The next morning of the theme night Damian and I arrive at the Rocks Distillery.
Damian: Word has gotten out that we are pursing on the rocks. another perk of our newfound publicity.
Juliet: That was the point, Damian. We want people to know this is an exclusive event. We need members who can stop the society for moral standards. Elitists love public secrets.
Damian: That means our success tonight rides on this vendor, Juliet.
Juliet: Don't worry. This is what i do best.
Suddenly, my phone buzzes with a group text to me and Damian.
It's official: Ethan smith is running for Governor .
Damian: I cant believe Ethan is leaving city council.
Juliet: Our dad ran for governor, too. Ethan has always wanted to follow in his footsteps.
Another text comes through.
Oh-good luck with the theme night tonight. hope it's lit.
Juliet: He did not just say lit.
Damian: I'm embarrassed for him.
He opens the door and ushers me inside.
Rey: You must be Juliet. I'm Rey, owner of On the Rocks.
Juliet: Thank you for meeting us on such short notice, Rey.
Rey: Anything for a pretty face.
Damian: Did you hear that Juliet? He thinks I have a pretty face.
Damian's voice is playful, but he eyes Rey coolly.
Juliet: Is Damian possessive?
Rey: I'm sorry you are?
Damian: The owner of Nightshade you are doing business with. How about a drink, Rey? I've heard great things about your product, but I'm particular about what i serve.
Rey: Of course you won't be disappointed. what can I get you Juliet?
Damian: She will have an espresso martini, and Vodka for me.
Rey disappears into the kitchen.
Juliet: I can order myself, Damian.
Damian: I know you can.
Rey returns and sets our drinks down. I take a sip.
Juliet: It's delicious.
Rey: Now what can i do for you two?
Damian: Juliet heard on the rocks is the up-and -coming distillery. We want you to cater Nightshade's first event.
Rey: I just heard about Nightshade the other day. A BDSM club isn't typically my clientele.
Juliet: Rey working with us will broaden your customer base. Right now you are only catering to country clubs and upscale restaurants. working with us will unlock another lucrative audience.
Rey: Wow, I had no idea there were so many exclusive kink clubs in the area.
Damian: There aren't only Nightshade.
Rey: That's not what that guy at Raven club said. I'm catering there tonight.
Juliet: But we need you tonight.
Damian: Chris must have overheard we were having an event. He's trying to sabotage us again. Rey you don't want to do business with Chris. they are not a reputable club.
Rey: Even if that's true, I signed a contract. I'm sorry. You will have to find someone else to cater.
Damian pulls me aside.
Damian: Our members are expecting on the rocks, Juliet. if we don't deliver, the night is over before it begins. You need to do something. convince Rey to partner with us. This is your job...
He leans in, a wicked half smile on his face.
Damian: ...and I know how persuasive you can be.
Juliet: Damian is clear my career rests on tonight's success. I need to... Convince Rey to partner with us.
I march straight up to the bar.
Rey: You don't take no for an answer do you?
I'm not afraid to go for what i want.
Rey: That makes two of us.
So you will help me out tonight?
Rey: You are putting me in a hard place. what about Chris?
Raven Club is a skeevy sex club with an even skeevier owner. It will do nothing for your career. On the other hand, Nightshade is classy, exclusive and successful. It will open doors for you.
Rey: You drive a hard bargain, Juliet I'm in.
I feel a strong hand on the back of my neck.
Damian: Looks like you live another day, Juliet.
I told you securing vendors is my specialty
Rey: Lets talk menu. we can do our usual, or we can customize it.
Damian: Custom. It'll help immerse members in the event. right, Juliet?
Absolutely, we should stick with it.
Damian: If you are sure.
I thank Rey and make my way outside.
Looks like tonight will be successful after all.
Damian: Securing on the rocks was only phase one, Now , you need to look the part.
That night, I, Linda and Olivia, another sub from the club get dressed for the event
Olivia: A petting zoo theme was brilliant, Juliet. Here I thought you were new to the kink world.
Olivia... I have done my research. The BDSM community is big on role-play. owner and pet is one of the most popular themes.
Olivia: Hot and smart. I knew i like you for a reason. One thing's for sure you have to get Damian's attention tonight.
