Chapter 30
CHAPTER 30
NORTH CAROLINA
A dria was tense. In the dim light of Club Shale, things were not going to plan. Not even close. In fact, on a scale of one to fucked, she had all three holes filled.
Red lights behind leather panels lined the walls. The familiar sights were filled with unfamiliar faces. It wasn’t home, it was hell. She moved from room to room, surveying the damage.
Everywhere she looked, submissives were obediently following their Masters. All except three.
Hers.
In the implement play area, she passed a vinyl-wrapped slave dutifully following his or her owner. Their face was covered by a gimp mask with silvery spikes. Across the room, a pair of females stood statue still while a Dominatrix ran a feather along their middles.
In the adjacent room, the walls were adorned with an intricate black lattice, casting dramatic, shifting shadows across the polished floor. The grand chandelier overhead twinkled, its soft, ambient glow spilling over the scene like something out of a dream .
The hum of gentle conversation filled the space, polite and controlled.
But all eyes were on him.
Kaydon sat firmly in the center of the commotion.
Leash taut—his so-called Master at the other end, trying, and failing, to assert control.
Ally tried again.
A tug.
A whispered command.
Nothing.
Kaydon remained unmoved, rooted in place.
A silent challenge.
A game he had already won.
Finally, Ally let out a frustrated sigh, shaking her head, the leash slipping from her grasp, and falling limply to the floor.
“I’m sorry, Adria,” Ally said, moving past without looking back. “He isn’t for me.”
Adria could feel the weight of the room’s eyes on her.
She had handpicked Ally for Kaydon, thinking they would be a good match.
A lot of good that did.
Adria’s jaw tightened as she moved to his side, gripping the fallen leash. She leaned in, voice low. “I thought we had a deal.”
The deal.
The one where they played nice, behaved, followed the rules, and in return, she would let them choose their buyer.
A privilege —if true —was one they shouldn’t be throwing away.
Kaydon sat cross-legged, the picture of defiance, a lazy grin spreading across his face.
“Deal?” he mused, tilting his head. “I’m sorry, deals in our world involve a ring. ”
He didn’t mean a wedding ring. Kaydon was referring to the family rings.
A promise sealed in blood and legacy. These oaths among the Nine were binding.
A ring promise wasn’t given lightly. Or broken without consequence.
A flicker of something sharp lanced through Adria’s chest. Not anger, but something closer to hurt. She had trusted them to hold up their end. She should have known better.
They had changed their minds.
Now she just had to figure out why.
Because whatever the reason, in the Triune’s eyes, this was her failure.
Not wishing to make a scene, she exhaled through her nose. If he wanted to act like an insolent child, she would treat him like one. Adria let the leash slip from her fingers, ignoring him entirely.
Let him sit there.
Let them all watch.
She turned on her heels, moving to put eyes on Seth.
Loretta found her in the halls. “It’s going wonderfully, darling.”
“It’s shit,” Adria said to her.
“I wouldn’t say shit.”
As soon as she said that, the two of them watched, horrified as Seth walked past them.
WALKED.
“And where do you think you’re going?” Adria said.
Seth shrugged. “Wherever I want to.”
Adria noted he didn’t meet her eyes.
It was Loretta who responded; moving her cane up, she hit it hard on the wall in front of him. “Watch yourself, little one, you are playing with things way outside your purview. ”
Seth pushed the cane out of his way. “I’ll judge that for myself, grandma.”
His back to them, Adria pressed her hand to her mouth, trying like hell to stifle the laugh that threatened to bubble out as he disappeared down the hall.
Loretta stood frozen.
Adria said, “I think that’s the first time I’ve seen you speechless.”
Loretta frowned. “I think that’s the first time anyone has dared call me grandma.”
Adria looked at her. “If I live through the night, I’ll kill him for you.”
“Make it a slow, painful one, will you?”
“Of course.”
