Freeing Her (Irresistibly Bound 4)

They entered the crowded club. Eve drew Faith over to a quiet corner, hidden away from the rest of the club, and ordered them a bottle of champagne. Tonight, they weren’t here to play. It wasn’t one of the club’s ‘ladies only’ nights. The last thing they wanted was to be fodder for the fantasies of gawking men. They were simply here to be with each other and immerse themselves in the atmosphere.

And yet, Faith felt none of the excitement she’d first felt when Eve first suggested they return to Lilith’s Den. Being surrounded by all these people had Faith feeling empty. Ever since hearing the news about her sister she’d had this hollowness in her chest that wouldn’t go away. All those feelings of rejection she’d thought she’d overcome years ago had come rushing back .

Faith refused to admit how much it upset her. She’d refused to let it show. She was good at that, at suppressing her feelings and pretending to be cheerful and happy. She’d spent most of her life pretending to be fine, when really, she’d felt trapped. She’d left that life behind long ago, but the way she was feeling now proved that she’d never truly escaped it.

As they waited for their drinks to arrive, Faith watched the club go by around her. Lilith’s felt different this time. It had lost its luster. The whips, the chains, the excess—it all felt empty.

Faith pulled herself together. She wasn’t going to let her feelings get in the way of enjoying herself with Eve. After all, wasn’t that what mattered? That she was with Eve, and that they could be together freely?

Their drinks arrived. The champagne tasted flat.

Eve tucked a strand of Faith’s hair behind her ear. “What’s going on with you tonight?”

“Nothing.” Faith plastered on a smile. “I’m not feeling this crowd, that’s all.”

“Neither am I.” Eve leaned in closer. “How about we get out of here? Go somewhere I can have you all to myself?” Her lips brushed against Faith’s cheek. “Or, if you’re in the mood for something a little more interesting, there are private rooms upstairs that are well equipped with all kinds of naughty toys.”

A shiver ran along Faith’s skin. She couldn’t deny how appealing that sounded. It would be a welcome distraction. But was that what she wanted right now?

Eve slipped a finger under Faith’s collar, drawing her in for a hot, hard kiss. Faith melted into Eve’s greedy lips. It was almost enough to make her forget about everything else.

“What do you say?” Eve asked. “I want to take you upstairs and do all kinds of wicked things to you.”

Something twisted in Faith’s gut. She wanted Eve, but not this. She shook her head, pulling away. “No.”

“What’s the matter?”

Faith didn’t know how to answer her. She didn’t know why everything suddenly felt so wrong. It was all just too much. She tugged at the diamond collar around her neck. It was too tight.

“Faith, what’s going on?” Eve asked.

“I’m not your possession!” Faith crossed her arms between the two of them. “I’m not your pet. I’m not a thing. You don’t own me.”

Eve flinched. “I know that. Faith, I’ve never thought of you like that. I don’t see you that way, I promise.”

Faith’s heart lurched. The hurt in Eve’s eyes filled her with guilt. She wasn’t mad at Eve. She was mad at herself. Everything was all messed up.

“I’m sorry.” Eve reached out to touch Faith’s arm, then pulled back. “I never meant to make you feel that way.”

“I know. It’s not you, I’m just—” Faith’s voice quivered. “I can’t do this right now. Be your submissive.”

“Okay. That’s fine. Let’s just get out of here. Go somewhere just to talk.”

“I just want to go home.”

“At least let me take you.” Eve held out her hand. “Please?”

Faith just wanted to be alone, but the softness in Eve’s gaze swayed her. “Okay. ”

She slid her hand into Eve’s, and Eve led her out of Lilith’s Den.

The cab pulled up to Faith’s apartment. Faith didn’t get out of the car. She still didn’t feel like talking, but she owed Eve an explanation for her behavior. She couldn’t end the night with this hanging over them, especially since they might not have a chance to be alone again for a long time.

“Do you want me to come up with you?” Eve asked.

“Yeah,” Faith said. “I’d like that.”

They got out of the car, and Eve followed Faith up to her apartment.