Released

By the time Angélique emerged from the back room, Cassia had almost convinced herself that she could survive this. That she could return to the shop floor, resume her normal duties, and pretend that the last hour had never happened.

Then she saw Angélique's face.

The alpha was smiling. Not her usual polished, professional smile, but something broader, more genuine. She walked toward the window display with a spring in her step, and when she reached the platform, she looked from Dolly to Cassia with obvious satisfaction.

"Well, well, well," she purred. "I watched from the back. You two were magnificent."

"You watched?" Cassia's voice cracked.

"Of course I watched. I had to make sure you were following instructions." Angélique's emerald eyes glittered. "Dolly, as always, you were perfect. Charming, alluring, everything a shop doll should be."

"Thank you, Mistress," Dolly said, beaming.

"And Bonnet." Angélique turned to her, and her smile widened. "You exceeded my expectations. Truly. The way you attracted that group of students? The way you kept their attention? Magnifique."

Cassia wanted to die. "I didn't mean to- that wasn't supposed to-"

"Of course it was." Angélique reached out and cupped Cassia's chin, tilting her face up. "You are a natural, Bonnet. A beautiful, responsive, and enthusiastic doll. I could not have asked for better."

Before Cassia could respond, Angélique lifted her off her stand, which was rather easy now that the pole was soaked.

Cassia felt oddly unsupported without the stand holding her in place.

Angélique moved to Dolly. With another display of alpha strength, she lifted the white-haired doll off her stand, the wooden knob sliding free with a wet sound that made Cassia's cheeks burn.

Is that what I sounded like?

Dolly sighed, seemingly sad to part with her stand. Her legs wobbled as Angélique set her back on her feet.

"Playtime is over girls. Put your bloomers back on," Angélique instructed. "Then get back to work."

"Yes, mistress." Cassia and Dolly spoke in unison.