Tasty. I may save my profit for once to have a lick of that treat.” The sultry voice made the small crowd of women surrounding Dare laugh. Even the guard stationed in the open doorway chuckled. She could only be grateful he was facing the other way. Lavender grinned at her in the long mirror’s reflection and Dare tried to return the expression, grateful the woman sported neither bruises nor hard feelings from their earlier encounter. Her smile contorted, interrupted by the gasping need for air as Lavender tightened the laces of the corset she’d brought for her to wear. “Be good, Seraphina. I think our Dare is shy, in spite of her name.” Lavender leaned closer to Dare, the scented oil in her hair and face paint all seeming to blend perfectly with her name and the color of her dress. She whispered in her ear, “Never you mind her, love. She teases everyone. It’s just her way. Only been here a few days longer than you this time, and as usual, you’d be thinking she ran the place instead of the boss.”
