An hour and two courses later, Brynn still hadn’t managed to eat anything more than a few bites of salad. Between the ball of anxiety burning in her stomach and the breath-stealing bustier, she doubted even chocolate would tempt her. They’d toured the building, and she’d seen things that would be seared into her brain forever. Some of the scenes had gotten her heated in all the right places, but others had nearly sent her into a panic attack just watching.
She needed to get this exposure therapy over with now. The anticipation alone was going to be the death of her. She pushed a baby carrot back and forth across her plate as Jace and Reid talked.
Reid speared a piece of steak. “So how serious does it get here? Is it mostly light stuff or do they cater to those who go for the extreme?”
Jace shrugged as he finished chewing his bite. “It kind of runs the gamut. But there are limits. No blood play and definitely no breath play. Grant allows a lot of things, but doesn’t want anyone messing with the deadly stuff.”
Brynn’s fork stilled, but she kept her mouth shut and let Reid continue.
“So besides that, pretty much anything goes, then,” Reid said. “Guess I shouldn’t expect any less with all the high rollers around here. No one would pay this much money to go somewhere with a lot of restrictions.”
Jace nodded. “Yeah, they cater to people who aren’t used to hearing the word ‘no.’ You’ll get to see all the bigwigs tomorrow night. There’s a Bacchanal planned after sunset to celebrate the grape harvest.”
“Oh, really?” Reid said.
“Yeah, Grant only holds it once a year, so I guarantee all the rooms and cabins will be empty tomorrow night. No one misses this event.”
Reid and Jace both looked at her, confirming the message. Kelsey would probably be there.
She dabbed her mouth with her napkin, and glanced at the nearby tables. They had to be careful about what they said. “Wow. A festival honoring Bacchus at a place that doesn’t let you drink alcohol.”
Jace laughed. “Yeah, I know. The no alcohol rule is important with all the stuff that goes on here. But believe me, that’s the only excess the party won’t have.” He eyed her, his face turning more serious—no doubt thinking of what she’d revealed to him in the dressing room. “But it can be overwhelming. The rules for D/s don’t really hold up in there. It’s kind of a free-for-all. Although, the safe word always applies.”
She took a long gulp of her tea, digesting the information, nerves skittering through her.
How was she supposed to survive a goddamned orgy? She was jumping out of her skin at even the simplest touch. The thought of an anything-goes night with a crowd of hedonistic strangers made her want to curl into a fetal position and hide. The panic and flashbacks would surely engulf her.
But she didn’t have time for a nervous breakdown. That was going to be her best chance to convince her sister to come home and go to the police.
Brynn straightened in her seat, her decision made. She was going to have to do something about her fear tonight, prove to herself that she was stronger than what that monster did to her.
She cleared her throat. “I definitely want to check that out. Sounds like something I shouldn’t miss.”
“For sure,” Reid said, giving her a purposeful nod. “We’ll be there.”
Jace smiled. “Great.”
Reid glanced down at her plate. “Sugar, you’ve barely touched your food. Do you want me to order you something different? We’ve got a big night ahead of us. I can’t have you fading on me.”
She set down her glass, his subtle warning setting her on edge, but she pushed forward with her plan. “I don’t need anything else. I’m ready for whatever you guys have planned.”
Reid lifted an eyebrow. “Whatever is a broad word, Brynn.”
She took a breath. I can do this. Once upon a time, she’d loved this man, trusted him, and had enjoyed some seriously hot sex with him. She needed to keep that last thing in the front of her mind. Maybe if she could hone her focus onto the physical, indulge the part of her that was still hopelessly attracted to him, she could block out the fear that threatened to undo her and enjoy herself.
“I know, Master.”
Reid grinned, wickedness glinting in his eyes. He rose from his chair and dropped his napkin on his plate. “Jace, why don’t you head to the nightclub area with Brynn and I’ll meet you? I’m going to have them box up dessert to take with us.”
Jace stood and Brynn downed the rest of her drink before getting up to join him, wishing it was some of the wine the vineyard produced instead of iced tea. She’d kill for some liquid courage tonight.
Jace slid a hand onto the small of her back as Reid strode off. “Come on, doll. Let’s go join the reindeer games.”
She bit her lip, but let him nudge her forward. As they passed another table, a man reached out and stopped Jace. “Hey, Jason, I didn’t realize you were going to be here this weekend.”
Jace shook the man’s hand and offered a polite smile to both him and the scantily clad brunette who kneeled on the floor next to his chair. “Hi, Davis. How’s it going?”
Brynn’s insides chilled as the name and familiar voice dinged bells inside her. She ventured another look at the man’s face and then quickly dropped her gaze. Shit. Davis Ackerman, her old boss, and now current city councilman. Just what she needed—yet another person seeing her half naked and collared. She dipped her head down even farther and hoped the man had a bad memory.
“I’m here, so I’d say it’s going excellent,” Davis said. “And I wanted to thank you for getting that order to me so quickly. I’m really happy with everything.”
Jace absently rubbed Brynn’s back, and she sensed he was itching to move on from the conversation. “Glad to hear it.”
“Pretty sub you have there tonight.” Davis’s tone made it sound like he was admiring the night’s dinner specials. “Are you two looking to join up with anyone?”
Ugh. Not in this lifetime. The thought of that man laying a finger on her made her soul shudder. Jace’s palm moved to her hip as he gathered her closer. “Sorry, Davis. I appreciate the offer, but we actually have plans with someone else tonight. I’m sure you’ll be able to find an available couple in the group room, though.”
“Ah, oh, well. Maybe we’ll see you at the festival tomorrow night.”
The men exchanged good-byes, and Jace hustled her away. “Sorry about that, doll. Davis hasn’t gotten any less annoying with age, but I’d be stupid to get on a councilman’s bad side. Plus, he’s a steady customer at the store.”
“You think he recognized me?”
“Nah, he’s so drunk on lust for that chick he’s with. He wouldn’t be able to pick his own wife out of a lineup right now.”
She grimaced. “He’s married?”
Jace sighed. “Unfortunately, being single isn’t one of the requirements for membership at The Ranch.”
A sound of disgust escaped her. Thank God that’s not who her sister was paired up with.
Jace gave her a rueful smile as they exited the restaurant and headed down one of the unnaturally quiet hallways. “I know it’s not right, but it is what it is. At least you don’t have to worry. Both of your men tonight are footloose and fancy-free.”
Her steps stuttered. Both? “What?”
He paused outside a set of double doors and turned to her. “Brynn, before we go in there, I want to make sure you’re