After what felt like forever, Amber finally spoke. “I’m happy for the two of you.” She leaned back and crossed her legs. “And I’m glad you’ve found love, Yvonne.”

“I’m happy for you too,” Gabrielle said.

“Thank you,” Yvonne said.

As the waitress returned with their drinks, Yvonne pulled her phone out of her purse, frowning.

“Madison’s calling me. I should take this somewhere quieter.” She looked at Ruby, wariness flickering behind her eyes. “Do you mind?”

“Go ahead.” Ruby didn’t exactly want to be left alone with Yvonne’s prying friends, but what choice did she have?

“I’ll be right back.” Yvonne gave Ruby’s leg an affectionate pat. Was this Yvonne attempting to behave like they were newlyweds, madly in love? At the very least, it was in character for Yvonne. Ruby couldn’t imagine that Yvonne was big on public displays of affection, even with a real partner.

As soon as Yvonne left, Gabrielle looked at her, a sly smile on her face.

“So,” Gabrielle said. “You’re Yvonne’s wife.”

Ruby nodded. She wasn’t sure what else to say.

Gabrielle examined Ruby intently. “Why hasn’t she ever mentioned you?”

Ruby swallowed. “I-”

“Gabi,” Amber warned. “You’re making the poor thing uncomfortable.”

“I’m just curious about this woman who has melted Yvonne’s heart,” Gabrielle said. “You have to admit, this is unexpected.”

Amber scoffed dismissively. “The marriage? Yes. The fact that Yvonne had a secret girlfriend? Not so much. She’s not the type to shout this kind of thing from the rooftops.”

“I suppose you’re right. It would explain a lot. In all the time I’ve known her, I don’t remember Yvonne ever having a girlfriend. Lovers, yes, but that was all. Perhaps it’s because she’s been secretly pining over you this whole time.” Gabrielle swirled her drink in her glass and sipped it slowly. “I always suspected she had a heart under there, despite her ice-cold bitch act.” She looked at Ruby. “No offense toward your wife intended.”

“None taken.” Ruby smiled. “Why do you think I married her? I like that about her.”

Gabrielle’s mouth curled up at one side. “This is all starting to make sense. It seems Yvonne found someone who’s happy to put up with her demanding ways.”

Amber gave her a disapproving look. “Be nice, Gabi.”

“What?” Gabrielle said. “It’s true. We all know how Yvonne is. I like a little power exchange as much as any other Domme, but Yvonne takes it all so seriously. Where’s the fun in that?”

Ruby’s stomach flipped. What exactly had she gotten herself into? Was she going to regret signing that contract?

She decided to change the subject. “So, how do you know Yvonne? You all run Mistress together?”

“Yes, but we were friends before that,” Gabrielle said. “We spend a lot of time here, actually. It’s how we got to know each other.”

That explained a lot. Ruby had been starting to wonder if there was something in the water over at Mistress Media that had all their execs hanging out at a BDSM club just for fun.