Page 45 of Unexpected Hero

I need to figure out how to tag her sneakers without her knowing. She’s not safe out there. What if she goes for a run without her phone when I’m stuck at work? Or worse, what if whoever harms her disables her phone? If something happened, I’d never be able to find her. I can’t risk that. She’s defenseless.

Vulnerable.

And what the fuck would I tell Big Al then?

When I approach the area near her hotel, my head moves on a swivel as I try to locate her. Wish I had a drone with me. Next time.

With a few taps of my screen while stopped at a traffic light, I gain access to her phone’s GPS location. I drive a few blocks farther until I see her in the distance. Her long blond hair is tied in a ponytail, swinging from side to side as she runs down the sidewalk.

Terrible area for running.

I should take her to some other areas around town. There are better places to get fresh air and exercise. That could be a nice date. I think.

Not as if I’d know. I’ve never dated anyone in the traditional sense.

After parking in an out-of-the-way spot behind a dollar store, I double-time it to catch up with her, slowing my pace when I regain visual.

While I jog behind her, I call the club owner to put my plan in motion. “Hey, Dante. I’m coming in tonight. I need to talk to you about something. While I’m there, I can work the floor for a while if needed.”

“Sure, James. I’d appreciate that. I’ve got a ton of paperwork to deal with. We’ve got several new applicants for the platinum-level membership. Can you help me screen them again?”

“Absolutely. I’ll get the files from you tonight. See you around nine or ten.”

“Sounds good.”

A few hours after ensuring Lettie made it back safely to her hotel room, I’m all cleaned up and walking into a kink club called Bask.

A familiar face greets me at the door. “Evening, James. It’s been a while.”

“Hey, Tim.” I nod at the bouncer but don’t comment on his musing. It wasn’t a question.

At the front desk, Freya takes her lollipop out of her mouth and beams at me. “Hi, James. We’ve missed you. Are you taking over floor duty tonight?”

“Yes. After I talk to Dante. Is he in his office?”

“He’s already on the floor. The evening monitor called in sick.”

“Okay. I’ll find him.”

She presses her arms together, accentuating her cleavage. “If you have time later, I’d love to do a scene with you.”

“Not sure if I’ll be partaking tonight. But I’ll find you if I have time.”

I won’t.

Freya doesn’t appeal to me tonight. After hearing Lettie make herself come, I don’t expect I’ll be able to do a scene with anyone for quite a while.

But that’s fine. That’s not why I come here.

I come here to feel normal. Like I belong.

When I’m at Bask, no one expects me to be anything but who I am. Here, it’s okay to be quiet. It’s okay to watch people. It’s okay to be a little awkward, intense, or serious.

I can control the situation without judgment. If I want to engage with someone, I know how to go about it. If I want to keep to myself, I’m allowed to do it without anyone teasing or poking fun at me for being the Nofunfuck.

Here, it’s okay to be me.

Whether I take part in a scene, do a shibari demonstration, or simply walk the floor to ensure everyone is following the rules and being safe, I feel at home. I know what’s expected of me and others. There’s order here. Very few surprises.

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