Hold Me Close Read Free

her Dom. You of all people know the deal. It just happens to be her night and she's more than ready for it. In a few hours, I'll have her taken care of and all of this can be forgotten." Not that he really believed either of them would be sated as easily as in the past. He'd already set a plan in motion for an entirely new scene for them tonight.
    "Not yours." Gabe didn't say it as a question. Instead it was a statement that mocked his thoughts. "If that's the case, then it's time to start turning her over to one. I've had many good prospects inquire about her and she needs something more permanent."
    "She isn't some sort of club girl to be passed around to the members to be tried out or sold at auction, you know. She's special. And she's still grieving."
    "Maybe. Maybe not. But something's got to be done," Gabe said, his lips pinching into a deep frown. "She can't let this hold her back indefinitely."
    "I said I'd take care of it and I meant it. She'll be back to normal by her next shift."
    "I hope you're right. Although—" Gabe shifted and turned. "I think she's at her crossroad and a decision needs to be made." With that Gabe clapped him on the shoulder and wandered off, probably to deal with some other problem he needed to referee.
    Maybe he was right. She deserved to find someone who fulfilled her more than once a month. Someone who'd care for her with the kid gloves she deserved. Dex shook his head. Definitely not him. Except he couldn't stop thinking about touching her. Most of his waking moments were consumed with the desire to sink his teeth into her. Along with his dick.  
    Tonight was the night. He felt it clear to his bones. He'd waited a long time for this and the anticipation had reached a head. Tonight she'd beg him to fuck her and once he did, he could finally step aside and let the right man take his place...
    He stared at the cross and considered Bonnie walking out of his life for good. Another man's hands on her lush body.  
    Shit. Now all he wanted to do was punch someone.

Chapter Two

    The exclusive dungeon on the third level was reserved for strictly vetted members who could not only afford the exorbitant membership fees to belong, but understood the expectations that came with being in such a private club. Because many of the Purgatory staff worked together like an extended family, many employees were quietly offered a complimentary membership as a job perk. Bonnie's privileges had been extended through Jim, which Gabe, the general manager, had encouraged her to keep after her Dom's passing. A benefit she'd not taken advantage of for a long time.
    The circular stairs leading up to the dungeon reminded her how different she found Purgatory from what she expected. The club downstairs catered to typical expectations with a dark atmosphere complete with concrete walls, old wood everywhere you looked and the space often bathed in red light. Up here, the world became elegant and sophisticated.
    She turned the knob and stepped into something more like an old world ballroom instead of a dungeon. With thick vintage draperies covering the walls and opulent chandeliers softly lighting the space, it felt a little like stepping back in time when men were men and women were...well, something else. If not for the handcrafted bulky play equipment dotting the sides of the room, she'd think she'd snuck into an elegant club not meant for the likes of her.
    Under normal circumstances, she couldn't imagine someone from the west side of town ever invited into a place like this. Despite decades of progress, there was still a lot of separation between those with lots of money and those without. This kind of pure decadence floored her. The owners of Purgatory had spared no expense to make their affluent members feel right at home. There were attendants available to cater to any desire a member wished to fulfill. Women volunteered in droves to be a house submissive, designated by the white flower clipped into their hair. The