Page 10 of Masters of Control

“Noelle.” The way he said her name, confirmed Q’s question and told him she was exactly who he’d thought.

“You guys let her application go through after what she did to Iris?” He was more than a little surprised. His understanding of the situation was that Iris had moved in with Law because Noelle had ended their lease agreement with their apartment building without even notifying her until after it was done. Sure, it had worked out between Law and Iris in the long run, but it had been a shitty thing to do.

Iris didn’t say much about her, but the overall impression Q had gotten from Iris’ other friends was not a positive one.

“We have to keep the personal and professional stuff separate. If she’s a submissive in need and she checks out in all the other ways, we have a responsibility to ensure she can explore in a safe environment. That means personal feelings have to be left at the door.” Law said the words like he was reciting them.

“Trust me, if I could keep people I don’t like off the membership list, everyone’s lives would be easier.” Olivia had followed Law downstairs and apparently, overheard what he’d said. The Dominatrix was a stately redhead who wore a lot of red, and tonight was no exception. She managed the whole of Marquis and was dressed for the part in a red pantsuit with some dangerously high stilettos. “Truckstop would be at the top of the list, but she’s like a bad rash, she just keeps coming back.”

Q choked back a cough. ‘Truckstop’ was Olivia’s name for her friend Jared’s ex. Jared’s fiancé, Leigh, was one of Q’s friends and he did remember there was a lot of drama around Jared and Leigh getting together since Marissa was also a member at Stronghold. She hung around with a small group of submissives, one of which was pretty nice and the other whom Q couldn’t stand.

“I get it. Just seems weird.” He shrugged.

“It’s super weird and super frustrating, but trust me, the second one of them steps out of line.” Olivia grinned and dragged her finger across her throat, her silvery eyes glowing with anticipation. “One day. Truckstop has already come close a few times, but the worst she got was probation.”

“If she causes Iris any trouble in the club, she’s gone,” Law said, though his expression was pained. “And she won’t have the opportunity to do so outside the club.”

“Is Iris okay with it?”

Law and Olivia exchanged a glance.

“Iris insisted on it.” Law sighed and rubbed his hand over his bald head with aggravation. “She doesn’t want to give Noelle more of a reason to resent her, even though they aren’t friends anymore, and insists that she should be given the same chance as everyone else who applies to the club.”

“I’ll help keep an eye on her.” The offer wasn’t entirely unselfish. He was a little concerned about the way Noelle was cozying up to Sam. All three of them watched as Noelle said goodbye, waving to Sam before walking away. Q quickly waved to Law and Olivia and headed over to regain his seat.

Sam smiled as he slid back onto the stool next to her, just as Shane appeared on the other side of the bar with Q’s beer. She already had hers.

“What did Noelle want?” he asked bluntly, though he tried to keep any hint of his feelings about the other sub out of his voice. Sam’s eyebrows rose, so he didn’t think he’d been entirely successful, but she still answered him.

“Just to say hi. She’s super friendly. We’re going to get together for drinks next week before the class.” There was a hint of challenge in her voice, though he wasn’t sure why. Might just be the way they used to spark off each other. He’d hoped they would be sparking off each other in a different way by now.

Definitely time to end the Noelle talk.

“That’s nice.” He might not entirely mean it, but he would be keeping an eye on things with her. Maybe Noelle deserved a chance to meet everyone without her past hanging over her head, but from what she’d said about losing her best friend over kink… it seemed a little revisionist. He didn’t want to piss Sam off, though. He’d learned a long time ago not to get between a girl and her friends.

“So, you were telling me your new office?”

With the change of subject, it didn’t take long for Sam to relax and for them to find an easy rhythm to their banter again. It was almost as if no time had passed between them, except he couldn’t quite say that because they had never been this congenial in high school. The night flew by and he walked her to her car because it was dark out and… well, because he didn’t want the evening to end.

It was way too soon for shit like that, yet here he was.

“So, um, thanks,” Sam said, fiddling with her keys. “I think it was good we talked this all out.”

“Me, too.” Q stared at her. The urge to lean forward and kiss her was growing stronger, but he didn’t know if that was the right thing to do. Didn’t know if she’d want him to. This was the first time since they’d re-met they hadn’t spent the encounter sniping at each other. “Um, thanks for talking with me.”

“You’re welcome.” Heat suddenly colored her cheeks. “I mean, you don’t need to thank me. I’m glad we did. It should make the whole class thing easier.”

“Yeah. Okay, well then, I guess I’ll see you next week in class.” He smiled, but deep down he knew he was trying to get her out of there because if he didn’t, there was a good chance he would go in for the kiss.

Which was a really bad idea. What if he did and she wasn’t into it? Or rejected him? Just because she was willing to top him in class didn’t mean she’d be interested in anything more than friendship outside of it.

Better not push his luck before class had even started. If she wasn’t into it, that would just make the entire course a shitshow of awkwardness.

“See you next week.” She stared at him for a moment longer before turning to open her car door, and the opportunity passed.

Q closed the door behind her, feeling the oddest mix of relief and disappointment.

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