Snowed In

What was she thinking? She really was a masochist.

“Don’t you two have a public orgy to attend?” she asked irritably.

“That’s not until Friday,” Gideon replied seriously.

Reid laughed. “He’s joking, love. Tonight is just a mixer. Everyone will be fully clothed. We’re all going to eat, drink, and mingle. It’s a nice way to meet people who have the same interests.”

“He means it’s a good way to meet a Dom.” Gideon was still looking at her boobs. She had a bad feeling her nipples were hard as rocks and he could see the outline of her gold rings. She gave in to the urge and crossed her arms over her chest. “Everyone’s passed a background check and, unlike you, everyone else had to talk to our resident shrink before being allowed to attend.”

“Lisa talked to her at the club,” Reid explained. “It wasn’t formal, but Lisa didn’t have any problems passing her.”

It had seemed to be the safest way to meet people in the lifestyle. Reid had made it sound like one big, relaxed party. “Well, I’ll have to take out a personal ad. Now go to your mixer.”

Gideon gasped and shot off the bed. He reached for her before pulling back, obviously thinking better of putting his hands on her. “You’re not putting out a personal ad. What the hell are you thinking? That’s a good way to get yourself killed. Fine. I don’t seem to have any control over anything these days. Get dressed. Reid can escort you.” He sighed and leaned over, his face softening. “I’ve thought about it, Jessica. You’re right. I have no reason to keep you away except for the fact that looking at you makes me feel bad about what I threw away. I was an idiot. I can’t fix what happened between us, but I can offer to show you around.”

She wasn’t sure what to make of it, but she wanted to go to that mixer. She’d been excited about it for weeks. She knew she should hole up and follow through with her plan to leave in the morning. Being in the same room with Gideon was far too dangerous. He stared down at her expectantly, and she found herself nodding. “Okay.”

Gideon gave her a smile that set her heart to pounding. “Good. Then I’ll see you in an hour. I’ll come and walk you down.”

She shook her head. “That is not necessary. I can find my way.”

“No, I think it’s best if you stay with me or Reid. Sweetheart, these people are hard core. Some of the men here are 24-7 and looking for a slave. I would feel better if you spent the first couple of days with one of us to advise you.”

“I’ll go with Reid,” she said stubbornly.

Gideon looked like he would argue, but finally agreed. “All right. I’ll let you get ready. Reid, let’s give her some privacy.”

Reid seemed surprised but got up and joined his best friend. “I’ll be back here in an hour.”

The men left, and Jessica poured herself another drink. It looked like she would need it.* * * *Reid followed Gideon out of Jessica’s suite, wondering exactly what would be waiting for him in the hallway. He clenched his fist to try to stop the fine tremble in his hands. He’d been plotting this reunion for weeks, plotting to get the three of them together forever, and now that it was here, he was so nervous he could hardly breathe. This was either the breakthrough he’d been waiting for, or the ass-kicking he’d been dreading.

His lover walked halfway down the hall and then rounded on him. Gideon’s face was tight, his voice tortured. “Are you fucking her?”

Breakthrough! Reid had to contain his almost savage sense of satisfaction. “She still doesn’t know I’m bi. It was the only way I could stay close to her.”

“Good, keep it that way for now.”

Reid felt his eyes narrow. He’d been patient for years, but that trait was deserting him. “Keep it that way? Are you telling me to keep it in my pants? After what you did?”

Gideon took a step back and his face turned to granite. “Watch your tone with me. I know we’re not 24/7, but I’m not putting up with disrespect.”

Wow. He was done. Reid felt that fine tremble he’d had before become a raging tremor. “Disrespect?”

Gideon’s face fell. His shoulders slumped. “Reid, I…”

“I stand by for years while you play the straight boy wonder. I let you keep me in the closet. I was willing to let you marry a woman and never hear the words ‘I love you’ in public. And you want to talk to me about disrespect?” Reid turned, unable to look at him a second longer. The hall was lined with floor-to-ceiling glass, offering a spectacular view of the winter wonderland outside. Reid leaned his forehead against the glass to catch his breath. It was cold against his skin.