Behind the Mask

Chapter 10

Victor's POV

Gabe seemed agitated as we drove home. Luke had fallen asleep in the backseat and I reached over to grab Gabe's hand. "What's wrong, love?"

He hummed for a moment, "Something was so fucking off about them," he mumbled, "She wasn't like that earlier. She was all bubbly and happy until they were near her."

"Yeah, I know," I answered. "When I took her on the dancefloor, I could see the bruise on her elbow already forming. She said he hadn't left a bruise in a while."

"Fucker," he grumbled.

"Yeah, I was surprised she was so open about it, but as an adult, she can't really change the past. None of us can, no matter how much we wish we could," I said, squeezing his hand. We had all been there. Most of us came from abusive homes, and it didn't take much to spot a kindred spirit in Marissa. "I told her about researching her. She withdrew into herself fairly quickly, like she thought I was going to hate or punish her."

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"Well, when I told her I'd found out her secret, she shut down. Her eyes looked glazed and she bowed her head. It took me a few moments to get her back. The more I think about it, it reminded me of when Luke spirals," I explained.

"Did she get mad, I mean that you knew?"

"No, she seemed more worried that I would be upset or think she was trying to deceive us. If I had to guess, I'd say her father is emotionally abusive. She seems to second guess herself," I said in a frustrated voice.

"So are you second-guessing your decision to work with her company?" he asked.

I shook my head, "No, actually, when it comes to work, she's brilliant. I don't think the issues with her parents really impact her day-to-day. They did mention that they live in Houston, so she probably avoids them whenever possible. I think I'll see if Kota can set up a follow-up meeting sooner though. I'd like to iron out a few details, then we can get things moving." I also just wanted another chance to talk to her. Gabe and Luke were right, she was unique.

"I get the feeling she's experimented with BDSM," Gabe said with a grin. "When she apologized, I gave her a warning about a punishment, and she instantly replied with yes sir." Hmm, that could be interesting, but if we work with her, we shouldn't cross that line, right?

As I pulled into the parking garage, I looked at him. I could see the wheels in his head spinning. "What are you planning?" I asked.

He widened his eyes and gave me a faux shocked look, "Who, me?"

I chuckled, "Yes, you. I know that look. What are you planning, wait, no, what did you do?" His grin spread ear to ear.

"I'll tell you later. Need to see if the little girl plays along first," he teased. "Can't let Luke have all the fun, now can I?" I rolled my eyes as he got out and went to the backseat to wake Luke. We both looped our arms around him and practically carried him inside.

Once Luke was undressed and in bed, Gabe grabbed his phone and headed to the door, "I'll be back shortly," he grinned. "I have to make a quick call."

"I expect details, you know," I chuckled.

"Yes dear," he said in a sing-song voice as he walked down the hall. Cheeky boy.

When he finally came to bed, his eyes were hooded and his cheeks flushed. "So how did your phone call go?"

He growled slightly, "Luke wasn't exaggerating about the orgasm. Fuck," he groaned, running his hand through his hair. "Now I really want to get all of us in a room alone and naked. Hearing her call me Daddy as she came was fucking intoxicating." I gaped as he explained about the little gift he'd sent her and their phone sex session. I felt my cock throb as he described it all and moaned. Noticing my predicament, Gabe began to softly stroke my cock. "Luke and I are going to the club Friday night, you should come with us," he urged, picking up his pace. "Luke wants to put our names in the pot for a session with the masked lady, but we're not supposed to tell Owen," he chuckled.