Page 154 of Key of Kink

“Oh yeah.” He gave me a cheerful smile. “I just hid it extremely well.”

“I’d call it an Oscar-worthy performance.”

Quinn shoved his hands into his jacket pockets. “They’re good people.”

“Yes.”

“And they care about you.”

The quiet certainty in his voice made me pause. “Yes, they do.”

For a moment we stood there watching the others disappear down the street.

Then Quinn nudged my shoulder lightly. “You do realise Finnley is going to ask me even more embarrassing questions the next time he sees me.”

I snorted. “I think that’s inevitable.”

“And Theo definitely clocked everything.”

“That’s also inevitable.”

Quinn laughed. “It was worth it, though.”

I studied him for a second. “Worth what?”

He met my gaze. “Seeing you like that.”

“How?”

“Happy,” he said simply.

My chest tightened.

Quinn seemed unaware of the impact of his words. He looked down the street, then back at me.

“So… Am I going back to Walthamstow?”

My heart thumped. “Do you have another destination in mind?”

He lifted his head high, and our gazes locked. “Your bed, for one. And if it’s your floor, that would be okay too.”

I didn’t hesitate.

I cupped his nape and drew him to me, not caring who saw us. I claimed his mouth in a kiss, loving the soft noise of pleasure that fell from his lips. Then I pulled back. “My bed sounds like a good plan.”

His face lit up. “Then let’s go.”

We walked slowly towards the Tube, and Finnley’s last words rang out in my head.

You’re doomed.

I’d never thought doom would sound so good.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Max

The evening shift at the care home always felt quieter after eight.