Adria enjoyed the moment of levity, before continuing her rounds. She was keeping her eyes out for Bryson, having no doubts that he was the ringleader in this little escapade.
Her phone vibrated.
X: Have you met with Teo?
Adria tried not to be annoyed with the constant micro managements.
We meet in ten minutes.
X: Look for the skimmer hat. Let me know when it’s done .
Adria, not needing any further distractions, put her phone away. Scanning the large social room, she spotted Cole kneeling at the feet of Mistress Eve. He looked comfortable and confident.
People thought submissives needed to be shy wallflowers with no backbone. But it was the opposite. They could light up a room like anyone else, sometimes more. They didn’t need bravado or falsities, they just needed to be their authentic selves.
Moving towards him, she spotted a skimmer hat. Adria noted that Teo wore a tweed suit with a matching tie. It was an interesting choice for an event like this. She made eye contact, and he nodded. The two of them had agreed to meet, in approximately ten minutes, in her private room on the fifth floor.
“Eve, how are things?” she said, embracing the gorgeous woman in front of her, kissing her on each cheek.
Adria could feel Cole’s eyes on her. She fought to keep her gaze on Eve.
“I could not be happier, Adria. Best decision of my life,” Eve responded, turning her attention to Cole.
Cole stared at the floor, although Adria could tell by his fidgeting that he wanted to look anywhere but.
“Pet, say hi to your former Mistress,” Eve said, giving Cole’s leash a minor tug.
Cole looked up immediately. His captivating hazel eyes holding her. It felt like a lifetime ago that he had looked at her. Adria didn’t think she would miss it. The revery, the trust, but from the pain in her gut it was clear she did.
“Cole, I am delighted to see you again,” Adria said, smiling .
A subtle blush settled on his cheeks, and his shoulder nuzzled into his Mistress’s leg.
“How—how are you?” Cole asked, his face changing to concern.
“I’m good, Cole,” she said quickly.
He shot her with a look that said he didn’t believe her, and after the state of today’s preview how could she blame him.
“I will be fine,” she amended.
Eve said, “They can’t all be winners like you, pet.”
Adria felt an odd urge to defend the boys that she promptly shook off. Why should she care what Eve thought of them?
She glanced at the time. She needed to meet Teo.
“If you’d excuse me,” Adria said, saying her goodbyes.
Moving further into the room, she was stopped by Alessandro and Helen Cambell. Helen was the leader of the Red Scorpions and the third member of the Triune.
Adria gave the pair a low courtesy. “Miss Cambell, I’m honored you came. I apologize to you, and Master Grasso, for the poor showing this evening.”
Helen, put a soft hand on her arm and squeezed. “Dear, it’s still early. We understand these things take time, don’t we, Alessandro?”
Adria watched as bemusement and perhaps annoyance flashed across Alessandro’s face, before he responded. “Of course, Adria, we know you are doing your best,” he said, smiling, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
Adria’s stomach clenched as she considered the consequences for displeasing Alessandro. She only hoped that the good will he had shown her in the past would hold.
She spoke with them for a little longer, not wanting to seem in a hurry.
Which she was .
When she finally was able to take her leave without drawing suspicion, she got as far as the kitchen before a voice stopped her.
“Leaving already. When things are going so well.” Jonathan’s smooth voice twisted her insides.
Her nails bit into her palms, fists clenching at her sides, but when she turned, her expression was smooth. Unbothered. “You were the one who insisted I hold this.”
Her voice was even, though her pulse hammered beneath the surface. “I told you it was too early.”
Jonathan stepped closer.
Every nerve in her body screamed to step back, to move, to put distance between them, but she held her ground.
When approached by a predator, never show fear. They fed on it. Thrived on it.
“It wasn’t my doing, love.” His tone was mocking.
His body angling toward hers like a shadow stretching in the dark.
“It was the Triune’s.” He smiled. “And I thought you were the best.”
She straightened, refusing to let him see the way his presence coiled around her like a noose.
