Page 31 of Echoes of Desire
“Sometimes, but it doesn’t usually take my brain long to connect the voices to the names once I hear them talk long enough. I know you say you’re twins, but you guys don’t look or sound similar to me.”
I step closer, crossing my arms, as I add, “We’ll figure out a way to make this easier for you. Maybe we can wear something specific when we’re out. Hell, we could just wear bells.”
“You guys are something else,” she smiles. “Before we go eat, I really need to go back to the club and get my purse. I have anxiety meds that I haven’t taken since yesterday. You don’t want to see me out in public surrounded by people without those pills coursing through my body.”
“It’s on the way,” I say.
“We’ll meet you at the restaurant,” Reynolds says when we reach the club. “I want to swing by and check on the kids first.”
“Sounds good,” I say.
“Don’t forget, I want fries,” Del says, leaning into Reynolds as they head to their car. “And dessert. Lots of desserts.”
“You always want dessert,” Reynolds replies, his tone dry but affectionate.
I glance at Raven, noticing the way she’s trying to keep track of everyone’s movements and voices. It hits me again how much she’s had to adapt because of her face blindness.
“You good, sweetheart?” I ask, keeping my tone light.
She nods quickly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Yeah. Just trying to keep up with all of you. You’re like a pack of wolves.”
Steel chuckles, glancing over his shoulder at me. “Told you she’s got a fire in her.”
“She definitely does,” I agree, smirking. “Careful, Raven. You might end up leading this pack if you’re not careful.”
Raven laughs softly, shaking her head. “I think I’ll leave the leading to you two.”
Del spins around, walking backward as she grins at Raven. “Oh, don’t let these two fool you. They might look all big and tough, but they’re total pushovers once you figure out the right buttons to press.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Raven says, her smile growing as she relaxes a little more.
As we approach the club, I can already see Mitchell at the front door, leaning casually against the wall. He straightens when he spots us, his sharp gaze immediately scanning the group.
“Bosses,” he greets with a nod. “Miss Raven.”
Raven pauses for a second, clearly surprised that he recognized her. Steel leans down and murmurs, “We made sure all our staff knew who you were, Pet. You’re important to us.”
Her cheeks flush, but she doesn’t argue as we head inside.
“Blaze. Steel,” a woman greets.
“Why are you here, Rebecca?” Jasper asks.
“I forgot to log in the new member last night,” the woman laughs. “I made a note and shoved it in my pocket. I found it this morning when I went to do laundry. Figured I’d go ahead and get it done so I don’t forget again.”
“You could have called, and I would have done it for you,” Jaxon tells her. “There was no need to come all the way out here. But we appreciate it, nonetheless.”
“Hello, Raven,” the woman says. “I’m Becca, the check-in Domme. It’s good to meet you.”
“Uhm…hi. You, too.”
Domme, my ass. This woman has been working for us for about two years and has tried for a membership half a dozen times. She’s not Domme material. She’s too aggressive with her Subs. She had a three-week trial period that first time, and we’ve denied her since.
Mitchell gestures toward the hallway leading to our office, effectively dismissing Becca. “Your purse is where you left it, Miss Raven. Want me to grab it for you?”
“No, that’s okay,” she says, her voice steady. “I can get it.”
Steel nods toward Mitchell, his silent approval enough to let him know everything’s fine. I trail behind Raven as she walks into the office, her movements deliberate but not rushed.