by Ivy Nelson
The groom’s waiting area was just down the hall from where Darci and her bridal party were getting ready. Peter Mercer greeted him when he stepped into the room.
“Michael, it’s good to see you again, brother.”
Michael hugged the tall man. “I’m glad you and Carrie could make it out.”
He spotted the groom, Bradley Givens. He was the newest in their circle of friends but since he was Darci’s lover and Dom they had all embraced him as one of their own. He had become good friends with him over the past few months. That he treated Darci a lot better than the last man she’d let collar her earned him a lot of credit with their group. A scowl crept onto his face as he thought of Damion, the man Darci had dated before she met Bradley. It wasn’t a habit of his to interfere with his friends’ love lives, but keeping his mouth shut about Damion had been hard.
Peter offered him a glass of whiskey. It didn’t take him long to down the amber liquid before letting Peter fill his glass a second time.
“Bradley, your girl was about to hyperventilate when I saw her a minute ago, but I think I got her calmed down. I have to say it’s a whirlwind of makeup and hairspray over there. I much prefer the amenities here.” He raised his glass.
Bradley chuckled. “Why am I not surprised? Speaking of our girls, is Adara here yet?”
Michael smiled at the thought of Adara being his girl. Even if she didn’t see it that way, he was enjoying the time they were spending together.
“She just texted and told me she was here.”
“Excellent. I’ve missed working with her. It will be good to see her again.”
Adara and Bradley had both worked for a senator but when his campaign for president fell to scandal, they both left and were doing other things. Adara hadn’t found solid work yet but had been consulting for a few people on capitol hill. Glancing at his smart watch he said, “Almost time my friend. I’m going to head back to Darci.”
“Tell her I said calm the fuck down and give her the look.” Michael laughed and tossed back the rest of his whiskey.
“Done and done.”
Back across the hall, the wedding planner was putting the bride and bridesmaids in place. Darci approached him and looped her arm through his. “Let’s do this, Michael,” she said. He grinned down at her.
“Let’s do this, kiddo.”
The ceremony Darci had planned checked all the boxes for sweet and traditional. A perfect event for someone who was becoming the daughter-in-law of the man who had a real shot at becoming the next president. The people who knew the couple well could see the hints of power exchange that defined their relationship.
Months earlier, Michael had been present at a collaring ceremony at the private BDSM club they were all members of. In many ways, that had been the more meaningful ceremony. This was just a legal extension of that. There would be a traditional reception here at the Hilton, but later tonight there would be a party at the club for a more adult celebration that honored the kinky side of their relationship.
Michael was looking forward to it because he planned to take Adara to the club for the first time. She had been asking questions about his kinks but hadn’t worked up the courage to attend a party at Exposure with him. Despite being excited about showing her more of his lifestyle, he had been careful not to put any pressure on her.
As he stepped into the ceremony hall with Darci on his arm, Adara caught his eye. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders and she wore a red dress that showed smooth shoulders. The feeling of her silky skin was imprinted in his memory and it was as if he could feel it now just looking at her. He wanted to wink at her as they passed but decided against it. It was easy to embarrass her, and he didn’t want to do that.
Once his role in the ceremony was complete, he stepped back and made his way to the row of chairs where Adara sat. When he reached her, he leaned down and whispered, “excuse me, is this seat taken?” Her blush was instant, but she gave a slight shake of her head, and he settled into the empty chair next to her. When he slipped his arm around her shoulders she stiffened for a moment, but after a minute she relaxed. It hadn’t gone unnoticed that she wasn’t fond of public displays of affection. She didn’t pull away though, so he left his arm where it was. A few minutes later she surprised him by placing her hand on his thigh and scooting closer to him. It made him smile.
As the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, and Bradley dipped Darci for a ridiculous kiss, Michael slipped his hand into Adara’s as they stood to cheer with the rest of the crowd. Instead of withdrawing her hand, she squeezed his fingers. Things were looking up.
The reception would be in the ballroom next door. Darci insisted Michael stay back for wedding pictures, so he kissed Adara on the cheek and told her he would find her as soon as he could. As she turned to walk away, her phone sounded an alert. A frown marred her face when she glanced at her screen.
“Everything OK?” he asked, stopping her with a gentle hand on her shoulder.
She nodded. “Just a stupid wrong number that won’t quit texting me. I’m about to block it.”
The police officer in him kicked in and he fought the temptation to ask if she was sure it was just a wrong number. Darci was always telling him he was too overbearing and overprotective, even for a dom, so he didn’t ask. Instead, he kissed her cheek one more time and let her walk away.
• • •
Adara scowled at her phone. This guy was pissing her off. A few taps of the screen and she was on the block number window. She confirmed she wanted to block the number and put the phone away. That should take care of that little problem. Inside the ballroom, the open bar looked appealing, so she ordered a whiskey sour before finding her assigned seat at the table nearest the bride and groom’s—perks of being a good friend of the groom and dating the bride’s best friend. Guests filed in and she waved at the ones she recognized—which was most of them. Working with senator Atleigh on his various campaigns had garnered her a lot of connections. There were several people here she knew she should talk to since she was running for office. But before she did any of that she wanted to ask Bradley to run her campaign. Just then, a familiar face approached and sat in the seat next to her.
