Page 67 of Key of Kink

That got me a proper laugh.

“Drink some water.” I picked up one of the bottles from the bar and handed it to him. “Reset. Then decide if you want to renegotiate or bounce. By the way? Both options are fine.”

He nodded, smiling. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” I squeezed his arm. “And remember—submission doesn’t mean silence.”

He beamed. “Can I talk to you again?”

“Anytime I’m here.”

Damn, that felt good.

Max

I hadn’t been able to take my eyes off Quinn, and yeah, I’d listened to every word of their conversation.

“You’re slipping.”

I jerked my head in Callum’s direction. “I beg your pardon?”

He inclined his head towards Quinn. “You’ve been watching him all night.”

“I observe everyone.” I kept my tone nonchalant.

“Not like that.”

I didn’t answer, but sipped my water.

Callum shifted his weight. “Sharp, though, that one. He’s not flustered.”

“No.”

“He’s not performing either.”

“No.” I was waiting for my monosyllabic responses to find their way through Callum’s thick skin. I did not want to talk about Quinn.

Callum glanced sideways at me. “So tell me… Are your recent efforts part of the same strategy?”

I gave him my full attention, frowning. “What efforts?”

He smirked. “Going to the gym. By my estimates, you went at least twice this week.”

I went still.

“That was you on Tottenham Court Road, wasn’t it?” Callum persisted. “Tuesday. And Thursday.”

I blinked. “You’re stalking me now?” I uttered the words in a light enough tone, so as not to cause offence, but yeah, I was intrigued.

“I was heading home,” he said with a smirk. “I saw you coming out of PureGym.” His smirk deepened. “I think I’ve spotted you there maybe twice in the last six months. Of course, it could be that our paths have never crossed until now.”

“I go there,” I confirmed.

“But now you’re going more frequently.” He grinned. “Trying to look good for him?”

The question was light, almost teasing, but I didn’t rise to it.

“I don’t need to try,” I said calmly, a defensive edge to my words.