Page 19 of Pretty ’n Peak

Jamie, again, led the cheering for each sub, getting everyone to chant their names amid catcalls and wolf whistles. It was noisy and chaotic, the volume rising with the sexual tension.

“What’s happening?” Austin asked beside him.

“Um…” He couldn’t describe all of that. Was Austin expecting him to? He really didn’t know anything about hanging out with someone who was blind. “A lot of them are spilling their water,” he finally managed.

Austin snorted. “I don’t think the water was ever really the objective.”

No, of course not.

The first sub reached the finish line and tipped his head to let a negligible drop of water fall into the bin. Everyone cheered for him, and the second sub who was just behind. The others continued along and… God, that position really did make Mateo think of how submissive and available they all were.

Could he ever look that exposed and seductive? Glide across the floor while men—or maybe just one man—watched him with heated eyes?

He would probably look ridiculous.

Jamie started passing around pencils and notecards, calling out the names of each sub for anyone who’d forgotten. He stepped right up to Mateo and tried to hand him a set.

“Uh, can I vote?” Mateo asked. It seemed like just the Doms were supposed to.

“Sure. Anyone can vote on sexy subs.”

Mateo took the paper, but didn’t have any idea what to do with it. One of them had been named Justin, but he didn’t remember who. And the elegant one in the dress was Royal, which seemed appropriate. Maybe he could give Royal his votes?

“Who are you voting for?” Jamie asked Austin. The votes were supposed to be anonymous, but Mateo supposed that Austin might not be able to write, given his vision.

“Mateo, of course.” Austin rubbed against his arm. “Two votes.”

“But I wasn’t…”

Jamie’s eyes crinkled. “Of course. Two votes for Mateo.”

“Can you do that?” Mateo hissed when he walked away.

“Apparently.” Austin shrugged. “I couldn’t see what anyone else was doing, but you’re right here. So definitely the winner, in my opinion.”

Mateo didn’t know if he should be flattered, since there really wasn’t any other competition. But Austin’s smile was so sincere. Mateo felt like he’d really won something.

“Thank you.”

“Hey, Austin!” A booming voice broke in beside them.

“Carlos! Long time!” Austin was already shaking hands with the burly Dom who’d come over, though it somehow transformed into a hug. Their naked chests rubbed together, curled hair tangling, leather pants coming dangerously close to touching.

This was the type of guy Mateo had come here looking for. Huge. Strong. Bulging muscles with a thick belly. Tattoos on his arms and a thick head of dark hair. Bursting with masculinity and a sexy swagger.

He was Latino, too, which perked Mateo’s interest. Among his larger worries about BDSM was the smaller one that he’d be in an all-white space. That kink was something for white people, or at least when someone’s race wasn’t being fetishized.

So it was nice to see two other Latino faces, Jamie’s Daddy and this Dom, Carlos.

Mateo hoped he looked alright. This was the guy he should be trying to impress.

Carlos had a booming laugh, and he went in for another hug with Austin. “Too long! You’ve been hiding away. We miss you.” His voice was booming too, projecting their conversation to the whole room.

“Just busy with work. It never stops.” Austin looked wan at the mention of work, and he gave half-shrug.

Carlos pulled him into another boisterous hug. Austin looked surprised, like he wasn’t expecting that much affection. Or perhaps he literally hadn’t seen it coming with his vision impairment. But he returned the hug with fervor. They clearly knew each other well.

Carlos scowled. “I just want you to know that we miss you. Everyone asks about you.” The scowl deepened. “It’s your space, too.”