“I know this isn’t my seat, but I had to come give you a hug.” It was Leslie Hanover. “I should have known this was the wedding you meant.”
Adara accepted the older woman’s hug. “I should have guessed you would be here too,” she responded.
“Oh, Adara, I’m just so excited. D.C. is going to be lucky to have you on the ballot.”
“I’m just proud to be able to serve.” She patted Leslie’s hand as she took a sip of her whiskey sour.
Just then, Michael approached and placed a hand on her shoulder. She smiled up at him.
Leslie stood. “I do believe I’m in your seat, Detective Silas. Or should I say Chief Silas?” she asked with a raised eyebrow. Michael shifted next to her, clearly uncomfortable with this conversation. Was Leslie referring to Chief of Police? The mayor had the power to fill that position, and Adara hadn’t heard any rumors lately.
“I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean,” Michael said after a moment.
“The word around town is that you’re the mayor’s appointee to be the next Chief of Special Investigations.”
Michael shrugged and said, “You know how the gossip mill is.”
The older woman laughed. “Playing it close to the vest I see. Well, I’ll let you have your seat. Enjoy the party.”
Adara just stared as Leslie crossed the ballroom to her own table. Was there anything that woman didn’t know?
“Something you forgot to tell me?” she asked as Michael settled into his seat.
“Not exactly. She is right. I’m going to be the next chief. It’s just not official yet and I was under strict orders to keep it quiet until the announcement on Monday.”
“I guess it’s OK since I have something I need to tell you too.” His brow rose as he waited.
“I’m running for an at-large council position.”
“Adara, I think that’s wonderful. You’re going to do great, Angel.”
She grinned, grateful for his support. “Thanks. I’m super excited.”
He picked up her hand. “Will you still join me tonight?”
She nodded. “Between you, Bradley, and Darci, I’m convinced of the security and secrecy of the place. I know none of what came out months ago would have come out if a public club hadn’t been part of it.”
A few months ago, Bradley’s involvement in the BDSM lifestyle became public news thanks to a serial killer targeting submissive women. Two of them happened to be connected to Bradley. Adara shuddered as she remembered the headlines. Thankfully the killer had been caught, and the media had moved on to something else. Michael smiled and looked relieved. She was nervous about going to Exposure for the first time, but she was interested to see what the appeal was for her friends.
The emcee for the evening came across the sound system and announced the bride and groom’s arrival. Everyone stood and clapped as the couple made their way to the table next to the one Michael and Adara sat at. She grinned at her dear friend from college. Without Bradley, she didn’t know where she would be today.
Once the line of people stopping by to wish the happy couple well died off, Adara motioned for Bradley to come and visit her. Darci had set off to visit with partygoers around the ballroom so he obliged her and settled in at the empty chair next to her.
“Congratulations, boss,” she said with a quirky grin.
“Oh, cut it out, Adara. I haven’t been your boss for months,” he said with a chuckle. “But thank you. I couldn’t be happier.”
“I have something to ask that might make you at least a bit happier.”
“Oh?” his eyes widened, and he sat back with steepled fingers as he waited for her to tell him what was going on.
“Leslie Hanover has been talking to me.” An unexpected wave of nervousness flooded her system and she twisted the tablecloth in her fingers as she spoke.
“And?”
“Well… She convinced me to run for the at-large seat as an independent with democratic backing.”
Bradley’s eyes lit up, and she knew it was pride that she saw. “Adara, that’s amazing. I’m so excited for you. How do I help?”
“Well, that’s what I wanted to ask you. I want you to run my campaign.”
“Are you sure? Considering everything that happened with Atleigh and Darci, I come with a lot of baggage.”
“I’m positive, Bradley. All that has blown over and you’ve come out clean. You’re the best, and I want the best. I know it’s not a high-profile campaign, but it’s a short run-up to the election and I think we can win. I don’t know what our budget is for a salary yet, but Leslie is already lining up donors.”
“Don’t worry about salary right now. We’ll check all the boxes on the paperwork but as far as you’re concerned, I’ll do it for free. Err. I guess I should clear it with Darci first.”
“Clear what with me?”
Bradley turned to find her standing over his shoulder. “Hey, gorgeous. Adara has some awesome news.”
He let her tell Darci what she was doing. “I want your husband to run my campaign.”
Darci clapped her hands together. “Oh my god. Husband. I love that word. Of course, my husband can run your campaign. Don’t be silly. Why would you need to ask me about that?”
“You know firsthand how hard campaigns can be with the work you’re doing for my dad, baby. I just didn’t want you feeling ambushed or feel like I’m being taken away from you.”
The bride grinned and kissed him. “I love you. Go run a campaign. I know you miss it.”
Bradley returned her grin. “It’s true, I do.”
“It would be an honor to run your campaign, Miss Kent. I hope all the details can wait until I get back from Italy though.” He winked at his new wife who giggled.
