Chapter 16 #2
I normally preferred full coverage, but these were less than half-cups.
They hefted my breasts up, my nipples on the verge of being revealed and the color definitely visible through the thin fabric as they cupped and squeezed me.
Already, I knew where this night was bound to lead with this outfit dragged off of me and Gaven’s cock thrusting inside me.
Just thinking about it made my insides clench.
The tiny triangle of lace that covered my pussy did positively nothing to ease my nerves.
“Wait!” Mare called out as I moved towards them and I paused, frowning, thinking I’d forgotten something. She gestured down to my heels. “You might want to ditch those, or you’re going to have a really uncomfortable night.”
I glanced down and then at the rest of their feet.
Katerina was the only one still in heels; Genevieve and Mare were both barefoot.
That seemed unsanitary. I grimaced, and Mare must have seen the disgust on my expression because she snickered lightly and shook her head as I lifted my gaze back to hers.
“Don’t worry,” she said, practically reading my mind. “The floors are clean. Ian would never let me walk around in my condition unless everything was pristine.”
“I agree with her,” Katerina said. “Most subs prefer to go heel-less, unless their Doms request otherwise. If Gaven didn’t specifically tell you to keep them on, I think it’s fair for you to take them off.”
Gaven hadn’t said anything about footwear. So, I quickly turned back and divested myself of the heels, setting them inside the locker before relocking it and joining the group at the entrance.
“Better?” Genevieve asked.
“Actually, yeah,” I said, wiggling my toes. “Much.”
She nodded and leaned into Katerina. “Kat prefers to keep them on, but she’s nice to me.”
Katerina smiled gently down at Genevieve who, without her own heels, was several inches shorter. “I’d rather see you bound in other ways, pet,” she said.
I turned my gaze away, feeling like I was peeking into something intimate.
Mare stepped up next to me. “Many subs go barefoot,” she said. “Doms seem to like the idea of their submissives being in as little as possible, but them being fully clothed—something about the power dynamic.”
"It also saves time of having to take them off during play," Katerina explained.
"Most who wear them either aren't comfortable being barefoot or wear them for their roles or kinks.
" It didn't take a genius to notice the smirk and heated gaze aimed toward Genevieve.
"If you have any questions or want to talk about the club and lifestyle more, or just to chat, feel free to ask.”
“That’s kind of you,” I said, doubtful that I’d ever actually get that opportunity. “Thanks.”
Katerina nodded and then waved. "Bye, Mare. Bye, Evangeline, it was wonderful to meet you,” she said as she and Genevieve disappeared from the locker room.
Mare glanced at me. “Are you ready?” she asked.
“That’s the second time you’ve asked me that,” I pointed out.
“Yeah, I suppose it is,” she agreed. “You lied the first time, though.”
I blinked and then met her gaze. Light brown irises flecked in gold swarmed with warmth and understanding. Perhaps it was because of her connection to me—the Perellis and the Prices—but I had a feeling she knew more about my situation with Gaven than she let on.
“It’s just the first time I’ve ever actually done this,” I said. “The nerves … you know how it is.” I silently prayed she wouldn’t press.
She looked over at me with a contemplative expression on her face. The silence between us was stifling, but I didn't try to break it, unsure of what was running through her mind.
"You and Gaven aren't the typical Dom and sub, are you?" she finally asked.
The question was blunt and it proved my theory.
Maybe I was losing my edge. I'd thought I’d mastered the lessons my friend had taught me.
Two years ago, Scarlett had done her best to teach me every trick she’d had when we’d met in Italy.
As one of the best thieves in the world, she understood the importance of masking one's emotions.
Now, though, I felt them overwhelming me, spilling out.
Ever since Gaven had swept me off the streets and kidnapped me, I'd found that hard-won control slipping more and more.
"Don't worry, it isn’t obvious. Not to anyone else, anyways," Mare explained when I didn’t immediately reply. "But I see a bit of myself in you, Angel.”
“Do you?” I didn’t know what to say to that.
“I do, and if you want my advice … mafia princess to mafia princess? Stop trying to escape it.” I stiffened at that, but she continued.
“We were both forced into a life we never wanted, but there’s really no point in running from it.
You are who you are, and I am who I am. When I stopped running …
when I turned around and finally fought back, I found it easier to live.
Gaven Belmonte's reputation precedes him, so if I'd have to guess he's a bit more … hands-on than my men were, but still … trust me. When you finally accept it, the rest comes naturally.”
There was a rawness to her words. Gently said, but still, they cut me deep and flayed me open, revealing things I’d rather have kept hidden. My fears. My anxiety. My anger.
Stop running?
Stop trying to get away?
I couldn’t do that … could I? It was as if all of my darkest secrets I'd tried to hold onto, to hide within the depths of my soul, had tumbled out for all to see … or at least for this woman to see.
“If you ever need help, I’m sure you have a friend or two—you don’t seem the type to go solo for long.
And even if you don’t, you can always ask for me.
I’d be happy to help you, Angel. There should be more of us in this world willing to lend a hand.
It’s lonely and dark enough as it is.” Before I could even respond, America stepped back and left the locker room with one final smile.
I wasn't sure how long I stood there, ruminating over what she said, but for the first time in what felt like forever, I didn't feel quite so alone.
I wondered if she was right. Could I reach out and ask for help?
Would that make a difference? I bit my lip.
I still hesitated about opening up to Gaven and telling him the truth. It would put him in unnecessary danger.
For now, though, I didn’t need to think about it. All I needed to do was walk out there and present myself to my Dom.
To Gaven … my Master.