That word lingers.
This isn’t some sleazy hidden thing. It’s intentional. It’s chosen. It’s…something I don’t fully understand yet, but I want to.
I mean, it’s not like I’m about to ask some random guy to spank me tonight.
But one day, maybe.
With someone I trust.
Keith, I think.
But then—would Keith even understand this?
Would he get why it’s…beautiful?
Would he ever want to learn what I want?
Ugh. Why am I still thinking about Keith?
The ring’s in my purse. That’s where it’s staying.
“That’s incredible,” I whisper. “I mean, lesson number one in life is don’t hit people. And she just thanked him.”
“Sub space,” Thor says. “She’s high. On endorphins.”
The others return, ready to leave. It’s late—I don’t even know how late—but I’m not quite ready to go.
I spot the quartet who just finished the scene now chatting by the bar. I walk over while Maya grabs our coats.
“I like your collar,” I say to the blonde.
She beams. “Thanks. I had it engraved with ‘Kitten.’ I just hope the Etsy person didn’t know what it was for.”
“It’s very cute.”
She can’t stop smiling. Her cheeks are flushed, her eyes sparkling.
“Are you going to be able to…sit tomorrow?”
She laughs. “Barely. And Ican’t wait.I’ve got a fourteen-hour flight to India in the morning.”
My eyes go wide. “Wait… you’re going to be on a plane with that bruised a?—”
“Oh, yeah.” She leans in conspiratorially. “It’ll burn the whole flight. But in the best way.”
“So… the high. It’s real?”
“God, yes. I feel amazing right now.”
I glance toward the man who spanked her—he’s standing behind a woman in pink leather, his arm around her waist. He kisses her temple. She giggles.
“That was so much fun, baby.”
“Yes, it was.”
My curiosity gets the better of me. I step up and ask him, journalist mode engaged.
“So… they get a rush from it?”
