Free Enamored by Shoshanna Evers Page A

Brooks.”
    Wow. They were really married. Marc laughed and looked over at Roman to share the moment, but Roman didn’t seem to notice anyone but Elisabeth—now Trevor’s wife. And Roman wasn’t smiling.
    Fuck. Marc quickly put the smile back on his own face, determined not to let Roman’s issues ruin what should be an awesome day for all of them.
    Before he knew it, a receiving line had begun and Trevor and Elisabeth were caught up with kisses and hugs and handshakes and whispered advice about marriage.
    Marc gave them each a bear hug. “I’m really happy for you two.”
    He turned around to let Roman, who’d been standing at his side only a moment before, have his turn to congratulate the couple. But Roman, Trevor’s best man, was nowhere to be found.
    Should he go find Roman or let him sulk it out alone? Times like this he’d always ask Lauren, because she’d know. Things were different now, though. Still, he wasn’t going to let their friendship change just because of the bet. For all he knew, in a week she’d be back to playing Dominatrix at the club and this would all be a strange memory.
    He escaped the receiving line and found Lauren. “Hey sexy,” he said, then leaned in and whispered, “How’s your ass?”
    “I’ve been told it’s amazing,” she said.
    “And how do you feel about that?”
    She laughed. “Um, sore? No seriously, it’s good. All good. I think it’s even helping put me in the right frame of mind.”
    Marc breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn’t even realized he’d been holding his breath, awaiting her answer. “Roman’s missing, have you seen him?”
    She shrugged, accustomed to Roman’s dramatics. “Not since he was staring woefully at Trevor and Elisabeth, no. But everyone saw that.”
    “Awesome.”
    “Yeah.” She looked over at the tent, and he could tell she was about to ask him to join her, but she stopped herself. Perhaps because she wanted to actually let him take the lead?
    Thank God for paddling , he thought. She was right, it did help her. “Let’s go grab our table,” he said.
    Lauren nodded and took his arm, but he gave her a look and discreetly patted her bruised ass.
    “Oh, that’s right. Sorry. I meant to say, ‘anything for you.’ ” She laughed like it was a game, and perhaps it was.
    “Come on, do I really sound like that?”
    “Like what?”
    “Like a dumb jock?” Marc grinned and raised his eyebrows, as if daring her to say yes.
    “Um . . . yup!” Lauren flashed him her “can’t catch me” smile and ran toward the tent. He easily caught up and wrapped his arm around her.
    Night had fallen and the stars were out in all their glory. Lauren looked up. “We miss this view, living in the city.”
    “Yeah, but they don’t have much in the way of city lights, and we have plenty of those,” he said, walking her into the tent. “Should I go find Roman?”
    She paused, as if wondering if he was testing her. “Whatever you think is best.”
    “No, seriously. I’m asking your advice. Even as my submissive, I’d want your input and advice. I’d just—”
    “Be the one who made the final call,” she finished for him.
    He rubbed his head. “Does that bother you?”
    She smirked. “I can handle anything for a week. And the next bet we make, I’ll make sure you lose, and then we’ll see. Sir.”
    “I see your paddling has worn off,” he joked. “Please get me a drink, scotch on the rocks, and meet me at our table. I’m going to find Roman.”
    Lauren looked temporarily taken aback by the direct order, but she smiled. “Oh, I’ll get you a drink, all right.”
    “Uh-oh. Okay, I’ll stop telling you what to do outside the bedroom. You’re going to spit in my drink now, aren’t you?” he asked, feeling the need to tease her into his good graces again.
    She glared at him, trying to contain her smile. “Yes. But don’t worry, alcohol will kill the germs, sir .”
    “Good to know. And I suppose I’ll be tasting some of