“Of course, boss.”
“Hey. Don’t expect me to call you boss.”
She laughed. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
The reception went by in a blur of handshakes, whiskey sours, and even a dance or two. Before she knew it, the last song was being played and the people that were in the know were planning to head to Exposure, the elite private BDSM club on the outskirts of town. Michael had brought his SUV and had stopped drinking hours ago, so he drove them to the club. Adara had no idea what to expect when she stepped inside, but her stomach was in knots.
Michael was gentle and reassuring, telling her that they didn’t have to stay if she found herself uncomfortable.
“Thank you for coming with me, but I’m serious, Angel. You can leave anytime you want. I’ll drive you home or we’ll go sit and talk somewhere. Whatever you need.”
“I appreciate it, but I’m a big girl. I’m sure I’ll be fine. It can’t be any worse than what I’ve seen on the Internet.”
“That’s true. The Internet is scary,” he said with a wink.
At the door, a man in a dark suit checked her ID against the name on Michael’s plus one list. Club Exposure’s rules stated that at least two people in good standing had to vouch for her before they would let her in. Lucky for her, she knew three.
After a few visits, she would need to apply for membership if she wanted to continue attending parties at Exposure. She wasn’t sure how she felt about that, but it seemed to be Michael’s second home, so she was sure that if it didn’t turn her off, she would consider applying.
“Last chance to run away,” Michael whispered in her ear before pushing the double doors open.
She shivered at the feel of his hot breath dancing across her ear and neck.
What she saw inside surprised her. It looked tame. She had been expecting to see all kinds of nudity and hear screams of pain and pleasure. So far, everyone remained dressed. There was a small bar off the main dungeon where people were congregating.
Michael squeezed her hand. “Doing OK? Can I get you a drink?”
She shook her head. She’d had too much at the reception. It was best to stop for the night. “I’m doing good. Not quite what I expected.”
“I got us here early. Things will get going soon. I figured we should ease you into things. Plus, if we get here early, it’s easier to get one of the comfy seats.” He winked as he pulled her to a corner that had several leather couches in it. Sitting, he patted the spot next to him. “Here, we can see all kinds of things. You can ask all the questions you want, and nobody is likely to hear us talking.”
“That sounds good,” she agreed as she settled next to him.
Michael hadn’t been kidding. An hour later, things were much closer to what she was expecting to see. The bride and groom arrived. Darci had changed from her conservative wedding gown into a white leather corset with lace trim, and a matching white mini skirt, and pumps. Bradley was sporting a pair of black jeans and a dark button-up shirt. Adara watched her old friend greet a few guests before he led his bride to an odd-looking frame. He cupped her face and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before she lowered herself to the ground.
Michael wrapped his arm around Adara as they watched. Leaning close he whispered, “He’s going to suspend her. It’s pretty awesome to watch.”
He was right. Watching Bradley work with the rope to bind Darci and hoist her into the air so she was completely off the ground was mesmerizing. It was a side of her former boss she never expected to see. Maybe it was a little awkward, but the chemistry oozing off of them was fun to witness.
Closer to them, a man was attaching a young blonde to what could only be described as a whipping post. Adara gasped when the man pulled out a terrifying whip. It was braided leather and long. It was perhaps the most intimidating thing she had ever seen. The woman seemed serene though. And when the dom fisted his hand into her long hair and pulled her head back to meet him for a rough kiss, the girl moaned. Adara squirmed next to Michael who pulled her closer.
>
“This will get kind of loud but just keep in mind she loves it, and it sounds a lot scarier than it is. That’s Gary, the club’s owner by the way,” he said in her ear.
Loud was an understatement. She watched Gary unfurl the scary looking whip and step back several feet. He lifted the whip above his head and flicked his wrist. The whip made a deafening CRACK, but it didn’t touch the girl attached to the post. The man grinned wickedly when the blonde jumped. He flicked the whip again and this time it made contact with the girl who yelped loudly. Soon, Gary was whipping the girl in a pattern and red stripes were forming on her back. Adara was holding her breath with every flick of the whip. It was all a little more overwhelming than she could handle so she excused herself to the restroom.
Michael stood, looking concerned, but she assured him she was fine. “I just need a minute. I promise, I’ll be right back.” He looked as if he wanted to stop her but to his credit he chose not to.
She pushed open the bathroom door and stood at the counter for a moment, taking a deep breath. A man walked in after her and she jumped, having forgotten this was a gender-neutral restroom.
He smiled at her. Something about him though gave her the creeps.
“Hey,” he said with a wave. “I’ve never seen you here before. I’m Damion.”
She just nodded and smiled before slipping into a stall where she locked the door and sat down. She pulled her phone out of her purse. A text was waiting for her.
You look good in red.
She gasped as she stared at the screen. This wasn’t a wrong number after all. Someone was watching her. She typed back,
What do you want?
The response came seconds later.
I’m glad we have your attention Adara. Your phone is about to ring. Answer it.
She felt the blood rush out of her face as she watched the screen. Sure enough, it rang. They had blocked the number.
“Hello,” she whispered.