While the others were turning their jackets in to Shonda, who was manning the front desk, Leigh handed her jacket to Angel and moved over to stand in front of Jared, wringing her hands in front of her.

“Hey there, little one,” Jared said, leaning down to take his kiss. Leigh looked relieved as she kissed him back. She tucked in under his arm, leaning against him as if for strength as Jared straightened back up.

“Hey Leigh,” Michael said mildly. “I like the new look.”

“Just… trying it out,” she said, glancing up at Jared again. He smiled back down at her and she relaxed even further. “I don’t want to be boring.”

“You’re never boring,” Jared said immediately, frowning down at her.

“I just meant I wanted to try something different,” she said hastily. While Jared was pretty easy going when it came to punishments – all of Leigh’s revolved around her health – all of the Doms were pretty quick to react when they thought a sub was saying something self-detrimental. “I always wear almost the exact same thing here.”

“And you always look beautiful.” The adoring look on Jared’s face as Leigh stared back up at him with the same adoring look, made Michael’s insides twist with envy.

He turned away, knowing the couple wouldn’t even notice, and moved towards his sub, who had just finished checking in. Seeing him coming, Ellie’s face lit up. It wasn’t quite the same as the adoration shared between Leigh and Jared, but it was enough for now. Michael smiled back at her, his gaze dropping for just a moment to the collar around her neck, which made his smile grow. He didn’t think he’d ever get tired of seeing his collar on her.

“Good evening, beautiful,” he said, holding out his hand for her to take. Immediately she slid her fingers between his, and the envy from watching Jared and Leigh settled and slid away.

“Hello Michael,” she said softly, a peaceful smile curving her lips.

“Have a good time getting ready with all the troublemakers?” he asked, giving Angel a wink. She made a face at him as Lexie giggled and waved, heading towards the door to Patrick’s office.

“Yes,” Ellie said, her smile widening to an amused grin.