Juliet: This is Nightshade's first event. Damian will be too worried if it goes off without a hitch to look at me.
Olivia: That the problem. A man like Damian thinks with his head too much.
She hands me a teeny cheetah print costume and leash.
Olivia: Make him think with his dick.
I dropped the cheetah costume, and changed into a bee one instead. It will make a statement, right?
Linda: It's... different.
Olivia: You will stand out, that's for sure.
By the time I, Olivia, and Linda arrive, Nightshade's lobby is packed to the brim.
Elliot: Exclusive members only. No one gets in without the password.
Nina: Those of you dying to get in, form a line over here. No referral number, no application.
I hurry up to the desks. You guys are slammed, Let me help.
Nina: I would rather drown than to get help from you.
Elliot: What Nina means is we have got the desk covered, You go help in the dungeon.
Down stairs, the Dungeon is even more alive. One point for me.
I inch through the packed room.
Damian: You are not supposed to be in here, Juliet...
Damian's low warning in my ear sends a shiver through me.
Damian: Bees aren't a petting zoo animal.
Exactly, If anyone touches me, I will sting.
A dark hungry look crosses he's face.
Damian: Does that include me?
Of course. You like it rough after all-
He tilts my chin up sharply.
Watch your tongue in here, Juliet. we don't want people to get the wrong idea.
What idea would that be?
That you are my sub.
The combination of words causes my pulse to quicken. he drops my chin, his eyes dragging down my face to my throat.
Suddenly, he stills.
You shouldn't be wearing that.
A leash? It's part of my costume.
A leash isn't just an accessory. it means...
Olivia: Juliet, my scene starts in five, and I left my muzzle at home. Grab me one, will you?
Juliet: I will be right there, Right, Damian?
Stick to the floor, Assist the scenes and make sure all the members are happy.
I bite back my grin as I push through the crowd to the backroom.
Muzzle, Muzzle-oh-ha!
Nina: You don't want that one. It's broken. Take this one instead.
Nina... I don't trust you.
This isn't about you, I want Nightshade to succeed
I take the muzzle from her and hurry back out to the Dungeon. Your muzzle, mistress.
Olivia: You see that, my little pet? Noisy puppies get punished.
Olivia straps the muzzle to her sub's mouth and cracks her whip. Hold still naughty thing.
The sub cries out as the muzzle snaps and cuts his face. The Dungeon goes quiet.
You gave me a broken muzzle, Juliet?
I grab the first aid kit from a shelf on the wall. It's all right. we will get him cleaned up.
Olivia: All right? my sub is hurt, and not by me.
Damian: What's going on?
Nina: It was Juliet, Sir. She sabotaged mistress Olivia's scene.
A gasp rings out through the crowed. I can feel Damian's anger rolling off him like waves.
Juliet, Tell me that isn't true.
I didn't sabotage anything, Nina said the first muzzle I had was broken and gave me that one.
Is that true, Nina?
his voice is even but cold. Nina ducks her head.
yes, sir.
Olivia: You little...
Enough. there is only one way to settle this in Nightshade. Juliet, pick Nina's punishment.
Nina: But sir, she's not a Dome!
The rules are clear, Nina. A Dom serves the punishment. The person wronged picks it.
Olivia: I'd be happy to step in, I will make sure Nina behaves.
Damian raises an eyebrow, the ghost of a smile on his lips.
What will the punishment be Juliet?
We can't let something like this happen again, Nina needs to properly check the rest of the equipment.
Damian: That's a more than fair.
Nina, start with the private rooms. I want everything tested three times, Am I clear?
Yes, sir.
Good. everyone, get back to your activities. As for you...
He takes the back of my neck.
Back room, now.
I push my way through the crowd to the back room, Damian closes the door behind him.
the usual spacious room feels tiny with his imposing frame.
If you are going to scold me, you can save it. I feel stupid enough as it is.
What you did was dangerous. but I can't blame you. You don't understand this equipment. Just like you don't understand why you shouldn't be wearing a leash.
This again? Damian... I will take it off. I don't need it. It just a silly costume.
That's where you are wrong.
Damian stalks towards me slowly, cornering me against the shelves.
Here, a collar or leash means you belong to someone.
He picks up the leash, his knuckles brushing my breasts.
