Page 59 of Key of Kink

Leave it.

I could do that. It was early. He’s probably fast asleep. I imagined him curled up on his side under a duvet.

Don’t.

My thumbs didn’t get the memo.

Good morning.

My chest tightened. Nope. That was too simple, too… domestic. It even felt too intimate.

I didn’t delete it, however. Instead, I added: Don’t be late for work.

Better. That sounded more like me. I sent it before I could reconsider the impulse, but no sooner had it gone than I regretted it.

No, I felt it, like the first crack in my shield.

Good morning said You were the first person I thought of.

I set the phone down, threw back the sheets, and stood, my cock rising, trying to claim my attention.

I ignored it. My mind was already supplying logical excuses.

This is fine. It’s normal. People text good morning. It doesn’t imply emotional entanglement or attachment. It doesn’t⁠—

The phone buzzed, and just like that, my heartbeat stuttered. I glanced at the screen.

Don’t worry, I won’t be. And good morning to you too :)

That smiley face made my chest tighten even more.

Has anyone ever told you that you text like you’re filing a report?

I couldn’t help smiling. Only you, I typed. After a second I added, What do you expect? I like precision.

At this hour? It’s kind of adorable.

I stopped breathing for a second. Since when had anyone used that word in connection with me?

I am *not* adorable.

Quinn: Hey, I didn’t say *you* were adorable. Just your precision.

I typed before I had time to think.

I am not adorable.

Sure. Keep telling yourself that.

I stared at the screen. His response wasn’t all that provocative, but it definitely wasn’t submissive. It felt comfortable, even dangerous in a quiet way. Good morning had been a crack. This? This was erosion. Quinn wasn’t provoking my authority—he was stepping around it.

And I was letting him.

I smiled again. What time does the library open?

9 on the dot. [grin emoji] You can come supervise me if you’re worried about my punctuality.

Don’t tempt me.