He’s been instructed well on how to handle this particular situation. But, I don’t think we took the partners into consideration when formulating this tactic. I tug at my collar, and remembering the camera, force my hand to my lap.
“I see,” Gannet says, returning his attention to the two women who are aggressively touching and kissing… “However, for this special event, we’ve all had to make a few sacrifices, you see. I strongly encourage you to play by the rules and allow your beauty to explore the festivities.”
A hint of familiarity barbs my mind. Alexis said a similar thing to me in the elevator and now, Gannet’s warning rings clear. Carson and I don’t belong. We sure as hell don’t understand the rules. Was Alexis forewarning me? If so, why be so cryptic?
Panic threads my spine as I gather my nerve. I lower my gaze and face Carson. “If it will please you, Master.”
Gannet laughs. “Oh, unleash the girl. Let her play. I assure you, you’ll be greatly rewarded for your trust.” His eyes narrow on Carson.
A hiss of static sounds in my ear. “Carson, Avery’s right. You’re being tested,” Sadie says. “Order Avery to join in—but not to undress. It’s the only way to compromise and show your gratitude for being selected to the partners.”
Carson bends forward and picks up his flute. He takes a long swig before he sets it back down. “I find myself feeling rather grateful this evening,” he says to Gannet. “And of course, I’m inclined to show that gratitude.”
“All right. Good,” Sadie encourages, then the link cuts off, silent once again.
“Salina,” Carson addresses me by my crafted identity. “Stand and join Tanja and Gannet’s lovely morsel in some entertaining play for us all.” He reaches over and grasps my chin, forcing my gaze to meet his. “But, you will not remove your dress.”
As much as I’ve been coached, it’s still difficult to enact this role. I swallow, knowing my nerves are at least helping me appear the demur and devout submissive I’ve been prepped to be. “Yes, Master.”
I can do this. I control my body. No one is taking, no one is forcing. Mindset is everything. Gannet is not Wells. These men—though as vile as they are—are not Wells. I continue to mentally prepare myself as I stand.
The full scenic view impacts me, and my breath stutters. Debauchery at its finest fills the penthouse. It’s a shock to my system, but it’s not appalling. There’s a delicate texture threading the air, vibrating, tantalizing. And once I accept this fiction, I slip into the character of Salina willingly.
Two sections over, a couple has sex openly on top of a table. The man thrusts into the bronzed woman unguarded, uninhibited. All around me hands paw and eyes watch. The sharp whip of leather meets flesh, stinging the air. It ignites my senses, and when Tanja presses her body against mine, my skin blazes.
I don’t look at Carson as her hands roam along my hips, down to my thighs, though I can feel his eyes on me. And I know this is part of the mission. But I desperately wish he’d look away as the naked woman behind me suddenly kisses my neck.
“Not on the mouth, Lila,” Gannet chastises his sub. “I have my rules, too.” He directs this comment to Carson, and then I’m acutely aware of both men watching the scene unfold before them.
Tanja tugs at my satin dress, yanking it up my thigh. I let my hands caress her, feeling the silken, glittery oil coating her skin. I close my eyes, but that doesn’t prevent the others from seeing me on the monitors.
Quinn.
He’s watching me through Carson’s camera.
The thought comes as a swift kick to my chest, awakening my trance. I could almost lose myself in this moment, allowing a dull glaze to coat my mind and feel removed. Or I could do as Alexis suggested: explore. Only the reality of my feelings for Quinn won’t let either happen.
I belong to Quinn.
“Your skin is so soft,” Tanja whispers in my ear, her tongue tasting my lobe. She positions my thigh against her hip, and I grip her shoulders, seeking balance. My foot finds purchase on the low marble table. “It’s too bad your Master won’t let you remove this.” She fondles the shoulder clasp of my dress. “But we can work around that.”
The clasp comes loose and the strap slips down. My dress falls open, revealing my breast. “Oops,” she says, a deviant smile playing at her mouth.
Gannet’s boisterous laugh spears me, and the shock of the girl’s yelp as he swats her ass covers my alarm. I snatch my strap and hastily refasten the clasp.
“Can never train them completely,” Gannet remarks to Carson. “They love seeking punishments.” But really, he’s not put out at all by this. Rather, he looks delighted the woman tested Carson’s authority.
Tanja wears a sultry pout on her lips, but she’s quick to move on, her fingers delicately kneading their way up my inner thigh as Lila pulls my shoulders back, reclining me against her chest. I feel the press of her nipples through the sheer satin material, then I’m jolted by the shock of Tanja’s fingers slipping my thong aside.
She doesn’t stop there, and soon she’s pushing her slim fingers inside me while the other woman caresses my breasts. My whole body thrums with tension, and it’s impossible to relax. I’m going to blow this. They’re going to see right through me…
“Don’t you fucking look away,” Quinn’s voice snaps in my ear.
I startle, my gaze shoots to Carson—who is staring at the floor. He bends over to grab his champagne and whispers into his mic, “I can’t watch this. I can’t watch Avery—”
“You’re going to get her hurt,” Quinn cuts in, his voice thick, grating. “Look at her, or I’ll beat the shit—”
“Ten minutes until the auction commences, gentlemen.” It’s Larkin’s voice traveling through the penthouse, the announcement breaking into the feed. Relief is a wave crashing into me.