Page 80

“So, she decided that taking a bath in our tub would make her feel better?” Something was way off with all of this, but Rebecca couldn’t be upset with Cassidy. She actually looked as confused as Rebecca felt. Of course, Rebecca was aware of Cassidy’s wish that she could have saved Rebecca years ago. This was her chance to help Miranda. If only the situation didn’t feel so… wrong to Rebecca.

“I just wanted her to feel safe and comfortable, baby. After all my talk about wanting to help you,” Cass said, eerily mirroring Rebecca’s inner thoughts, “I feel so out of my depth here, Becca. It doesn’t help that she’s being all weird and shit. I mean, is this normal?”

Rebecca’s heart ached for her lover and she reached over to rub Cassidy’s arm. “There is no normal when it comes to something like this, Cassidy.”

“Thank God you’re here to help me.”

Rebecca shook her head slightly. “I think it would be better if I went to the club.” She hesitated for a heartbeat. “And then to my place.”

“What! Why?” Cass became a tad bit panicked. Okay, more than a tad bit. “Baby, please don’t leave me!”

“Honey, I’m not leaving you. Miranda already doesn’t like me much and I just think it would be easier for her to talk to you if I’m not here.”

“I don’t know if I can do this by myself, Rebecca.” Cass nearly dropped to her knees to beg Rebecca to stay. Obviously, fear that she wouldn’t know what to do to help Rand bothered her. But the biggest fear was that Rebecca wouldn’t come back. Cass knew she should be over that doubt by now, however, as long as Rebecca had her own fucking place the fear would remain.

Going against every instinct in her body, Rebecca stuck with her decision. She could very well be making the biggest mistake of her life, but if Miranda truly was a victim of abuse, Rebecca needed to take a step back and not be selfish.

“You can. All you need to do is listen to her.” She touched Cass’s worried face. “I love you.”

Rebecca nearly changed her mind when Cassidy didn’t respond in kind. She knew her lover wouldn’t be happy with her. Hell, Rebecca knew that Cassidy hated that she still had her place. And while she hated using it like this, Rebecca had to believe that she was doing the right thing. She kept telling herself that as she walked to her car, got in, and drove away.

A tear rolled down Cass’s cheek. “I love you, too, baby.” She would probably kick herself for the rest of her life for not saying the words to Rebecca before she left. And if something happened to her… Cass promptly pulled out her phone and dialed.

“Hello?”

“I love you, baby. So much. I should have said that before you left but I was being an ass. I’m sorry.”

Rebecca smiled. “Thank you. Good luck with Miranda. And if you need me, I’m always there. Do you hear me, Cassidy? I’m not going anywhere.”

Relief washed over Cass. As shitty as this situation with Rand was, it gave Cass strength to know that she wasn’t alone. That Rebecca understood her fears and made it a point to put her at ease. No, she didn’t like that Rebecca wasn’t going to be with her tonight, but she could rest assured that it was temporary. If Cass had anything to say about it, this little arrangement would be over permanently after tonight.

THREE HOURS, TWENTY-FOUR minutes, and thirty-five seconds. Thirty-six. That’s how long it had been since Rebecca left Cassidy. But who’s counting? Cassidy hadn’t called since the brief—yet, very sweet—call right after Rebecca pulled away. She wasn’t sure how she felt about that. Undoubtedly, she had faith that Cassidy could handle the situation. And no matter what she thought of Miranda, she trusted Cassidy with her heart. So, why did she still have this sinking feeling?

“Mistress?” Carlie knocked timidly after opening the door to Mistress’s office.

“Yes, Carlie?” Mistress said patiently.

She reminded herself that she could possibly be done with all of this soon. It had been a couple of months since she made the decision to sell the club, and she had to admit, it was a harder process than she realized. Despite the club’s beginnings, the place was important to her. She became who she was today in this club. And, of course, she had the same thoughts as Cassidy. They met here. Their time in the Pink Room was the stuff of wet dreams. She couldn’t sell it to just anyone. Perhaps she was being difficult, but since Cassidy felt the same way, Rebecca felt better about it.

“You, um, have a visitor. I didn’t make any appointments!” Carlie added quickly.

Mistress frowned behind her mask. Cassidy would occasionally visit her at the club, but it was always in the Pink Room. She would never compromise Rebecca’s privacy by coming to her office. Besides, Cassidy was still busy with Miranda as far as Rebecca knew.

“Who is it?”

Carlie looked behind her, tilting her head up. “Ah…”

The guest poked their head around the door. “Um, hi. I was given an invitation to this place, and I wanted to talk about membership?”

Mistress blinked. “Right. Please, come in. Carlie, no interruptions, please.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Carlie gave one last look, then closed the door behind her.

Mistress stood, opening her arms to her guest. “What the hell are you doing here?” She pushed away. “You’re not really looking for a membership, are you?”

Hunter laughed. “No! I assumed it was better to act as if we didn’t know each other. Besides, I don’t think having a membership here would win Ellie over.”

Rebecca waved her hand. “You were never here.” Hunter was finally rid of that wretched Susan and had her eyes set on a sweet—and hot—diner owner. Rebecca didn’t know much about Ellie except for the facts that she taught Rebecca’s yoga class and she could bake like an angel. In Rebecca’s eyes, as long as she was gay, available, and honest, Ellie was perfect for Hunter. “Now, answer my question. Why are you here?”