Bells and Chains (Operation Reindeer Retrieval Book 7) by Viola Grace Page B

us remove the holiday effects at your request?”
    “No, once we have them, I can have the subs take them and put them away. We have plenty of storage.”
    She nodded, and they continued on the tour. There was a chamber filled with shelves that had a countless number of sex toys. She was going to have to set up a special holiday section. She was pretty sure she could manage a few glitter vibrators.
    Doni was constantly amazed at the memories that swam up when she needed them. The sheer variety of sexually related information surprised her. There was a reason that she wasn’t freaked out by this; part of her mind considered it completely natural.
    They went through the house, room by room.
    Bern turned to her. “Now, we are heading out to the stables.”
    She flipped to a fresh page; half of her notebook was already gone to ideas and small lists.
    “Excellent. Lead on.”
    One of the latex-clad subs brought them wraps. To her surprise, Bern settled her wrap around her before putting on his own. He offered his arm once again, and they headed out into the brisk wind and walked on the immaculately cleaned stone path.
    “So, how long do the subs volunteer as subs?”
    Bern smiled. “They are on holiday break from their studies. Everyone here is a consenting adult, vetted by our membership council, and they are all bound by behavioural and non-disclosure agreements. The subs will be on house-servant duty until the new year.”
    “So, everyone here simply agrees to indulge in the fantasy?”
    “Precisely. The rules indicate that they can only play with others who want to indulge in the same fantasy. We have monitors who make sure that everyone in a scene is willing to participate.”
    “You are speaking as if you are often called upon to defend this club.”
    He chuckled. “Is it that obvious?”
    “Only slightly. You are on private property, everyone here is consenting and you have panic buttons in all the rooms. What is not to understand?”
    Bern paused and stared at her. “How did you know what those were?”
    “It made sense to me. You just confirmed it.” Her grin caught him off guard.
    He rubbed the back of his neck. “The safety of our members is our biggest concern.”
    She held up a hand. “This is an alternative sex club. Please avoid the use of the term members. ”
    His snort was loud enough to make the horses in the nearby paddock lift their heads.
    “Fair enough. Well, consultant, are you willing to check out our stables and consider something more suitable for the upcoming season?”
    “Lead the way. I am here to do a job.”
    He sighed. “Too bad. I would love to find out what lurks beneath that prim exterior.”
    She laughed. “Few, if any, would call me prim. I prefer controlled.”
    “Why?”
    “Because sloppy emotions lead to bad decisions. If you keep everything controlled and planned, you can focus on what you want the outcome to be.”
    Bern smiled. “How long do your relationships last?”
    “Just as long as I want them to.” She wrinkled her nose. “So, longer than tinder, but I am not looking for anything long term.”
    “Have you played games before?” He opened the door to the stable, and several long horseboxes were obviously set up for human use.
    “Not really. I am not into games.” She looked around and made more notes, stroking the soft nose of one of the horses that was still inside. The tag on his stall door indicated that his name was Titan, and he was in for a sprain.
    She looked into his soft brown eye, and her beast spoke to his. He lifted his head and rubbed his cheek against hers.
    “That is amazing. Titan hates everyone.”
    “He’s a sweetie. He is just cranky because the folks that are usually on his back are trying to show off for their sex partners.”
    “Are you a horse whisperer as well as a decorator?”
    She looked at Bern. “I prefer holiday designer, and no, I just listen.”
    Titan reached out and accepted a petting from Bern. His dark gaze