“Yeah, just leave it here,” Patrick said, pulling Lexie up onto his lap. There was a gleam in his dark eyes, confirming Michael’s suspicions of what the couple would be doing once the office was clear. “Have a good time.”

“You too,” Michael said, placing his hand on the small of Ellie’s back and leading her towards the door into the club. When he glanced back, just before pulling the door shut behind him, Lexie was straddling Patrick and the big man had one hand on the back of her neck while the other slid over the curve of her ass, fingers seeking the base of her plug.

Envy shot through him, along with the hope that he’d one day have the same kind of connection with Ellie.

Collared and walking through Stronghold. Even though it was a club collar and not like a collar collar, Ellie still hadn’t thought she’d ever see the day.

It felt good though. The snug fit around her neck was just tight enough she couldn’t help but be aware of its presence every time she took a deep breath or swallowed. The same went for the plug every time she took a step. Walking around with a plug inside of her was completely different from anal play during a scene. She felt owned, inside and out... add in Michael’s warm touch on her back and it was amazing she was still standing.

The collar didn’t go unnoticed either.

Of course, Michael was moving slowly through the club, and not just walking but actually strutting. Ellie found herself smiling at the cocky tilt of his head. Why had she been so nervous about this again? Now that she’d signed the contract and she was here, officially Michael’s club submissive, it felt easy. Right.

Especially the recognition. More than one sub waiting in the Lounge gave her a thumbs up. Vicki mouthed the words “Good for you!” at her. Even subs who had been jealous about Michael’s constant attention to her smiled at the sight of them.

The reaction was even bigger at the two tables their friends had taken over. They really were their friends too. Although Ellie had always been friendly with Lexie and the other submissives around the club, she hadn’t really had friends until these girls had started reaching out to her. The friendships had somehow snuck up on her, but it was more apparent now than ever. They were happy for her.