Three Little Mistakes (Blindfold Club 3)

Shit. Payton hadn’t mentioned any kind of altercation, but I hadn’t given her time to explain.

“I’m fine. It’s not like that was the first time you’ve touched me.” Her clipped tone gave the distinct warning that it would be the last time.

My pulse ticked up a notch. Payton was smart, but she could also lose her cool and burn a bridge that I needed. Mr. Red slowly rose to stand, and from the gaze that seared her direction, I was sure I no longer existe

d to him. There was only her.

“Where did you go? I tried to find you.”

She was surprised at the reveal, but hid it immediately. “Tokyo. I needed a change.”

“Japan?” He shook his head, perhaps in disbelief. “Mr. Monsato tells me you’re getting married.”

She shifted her weight on her feet and set a hand on her hip. Her icy tone was accusing. “Did he?”

“So you were just lying to me all those times we were together?”

Every alarm in my head sounded and the noise was deafening. Fuck, Payton, don’t say anything. I expected her attitude to show in all its brilliant colors, yet she strolled confidently up to him, her expression shockingly empty.

“No, Mr. Red. I never lied. I’m sorry that you wanted more and I couldn’t give it to you. Before Japan, I wasn’t capable.” The corners of her mouth lifted into a sad, half-smile.

The look he gave Payton was an uncomfortable mix of desperation and pain. “What’s his name?”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m happy, and you just had a great time with Clare.”

“I want his goddamn name.”

My shoulders tensed. Payton took a step back and her gaze flicked to me, silently asking what she should do. The filter holding back what she really wanted to say could go at any moment.

“No,” I said, playing the card I didn’t want to. “I don’t share client names with anyone who’s not staff . . . Mr. Rosso.” His body went stiff. “I’m sure you can respect that.”

For a tense moment, no one moved.

I grabbed the lapels of my suit jacket and shifted it to hang comfortably on my broad shoulders. “I’m sure you’re tired, Mr. Red. Let’s not worry about any details tonight. Marquis will escort you to your car.” I fished a business card out of my interior pocket and extended it to him. “Please call me if you want to discuss anything.”

He stared at the card with disdain, which was the emotion I was feeling. I’d just offered to let him leave without paying, and the concept of men fucking my girls for free made me sick to my stomach. I’d have to pay Claudia out of club money, but it would be worth it. Mr. Red had to come back.

The card was snatched out of my hand, a final glare cast her direction, and Mr. Red stormed to the door, slamming it behind him like a spoiled child.

“Marquis,” Payton said into her headset. “Can you take Mr. Red to his car?” She straightened and her attention went to me. “He looked for me when I was in Japan? You didn’t tell me that.”

“Honey, he went fucking nuts. When you quit, it put me in one fucked-up situation.”

She raised an eyebrow, as if annoyed. “Pretty sure you fired me, or don’t you remember, suck my cock right now?”

My jaw tightened. We hadn’t discussed that night in much detail. I didn’t like thinking about it, or how I’d lost control. “Yeah, I remember. I also remember that I apologized for it, and it all worked out in the end. I’m sure your Dom would agree.”

Her eyes narrowed at the subtext. Dominic wasn’t her Dom. Deep down, Payton and I would never work. I was as dominant as they came, and she was a switch. Sex worked for us when she wanted to be the submissive, but she’d never truly submit. There’d always be that independent part of her who couldn’t give in completely.

“What about you?” she said. “You think Mr. Red will be back?”

“I fucking hope so.” Without him, the club wouldn’t last long without fresh blood. “If he shows and you’re here, you keep your ass in the office where it belongs, or get it back on the table.”

She smirked. “There’s only one man I’ll get on the table for. And if I do? You’re welcome to watch. Maybe we can show you how it’s done.”

I laughed, and it felt good to ease the tension. “I think I know how it’s done. You get off on being an exhibitionist.”

Her eyes gleamed with knowing. “Takes one to know one, Joseph.”