leaned in to Matt, “You have to tell her soon, you know. You shouldn’t lead her on this intensely without disclosing. Henri and Gabriel agree. We all like her. Go on, invite her. Make yourself happy.”
“I’m not sure she’ll say yes. She doesn’t have a background like that,” Matt said. He rubbed his hand up and down the back of his neck. “I wanted to talk to you about the group. I think I may want to take a break, or maybe resign my membership.”
“You can’t turn back now. End of the week. I think Gabriel and Henri would be good. They are gentle, as is she.” The man clapped Matt on the shoulder. “I know it’s your first time bringing in someone new yourself. Don’t worry; you’ve done well. I think she will be very pleased. Give her a bit of time afterwards, but it has to be this week. No longer. Say good night to everyone for me. Oh, and remember, there’s only one way out of our group. So I would reconsider.”
The handsome chestnut-haired man left, as Eve walked over to Matt, “Everything okay?”
“Of course. How about I give you a few days on your own?”
“You’re not trying to get rid of me already are you?” Eve laughed, but felt concerned.
“No, no, nothing like that just the opposite. Spend a few days, wearing this,” he hooked his thumb through the front of the belt hidden beneath her dress. “See how you really like it. Someone controlling your body, your will like this.”
“Okay. You sound different. Are you sure?”
“Couldn’t be better. Glad you’re here,” he kissed Eve’s hand and guided her back towards the couches.
“Poker is starting Matt, bring me your wallet !” Henri chided.
“Oh I love poker, mind if I join you?” Eve shimmied over to the table Henri had installed himself at. Her confidence was renewed with Matt’s assertion that he felt things were going well.
“We insist on it. Come here. You can sit by me,” Gabriel pulled out a chair for her and she sat down next to him. She glanced over at Matt, but he appeared very pleased, so she settled down into a wild night of poker with three of the most interesting people she’d met in a year at least. They played for a few hours, but Eve held her own.
“I can’t believe you cleaned me out and Gabriel too,” Matt beamed.
“I have a few surprises up my sleeve for you yet, Matt. I’m not always such a good girl.”
“Tell me about it.” Matt prematurely winced, as Eve swatted him good-naturedly on the arm.
“Okay, I’m done for the night. See you upstairs.” Eve left the group feeling carefree and alive. She made her way up the stairs and began to draw a warm bath.
“I’ll be up in a bit,” Matt said. He invited his two friends out into the garden he created behind his studio. “He said this weekend. Can you make it down to the gulf with me?”
“Yeah, I can get a company jet for us up and back,” Gabriel said.
“Yeah, I’ll be there. She’s lovely.” Henri took the rest of his scotch in one swig leaving the ice to clink against the glass.
“To our secret society, I’m honored to be a part of it with you both. But, I have to tell you I might be leaving soon.” Matt raised his glass. His friends raised theirs and they toasted each other. Gabriel and Henri exchanged looks as Matt turned around to head back inside. They looked out on a gentle snow starting to fall from the black sky.
“He’ll never go for that. It’s not allowed,” Henri said. He ran his fingers along his five o’clock shadow. “You know what happened last time.”
“There’s nothing we can do. He should know better. It’s him or us,” Gabriel said.
“Then I choose us.” Henri walked outside leaving Gabriel to stare out on the empty garden.
Chapter 6
By Friday morning Eve was back in Matt’s arms. A week of his gentle dominance had opened up new possibilities and new curiosities.
“I can’t wait to get down to Florida.” She nuzzled into Matt’s chest
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