Page 65 of Illicit Education

“Well…” She tilted her head. “Let’s just take it one step at a time, okay? Let myself or Laurel know when–or even if–you decide you’re ready to visit the Rabbit Hole again, and I will personally escort you. Is that a deal?”

“Yeah. Okay.”

“And do you feel comfortable working for Mr. Reed and continuing your internship?”

I nodded—probably a bit too enthusiastically, because her eyes narrowed just enough for me to notice.

“Okay,” she said slowly, drawing the word out. “I trust you to know what is best for you, what you can and cannot handle.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She tilted her head.

“Sorry, not ma’am.”

“Mina is fine, Rylan. If you do venture downstairs again, and feel comfortable calling me Mistress Sinclair, I do prefer that title to anything else.”

“Okay.”

“We have a monthly meet and greet night, which is even more tame than last night’s event. Maybe you’d like to be my guest for the next one?”

“Sure.” Did she just say last night’s event was tame? I literally watched my boss whip a woman until she came.

“Okay.” Mina stood. “Now, if you’re sure you’re good to go–”

“I am. Really. I wasn’t scared or anything…”

She nodded. “I’m glad. And, again, I apologize for my part in the events last night. Had I been paying better attention, I would have kept you close to my side for the entire evening.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

If she’d kept me in that booth with her, I never would have seen my new boss in that room with his assistant.

And then, well…

How would I feel about him today?

“I have to catch a flight, but Laurel is going to stay with you tonight to make sure you understand everything so you can take over for her tomorrow night on your own, or as soon as you feel comfortable. And she has my cell phone number, which she’ll give to you. Feel free to call me anytime, okay?”

“Okay. I will.”

She opened the door and ushered me out. “I’m glad you’re sticking around with us, Rylan.”

“Me too.”

She slipped back into her office and my eyes traveled the short distance to the door I knew lay hidden in plain sight behind the faux ivy. I licked my lips as the desire to visit the underground club built a steady thrum in my veins.

But I didn’t want to disappear into the Rabbit Hole with Mina.

Or Laurel.

Or even Greer.

I didn’t want to journey down those stairs again with anyone who wasn’t Cabot Reed.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Cabot