Page 57 of Key of Kink

Quinn

My phone lit up, and both Jess and I stared at it. I didn’t grab it immediately, but took a sip of water first.

Jess raised her eyebrows. “You know you want to.”

I looked at the screen. Unknown number. It had to be Max. My stomach flipped, and I tried not to grin like an idiot.

Epic fail.

Jess leaned back in her chair, her smile smug. “That’s him, isn’t it?”

I didn’t bother to deny it. I clicked on the message.

Let me know when you’re home.

I read it twice. He didn’t have to send that. Warmth spread through my chest as my fingers slid over the screen.

Just walked in. No kidnappers. Slightly smug. Mildly exhausted.

I hesitated, then added Thank you. Tonight was… yeah. I deleted yeah, and rewrote I had a good time.

Sent.

Jess cleared her throat. “Do I need to make popcorn?”

“Shut up.” But I was smiling.

I didn’t stop smiling all the way through the film Jess found on Netflix. Fine, so it was a comedy. The way I was feeling, I’d probably have smiled all the way through one of Sam’s thrillers he loved so much.

When it finished, I stood. “I’m going to call it a night.”

Jess grinned. “Don’t forget your phone.”

I grabbed it and gave her a mock glare. When I reached my room, I set it down on the bedside cabinet, and sent Max a silent but hopefully telepathic message.

You’ve got the ball rolling. Don’t stop now.

Max

I read Quinn’s message again, aware of relief flooding through me.

Good I typed. Then I deleted it. Too abrupt. I typed again. I’m glad. After a pause, I added You handled yourself well tonight.

I stared at the message. It came across as safe, professional… I hit Send. Then I remembered Callum.

I should let Quinn know.

It was an excuse, and I knew it. I typed fast before I could change my mind.

Have you had a text from Obsidian about next week? Saturday?

No. Should I have?

There’s going to be a demo. A Dom and sub from Manchester.

What’s the demo on?

I laughed. I have no idea, but apparently we need to be there.