Page 112 of Rules Of Our Own

I ring the doorbell at the back entrance. Mia’s hand is hot in mine, and I give it a reassuring squeeze just before Violet opens the door.

“Mr. Davis. It’s good to see you,” she says and holds out her hand. She’s in her mid to late fifties, and it only manages to make her even more regal. Her black hair is twisted up into a sleek updo, her lips are painted a deep red, and her extra-high heels put her only a few inches shorter than me.

“It hasn’t been that long.” I take her hand in a soft shake without letting Mia go. She’s already looking at the older woman with narrowed eyes and clenched teeth. I stroke my thumb along her forearm.

“It’s been a few weeks,” Madame says and turns to lead the way into the building.

The second the older woman’s back is turned, Mia stiffens and tries to pull her hand away. I tug her to my side and whisper in her ear, “It’s fucking adorable that you’re jealous, but you have no reason to be. She’s the teacher. Nothing more.”

The tension drains from her, and she buries her face in my chest, mumbling, “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

I kiss her temple. “Nothing. I like it.”

We walk down the dark hall. It’s painted in a nearly black maroon color. Mia’s eyes go round as she takes it all in. “Is this a sex club?”

I chuckle. “No, just classes.”

She’s silent, eyes wide as she lets me lead her forward. We enter the training room, and she gasps. I try to see it the way she does.

There are hooks attached to the ceiling with thick ropes hanging down, all deep red against the black walls. The lights are dimmed, only bright enough for us to see. She’s blinking against the dark, teeth gnawing on her bottom lip, trying to take it all in.

“I’m Violet, and you must be Dr. Brooks.” She holds out her hand, and Mia reluctantly lets go of mine and shakes it.

Mia’s head tilts to the side. “How do you know my name?”

“When Mr. Davis called to tell me after years of training here he was bringing his first partner to class, I admit I pummeled him with questions.” Violet smiles gently.

Mia smiles at that and looks at me from the corner of her eye. “First person.”

“Onlyperson.”

CHAPTER53

MIA

As his wordswash over me, I feel a warmth in my chest and a wave of relief that he hasn’t come here with someone else.

The room’s dimly lit, but I can still make out the surrounding details. The mirror in front of me bounces off the one behind us for an almost panoramic view. A surge of anticipation shoots through me. Despite my unease, there’s something deeply exciting—and slightly terrifying—about being in this moment.

I’mreallydoing this.

River runs a knuckle over my cheek, caressing me gently, and smiles down at me. “I’ve got you.”

I instantly relax, all the tension leaving my shoulders because there’s no doubt in my mind that this man will take care of me. That I can trust him to make this good for me.

I nod. “I know you do.”

The side of his mouth curls in a playful grin. “I may have practiced a few knots on Alex’s wrists.”

I choke on a laugh. “How did he not know?”

He shrugs. “He wasn’t ready.”

Lifting a brow, I ask, “He’s ready now though?”

River nods, a flush of pink over his cheeks, and his voice comes out raspy. “Yeah, he is.”

I look around, spotting Violet sitting in a black chair ten feet away. My palms grow sweaty, and I wipe them on my dress. “What happens now?”