5. Tristan
CHAPTER 5
TRISTAN
D ominik and Aaron are waiting for me to pick out my mask. As if this is some sort of monumental decision, but considering how seriously they’re taking it, perhaps I should give it some thought too. Is that why I’m standing here, looking over all the options? Hiding my face has never really been a huge concern for me, especially not at my own playhouse. Besides, I’ve never been much into mask play. But who knows? Tonight could be the night the demon inside me comes out to play.
He’s always there, lurking in the background. Hardly amused.
That’s what happens when you become desensitized and have a complicated relationship with sex.
It's no surprise the hockey player chose the classic goalie mask, featuring two large eye holes for optimal visibility and a multitude of smaller vents covering the rest. His mask is entirely black, adorned with three striking red markings—one above the eyes and the other two around the mouth. The simple design compliments Dom’s all-black attire. It will certainly help him blend seamlessly into the night should there be any chasing involved, which I know he’s a huge fan of. Dominik is a primal dominant to his core.
I’m so tempted to push his buttons, say something that will remind him of Zoe or at least make it known that I’m aware of his past hobbies involving Aaron’s little sister. Fortunately for him, I’m not in the mood to fuck up a lifelong friendship tonight.
Instead, I’m going to get to know them individually and together. Find out things that aren’t buried in the dark web.
I know it’ll get under Dominik’s skin, me knowing his dirty little secret. Maybe it’ll distract him enough to allow me to have some alone time with my new business partner. He must be entirely devoted to this friendship if he isn’t willing to sacrifice hurting Aaron to go after the girl he’s been in love with since high school.
But why?
Men are entirely driven by love—or lust, rather.
Maybe it’s not love. Maybe it’s a sick, twisted fantasy he needs to forget about. Probably an obsession he can’t control. Which will weaken him over time.
As for Aaron, he picked a mask I was likely going to choose.
The onyx wolf.
Its metallic black finish and detailed texture perfectly mimics the wild animal. With deep grooves and ridges that catch the light, even in total darkness the mask will draw attention. That’s why I wanted it. The ears are pointed and alert, making you feel powerful.
It’s also mysterious, fitting for Aaron. But he doesn’t strike me as the wild card.
He’s too calculated. Too focused on having control.
I hope tonight a different part of him reveals itself.
“Any day now, Suits,” Dominik mutters from behind me.
Ignoring Dominik, I scan the rows of options before me, only stopping when my eyes land on a black skeletal mask. Its shape and sleek, almost robotic appearance immediately grabs my attention. Large eye sockets covered with transparent material give it a hauntingly vacant look, while the nose and mouth areas are sharply defined. Mesh detailing along the sides of the jawline makes it look more intricate. It's both terrifying and charming—cold with a touch of calculated menace.
Exactly my vibe.
“I had a feeling you were going to pick that one,” Aaron snickers.
“Gold star for you. I’ll be sure to reward you later,” I wink at him, relishing when the smile on his face instantly evaporates.
The power dynamic with this one will be so much fun.
I wonder what it takes to break Aaron into submission. I’ve never done that in this type of setting before. Every person, no matter how dominant, has a breaking point, and I plan on finding his.
“You mentioned there is a different kind of adventure here. Is that fancy verbiage for a secret BDSM club?” Dominik asks as I secure the mask over my face.
“What makes you think that?” I reply, arching an eyebrow.
He gestures toward the tablets on the table. “The list of questions.”
I laugh softly, removing my jacket and folding it neatly. “It’s so much more than that. Have you two ever heard of Untamed?”
Aaron's eyes widen from behind his mask. “Not possible.”
They have no idea what is truly possible or the dark secrets that unfold behind these hotel doors. Tonight, they’ll discover the truth.
“Can you cut the crap and just be straight with us?”
I step forward. “So impatient.”
“If you want me to sit down for a drink, then I need to know what I’m getting myself into.”
Dominik is a good friend, that’s obvious. But I have no intention of destroying him or Aaron. And if Aaron and I are going to be working together for the foreseeable future, then I need to get dirt on everyone he knows, on top of ensuring his loyalty. He needs something on me as well, in order to feel secure in this partnership.
I plan on giving him that tonight, in whatever form will satisfy him.
Gripping Dom’s shoulder, I look into his dual-colored eyes, hidden behind his black mask. “We’re going to go have a few drinks, help you loosen up a little and see what we can get up to. Maybe something, maybe nothing. But we need to trust one another, and since that’s a fragile thing in our line of work,” I say, glancing at Aaron, “it has to be earned right off the bat.”
“And how exactly are you planning on getting that trust?” Dom fires back.
“There is a lot of activity behind these walls. I’m sure we can find some trouble.” I wink at Dom, but he’s still as stiff as a board.
“What type of trouble? You still haven’t given me a straight answer.”
I grunt. “I’m going to need a drink if you’re going to continue to drill me.”
“Yeah, that’s not going to happen until he gets what he wants,” Aaron says.
Dominik is not getting what he wants tonight because what he wants isn’t here. But it doesn’t mean he can’t loosen up a little and enjoy himself.
“This is ridiculous. The man talks in code. We came here to check the place out and for you to finalize whatever business venture you’ve gotten yourself into with this guy, who you seem to know nothing about.”
“Dominik.”
“He’s playing games, Aaron. I’m not fucking interested.”
My smile widens. “Actually, last I heard you enjoy the types of games that are played here. Mind you, it likely won’t be as fun as that one time in Boston, but I can guarantee you’ll have a good time. If you allow yourself to,” I whisper the last part, winking at Dom as I squeeze his shoulders tightly.
Couldn’t help yourself, could you?
Nah… this is much more fun. Watching Dom realize he’s not in control and that he underestimated me is almost enough to make me hard. Thankfully, this mask hides my stupid grin because this kind of mind game is absolutely exhilarating.
The thrill of flipping the switch is what I live for. Most people think twice about crossing me after that, and those who don’t typically don’t live to tell the tale. I don’t like loose ends or problematic people who refuse to learn their lesson; it’s better to clean up your mess before it piles up.
I wait for a witty comeback, but Dom remains silent. With a shrug, I walk over to the side door, swinging it open to reveal a dimly lit hallway leading to the elevator doors at the end.
“After you,” I say, falling in behind them as we head toward the upstairs bar.
Let the fun begin.