The crowd around them grew larger, and though no one approached them, they continued to receive more than a few stares. Odd, she thought. But then again, maybe it was seeing her again as a submissive. Or that she was Cole’s submissive for the party. Probably a combination of both, she decided.

One of the group’s Doms, Evan Martin, ran an appreciative eye over her and walked toward them.

“Master Johnson,” he said, coming to a stop in front of Cole. “Good to see you tonight. I wanted to get your opinion on something.”

The two men started a conversation about an upcoming meeting. Nothing that concerned her. She dropped her gaze to the floor, and that’s when she noticed the shirt had shifted and her right nipple was exposed.

Without thinking twice, she lifted a hand to straighten the neckline. No wonder people had been staring.

The hand in her hair tightened painfully. “Leave it alone, sub.”

The roughness of his voice caught her off guard and though she didn’t move to adjust the shirt, it wasn’t until he spoke again that she realized she hadn’t dropped her hand either.

“I mean it. You’re exposed for my pleasure. Move back into position.” His command was spoken softly, but carried enough authority that she immediately placed her hand back on her knee even as she felt desire swell between her legs.

Not missing a beat, he smoothly transitioned back into conversation with Evan. She was relieved to have a few minutes to privately process her reaction to his command. Her response had been instant and visceral. At his demand, some part of her felt at peace. The realization made her happy.

“Excuse me, Master Johnson, may I sit here and wait?”

Sasha snapped to attention at the sound of Julie’s voice. A quick look from the corner of her eye indicated Master Evan had left.

“You may,” Cole answered.

Sasha waited for him to say something about not speaking to her, but he didn’t. Relying, perhaps, on Daniel’s training to have covered party etiquette.

“Where is your Master, Julie?” Cole asked her.

“He’s teaching bullwhip techniques in the garage, Sir, and told me to wait for him here.”

Julie had been present the night Daniel whipped Peter as part of his punishment for the scene with Sasha. Cole’s attention had been focused on her, but Julie had almost passed out herself.

“Ah, yes,” he said. “I remember you almost fell that night.”

“And you’d already caught Sasha. I felt guilty I didn’t get to her first.”

It was strange listening to them talk about her like she wasn’t within hearing distance. She didn’t remember much about the night they were talking about. She did remember Cole holding her.

“You’re a good friend, Julie. I mean that sincerely.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

They were silent for several minutes and Sasha’s gaze traveled across the room, noting not many people were looking her way anymore. Everyone’s attention had been captured by the appearance of a woman Sasha didn’t recognize. She had curly brown hair and was glancing around, obviously looking for someone in particular.

Someone breezed past the couch. Master Greene, she noted, making a beeline toward the unknown woman. Whoever she was, she saw him and ran into his arms.

“They’re the demo we’re going to watch, little one,” Cole informed her.

As she watched the embracing couple, his words hit her and she realized he’d never meant for them to watch a demo immediately after the meeting in the kitchen.

“I’m ready now, Sir.”

•   •   •

The submissive at his feet grew stronger and more confident every day. And though he was glad she’d come so far, part of him was sad because he knew that meant their time was limited.

Unless he took her up on her request for slave training. That would give him more time.

Already his mind longed to make plans. To have her at his complete mercy and under his exclusive control. To touch her. Feel her.

Fuck her.

He clenched his fingers into a fist until he got his desire under control. He’d probably scare the hell out of her the first time he took her. He knew damn well it wouldn’t be gentle. It would be hard and rough.

Hell, he was a grade-A bastard to even consider it.

“Master,” Julie said, sliding from the couch and going to her knees.

Daniel must have finished his teaching. He stood near the couch and held out his hand, helping Julie to her feet. He pulled her into his arms and then looked Cole’s way.

“Sorry I can’t stay and talk, I told Julie we’d leave after my session.” He kissed her forehead. “Been working overtime this week and promised her the weekend would be just the two of us.”

Cole chuckled. “I’ll make certain to keep my distance from the main house.”

“No need,” Daniel assured him. “We’re going away for the weekend.”

They spoke for a few more minutes, but the entire time Cole was thinking about what Daniel had said. Going away for the weekend. If he decided to train Sasha as a slave, he should take her away for a weekend. That would be fun and provide new ways to play.

When they left, he stood and said to Sasha, “Stand up and straighten your shirt, little one. It’s almost time for the demo.”

He’d spoken to Daniel earlier in the week about what the demos would be and who would be doing them. He had a feeling she would enjoy watching Greene and his sub for the evening.

The demo was being held in the garage and, as he expected, a large crowd had gathered. Everyone was standing, so he led her to the corner of the observers where they could watch but also be able to talk without bothering anyone.

“Stand in front of me, little one. I’ll be close behind you, but I won’t touch you.”

He wouldn’t touch her, but he was so close he felt her heat and smelled the faint lemongrass scent of her shampoo. If she moved backward at all, she’d push against his erection—but he didn’t want to move any farther away from her. He wanted her acutely aware of his proximity.

Before them Greene was speaking in low tones to his submissive, running his hands over her body and eventually bringing her hands above her head to bind. While he worked, she watched him with soft and trusting eyes.

Once he had her secured, Greene whispered to her again and pressed a kiss to her forehead. She nodded and closed her eyes.