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You’re here to have fun, not ogle one guy.

Even if he was the hottest guy in the room.

This was bordering on obsessive. Instead, I forced myself to move. I went over to talk to a guy by the slings, requesting clarification on some of the club rules. I’d already memorised them, but I had to say something.

Anything not to turn around and seek Max out again.

I let myself settle into the space, my breathing matching the low rhythm of the music. The Dom—Phil?—answered my questions, I thanked him, and only then did I turn back.

Max stood near the edge of the room again, the sub nowhere in sight. Max’s chest was still bare, his posture easy, his presence unmistakable. He exuded that same stillness, the same unreadable calm.

But this time, it had a different effect on me.

Remember. You don’t owe anyone anything. You can leave. You can ask.

That last one carried the most weight, and as for who I would approach?

Yeah, no-brainer.

I waited until the moment felt right, then I crossed the room. Max noticed me when I was halfway over.

Of course he did.

His gaze flicked up, and I knew I was being assessed. Then his focus sharpened. It wasn’t predatory, nor even inviting. What I saw was curiosity, contained.

I stopped at a respectful distance. “Hi. I’m Quinn.” I kept my tone low and even.

He inclined his head. “Max.”

I didn’t offer my hand, but neither did he, and that felt correct.

“I was wondering,” I continued, my voice steady and unhurried, “if you’d like to do a scene?”

Max studied me for a long moment.

“You’re new.”

“Yes.”

“You’ve done your paperwork.”

“Yes.”

“And you’re asking me directly,” he added.

“Yes.” I smiled. “That seemed the most efficient way to go about this.”

That earned me a brief, reluctant huff of amusement. “What are you into?”

I had my list ready. “Bondage, restraints, sensory play…”

His eyes gleamed. “That last one covers a lot of ground.”

“And that’s fine. I’ve done a little, but not enough, so I want to experience more of it. I think I’d be happy with most stuff, except maybe tickling.”

Max smiled. “Those are all good. Want to go somewhere quieter and talk about this?”

I nodded, keeping my cool, although my heart was singing. A discussion was a start.