Page 44 of Masters of Control

Even though it was Monday, the bar at Marquis was a lot busier before class than it was when she’d hang out with Q after class. Busy enough, she was grateful Noelle and Morgan were keeping their voices low, even though they’d claimed a booth rather than seats at the bar.

Chances were, no one was listening, but she still didn’t want her private business spread around. She glanced at the wooden bar where Shane was serving drinks, not far away.

Especially now that she knew at least one of the sources of Marquis’ gossip train. She bet people let spill all kinds of things in front of Shane, which wasn’t his fault, and she didn’t blame him, but she’d made a mental note to be careful of what she said in front of the bartenders. All of them reported to Olivia, after all.

“Are you guys hanging out tonight after class?” Morgan asked.

“We didn’t say so, but since we have the past couple classes, I’m assuming that’s going to be the plan. We didn’t really say, though.”

“He’d better.” Noelle frowned. “That would be awful of him to take you out, have sex, then that’s it for Monday nights after class.”

An uncertain sick feeling wove its way through Sam’s stomach. Yeah, that would suck, but… she didn’t think Q would do that.

“I don’t think he’s the type,” Morgan said, shaking her head, which made Sam feel better. “He’s been totally hung up on Sam for months, even if he did nothing about it.” When Sam looked at her in surprise, Morgan smiled. “He’s always watching you.”

Morgan had said nothing about it, but then she probably wouldn’t, just in case she was wrong. Especially since Sam had told her about their high school days.

“Even if he did, it would be okay. He invited me to Friendsgiving at his friend’s house this upcoming weekend.” She toyed with her straw wrapper, twisting it round and round over itself. “And he told me he wants to see me again.”

“Oh, wow… Friendsgiving. That’s kind of serious, isn’t it? That’s great.” Noelle’s eyebrows had flown upwards at the news, but she was sincerely encouraging. She might be thinking exactly the same thing Sam had—was it too soon?

“Yeah, one of his good friends, Angel, is hosting, and she told him to invite me.” Sam let the crumpled straw wrapper fall to the table’s surface. “It is kinda quick, but I’m friendly with Angel and her group of friends, so it’s not like I’m a total stranger.”

“Shoot, we should get going,” Morgan said, glancing up at the clock on the wall above the bar.

Sam turned her head. They had about five minutes to get upstairs, but Morgan got stressed out if she was late and preferred to be a little early. Truthfully, Sam also preferred to be on time or early, but she didn’t sweat it the way Morgan did.

Since they’d already paid, there was nothing to do but finish their drinks—since they had class, they’d all had a single glass each—and head to the back of the restaurant. To the diners who weren’t in the know, they looked like a group of women headed to the bathroom together. Most of them wouldn’t notice when the women didn’t return.

A few minutes later, they were in the main room of Marquis. Q was already there, chatting with Law. He turned as she and the others walked in, and Sam raised her hand in greeting, trying not to feel too shy. She shouldn’t have worried.

The moment Q saw her, he grinned so wide, she automatically smiled back—and Law had to put his hand on Q’s shoulder to get his attention again. Talk about an ego boost.

Q

Class was interesting, but Sam’s presence was a constant distraction. Not that he minded. It was just hard to focus on what Law and Mistress Julie were saying when his gorgeous girl was by his side—especially when everyone went to the spanking benches for a demonstration of what it would be like. Q had already done this part in the Dom class, but he wasn’t surprised when he liked it a hell of a lot more when Sam did it than he had when it had been Olivia.

Olivia was an attractive woman, but she was also kind of scary, even though she’d softened some since Luke came into her life.

His mind wasn’t really on the class or the spanking, which was more educational than erotic, especially with everyone else in class around them. He was thinking about Sam and whether he should invite her over after this or try to get a date for later in the week. He didn’t want her to think he was expecting constant sex from her.

Though, of course, he also wouldn’t turn it down if she wanted to.

Finally, class was over, and Sam helped him off the bench. Like last week, she was wearing an outfit that was sexy as hell, but not so obviously kink she couldn’t wear it downstairs to the bar.

Keeping hold of her hand, he spoke before she could suggest going downstairs.

“Want to come over to my place tonight? Or we can go downstairs. Whatever you’re more comfortable with.” He tried not to sound too needy.

One of his exes had once told him he had a confusing mix of ‘Golden retriever energy’ and ‘Doberman energy.’ Right now, he was feeling that golden retriever energy and trying really hard not to be overeager. All he needed was for Sam to make the same comparison, then ask if he wanted to try out the puppy playroom.

Not his kink.

“Your place sounds great.” She smiled almost shyly as he threaded his fingers through hers. “I already had dinner here with Morgan and Noelle, so I wouldn’t mind going somewhere else.”

“Great.” He grinned back at her, trying not to overthink whether she was saying yes because she actually wanted to go to his place or because she wanted to get out of Marquis.

They were turning to go when Noelle suddenly came hurrying up to them, her eyes alight with enthusiasm. Having heard Rae and the others’ opinion of her and how she’d treated Iris, he had to hide his reaction to her, which was wary dislike. It might not be fair since he didn’t really know her, but unless she’d changed in a very short amount of time, how she’d treated Iris was completely relevant. Not only that, but considering the way she’d talked about Iris, he didn’t see any signs of remorse from her at all. Not exactly encouraging.