“I am the best.” Her voice was steady. “But as you’re well aware?—”
She lifted her chin.
“This is a unique situation.”
Jonathan reached up, a single, thin finger tracing along her jaw. Her heart pounded against her ribs, his touch skating over her skin like a knife drawn too close.
“They’re just boys, Dri.”
Soft. Persuasive.
“Children, really.”
His finger dragged down to her chin.
“A mind like yours should have no issue manipulating them. ”
His grip tightened, forcing her gaze up to meet his. His eyes were cold. Menacing.
“I wonder…” he mused, tilting his head.
His grip staying firm, a dark smirk playing at his lips. “If something is holding you back?”
A shiver ran down her spine.
Her voice catching in her throat, and she shook her head.
He released her, tapping a single finger against his chin, feigning thoughtfulness.
“I might have a way to help with this little Triune situation.”
A pause.
“I have a guy who might be interested.”
Her body stiffened.
Jonathan’s hand moved fast, snaking around her waist, yanking her in hard. Adria sucked in a breath. Her body bowed against his. Not because she wanted to. But because she was frozen.
She hated that she still responded to him.
Hated that, after all these years, her body had not forgotten the way his presence had once owned her.
“I could arrange a meeting between you two.”
His lips hovered just above hers.
“The deal could be made quietly. No show. No auction. And most importantly?—”
He breathed her in.
“No Triune ire.”
Her fingers dug into the counter behind her.
“These things take time,” she said, forcing the words out. Her voice was like glass under pressure.
Jonathan’s lips barely brushed the corner of her mouth. “You’re playing a dangerous game, love.”
His breath was hot on her neck. “If they’re not ready—” His arm tightened. “I could ensure your safety.”
Liar .
“Just sell them to my man.”
His tone turned coaxing, seductive in the way only monsters could manage.
“A quick sale, and the Triune will forget all about you.”
Alarm bells rang in her head. Jonathan never helped unless he had something to gain.
A flicker of movement and footsteps rounded the corner.
Jonathan’s grip didn’t loosen, didn’t even flinch. Instead, he smiled. A slow, serpentine thing that sent ice dripping down her spine. “Speak of the devil.”
His voice was thick with amusement.
“One of your disobedient charges, I presume?”
Her stomach twisted.
Jonathan leaned in, and for one, terrifying second, she thought he might kiss her.
But at the last moment, he turned his head, brushing his cheek against hers instead.
“Get this one in line…”
His fingers pressing into her hip.
“Or I will.”
Then, just like that—he released her. Vanishing from the room without so much as a glance back. The absence of his touch felt like whiplash.
Her breath came sharp, and she gripped the counter, willing herself steady.
“I’m sorry. Did I interrupt something?” Bryson’s smug voice came from behind her.
Adria ran her hands along her skirt, smoothing it down. Ridiculously, she felt embarrassed.
Bryson had orchestrated this entire thing. He was the one who should be embarrassed.
“I didn’t believe it at first,” Bryson said, approaching her. “I mean, I assumed since you weren’t fucking us that you were fucking someone?— ”
Her hand cracked against his face.
Pain flashed in her palm, and she watched, stunned, as a red mark appeared on Bryson’s left cheek.
He rubbed the budding flush. “Sensitive about it, huh?”
She glanced at her watch. She needed to go.
Pinching the bridge of her nose, she said, “Go back to the preview, Bryson. You’ve done enough damage already.”
He started to move but then stopped. “You know after all that self-righteous bullshit about my father, and you’re sleeping with Jonathan?”
Her anger flared, and her vision bent. He was the most infuriating, self-entitled little shit. He was going to get her killed, and he was judging her?
Just like in the black room, he moved away from her as she advanced. He retreated, step by step, until he was pressed against the cabinets. His eyes darting around her face.
He was always trying to figure her out.
Her knee came up quickly, catching him off guard, and Bryson doubled over, coughing. She felt a small shred of satisfaction.
