The Gate (Dark Path Series) by KT Grant Page B

on his knees to study his beautiful bounty. His and no other’s. His heart was ready to burst. Euphoric, he untied her from the bed then rubbed her arms and wrists to bring back circulation.
    He’d never felt this unnerving fascination with another lover or one of his submissives. But with this woman he’d fucked within an inch of her life, he feared he had lost a piece of his soul.
    She opened her eyes, clutching his upper arms. “Hold me?”
    Her request humbled him. The trust she gave him after he’d used her in such a rough manner. Not bothering to take off the condom, he enveloped her in his arms, her curls tickling his nose. Not caring about the sweat or stickiness coating their bodies, he pulled her close.
    “Thank you.” He ran his hand up and down her back.
    She didn’t say anything, having fallen asleep in his embrace, her soft snores lulling him into a state of relaxation.

Chapter Nine
     
    Catherine shook hands with the couple. They’d decided to do something extra special for their tenth wedding anniversary and came to her for help in setting it up. She was honored she could be part of such a memorable occasion. Motioning to one of the bodyguards to come over, she handed him the keys to one of the third floor rooms.
    “Steve will escort you up to the room where one of my assistants will help you get ready. I’ll join you soon after.”
    “I’m so excited. I can’t wait to start!” The woman squealed, giving Catherine a hug.
    She awkwardly patted the woman’s back. She wasn’t used to a guest being affectionate unless they asked permission first. But since Mr. and Mrs. Rimini were regulars, and she’d helped them celebrate a previous anniversary, she was fine with the embrace.
    When Mrs. Rimini released her, Catherine shooed them away. “Go get ready. I’ll see you shortly.”
    Mr. Rimini grabbed his wife’s hand, and both followed Steve down the hall.
    Slouching against the wall, she wiped her forehead. Just ten o’clock and she was already wiped out. It had been a long week—first going over the billing with The Gate’s accountant and then Raymond’s unrelenting persistence regarding the future of their relationship. She’d been tempted to call Max, telling him she was under the weather, but since she had already called out sick a few weeks ago to recover from the intense beating and sexual torture her master had given her, she decided she didn’t have any excuse.
    “I need a long vacation,” she muttered. Walking down the hall, she entered the lounge area. Come the first of the year, I’m taking time off regardless of what Max wants. She needed a long break away from everything—especially Raymond. They’d talked the day before on the phone for over two hours. By the end, she’d been a quivering mess. Phone sex had never been so good. But it didn’t help her sleep. Every night she tossed and turned, so lonely. It wouldn’t have mattered if she’d been with the sexy Frenchman. He wasn’t much of a cuddler, and her teddy bear she’d kept since she was six years old didn’t give her the comfort like a male body spooning her while she slept.
    First, she would do a shot then she would change into her gear and give the Riminis the best anniversary present they’d ever experienced.
    She walked behind the bar and stopped. Bryan sat in what she considered “his spot”. Damn, he’s hot. The young man in his long sleeved, button-down gray shirt stared at her while she poured a shot of Patron. She downed the alcohol without any salt or lime, allowing the smooth burn to settle in her stomach. He didn’t look away once.
    Two women approached him, one whispering in his ear. He waved them away. Lifting his glass, he shook it.
    She pointed at herself and mouthed, “Me?”.
    Nodding, he mouthed back , “Yes” and smiled.
    He’s so cute. With a sigh, she walked over to him. “What’ll it be?” she asked without any greeting or other pleasantries.
    He pushed back his hair, his