Who do you belong to, Juliet?
Um... No one.
A small smile curves on his lips.
Why not?
Because you won't let me.
As for your own good. I can't give you to just anyone. A wild animal like you need a strong handler.
He yanks the leash, tightening it around my throat and pulling me closer.
I relax, letting him pull me until our faces are inches apart.
See how easily you give in to me?
Isn't that what you want?
Damian: Yes, and this is what you want.
He leans in, his lips just inches from mine
Tonight was a success you deserve a reward.
His lips touch mine, softly at first, then harder. hungrier. heat blooms in my gut.
I let my eyes flutter shut, tilting my chin up just slightly, giving Damian the lead. His hand came to rest at my jaw, gentle testing, like he wasn't sure this was real either. The kiss was slow, soft-the kind that made my stomach flip in a way that felt almost embarrassing after all this waiting.
For seconds, I let myself sink into it. His mouth was patient, unhurried, like he had all the time in the world for me. Which, after everything felt like the biggest gift he could've given.
But before it could deepen, I pulled back, breath a little uneven, hand still resting on his chest.
We shouldn't.
I thought this was what you wanted
It is, but not in a storage room with members on the other side of the door.
You are right, this was a bad idea I don't know what came over me.
Elliot: Sir there is a problem with-oh! I'm so sorry.
Don't be we are done here.
He gives me a last look before leaving the room.
Elliot: Next time, leave a sock on the doorknob.
Juliet: shh! keep your voice down.
I leave the back room... and immediately get yanked backward by my tail.
Master Ivan: Just the little minx I wanted to see.
He pulls me into a private room and shuts the door blocking it with his body.
Let me out of here.
Relax, little girl. I don't want your body. I want your leverage. I want to take Nightshade from Damian, and I need your help doing so.
Um... Over my dead body, I'm telling Damian right now. I will never sabotage him.
Such loyalty and for what? Damian will never like you anyway you want, Juliet. that must make you angry.
You don't know what you talking about .
Ivan traces a finger down my cheek.
I will bet he's been stringing you along for years . I can tell by the desperate look in your eyes.
Go fuck yourself, Ivan.
Don't you dare disrespect me.
He grabs my arm and shoves me inside a cage.
Get me out of here!
I will... once you have come to your senses.
Elliot: The computers can't handle the volume we have had tonight.
Damian: I will have them updated first thing in the morning. any other issues tonight?
No sir. the whole night has been a hit. Juliet's lobby really paid off didn't it?
Elliot... As it stands. I only hire the best.
Obviously you hired me sir.
Damian's: POV
I make a round through the upstairs before heading back to the dungeon. I told myself it's to check on the members, but I know it's because I can't take my eyes off Juliet.
She's in the dungeon. I'm protecting her.
The thought barely settles before I hear it, her voice, sharp and furious, cutting through the low hum of the crowd.
"Let me out of here!" help me.
I don't remember crossing the room. One second I'm at the top of the stairs, the next I'm shoving past a couple mid-scene, my pulse a hard, ugly thing in my throat.
Then I see him.
Ivan. Standing in front of a cage like he owns it, like he owns her. Juliet's fists are wrapped around the bars, knuckles white, eyes blazing.
"Ivan." My voice comes out low. Controlled. It costs me everything to keep it that way.
"Care to explain why my event director is locked in a cage."
He turns, unbothered, that same oily smile he always wears. "Just having a conversation, Damian. Nothing you need to concern yourself with."
"She's asking to be let out. That's not a conversation. That's a hostage situation."
Anyways, you can't blame me for playing with her, Damian. She's an unclaimed sub.
Juliet's eyes cut to mine, something raw flashing through them, relief, maybe, or vindication. I hold her gaze for half a second before turning back to Ivan, and I let him see exactly how much I mean the next part.
"Unlock it. Now. Or I make sure every club in this city knows what kind of man you are."
Ivan's smile falters, just a fraction, but enough. He knows I don't make empty threats, not when it comes to my club, and not when it comes to her.
"No need for dramatics," he says, reaching for the lock. It clicks open, and Juliet doesn't wait, she shoves the cage door and steps out, chin high, but I catch the way her hands are shaking.
