Page 63 of Key of Kink

My mouth curved into a smile before I could stop it.

Another buzz.

Quinn: Also someone just asked where the self-help section is. I almost sent them to you.

I huffed out a quiet breath.

Buzz.

Quinn: I tried to write a joke about bondage but I got tied up in the details.

I did my best not to laugh. Epic fail.

“Ooh, the plot thickens,” Julian said in a gleeful tone.

The phone buzzed again, and I resisted the urge to look at it.

I lasted seven seconds.

Quinn: I would tell you a rope joke… But I don’t want to string you along.

Three dots…

If I make enough rope jokes, do I earn a tie-breaker?

I snorted.

“Max.”

I glanced up. Theo was watching me with arched eyebrows. He pointed to the door.

“Step outside.”

“I don’t need to⁠—”

Buzz.

I walked out the door into the hallway and sat on the top tread of the stairs, my phone in my hand.

Quinn: I’m reading a book on submission. So far it’s very binding.

Three dots…

If I misbehave today, does that count as pre-booking consequences?

Three dots…

I think I deserve a gold star today. Or at least a mildly approving look.

I shook my head. It seemed I’d opened the door to a verbal ambush.

Another message arrived.

Do you think if I stand very still, someone will assume I’m well-trained?

My shoulders shook, but I refused to laugh.

Another buzz.