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“Hell, yes,” Nick replied. “Please, join us.”
My body tensed. Dammit, Nick. He was asking me, not you. By then, the damage was done. I couldn’t un-invite Joshua without looking like a heinous bitch.
“You’re going to join us too, aren’t you, James?” Nick inquired.
I wanted to kick him in the shins.
“I appreciate the offer, man. But I promised I’d save Arianna a seat. She missed the ceremony because of work, but she’s coming to the reception.” Turning a solemn expression toward Joshua, James gave something that resembled a ceding nod. “I guess I’ll see you guys downstairs.”
With a wave, James circumvented the crowd and took a route out of the chapel via the front of the church and through an uncongested door. As we waited to congratulate both Tony and Leagh, I had time to calculate how many hours I’d be forced to sit at a table with Joshua, deflecting his charismatic advances. I wanted to throw up. Even more unnerving was the steady sexual throbbing in my core. Joshua slid in next to me. A few minutes later, he wrapped his arm around my waist, and I tensed. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him turn a confused frown my way as he intently studied me.
Do you honestly want to shun him?
My brain cried out in a resounding ‘Yes,’ while my body churned in a desperate ‘No.’
As we reached the back of the church, Sanna sucked in a little gasp. Wobbling with a stutter step, she gripped Nick’s hand. Turning an angry look toward her Masters, she huffed. “What in heaven’s name is she doing here?”
Craning my neck to see who’d ruffled Sanna’s ire, I spied a curvy blonde staring at Joshua with a worried expression. This time, he tensed, then turned toward me, his face lined in concern, or maybe annoyance, I wasn’t sure.
“I’ll be down to join you shortly,” he announced in a bitter tone.
In four firm strides, he ate up the distance between the pensive blonde and us. Wrapping his hand around the woman’s elbow, Joshua led her to a corner of the chapel. Leaning in close, the woman wilted into the crevice as Joshua’s tall body shrouded her from view.
Studying his body language closely, it wasn’t difficult to put the puzzle pieces together. The blonde had to be his former submissive. He clenched and unclenched his fists, finally jamming his hands into his pants pockets. Joshua’s reaction left no doubt: he was not happy to see the woman. Dying to ask Sanna a million and a half questions, I discovered she was now wedged between Nick and Dylan as the line tapered to single-file near the open doorway. I’d have to wait until I had my sister alone. Nearly to the portal, I caught a glimpse of the girl, all but cowering in the corner. Tears brimmed in her eyes as she adamantly shook her head.
“No,” she cried out in a heartfelt sob.
Don’t do that to yourself. He’s nothing but a callous prick who doesn’t deserve your gifts. Don’t grovel for the bastard. Let him go and find a real Dom.
Nick glanced toward the woman’s cry and issued a scowl. Dylan simply rolled his eyes before ushering me out of the chapel. After giving our best to the bride and groom, we followed several others downstairs to the reception hall.
The room was chilly, but the temperature wasn’t to blame for my throbbing, beaded nipples. No, the man upstairs dealing with the teary-eyed blondE was responsible for that. Focusing on the interior of the lush hall with its hues of cream and burgundy, I smiled at its simple elegance. Offsetting colored linens covered dozens of round tables. Fragrant centerpieces of white calla lilies and roses surrounded by purple hydrangeas lent a classic, formal flair to the room. No buffet tables had been erected, so I knew dinner would be served in several courses. Great. I hadn’t calculated the time that would take in my mental equation upstairs. Near the dance floor, members of a five-piece orchestra tuned their instruments as guests situated themselves at the numerous tables.
“This looks like a good spot.” Dylan smiled. “We’re close to the bride and groom’s table and near the dance floor.”
“You two are going to dance with me, right?” Sanna turned an expectant look to both her men.
“Of course, kitten,” Dylan chuckled.
“Indeed, we are. Have you ever known us to turn down a chance to hold you close, precious?” Nick teased.
“Aww, Thank you, Sirs.” She beamed.
Half-listening to their continued conversation, I couldn’t keep from checking out the doors as more guests entered the reception. Curiosity was killing me. Would Joshua appear alone, or would the blonde be latched to his arm?
“What do you think, Mel?” Sanna asked.
“Huh?” I blinked. “Think about what?”
“We were talking about the club. You know, after the reception. Tony and Leagh’s collaring ceremony? We talked about it. Remember? You’re still coming with us, right?”
“Oh, yeah,” I absently replied.
Joshua would be at the club. I’d be at the club. Shit. I needed to back pedal…fast.
“Um, I mean, maybe.”
“Melllll,” Sanna moaned. “You can’t change your mind. You already said you’d go, twice even. Please don’t back out on me now.”
