Giving It Up: Pushing the Boundaries, Book 1 by Audra North Read Free Book Online Page A

myself.” She said it quietly, looking down at the table in front of her. “I guess.”
    Michelle drew in an audible breath, making Beatrice look up again. “If you want more from yourself, then there’s at least one place where you could start going after it. Our receptionist, Frances, is going back to school soon and we’re looking for someone who could fill in for her from time to time. Are you interested?”
    Oh goodness. That was unexpected. Beatrice had assumed Michelle had been speaking in general terms about her becoming a Domme. She hadn’t expected to be asked whether she’d be interested in working there.
    Are you interested?
    What did being a receptionist for Queen Dommes entail, anyway?
    Again, Michelle seemed to read Beatrice’s mind, because she laughed. “As the receptionist, you would not work with clients in private sessions. In fact, you wouldn’t be allowed to perform any services until you had gone through training.” She sobered then, and looked down at Beatrice with a direct, piercing stare. “But you mentioned needing money. And I need a receptionist with great presence. It would be to everyone’s benefit.”
    No one had ever told Beatrice that she had great presence. Even so, at Michelle’s words, she found herself sitting a little straighter. “I might—I mean, yes, I’d be interested.”
    Engagement. Own your life.
    That’s what it felt like, anyway.
    “Good. I’ll be in touch.” Michelle held out her hand, and Beatrice stood then too, and shook it.
    “You’ve been incredibly helpful today, and I very much appreciate it.”
    “It was my pleasure. And if you ever find yourself considering a career change, I really do think you would make a wildly successful Domme. Even without much training.”
    “Oh. Um, thanks?”
    Michelle grinned. “You’re welcome. And good luck.”
    * * * * *
    “We’ve got a potential hostage situation down on Claremont. All SWAT units gear up and be ready!” The deputy chief’s voice crackled over the receiver in Warren’s squad car, and he radioed in to let dispatch know he was on his way.
    “You’re lead on this one, Davis,” came the reply, and for a second, he was dumbfounded, wondering what they hell they were thinking, putting him in charge of this thing. Sure, Ben was usually the one who ran point on hostage situations and he was on his honeymoon, but why not Donahue? Why not Brewer?
    Why are you being a shit-for-brains?
    He never questioned decisions like this. He took on the responsibility as a matter of course, like he did in every other area of his life. So why was he balking today?
    It’s only temporary. Wasn’t that why you called Queen Dommes? To relieve a little of this stress? Give it a few sessions with Beatrice and you’ll be good as new.
    Thoughts of Beatrice flashed through his mind. Her face in the sunlight, the way she looked when they’d met at the batting cages…her hand in his…touching him…
    He couldn’t wait until tomorrow night. He just had to get through today, and then it would be a matter of hours before he could…well, he wasn’t quite sure what would happen, but it would involve being alone with Beatrice. Even if it meant an hour of simply sitting next to her in silence, it would be enough.
    Of course, there was always the chance that he was wrong and Beatrice wasn’t anything like he thought she was. But he’d known her for a year and he’d observed her every time they were in a room together, since the first time they’d met, and there was something about her that made him feel less tense simply being near her. He was pretty sure that despite her inexperience, she’d still be able to deliver at least a little of what he needed.
    If she also happened to follow through with some of the things he’d seen in those Queen Dommes ads around the city—well, bonus. He rushed into the locker room to suit up right as the deputy chief walked in.
    “Listen up, gentlemen! We’ve got a first-class