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He bit his lip, thinking.

"And remember when we talked about me maybe arranging a surprise second Dom?" I asked. "That's still only if you want it. You wouldn't know who beforehand, but you'd know somebody else might be invited to join or take over, and Bella would check with you again before that happened. You can also say you don't want that anymore."

His blush deepened.

"No," he said quickly. Then his eyes widened. "I mean, no, I don't want to cancel that part. I still like that idea."

I smiled despite myself.

"Okay."

"But I'd want her to ask me again before it happened."

"Absolutely."

"And whoever it is would already know my limits?"

"Yes. Bella and Gustav would make sure of that. And he'd have to agree separately too. Nobody's getting ambushed."

Max took a slow breath.

"I guess... okay. If you think she's good."

I almost jumped on that answer. But I guess wasn't exactly the enthusiastic permission Sawyer had been drilling into my skull for weeks.

"Don't say yes because I think she's good," I told him. "Meet her first."

Max looked surprised.

I pulled my phone out of my pocket and opened our conversation, scrolling until I found the message I'd saved specifically because I knew he'd eventually convince himself he was ridiculous for wanting any of this.

"Remember this?" I asked. "I'm not showing you this because it means you have to do anything tonight. You don't. I just don't want you backing out only because you're scared people will think you're desperate or that you'll do something wrong."

I showed him the screen.

i really wish i had the guts to ask for a scene someday, you know? like, for real, not just watching everyone else. but i'm scared of seeming desperate or doing it wrong in front of everyone

He looked at the screen for a second, and I watched recognition cross his face, followed by a light blush creeping up his cheeks.

"Oh. Yeah, I did send that," he said, a little embarrassed, but with a shy smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"You did," I said, putting my phone away. "And wanting it doesn't mean you have to do it tonight. But being nervous doesn't mean you have to run away from it either."

He looked across the room. I followed his eyes and realized he'd found Bella. She caught us looking and smiled, but she didn't come over. She just lifted one hand in a little wave and let Max look at her without putting any pressure on him.

Max took a deep breath, and I watched the decision settle into his shoulders.

"Okay," he said, firmer this time. "I want to meet her. And if we talk and it feels right, I want to do the scene."

My entire body wanted to start vibrating again. I restrained myself heroically. "And the surprise?" I asked.

His cheeks went pink again.

"Still yes. As long as she checks with me first."

"Deal."

He looked at Bella one more time. Then back at me.