I wrap an arm around her shoulders. Look at me. did he hurt you?
N-no. I'm okay.
I take her face in my hands, my chest tight. I shouldn't have left you alone.
"I'm fine." Her voice wavers on the second word, betraying her.
"You're not." I take her hand before she can argue. come on. I'll get you out of here.
"Touch her again," I say, low enough that only he hears it, "and I won't stop at your reputation."
Ivan raises both hands, feigning innocence, and melts back into the crowd like nothing happened. I don't watch him go. My attention is already on Juliet.
I lead her out of the dungeon, past the curious eyes of members who've clearly heard some version of what just happened, and don't stop until we're in my office with the door shut behind us.
The silence stretches. She wraps her arms around herself, and something in my chest cracks at how small she looks, Juliet, who never looks small.
Go on. Say I told you not to go into the Dungeon.
I'm not going to say that, Juliet. Come here.
"I should've been down there sooner," I say.
"You didn't know."
"That's not an excuse." I step closer, tilt her chin up the way I always do, except this time my hand isn't steady. "Did he scare you?"
"A little," she admits, quieter than I've ever heard her. "But you got there."
"I'll always get there."
The words leave me before I can weigh them, and for a second neither of us moves. Then she looks up at me, really looks— and something between us finally gives way.
I close the distance and kiss her. You are safe now.
It isn't like the storage room. There's no audience, no interruption waiting to happen. Just her mouth against mine, soft at first, then deepening as her hand curls into the front of my shirt like she's afraid I'll disappear.
I cup her face, thumb brushing her cheek, and she melts into it, all the fight from the dungeon draining out of her in one long breath.
I'm so sorry, Juliet. This is all my fault . I'm going to make sure it never happens again.
My hand stroke down her hair to her neck. Suddenly, her leash falls to the floor.
Juliet: What are you doing?
Marking you.
Juliet: He claps something heavy around my throat. I reach up and touch what feels like a collar. Does this mean...?
Damian: That's right, Now you belong to me.
He pulls me against his strong chest.
Damian: "You scared me tonight. Do you understand that?"
Juliet: "I didn't mean to—"
Damian: "I don't want an apology." I tilt her chin up with two fingers, forcing her eyes to mine. "I want you to understand something. You don't put yourself in danger like that again. Not without me knowing where you are."
Her pulse jumps under my hand where it rests at her throat, not tight, just present. A reminder.
"Yes, Sir," she breathes, and the shift in her voice, the way she goes soft and pliant against me, does something dangerous to my control.
"Good girl." I press my lips to her forehead, slow, deliberate. "Now sit. You're not leaving this office until I know you're steady."
She obeys without argument, something Juliet rarely does, and settles into the chair across from my desk, hands folded in her lap like she's waiting for further instruction.
The sight of it, her compliance freely given rather than demanded, undoes something in my chest I didn't know was still tightly wound.
"Better," I murmur, more to myself than her.
I round the desk and stop in front of her chair, close enough that she has to tilt her head back to keep my gaze.
"Hands," I say.
She hesitates only a second before offering them, palms up. I take them in mine, turning them over, checking her wrists where the cage bars must have pressed too hard.
"You gripped the bars instead of waiting for help," I say. Not a question.
"I panicked."
"You don't have to explain yourself to me. Not for that." I brush my thumb over the faint red mark on her wrist, and her breath hitches at the touch. "But you do have to listen when I tell you something is for your own good."
"Like the leash," she says, a little breathless, a little defiant even now.
"Like the leash." I crouch so we're eye level, keeping her hands in mine. "You fight me on everything, Juliet. It's one of the things I—" I stop myself, "It's exhausting. And it's going to get you hurt one day if I'm not fast enough."
"You were fast enough tonight."
"Barely." My voice drops, rougher than I intend. "Say you'll listen next time. I need to hear it."
Her chin lifts, that familiar spark returning to her eyes even as her hands stay soft and yielding in mine. "I'll listen," she says slowly, "when it makes sense."
I almost laugh, of course she'd qualify it. Of course she'd give ground without giving up. It's maddening. It's exactly why I can't stop pulling her closer.
"That'll have to do," I murmur, and press a kiss to her knuckles before rising. "Rest a minute. Then we'll talk later."