“Wouldn’t that be weird?”
I jerk my head back a fraction. “Why would it be weird?”
“One housemate teaching another how to do kinky stuff?”
I laugh. “No weirder than asking for advice and being given it. Besides, I’m not the only Dom who works at The Library.”
“No, of course not.”
“The training sessions are good for partners looking to explore new kinks but are a bit nervous about it,” I explain.
“You have to bring a partner?”
“You don’t have to, but that’s what most people do. If you don’t have a sub, we can bring one in for the session.”
Rory purses his lips. His pupils dilate, suggesting that he’s staring into the middle distance rather than focusing on something in particular. I have no idea if Rory is seeing anyone. Judging by his question, I would guess not. Not that being single would have stopped me from learning new kink techniques. Although to be fair, Charles taught me everything I could have possibly ever needed to know.
“If you’d feel more comfortable, we could do something here. I’m sure one of our housemates would volunteer to have hot wax dripped on them.”
“Ay, I can imagine who’d be first in line.”
“Hendrix?”
He rolls his eyes and nods.
I chuckle. “You’re probably right. I’d ask Quinn, but wax play isn’t his thing.” It’s a shame he’d find it too relaxing because he would look beautiful with hot wax dripped over his body. “Think about it. The offer’s there.” I put my cup down and retrieve a pack of Post-it-Notes and a pen from one of the drawers. I write down the website I get my soy candles from and hand the note to him.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” I check my phone. There are no messages. “Sorry. Is there anything else I can help with?”
“No, that was it.” Rory nods to my phone. “Are you expecting a call?”
I shrug. “Probably not today.”
I slide my phone into my pocket. I need a distraction. I look out the door to the staircase. Quinn is working and, from what he said, needs to focus as he’s behind on meeting his deadline. As far as I know, everyone else except Rory and Hendrix is at work.
“I could show you one of my candles if you like?”
“That would be good, thanks.”
I finish my coffee and rinse the cup. My phone rings just as I put the cup on the draining rack. I pull it out of my pocket and freeze as the private investigator’s name flashes up on the screen.
“Are you going to answer that?” Rory asks.
I can’t move. The sickly feeling in the pit of my stomach has intensified. I want to throw up.
“Stefan?”
“Yes. Of course.” I accept the call and press the phone to my ear. “Stefan speaking.”
I nod to Rory as he slips out of the kitchen, presumably to give me some privacy.
“It’s George at Armstrong Nolan.”
“Hi.” My heart is pounding, and all thoughts of wax play flitter out of my head.
“I’ve found your mum.”
