"Look what the cat dragged in," he says with a grin, tossing the rag aside.
I smile for the first time in what feels like forever."Hey, Jax.It's been a minute."
He leans on the bar, studying me."You doing okay?"
I nod."Getting there.Just needed to be here tonight."
"Well, I’m glad to see you.Want your usual?"
"Yeah.Thanks."
He slides the drink across the bar, and I take a sip, letting the flavors settle me.We talk for a while, catching up on life at the club, the new members, and some juicy gossip.For a little while, it feels like old times.
"Did you hear about Mistress Lila and Master Dean?"Jax asks, eyebrows wiggling.
"No.What happened?"
"Caught them going at it in one of the private rooms after accidentally setting off a fire alarm."
I laugh, the sound surprising me."You're kidding."
"Wish I was.Security had to fish them out.Naked, and still trying to argue who was topping who."
"That sounds about right," I say with a chuckle."Anyone new I should avoid?"
He leans in with a mock whisper."That new guy, Marcus?Thinks being a Dom means barking orders like he's in the military."
I wince."Yikes.Doms who haven't learned the difference between control and respect are the worst."
"Exactly.You were always good filtering those guys out."
"Only because I had great teachers," I say, smiling softly.
Then a familiar voice cuts through the noise.
"Skye?"
I turn and see Dante.Tall, confident, and as polished as ever in his dark, tailored suit.He slips onto the stool beside me like no time has passed at all.
"Dante," I say with a laugh, genuinely surprised."What are you doing here tonight?"
"Checkin' in on my favorite troublemaker," he says with a wink."Jax said ye were back.Figured I'd pop by an' say hi"
We fall into easy conversation, reminiscing about when I first joined and how lost I was.He helped me navigate the rules, the people, and the entire lifestyle.He's the one who taught me the difference between submission and weakness, and the one who stood up for me when someone tried to take advantage.
"I heard about yer mam," he says quietly and rests a hand on my arm."I'm sorry."
"Thanks," I whisper."It's been a lot."
"Yer lookin' good.Strong."
"Trying."
His smile softens."Ye don't have ta try.Ye just are."
A pair of strong arms suddenly wraps around my waist from behind and Dante removes his hand from my arm.I recognize the scent before I even see his face.Gage.
"Hey," he says against my ear, his voice low and possessive.