Claiming Cleo (Masters Club 2)

“Candace has had to drop out of the auction. Some family thing or other.” He waved his hand vaguely in the air.“The problem is, our Doms are expecting six subs on the auction block, and we don’t want to disappoint them. I would like you to step in to take Candace’s place.”

“I’d be happy to, Sir,” Cleo instantly agreed, though she was a little surprised at the request. Expressing her confusion, she asked, “What if someone bids for more than an evening? Who would handle my duties while I was fulfilling the contract?”

“Dominique and I have discussed it, and we agree we can spare you for the duration of the contract. Brandon can pick up the slack, and there’s nothing pressing right now you need to attend to. Think of it as a well-earned break. You deserve a little R&R.”

Cleo smiled. See? she reminded herself, as she’d reminded Jess that morning. I’m happy here, where I’m cherished and valued. Aloud, she said, “Thank you, Sir. That’s very kind.”

Master Grayson gazed at her a long moment, a strange half-smile lifting his lips. “Just remember, we expect you to submit fully to whoever wins the bid. I don’t expect you to back out, no matter who wins you. Got it?”

Cleo was startled by what almost sounded like a rebuke. She was a trained slave. Of course she would submit to the terms, whatever they might be. She trusted that whichever Dom bought her for the night would be worthy of her submission. After all, this was the Masters Club, not some random public scene. Even if Master Alex, who was ninety if he was a day, won the bid, that would be fine with Cleo. The guy was still sexy, in his own way. And, as Master Grayson had pointed out, it was for a very worthy cause.

“Of course, Sir,” she said aloud, careful to keep the indignation from her tone. “I wouldn’t dream of backing out. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Excellent.” Master Grayson turned away with a wave. “I’ll see you later on.”

Cleo and the other subs slated for that night’s auction waited with tamped-down excitement in the small changing room just off the auction room. They would be brought to the stage one at a time.

Every member of the club had a detailed profile on the Masters Club phone app, with a headshot included. For the Doms, data included their relationship status and BDSM intensity level. Sub profiles were more detailed, including essential information like any physical limitations, triggers or hard limits that could affect play. The bidding Doms would have received a list of the subs scheduled for tonight’s event. They would be able to peruse the profiles in preparation for their bids.

The day had gone by quickly as Cleo attended to her work, doing her best to keep her mind off Jack Hartford. With any luck at all, she’d be able to avoid him until he left for the UK, hopefully soon.

As a hair stylist and makeup artist in her previous life, Cleo always enjoyed auction preparation, where she got to use her skills. She’d been busy all evening helping the other girls to get ready. Of course, it being an auction, there were no outfits to select. The subs would present naked and be put through a series of revealing positions so the Masters could see precisely what they were bidding on. She’d helped Eugene, the only male sub included in tonight’s auction, with his full body wax, as he liked to be completely smooth for his Mistresses.

Cleo was excited to be a direct participant tonight. It was a rare opportunity, and one she planned to make the most of. She was looking forward to something new and challenging to focus on. Even better, she would be out of club circulation, at least for a day or two, and thus able to avoid the temptation of Master Jack.

Mistress Dominique stuck her head into the room. “Everyone ready?”

“Yes, Mistress,” they replied in unison as they dropped to their knees.

Mistress Dominique entered the room. She wore a flowing red satin gown with deep slits up the sides. Cleo had done her Mistress’s makeup earlier in the evening, and she was pleased with the effect. She had accented Mistress Dominique’s large, dark eyes with dramatic eyeliner that gave her an exotic air. Cleo had arranged her Mistress’s beautiful silvery-blond hair in a French twist, a diamond barrette holding it in place. The teardrop ruby earrings she wore were the exact shade of her lipstick. Her Mistress looked both regal and utterly feminine.

“Tonight’s auction will follow our usual cash format of up to one thousand dollars for a twenty-four-hour total power exchange. The maximum contract term for this auction will be five days. You’ve all indicated you’ll be able to fulfill that timeframe commitment, correct?”