Page 24 of Delicious Surrender

Brynne was at the paper early on Friday so that she could finish by four thirty and be at the club on time. Jared was in Liverpool on assignment, so they didn’t catch up. She had everything with her and was at the back entrance with plenty of time to spare. She ate a homemade ham and cheese sandwich and had a quick shower before changing into her uniform. As she put the outfit on, she mumbled under her breath, “Chauvinists still rule the world, Brynne. Get used to it.”

Melinda arrived as she was finishing her makeup. She wanted to know how everything turned out last night. Brynne shared the incident at the bar and Garrick coming to her rescue.

She put her hand reassuringly on Brynne’s shoulder. “I wouldn’t worry, Ivanov has several girlfriends—all stunning and all submissive masochists. He will bring one or more of them to the Arabian fetish night. Hopefully, he was just having a bit of fun with you.”

If that was his type of woman, did that mean he was a Dominant sadist?Brynne shuddered. “I sure as hell hope so, Mel. I’ll see you upstairs.”

The guests kept her and Melinda running until Bettie arrived around seven o’clock to provide cover. Many of the guests were in for dinner and drinks before going upstairs later. Several of them flirted and told her howlovelyshe looked in her uniform. It was easy to blush and laugh off the teasing.

Garrick came into the bar and summoned Brynne over. “I need you to collect Gage’s dinner from the chef and take it down to his office. He has already placed the order, and it will be up shortly.”

“Sure. On it.”

Brynne found the main kitchen and asked someone to point out the head chef. He was the man barking orders and checking the plated entrées. Waiters scurried around collecting orders.

“I’m here for Gage’s dinner,” she said when he looked up impatiently over the prep table.

“Okay, miss, it will be a few minutes. Wait over there, you’re a distraction to my cooks. They are liable to burn something if you stand there in your little tart’s outfit.”

His dismissive wave set her teeth on edge. Brynne felt conspicuous and moved out of the way. Mel told her that onlymen served in the main dining room. Members could bring their wives and girlfriends on the weekends for dinner. They relegatedtartsto the lounge.

Her mouth watered when she saw the grilled pork chop, mashed potatoes, and green beans. As she was prepping the tray, the chef snapped at her not to forget the soup.

She whispered her thanks, grateful she didn’t leave without it. After grabbing the cutlery and a napkin, she headed downstairs. Two flights down in high heels, while balancing a tray, winded her. Why couldn’t the arrogant prick get his own dinner?

It was difficult to knock, so she kicked the door twice with the toe of her shoe.

The beast growled a reply, beckoning her to come into his lair.

She tried to twist the doorknob and almost toppled the tray. “It’s locked!”

Seconds later, the door swung open, and he glowered down at her. She scowled back, but he had turned away, pointing imperiously to his desk. His phone was to his ear while he paced to the other end of his office. Brynne didn’t see an empty space to put down the tray, so she waited to ask him to move his papers. She saw a very erotic scene on his computer screen and wondered if that was happening somewhere in the club.

She pulled her eyes away from the monitor when she heard him finishing his call.

“Thanks, Cole. That sounds great. See you then.” Gage hung up the phone and scowled at her. “What took you so long? Andwhy didn’t you cover the dishes? My food is probably cold now.”

This is a test. Just a test. Don’t throw the soup on him.“I didn’t see any covers. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

“It better not.” He crossed his arms and looked expectantly. “What are you standing there for? Put the tray down.”

“The food is getting even colder while I’m standing here waiting for you to move your papers. Unless you don’t care if I plop this right down on top of them?”

He glared at her. “How considerate of you.”

She rolled her eyes while he gathered the documents. He was baiting her, but she would not fall into his trap.

“Are you sure you wouldn’t like me to get you a fresh entrée?” Her voice dripped with saccharine sweetness.

He looked sideways at her, and she couldn’t conceal an impish smile.

“I’m sure,” he snapped. “But you can replenish my ice. And you forgot the bottle of sparkling water I ordered.”

“Oh, certainly. I’ll get right on that.Sir.” She hurried to the door.

“Aren’t you forgetting something, Red?”

She turned around, her face blank.