Crave by Erzabet Bishop Page B

kind.  “Master Gage said we had to keep everything low key until the semester was over. I just hope he’ll make it in tonight. He texted me he was going to be late and to help with the visitors.”
    “Maybe he wants you to help the new guy feel at home.” Her best friend April grinned and spun from side to side on the bar stool, her feet dangling. “He’s supposed to be Master Gage’s special guest.” She polished off her cranberry juice and turned to slide the empty glass across the bar to Bernie.
    “Thanks.”
    “No problem.” The large black man smiled, his eyes dancing merrily. Everyone understood Bernie was the biggest teddy bear in the place, but if anyone threatened one of the subs, he would rival even the toughest Dungeon Monitor. “You girls be careful tonight. The boys upstairs are on another membership drive, and I’m not so sure they checked out everyone like they normally do.”
    “Hmmm.” She eyed the charismatic blond man from across the room. He was surrounded by women, each one eager to get a taste. “God. It’s like a feeding frenzy.”
    April laughed. “It is. I hope they leave more than the bones for whoever gets him tonight.” Her Domme Evelyn waved at her from the St. Andrew’s cross. “Look, I have to go. Mistress Evelyn is summoning me. You have a great time, honey, and give me a call tomorrow.”
    “Will do.” Linnet picked up her ginger ale and took a small sip. She tugged down her frilly micro skirt and checked her corset to make sure everything was in place. It felt good to sit down. The new black heels she’d worn tonight were absolutely killing her, and it hadn’t even been two hours yet. 
    Bernie narrowed his eyes, his lips turning down in disapproval as he gazed at the blond. “You be careful around that one, Linnet. There’s been talk.”
    Linnet cocked her head. “What kind of talk?”
    “The kind that makes me want to throw his ass out the front door and not care where it lands. I can’t believe he wormed his way in here.”
    “Really?”
    “Just don’t let yourself be alone with him, okay?”
    “Point taken.” She swallowed the last of her drink and heaved herself off the stool and back onto the floor. Her feet still hurt, but at least it was a little better after sitting. “I’d better make my way into the fray. If Master Gage comes in and sees me sitting, I’ll get my backside warmed but good.”
    Bernie chuckled. “You know you like it when that man paddles you. Hell, he could paddle me anytime.”
    “Naughty, Bernie.” Linnet giggled.
    “Don’t you know it, babe. Now you watch yourself, you hear?”
    “I will. Don’t worry.”
    She blew him a kiss in answer and made her way through the crowd. There were indeed a lot of unfamiliar faces in the main club floor, and she wondered what management was about not screening them. Maybe it was just a meet and greet situation. Then she looked around. Nope. When Crave was open to the public for one of the educational or recruiting programs, the boys upstairs kept everything tightly controlled.
    It was probably fine. Bernie was just overreacting.
    Maybe.
    Either way, she had to get with it and do some smiling and nodding or Master Gage would be displeased. She wanted to tell him her good news about school, not have him upset with her for shirking her duties as the proper submissive. They had a standard agreement that left her in the hands of the Dungeon Monitors when he wasn’t present so she didn’t worry over much.
    Time passed by quickly and before Linnet realized it, two hours had passed. Her throat was parched from talking and schmoozing.  She sauntered up to the bar. Bernie was missing, in his place was Roxy wiping a half dozen glasses.
    “Hey, Roxy. Can I get a bottled water?”
    “Sure.” The buxom brunette grinned and slid the beverage toward her. “Is Master Gage here yet?”
    “Haven’t seen him come in, but he should be here soon.”
    “Great.”
    “Where’s Bernie?” Linnet