Page 111 of High Reward

Owen averts his eyes dramatically, and I laugh, shoving Victor out the door. “Go. I’m right behind you.”

I cross to the desk and pick up my shirt and bra off the floor as the door shuts behind me. Then I help myself to the bathroom in his office. The four little needle marks in my skin are a fun reminder of what we were about to do. I trace them with my fingers before putting my bra and blouse back on, as I contemplate the scene I’ll be helping him with tonight. It’s going to bring all three of us closer together. That should be a good thing, but part of me still worries I’m setting myself up for heartbreak.

Chapter 27

Grace

Ican’tfindVictor.

He told me to let him know my answer about doing needles with him before the club opens, but he’s nowhere in sight. Not in his office, not in the kitchen, not in the dungeon.

I make one more circuit of the club, just in case, but still don’t spot him. I double back toward the main dungeon and bump into Luke as he is coming out of his office.

“Looking for Victor?”

“Yes, Master Luke. Have you seen him?”

Luke’s mouth tugs up to one side. “He’s with Owen and Matteo working on security measures for tonight. You’ll need to wait if it’s not important.”

“It’s not urgent,” I say, even though it kind of is. “I’m in charge of setup tonight and running the staff meeting, so I’ll be in the dungeon if he needs me.”

He nods. No further questions, no reminders for how to run the meeting properly. That’s the kind of trust I’ve always wanted from them, and I haven’t always had it. Could be because they tried to have me take over Bellamy’s job when we thought she was moving to London, and that was not a good idea. I made so many mistakes that even Matteo was threatening to spank me.

I collect what I need from Bellamy’s office to run the meeting and enter the main dungeon. A small group of submissives and other staff are waiting, clustered at the small tables near the bar.

I take a deep breath to calm my nerves and call the meeting to order.

“Good evening, everyone. Let’s get started.” My voice echoes in the large space, and conversations cease as everyone turns their attention to me. I’m not used to this kind of spotlight.

“We’re opening as normal tonight, but there are additional security protocols on top of what we usually do,” I say. “If you don’t know the reasons, that means you don’t need to. Sorry to be blunt, but that’s directly from the owners. For starters, there is no coming and going without checking in and out. That means stepping outside to smoke or get fresh air comes with a security check on both sides of that trip. Security team members will be at every entry and exit point tonight, even staff-only doors.”

Someone in the back, one of the newer subs, raises a hand. “Is it true that the club’s being watched by the police?”

I want to roll my eyes at the rumor mill already at work, but I keep my expression neutral and my tone steady. “No. Thatrumor isn’t true. But we are keeping security tight, so tonight is not the time to be lax with the rules.”

I glance at the tablet and scroll through the assignment list. It’s then that I notice Victor standing at the edge of the space, watching me. My heart rate kicks up a notch, but I keep my voice steady as I continue. “We’re shaking things up a bit tonight because Skylar and Zara are being tasked with something else, so Daniella, you’re in Matteo’s space tonight, Nora, you’ll be with Luke, and Crystal, you’re with Owen. I’ll be with Victor, but Maria, I’ll want you on standby because I’m doing a needle scene in the main dungeon tonight.”

I list the rest of the assignments and dismiss everyone to set up their assigned spaces. “We’ll meet back here a half-hour before opening for a final walk-through.”

The group scatters, and I hold the tablet to my chest, trying not to second-guess anything. Victor hasn’t moved from his spot. I meet his gaze and can’t look away.

He nods once. A short, staccato movement that means everything.

I nailed it. No need to wait for his feedback or follow-up. I did exactly what he asked.

A rush of pride settles in my chest, but I keep my face neutral. There’s still work to do.

I step over to where a staff submissive is stocking safe sex supplies in a drawer, and check her work, then I head for the suites. Most of them are still filled with our lockdown guests, but a couple have been cleaned and are being rented to VIP guests.

Victor is still watching as I move down the hall, and I turn back and smile at him.

As I’m finishing the walk-through, Victor is standing outside his office. When I pass, he slips one hand out of his pocket and reaches for my wrist.

“You’re done. Inside. Now.” It’s my favorite version of his dominant voice. The one that says something fun is about to happen.

I step into his office, and the door clicks shut behind us.

He stops in front of his desk and leans against the edge, arms crossed, eyes on me.