Burned (Purgatory Club BDSM Erotic) Read Online Free Page A

the juice and moved away. Ruby focused her gaze on the orange liquid and took some deep, slow breaths. How had she gotten herself in so far over her head? She could push through this and everything would be fine. She picked up the glass with a trembling hand and brought it to her parched lips. Cool, sweet juice trickled down her throat, relieving some of the anxiety.
    She detested being weak. She was better than this, and the thought that somehow Zane had reduced her to this only proved she had no business being around him.
    “ Hey, babe, you doing okay?”
    Gabe’s hand gently touched her back and smoothed underneath her hair. Relief flooded through her at the simple caress as she tipped her head back into his hands.
    “ I saw you go toward the stage. What happened?” his breath brushed her ear.
    Emotion swelled and broke loose as everything she’d tried to hold in came flooding out. A single tear slid down her cheek and her shoulders slumped forward on a shudder.
    Gabe grabbed her shoulders and turned her into his chest, his arms folding around her. The warmth and comfort of her friend surrounded her. Jesus, what a baby she’d become. Somehow she managed to hold back more tears, but Gabe must have sensed a serious problem.
    “ You and I are going to one of the private rooms until you feel better.”
    It had not been a question, and she didn’t bother to respond. For once she needed to let him do what he thought best. At least until she had herself under control. The heat of embarrassment still flooded her cheeks when he scooped her into his arms and carried her to the private elevator that would take them to the third floor. She caught snatches of random conversation as Gabe ushered the crowd out of his way. God, she’d never live this down.
     
    * * * *
     
    “ What the hell?” Zane glared at Gabe’s back as he carried his woman off across the club. And yeah, whether either of them knew it she was definitely Zane’s, and he’d come to convince her tonight. Not fifteen minutes before, she’d come at his command and then disappeared before he could get off the stage. He wanted to paddle her ass for her behavior.
    No way had what happened left her in the right frame of mind. She was as afraid of the truth as she was about letting anyone get too close. She hung close to Gabe because he was safe for her. He’d respect any boundary she provided whether she needed pushing or not. Gabe was a great guy but he’d never be the Dom for his Ruby.
    He moved quickly backstage, trying to get to the third floor before they did. A hard smile formed across his face. If she was in need he had to be the one to take care of her, not Gabe. No offense to his friend, but he wasn’t what she needed. He took the stairs two at a time and hurried toward the private playrooms. His attention to health and fitness was not only required for his work, but came in handy at times like this as well.
    Ruby… The look on her face when he’d spotted her had nearly stopped him cold. Pure, dark pleasure was evident in the hooded eyes, the tip of her head and the tongue that kept licking at her lips. He knew where he wanted those lips. His cock hardened impossibly tight. Damn, he couldn’t remember the last time a woman cranked him this high.
    He liked nothing more than watching her reaction to his fire, but wanted to take things much farther than in the past. He needed to play with her, kiss her, even claim her. Watching her bloom under his guidance and safety would be incredible. The pleasure he ached to shower on her overwhelmed him. He’d waited long enough.
    Zane rounded the corner in time to see Gabe unlocking the first playroom. He ducked inside and Zane sped up, his hand slapping against the door as Gabe tried to close it behind him.
    “ What the—?”
    “ I want Ruby.” Zane shoved the door open and pushed his way inside.
    “ She’s in no condition to handle you, Zane, so back off.”
    The worry in Gabe’s tone startled him.