s mouth quirked at the corner, not quite a smile, but close. “Diplomatic answer.”
