Page 40 of Key of Kink

Something in my chest steadied at that. “This one doesn’t,” I said quietly.

Her eyes sharpened. “Oh.”

Another Oops moment.

I tried to sound casual. “It’s just someone I met.”

“Is he into the same kind of thing?” she asked in a careful tone.

I blinked. “I never said⁠—”

“You didn’t need to.” She smiled. “You think I don’t pay attention to what you’re reading when you’re on a break? Leathersex? SM101? BDSM The Naked Truth? Urban Aboriginals? Mr. Benson?” Her eyes sparkled. “Not the kind of books I expected someone of your age to be reading, but then again, you are very mature. One of the reasons why I hired you.”

I swallowed. “And there I was, thinking I’d been discreet.” Then I laughed. “You don’t seem too shocked.”

She waved a hand. “You don’t get to my age without seeing some things. My son was telling me about a film he went to see at the cinema last week. Something about a motorbike rider and the man who becomes his… submissive?”

I smiled. “Yeah, I know the film you’re talking about. And yeah, you got the word right.”

She flushed. “I have to admit, it didn’t sound like the sort of film I’d go and see, and to be honest, he was pretty shocked it had even been made. I suppose times are changing.” She tilted her head. “So…. This someone you’ve met… Is he into the same things?”

I couldn’t hold back my smile. “Definitely. But it’s not serious.”

But I want it to be.

She studied me for a moment longer, then sighed. “You’re distracted. You checked out three books to the wrong account this morning.”

“That was one time.”

“It was three times.”

I leaned back against the shelf opposite her. “I might go to the club tonight,” I admitted.

Her expression shifted, as though she was assessing me. “And you’re hoping he’ll be there.”

I hesitated before replying. “Yes.”

She nodded, slow and thoughtful. “Does he treat you well?”

“I haven’t known him long enough to answer that question, but so far, the signs are good.” I grinned. “I will say I had fun with him.”

Veronica reached out and straightened my collar like she’d done a dozen times before. “Just remember, you don’t have to impress someone who already sees you.”

That hit harder than I expected, because Max did see me. And I wanted to see him again, not just for a scene, for the rules, but for that look I’d glimpsed, the one that said he was trying to figure me out.

Veronica stepped back. “Go finish the returns desk. And stop shelving by aesthetic.”

“Yes, ma’am.” She narrowed her eyes, and I sighed. “Yes, Veronica.”

“Better.”

As I walked towards the front desk, my heart was beating a fraction too fast for a Thursday afternoon.

Eight hours.

That was all that stood between me and Obsidian.

Maybe he’ll be there.