Page 32 of Echoes of Desire

When she picks up her purse and tucks it over her shoulder, she turns back to us with a small, grateful smile. “Okay. Crisis averted. Food now?”

Steel grins, something he seems to be doing a lot of lately. “Food now.”

As we head back outside, I glance at my brother, tapping my chest twice. He taps his in response, his expression saying everything we don’t need to voice. Raven’s ours, and together, we’ll make sure she knows it.

Chapter Ten

Raven

Back at the club, I’m trying to focus on my job and not get caught up in the atmosphere. Easier said than done. It’s only my second night behind the bar, and while I’m already comfortable mixing drinks and chatting with patrons, the rest of it, the energy, the intimacy, the rawness, is still overwhelming.

Tonight, the club is packed, and every station is alive with activity. The air practically hums with tension, pleasure, and anticipation. I do my best to keep my eyes on my work, but every so often, a sound or movement catches my attention, and I glance up before quickly looking away.

At least, that’s what I’m supposed to be doing.

I finish pouring a drink for one of the Doms at the bar and turn to clean up when my gaze drifts again. Across the room, a scene at one of the stations has caught my attention. The Dom, a tall, commanding man, is seated in a high-backed chair, his sub kneeling at his feet.

The sub is trembling, her thighs clenched tight as she holds herself perfectly still. The Dom seems calm and in control, as he murmurs instructions to her, his fingers trailing lazily over her skin. I can’t hear a single word, but it’s clear what’s happening.

He’s teasing her. Denying her. Keeping her right on the edge of release but not letting her fall over. He’s been at this for almost an hour. I’ve watched as he brought her to the edge with his mouth only to deny her the satisfaction of letting her let go.

I swallow hard, my face heating as I realize how intently I’m watching. The way she trembles under his control, her whimpers not audible over the music but so loud in my own head, sends a jolt of heat through me. I quickly avert my eyes, focusing on wiping down the counter.

But it’s no use.

My gaze keeps drifting back to the scene, drawn by the intensity, the power dynamic, the trust. The Dom’s control over her is absolute, and yet, there’s a tenderness to the way he strokes her cheek when she whimpers too loudly or shifts too suddenly.

I shift uncomfortably, heat pooling low in my belly. My thighs press together instinctively as I try to focus on literally anything else.

“Enjoying the show, sweetheart?”

The low, familiar voice startles me, and I nearly drop the glass in my hand. I whip around to see Jaxon leaning casually against the bar, his green eyes fixed on me with a knowing gleam. Jasper is beside him, his grin just as wicked as his brother’s. I know it’s them for two reasons. One, the way they’re looking at me. And two, because they’re both wearing a red pocket square in their suit pocket. Something they said they would start wearing every evening so that I know it’s them. Once I know who they are, telling them apart is easy.

“I wasn’t…” I stammer, my face burning. “I mean, I wasn’t watching. Not really.”

Jaxon raises an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Oh? Because from where we’re standing, it looks like you were watching very closely.”

Jasper chuckles, his voice a low rumble that sends a shiver down my spine. “You’ve glanced over at that station at least five times in the past two minutes, Pet. I’d say you’re more than a little curious.”

I open my mouth to protest but close it again, knowing it’s useless. They caught me red-handed, and there’s no point in denying it.

“I was just... trying to understand,” I mumble, my gaze dropping to the bar.

“Understand what?” Jasper asks, stepping closer.

I glance up at him, my heart pounding. His expression is calm, almost indifferent, but his eyes tell a different story. They’re sharp, intense, and far too perceptive.

“I don’t know,” I admit quietly. “It’s just... different. I’ve never seen anything like that before.”

Jaxon leans on the bar, his grin softening into something more genuine. “It’s okay to be curious, sweetheart. That’s how you figure out what you like and what you don’t. It’s how you find out what makes you squirm.”

My face burns hotter, and I glare at him. “I wasn’t squirming.”

Jasper’s lips quirk into a faint smirk. “You were, baby.”

I cross my arms, trying to summon even an ounce of dignity. “Well, maybe it’s just the heat in here. Did you ever think of that?”

Jaxon laughs softly, his gaze sliding to the station I’d been watching. “Maybe. Or maybe it’s the idea of someone having that kind of control over you that’s got you all hot and bothered.”