Page 74 of Key of Kink

“That’s hollowing out,” Leo remarked. “You give more and more. More structure. More care. More control. And it’s never enough, because what they’re actually asking for isn’t authority—it’s rescue.”

The word sat between us.

I exhaled slowly. “And that burns the Dom out.”

“Yes.” Leo’s tone was matter-of-fact. “Because you can’t rescue someone into being whole.”

Across the room, Quinn laughed again, his head tipped back, completely unguarded.

“But that one isn’t trying to disappear. He’s very much here.”

I watched the way Quinn leaned into the conversation with Alex, animated, bright.

“He enjoys it,” Leo continued. “He enjoys the structure. The surrender. That’s fuel, not a vacuum.”

I glanced at Leo. “And that’s better for me.”

“It’s better for both of you.” Leo’s mouth curved faintly. “When they kneel for joy, you don’t have to carry them,” he said. “You get to meet them.”

Not contain them or manage them, or even rescue them.

Meet.

Leo clapped a hand against my shoulder. “You’re young. You’re still probably figuring out what kind of Dom you want to be long-term.”

I held his gaze. “And what kind is that?”

“One who isn’t afraid of being seen while he’s holding someone.”

I looked back at Quinn. He caught my eye across the room and smiled.

Something loosened inside me.

Jordan wanted more than I could give.

Quinn wants what I already am.

Revelation.

Chapter Twelve

Max

God, I needed this.

I didn’t usually do shifts on a Sunday, but Amira was still sick, apparently, and there was no one else. So of course my overactive duty gland kicked in.

Going to the gym afterwards had been a no-brainer.

Normally, I tune out everything—all the messy thoughts, the plans, rehearsals, work, Obsidian—but today was different.

That conversation with Leo was still rattling around inside my head.

Quinn’s stifled moans and harsh breathing as I sucked him off were louder.

Concentrate, Max. Shut it all out, at least for an hour or two.

I was halfway through my second set when I felt it, that sensation of being watched. I was used to getting glances from some of the gym’s members, casual looks that occasionally grew flirtatious before they realised I wasn’t interested.