“You are a child,” she said, her voice cold and condescending. “And if you are not careful, you are going to get us all killed,” she spat. “Now get your shit together and take your place at the guests’ feet.”
She turned, not feeling the least bit guilty.
Teo waited for her on the fifth floor. Adria’s room was behind a set of large ornate black-paneled doors.
“I am sorry, Teo, I hope you were not waiting long.”
He removed his skimmer hat and tilted his head .
“Not very long at all.”
Club Shale had exclusive rooms for their higher-paying clients. Unlocking the door, Adria welcomed him inside. Teo moved and, with pointed steps, took in the space.
Adria’s room was bathed in a purple light. The expansive open room was accented with modern details and furnished for play and function. A large movable panel was pulled across the floor, obscuring the bed from view.
“You have impeccable taste,” he said, stopping in front of a painting depicting Dante’s fourth circle of hell. Shadowy figures pushed large boulders up a never-ending hill. The blind eyes of Plutus watching them from on high.
What was Bryson doing in the kitchen?
Why was he trying so hard to ruin the preview?
Adria hated that he was occupying so much of her mind.
“I’m sorry for my charges’ behavior. I can assure you they will be better trained on auction day.”
She inwardly winced at the lie. The fact was, she was becoming less and less sure she was having any influence over them at all.
A half step forward, and four steps back.
Teo said, “That is not a concern to me. In fact, their current position might be amusing to my buyer, as he likes breaking them himself.”
“You are not the buyer?” she asked.
He moved to the next piece of art.
His gaze lingering to the painting on the right. The image showed a large descending angel in a monochromatic sky, contrasted by a crimson demon stretching its fingers through the dark night. A battle raged below.
“Let me guess, Dante’s fourth?” he said, pointing to the first image .
She nodded. “Very good.”
“I am not familiar with this one,” he said, nodding towards the image of the angel.
“It’s called Eclipsed Decent,” Adria said, staring at the image. Neither being seemed to have a gender. The angel, wings spread wide, tumbled towards the earth.
“A fall from grace?” Teo asked.
Adria pressed her lips together, thinking.
“I believe the artist is showing us the nature of duality. Look closely, the angel isn’t falling alone but accompanied by something darker. But neither is the demon dragging her down, nor is she pulling him up. They fall together, not as opposites but as equals, bound in their fate.”
Teo said, “My buyer is very interested in these boys, all three of them.”
She turned, trying to discern his motives. “Why?”
He reached into his pocket. “I have been instructed to give you this.”
Dear Miss Federov,
I understand that the circumstances leading up to my interest in your charges might come as unusual. I can only attempt to assuage your concerns by saying that I am honorable and my word can be trusted.
While I cannot say why I would like to purchase the Winters boy, I can say that my intentions are not nefarious in nature, and he will be well cared for.
I know he has two more companions up for auction. I'm willing to bid on them, too, if it will help him be more amicable.
Please accept this as a binding word. Perhaps on their return we will be able to meet in person, and I will be able to explain fully. I hope that your relationship with X will assist you in understanding why I need to maintain my anonymity .
In exchange for this deal, Teo has promised to block the Brazilian property from gaining airway or sea access.
I look forward to doing business with you.
Y
Adria read the note a second time. She wasn’t sure what she had been expecting, but it certainly wasn’t this.
“The buyer also asked me to give this to you.”
Teo handed her a blank check.
“Per the buyer, this is for the unusual nature of this deal and a show of good faith. They trust you will pick an appropriate amount, given the terms.”
Adria didn’t know what to say. X’s ventures and suggestions had never steered her wrong, but something about the buyer’s enthusiasm gave her unease.
She wanted to ask further questions, but as she was reaching for the check her hand stopped short.
Screams .
Screaming was echoing down the outer hallway.
Kaydon’s screams.
“I’m sorry, I have to go,” she said, already moving towards the door. “Tell your buyer I need some time.”
She left Teo looking disappointed and confused.