“You look fucking amazing,” Xander breathed out roughly, reaching out and taking her hand as he pulled her close.
She was tempted to curl up in his arms so that he could shield her from the eyes that were boring holes into her much too exposed skin.
The skimpy, purple baby doll nightie was quite impressive. The expensive silk was softer than anything she’d ever felt. Had she been in the comfort of her own home, she probably would’ve admired herself in the mirror, but here, standing in the middle of Devotion, she felt her anger building.
If Xander hadn’t been so involved with his conversation with Shane, he would’ve realized she’d taken more than the ten minutes he’d allotted her to change. In fact, she’d redressed once before finally succumbing to her punishment.
And here she was, dressed in her heels, a barely there thong and a wisp of a top that showcased every one of her assets.
Including the clamps that pulled at her now beaded nipples.
“Excuse us,” Xander said to Shane, never taking his eyes off of her.
Xander studied her blatantly for another moment before linking their fingers together and leading her away from the bar.
Crap.
She followed Xander, knowing full well he intended to take her somewhere so that he could dole out his punishment for her defiance earlier. Part of her was anxious to get on with it because she needed something to take her mind off of the fact that she was practically naked.
They didn’t make it far before they had company.
Logan and Samantha.
Mercedes stopped, doing her best to remain at Xander’s side as he had instructed earlier. From this point on, she was going to make a point to do as he asked. Since she’d already defied him enough to earn a severe punishment, she was hoping to earn back a few brownie points. Even if it killed her.
Had she been her own sub acting out like this, she knew for a fact that she wouldn’t have fared nearly as well. Xander was being way too tolerant. It made her feel good, but that’s only because she felt as though she still had the upper hand. It made her want to push him at the same time.
She’d committed herself to this – no holds barred. And he’d done the same. So why did he seem to be holding back as much as she was?
“I hear this was your suggestion,” Logan said as he approached them, nodding toward the open space, apparently referring to the themed play going on around them.
“It was,” Xander agreed, his fingers tightening around hers, adding a level of comfort she hadn’t realized was missing. “I’m rather impressed with the turnout. Glad you could make it.”
“We are too,” Logan added, pulling Samantha to his side gently. “I think my brother’s even more impressed. Sounds to me like Sierra has taken a particular interest in some of the equipment.”
Xander grinned as he glanced across the room. Mercedes followed his gaze, noticing he was looking at the Sybian saddle machine. She fought the urge to smile.
Yeah, if Sierra got a taste of that, she could imagine her husbands might just run out and buy her one. The machine was interesting, but she could imagine the look on Luke and Cole’s faces as they watched her on it.
“What about you?” Xander asked, directing his question to Samantha. “Are you here to play tonight?”
She looked embarrassed by the question, but she squared her shoulders and smiled up at Xander, then over to Mercedes.
“If I can talk him into it, yes.”
Mercedes decided that she really liked Sam. The woman embraced her desires, and that was truly refreshing. She knew so many women and men who merely fantasized, never taking the plunge to explore those fantasies. And here, at the club her brother-in-law owned, Mercedes imagined Sam felt safe.
As she should.
“Well, I think you’ll find plenty to keep your attention tonight,” Xander said, glancing down at Sam and then back to Logan.
Mercedes noticed a small amount of disappointment in Sam’s eyes, but she was pretty sure she saw relief mixed with it. Had she been hoping for another scene with them?
For some reason, the idea wasn’t as off-putting as she would’ve thought. Although, tonight, Mercedes wasn’t really looking to have an intimate audience. Especially not now that she’d riled Xander up with her disobedience.
Mercedes held her breath, hoping Xander wouldn’t invite the couple to join them. Not tonight. Please, not tonight.
“I’ll be acting out a scene with Mercedes tonight. If you’re interested in watching, we’ll be one of the main attractions.”
Mercedes noticed Xander’s discreet head tilt in the direction of the glass enclosed rooms that acted as the main stage for the club as a whole. Ok, so she wasn’t going to get a reprieve tonight.