Free Indulgence (Taking Chances #1) by Jeanne McDonald Page B

of his mouth twitched and his jaw tightened.  His stance was confident and still, almost as if he were a perfect statue.  Even had I wanted to look away, I couldn’t.
    Heat coursed through my veins.  A heat so intense it was unlike anything I’d felt before.  The warmth of my desire coated my panties.  My nipples hardened, straining toward the one person I yearned to have touch me.  Sebastian’s tongue darted out over his lips, and I damn near came unglued.
    “Wow.  He really is looking,” Amber noted.
    I blinked, wiping away the fog that was Sebastian Hawk from my mind.  “Who’s looking?”
    “The Grand Master.  You must’ve really gotten to him.  Lucky bitch.  I bet he watches you tonight.”
    “Whatever,” I scoffed, nudging Amber with my elbow.  She poked me back, laughing.
    Two drinks appeared on the bar behind us.  “Here ya go, ladies.”
    In the amount of time it took me to turn around, thank the bartender and to have a sip of my drink, Sebastian disappeared.  I was a disappointed when I looked back up at the staircase to find him gone, but I still felt him.  He was somewhere in the room.  I glanced around, hoping to see him again.
    “Oh, things are about to start,” Amber squealed from behind the lip of her glass.  She pointed toward a makeshift stage in the center of the room.  There stood Sebastian.  He looked out over the crowd and cleared his throat.  The buzz in the room died down to church mouse silent.  While Sebastian appeared to look at everyone around him, I had a distinct feeling as if he viewed them all as visual noise.  
    “Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen, and Happy New Year.”
    The room echoed back in unison a New Year’s greeting.
    A true smile formed on his lips, and he nodded in response.
    “It’s wonderful to have each and every one of you here tonight.  I’m honored that you would share your final hours of this year with me in celebration of the magnificent world of Indulgence .  As I’m sure you all know, I’m Sebastian Hawk and I will be your host for the evening.”
    The room exploded in a thunder of clapping.
    Sebastian waved at the crowd, instantly silencing everyone.  I was in awe of how he commanded the room.
    “A few quick provisos before we get started.”  He scanned the crowd, smiling at each person.  Every time his eyes fell on me, I got tingly.  Part of me hoped Amber was right and he did find interest in me.  The other was scared out of my wit that she was right and I had an imminent stalker for the night.
    “You will find that each room is listed with an indulgence for your tasting.  If a room is not marked, it’s not available for entry.  Lounges have been placed throughout the house for resting.  You’re more than welcome to take advantage of them whenever you need a break, however, sexual activity is prohibited in the lounging areas.”  He stressed prohibited .  I guess not everywhere was a fuckable zone.  
    “Protection, such as condoms for men and women, as well as an array of lubricants are available in each room.  You are required to use protection during each encounter.  My medical staff will be available around the clock in case of any emergencies.  Also, the kitchen and bar are open all evening.”  He stretched out his hand, indicating to the bar behind me.  “Please, take care of your bodies.  I cannot stress this enough.  Tonight is about enjoyment, and there is no enjoyment when one does not care for themselves and their partners.
    “And last, but certainly not least, the guidelines everyone signed upon entering this evening,” the corner of his mouth raised in a mischievous crooked grin and his gaze cut straight to me, “have been posted throughout the house to serve as a constant reminder of the contract you signed upon accepting your partner card.”
    I slapped my hand over my face.  Amber laughed, jabbing her elbow into my side.  
    “Hush,” I hissed through gritted teeth.
    “I