Page 163 of Naughty November
SAFE AND SOUND
MORTICIA KNIGHT
ONE
GENE
I glanced around the large banquet room of the Charles River Suites Hotel. The luxury establishment was one of Boston’s finest, and I frequented their Banyan’s Cove restaurant whenever I wanted to impress a date. I took a sip of my club soda and tried to pretend it was champagne. The lime was ruining the fantasy.
I grunted to myself. The last time I’d brought a date anywhere, it wasn’t the same year I was in now, and I’d only agreed to go as a favor to Zane. But that was fine. Any of the so-called dates I went on either ended up with a handshake and a see ya, or us getting each other off before shaking hands and saying see ya. Not one of those prospects had taken hold.
“Glad you could make it, Gene.”
Turning from where I’d been leaning on the bar like a drunk drowning in his sorrows, I was met with the gaze of my long-time good friend, Marc. The anxiety I’d been experiencing over running into him vanished at the sight of someone I was truly glad to see. He was the only reason I’d decided to show up at the last minute.
I broke into a grin at how happy he seemed, his smile wide andrelaxed. “How could I miss such a momentous occasion? I should’ve congratulated you earlier, but you both seemed overwhelmed with well-wishers. I must say, the ceremony was touching, and the reception…” I gestured around the room. “Absolutely magnificent.”
In truth, I’d thought of many reasons to miss Marc and Foster’s collaring ceremony—most of them selfish. Marching toward forty at a quicker pace than I’d anticipated made me cranky. All I needed was a joyous occasion celebrating everlasting love to push me over the edge.
Marc gave me a hearty pat on the shoulder. “I was worried, to be honest. I haven’t heard back from you, and no one has seen you at the club in ages. We thought maybe we’d offended you somehow.”
I held in a groan. Another reason I’d almost bailed. Most of my fellow kinksters from Club Sensation were in attendance—as I knew they would be—and I was certain that each one would want an explanation. I knew many must be curious about why one of the most consistent Doms, a man whose dance card was always filled, hadn’t bothered to drop by in over six months.
I hadn’t been too great at responding to messages either.
Leaning my elbow on the bar, I tried to appear relaxed. Of course, Marc was a psychologist in addition to being an experienced Dom himself, so he’d be mentally—or perhaps verbally—calling bullshit on my non-plussed, everything’s cool act at any second.
“Well…” I sucked in a deep breath. It wasn’t as if I’d shown up to this event unprepared for the inevitable interrogation. However, I was beginning to feel ridiculous over my pathetic story. “I thought I’d take some time off, do some reevaluating. I needed to be away from the club for a while to gain some perspective.” Clearing my throat, I continued, “Plus, moving.” I rolled my eyes to add plausibility to the epic struggle I’d endured. “That was a hassle.”
Marc arched an eyebrow. “Were you taking time off from your friends, too?”
Okay, so I was being an ass. Sometimes, I wondered whether I’d forgotten how to be a suitable Dom. Communication was key, yet I was acting like a newbie sub who needed a good ass-spanking.
I let out a long sigh. “I apologize, Marc. I’ve been feeling sorry formyself and haven’t been behaving well. There’s no excuse for me not to stay in touch with everyone—you in particular.”
Marc’s features softened, and he squeezed my arm. “I thought you realized I’m always here for you, that we can talk about anything, anytime.”
I pressed my lips together, nodding. “I do. It’s all on me.”
“Hey. Over and done with, right?” Marc smiled. “Move forward from here.” His brow furrowed, and he rubbed his chin. “Not that it’s any of my business, but Alec is here.”
My stomach tightened. I hadn’t seen Alec for almost a year, and I was frankly surprised he was at Marc’s reception. Of course, the ceremony had been held in the honeymoon suite for only the closest of friends, with me lurking by the door so I wouldn’t have to interact if possible. I’d been mostly successful.
I frowned. “He is? Why? I didn’t think Alec was going to the club anymore.” I pinched the bridge of my nose, a headache forming—which was completely unfair without a drop of champagne. “Now it’s my turn to say it’s none of my business. Forget I said that.”
Marc chuckled. “That’s all right. Listen, I wouldn’t have brought it up if I didn’t think it might be worth your time to say hello.” He shrugged. “You know how it is. Sometimes people realize something about themselves that they weren’t willing to admit before.”
I set down my glass, irritation washing over me. Only the mention of Alec could ruffle my Dom feathers. He was the proverbial one that got away. Not that I ever had him to begin with.
“That was rather cryptic.”
Marc nodded. “I know. But it’s not my place to reveal something personal when I haven’t been given permission to do so.” He smirked and raised an eyebrow. “He has asked about you, though. Just saying.” Marc smiled again. “I need to find my boy. Enjoy the rest of the party.”
Before I could grill him further, he’d turned and left without another word. What the hell? Now, I was very irritated as the uncanny sense that I was being watched washed over me. I loosened my tie a bit as I did a surreptitious check of my surroundings. I was not amused that I’d been left hanging.
Shaking my head, I decided it was time to leave. I’d done the rightthing by showing up, had taken the first step toward getting back to myself and who I was. I’d congratulated Marc and said hello to a few acquaintances I hadn’t seen in a while. No point in going overboard my first time out of the gate.
After I pushed my empty glass away, I whirled around, my first step forward sending me right into Alec. On instinct, I grabbed his arms to keep him from crashing to the floor. A thought flashed through my head of how wonderful it was to touch him, for him to be so close that I could feel his warmth. The light aroma of a woodsy cologne reached my nostrils, and I was jolted back in time, my chest tightening. It was the same scent he always wore.