The Master's Club

Master William Steele finally leaned back against the leather booth and glanced at His watch.

His expression shifted almost imperceptibly.

Ruby noticed immediately.

“What?” she asked softly.

A faint smile touched His mouth.

“We’ve been sitting here for four hours.”

Ruby blinked in surprise.

“Seriously?”

“Yes.”

The realization stunned her.

It felt impossible that so much time had passed. One moment she’d been nervously standing in the middle of Fantasy trying not to stare at the scenes around her… and now she sat tucked into a private corner with the most powerful man in the club looking at her like He already hated the idea of ending the night.

William’s silver gaze lingered on her face.

“It went by too quickly.”

The low honesty in His voice sent warmth spiraling through her chest.

Around them, Fantasy had shifted subtly into its deeper nighttime rhythm. Some scenes were winding down while others intensified beneath dimmer lighting and slower music. Staff members moved discreetly through the club resetting equipment and guiding guests toward lounges or exits.

“Fantasy closes at two,” William said calmly. “And unfortunately, even I occasionally obey My own rules.”

Ruby laughed softly.

“I can’t imagine you obeying anyone.”

His eyes darkened slightly with amusement.

“There are very few people I would.”

Something about the way He said it made her pulse flutter again.

William stood smoothly from the booth first, impossibly elegant even in something as simple as rising to His feet. Then He turned toward her and extended His hand.

Not rushed.

Not casual.

Intentional.

Ruby stared at His hand for half a heartbeat before placing hers into it.

The instant their skin touched again, heat raced straight through her body.

William felt it too.

His jaw tightened subtly as His fingers closed around hers, helping her stand. The contact should have been innocent.

Instead it felt intimate enough to steal her breath.

God, her hand fit perfectly in His.

William fought the sudden irrational urge not to let go.

Together they walked slowly through the club, and Ruby became painfully aware of how many people watched them. Conversations quieted subtly as Master Steele escorted her across the dungeon floor with calm confidence, His hand resting lightly against the small of her back now.

Possessive enough to notice.

Controlled enough to remain gentlemanly.

Yet Ruby could still feel the heat of His palm through her dress.

Olivia sat near one of the lounge areas speaking quietly with Master Damian, though Ruby immediately noticed the knowing smile spreading across her friend’s face the moment she spotted them approaching.

“She lives,” Olivia teased softly.

Ruby laughed despite the blush warming her cheeks.

“Barely.”

Master Damian leaned back casually in his chair, muscular arms folded across his chest while amusement flickered in his bright blue eyes.

“Told you she’d survive,” he murmured toward Steele.

William gave Damian a dry look.

“You imply I’m difficult.”

“You are difficult,” Damian replied immediately.

Olivia smirked. “And terrifying.”

Ruby glanced up at Steele.

“You know, people keep saying that about you.”

William’s hand remained steady against her back.

“And what’s your opinion so far?”

Ruby held His gaze for a moment longer than she intended.

“I think,” she said softly, “you’re more dangerous than terrifying.”

The answer visibly pleased Him.

Damian noticed that too.

A knowing look passed briefly between the two men before Damian stood and offered Olivia his hand.

“We should let Mr. Steele finish pretending He’s composed.”

William exhaled once through His nose, clearly unimpressed.

Olivia grinned at Ruby as Damian led her away.

“Told you Fantasy changes people.”

Then suddenly…

It was just Ruby and William again.

The noise of the club seemed softer somehow around them.

More distant.

William looked down at her quietly, His silver eyes still carrying that unmistakable hunger He no longer bothered hiding completely.

“You’ll receive the dress tomorrow,” He said smoothly.

Ruby smiled. “You’re very confident I’ll wear it.”

His fingers flexed slightly against her lower back.

“You’ll wear it.”

The certainty in His voice sent another pulse of warmth through her instantly.

God.

She really would.

William’s gaze drifted slowly over her face one final time as though memorizing her already.

“Friday,” He reminded softly.

Ruby nodded.

“Friday.”

For a moment neither moved.

The tension between them had become almost unbearable now — thick with attraction, anticipation, and restraint stretched dangerously thin.

William looked at her mouth again.

Ruby noticed His control slipping slightly for the first time all night.

That alone made her heart race harder.

Because she knew if she moved even an inch closer…

He would kiss her.

And judging by the hunger in His eyes…

Master William Steele would not stop at just one.