Page 52 of Her Courage

Ashlei leaned forward, her expression turning serious. "Lottie, The Sandbox is amazing. I've never been inside—like I said, not a Little—but everyone talks about it. It's supposed to be the gold standard for Littles and their caregivers. Safe, supportive, beautiful spaces."

"Really?" Hope fluttered in my chest.

"Really." She squeezed my hand. "And your guys? They're respected members of the community. Known for being ethical, responsible Doms who treat their partners with respect."

The knot in my stomach loosened further.

"I've been so nervous," I admitted. "I've never been to a club before. I'm still new to all of this. What if I embarrass them? What if I don't know the right protocol or⁠—"

"Stop." Ashlei's tone was firm. "First of all, there's no 'right' way to be a Little. You're you, and that's exactly who they want. Second, The Sandbox is specifically designed for people in your dynamic. It's not some hardcore dungeon where you'll be judged for not knowing the exact formality of address for a Dominant third-cousin twice removed."

I snorted, and she grinned.

"It's a safe space, Lottie. A place where you can be yourself—your whole self—without judgment. Where you can meet others who understand what you need and why you need it."

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. "That sounds..."

"Perfect?" she supplied.

I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.

"It is." She rose from her chair, circling the desk to pull me into a tight hug. "And you're going to love it. Just like they love you."

I hugged her back fiercely, overwhelmed by the unexpected connection. When she pulled away, I wiped at my eyes.

"Thank you," I whispered. "For understanding. For not judging."

"Are you kidding? This is the best news ever!" She bounced on her toes. "Now I have someone to talk shop with besides Jace. Speaking of—" She glanced at her watch and winced. "I'm supposed to meet him for dinner in twenty minutes. I need to go."

"Of course, go!" I waved her toward the door. "I should be heading out too."

She paused at the doorway, turning back with a mischievous smile. "If you want, I can tell you all about the club before Friday. The dress code, the protocols—not that you'll need to worry much with three Daddies escorting you, but still. Knowledge is power, right?"

"I'd like that," I said, surprising myself with how much I meant it.

"Tomorrow lunch, then. My treat." She winked. "And Lottie? You're going to be amazing. Just be yourself."

With that, she was gone, leaving me alone in my office with a head spinning from our conversation and a heart considerably lighter than it had been all week.

I reached for my phone, a giddy smile spreading across my face as I texted our group chat.

Me: Guess who just found out her assistant is a lifestyle veteran who goes to Scarlet Rose regularly?

The response was immediate, three dots appearing from all three men at once. I laughed, imagining their faces as they processed this development.

For the first time since Andrei announced our Friday plans, excitement outweighed my anxiety.

I wasn't alone in this. I had my three Daddies, of course—but now I had a friend who understood too.

Friday couldn't come fast enough.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

ANDREI

Isnorted and shook my head as I read Lottie's text, my lips curving into an amused smile. Of course she was surprised. Our little girl was so innocent sometimes.

Me: I already knew, kroshka. Almost everyone at WAM is in the lifestyle. We cultivate a safe workspace.