How Cassie Got Her Grind Back by Heather Rainier Read Free Book Online Page A

little masochist. Unless you have any other helpful advice or instructions you’d like to give.”
    She ordered attending surgeons and technicians around in the OR, expecting instant compliance and support. Purportedly had a core of phenomenal surgical nurses who could practically read her mind and gave her unswerving loyalty, if one was to believe Victoria. But at Hazelle House, she wanted to exchange all that power, give up all the choices and the outcomes to another kind of expert, and she trusted him with the reins…and the whip.
    “No, Sir.”
    “I’m about to gag you, so what’s your safe signal?”
    She manipulated her fingers inside the cuff, squeezing the squeak toy so it sounded out loud and clear. “I’m ready when you are, Sir.”
    After gagging her, he selected a suede flogger, anticipating her impatience and grinning. He’d get to the whip when he knew she was ready for it and not a moment before.
    Someone walked by their play area, and the scent of vanilla wafted over to him. He glanced around, but the hope was unfounded. Cassandra’s skin had carried the scent of vanilla on it, probably from a natural source rather than a perfume. But she wasn’t anywhere nearby. It was probably a sub trying out a new fragrance or lotion.
    But the sensory experience was enough to bring her to mind as he unwound the strands of the flogger. He enjoyed working with Victoria, but the anticipation he felt now was for the next time he talked to Cassandra…and found out the reason for her retreat.
    Would she ever let him bind her like this and trust him to flog her, or more? Did he even want that with her?
    Refocusing, he turned back to Victoria, only part of his heart in the scene to come. Not because he was no longer interested in helping her. Far from it. He just wondered at the lack of fulfillment he normally felt at taking the reins and the whip in hand.
    All else faded from focus besides the impact of the falls. When he assumed control, and responsibility for Victoria’s wellbeing, he couldn’t afford to be distracted by anything else.

Chapter Four
     
    A few weeks later…
     
    Cassie’s heart was thumping uncomfortably as she walked under the banner announcing the Divine High School Class of 1986 and into the ballroom. The crowd was thin, but she was early and had hoped for time to settle in and calm down a bit before the rest of the attendees arrived. She’d changed outfits and undergarments several times before finally settling on something modest and dressy-casual. The seductive purple dress she’d bought just for the reunion was still hanging in her closet, she thought forlornly, but at least no one could fault her outer appearance.
    She wished she’d given more serious thought to securing a date for this event. Being married to Bill hadn’t always been fun, but he’d always come to the reunions with her in years past. The reunions happened every five years and this one was her first as a single woman.
    Music was being provided by a DJ who was already doing his thing while chatting with Travis and Veronica. Knowing those two, they were requesting slow dance songs so they could get cozy on the dance floor later. Hank stood nearby conversing with another couple. At least she had people she could hang out with. She wasn’t sure if Bill was coming, and she hadn’t returned his call from earlier in the week. She made it a rule to avoid talking to him unless it was vital or concerned the kids.
    She was scanning the room nervously for Lydia Carlisle, hoping she and Chance and Clayton had arrived, when a callused hand gently gripped hers. She turned and gasped in recognition. “Andrew? Andrew Portman, is that you?”
    The tall man standing before her smiled, his green eyes twinkling as he held his arms open for a hug. “I wasn’t sure if you’d recognize me.” He patted his shirtfront and added, “It’s been a few years and pounds since the last time I laid eyes on you, beautiful girl.”
    During high