Page 67 of Unexpected Hero

The idea of him working at a place like that — or at least what I think it’s like based on my fantasies — is almost too hot to handle. “What do you do there?”

“I’m a monitor. I walk the floor and keep an eye on the private rooms to make sure nothing goes wrong.”

“Like a safety monitor?”

“Yes.”

All the anger from earlier vanishes, a heat coiling low in my belly replacing it. “And is there more than that?”

“More?”

“More that you do there?”

“Sometimes.”

I bite my lip. “Do you uh... partake?”

“Yes.”

“And that would make you a...?” I raise my brows, inviting him to finish my sentence. I don’t want to say it wrong or sound stupid.

“I’m a dungeon master and a Dom… if that’s what you’re asking. I’m also a shibari rigger.”

“What’s shibari?”

“Japanese-inspired rope bondage.”

“And what does a rigger do?”

“I’m the one who does the tying. It’s also called a rope top.”

“You tie up women?”

The fact that the windows haven’t fogged up is baffling. My breaths are coming faster and warmer as this conversation continues.

“Yes.”

“And you like doing it?”

His formerly impassive expression has given way to a deepening grin. “Yes. A lot.”

“Does it bring you sexual pleasure?”

“Lettie, are you sure you want to talk about this right now?”

I nod with an eagerness I couldn’t hold back if I tried. And I’m not trying. “Yes. Does it?”

“Sometimes.”

I’m shocked at the boldness of my questions. It’s like another woman has taken over my tongue, determined to satiate my curiosity.

“And the women you tie up? Do they get sexual pleasure from it?”

“Some do. Others do it for meditation purposes or for the simple pleasure of submitting and trusting another person.”

Trusting another person to tie them up? As curious as I am, that’s far too vulnerable.

“Do you tie up men?”

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