Free Demon in Disguise (Masters of the Incubus - Part One) by Roxie Lee

Chapter One
     
    Lacey Michaels couldn’t help but smile at her best friend’s genuine concern. “You look worried, Rebecca, but there’s really no need, I can take care of myself.”
    “I hear you, Lacey, but I can’t help worrying. As a natural submissive it’s part of my nature.”
    “I know, but you seem to forget that I’m a twenty-six-year-old woman—one who holds a black belt in karate. I don’t need you to hold my hand, because I can look after myself just fine.”
    Rebecca didn’t seem convinced. “Okay, but I wish I’d never agreed to let you come with me to Club Incubus.”
    “Everything will be fine, you’ll see.”
    “ Rebecca Williams.”
    Her friend’s name filtered through the loudspeaker system to where they both stood, waiting backstage.
    “Look, I’ve got to go, Lacey. Promise me you won’t get yourself into any trouble.”
    “I won’t get into trouble, I promise. Now get out there and strut your stuff, girl.” Lacey watched her childhood friend of fifteen years walk, or should that be glide through the gap in the thick velvet curtain, and onto the stage out front. A natural blonde, Rebecca held her head high and turned to the audience as she handed the auctioneer her card. Almost immediately he began reeling off the vital information it contained.
    “Well, my friends, you’re certainly in for a treat at Club Incubus tonight, because at twenty-seven years of age, and standing some five feet nine inches tall, this beautiful lady enjoys playing the submissive. As you can see, Rebecca here has gorgeous, long blonde hair, and just begs to be disciplined with the whip or a cane. So gentlemen, which of you Doms will bid high enough to win this highly desirable sub? Remember, all the proceeds of tonight’s auction will go to charity, and your generosity is greatly appreciated…”
    Waiting backstage, and knowing she was next in line, Lacey swallowed nervously before glancing at the card she held protectively in her hand. Would anyone bid for her? After all, she’d compiled an almost endless list of things she wouldn’t do. Anyway, whoever made the winning bid would be a complete stranger, so there had to be rules, right?
    The auctioneer’s booming voice cut through her introspection. “I’m bid three thousand dollars from the tall, dark-haired gentleman, sitting in the corner.” Lacey peered through the slit in the curtain and saw the silver-haired auctioneer shake his head in disbelief. “Oh, come on, come on, good people, this beautiful creature standing before you is worth far more than a measly three thousand bucks. So I ask you again to look deep into your hearts, while you open your wallets wide. Are there any more bids, gentlemen?”
    Lacey’s mouth fell open in astonishment. Rebecca was gorgeous with a capital G , and had certainly caught the eye of several Doms at the infamous BDSM club. Curiosity getting the better of her, she furtively peeped through the curtains again, this time catching a glimpse of the large crowd that had gathered in the Grand Salon for this unusual event. In the sumptuous and well-appointed room, classical decorations and embellishments complemented the baroque styling of the furniture. While subdued lighting, cast dark eerie shadows, only adding to the mystery of the secretive venue.
    Located on the affluent West Coast, and with a members’ list that was highly guarded, Club Incubus was more like a secret society than a fet club. Catering strictly for the needs of wealthy clients, the club rarely opened its doors to new members. So when Rebecca had told her she’d been invited to attend a charity auction event at the mysterious venue, Lacey had seen an opportunity. As a journalist, getting the inside story on this secretive organization would be a tremendous boost to her career. The powers that be at the San Francisco Spirit, the newspaper she worked for, might even take her more seriously as a reporter, and desist from sending her to every