Page 49 of Trouble

“It’s the oils. To soften and prep it.”

“I’d love to watch you do that one day.”

Declan nods. “Does it feel okay? I’d like to use that one, as long as you’re good with it.”

Warmth spreads through me, the sensation full of genuine affection for this man. “It’s perfect.”

He flushes again, this time the color creeping up his throat, along his Adam’s apple. The sight is so damn sexy.

“I’ll get Cade on the phone.”Abruptly, he stands and unlocks the device.

This is it. He’s dialing his best friend. The man I’m dating is about to watch Declan tie me up.

Nerves skitter down my spine. What must Cade be thinking?

Maybe it’s odd that I didn’t immediately go to the bedroom and call him when we got home. But for some reason, that felt like betraying Declan. I want this to be about the three of us. Not Cade and me plotting to get Declan to do what we want.

The FaceTime call connects, and Cade’s image fills the screen. My entire body heats instantly. God, it’s ridiculous how much I like this guy. How one smile from him lights me up inside. His existence alone makes me happy in a way that can’t be explained.

“Hey, Trouble,” he drawls as he settles against a headboard in what I imagine is his bedroom.

“Hey, Coach.”

With a lift of his chin, he chuckles. “Tonight, our coach is there with you.” He eyes Declan. “You all set?”

The stoic man standing only a few feet away turns to me. The weight of his attention is heavy, intense. Like he can see into my soul.He has a way of always knowing what I need, and so far, he’s been more than willing to give it to me.

Many people can read cues and infer a person’s needs, see when they’re hurting or helpless. But most turn away from that uncomfortable moment, either too in their own heads to take the time to help or just uninterested in doing so.

Declan doesn’t possess the ability to not care. Regardless of his mood, I can all but guarantee if he comes across someone in need, he’ll do what he can to help.

And if he can do it without recognition? Even better.

Because that’s who he is.

And somehow, I’m lucky enough to revel in it. I get to witness him in action. My heart clenches each time I look at this strong, silent man. He opened up to me, shared his burdens and his traumas. I don’t take any of this lightly.

“Before we get started,” he says, “I need to know that you trust me, and I need to trust you to tell me if the rope gets too tight, if your arms or legs start to tingle, if you get dizzy. If you notice anything that is out of sorts at all, Melina, youneedto tell me.”

Chest aching at his sincerity, I nod. “I trust you, and you can trust me. I won’t lie to you.Ever.”

Sinking his teeth into his bottom lip, he nods. “Good.”

“What about a safe word?” I say, my words infused with humor, in hopes of lightening the mood.

Cade chuckles. “Always the troublemaker.”

“Your safe word is stop,” Declan says coolly. “I won’t do anything that hurts you. You tell me you want me to stop, and everything ceases.”

When Cade and I are silent in response, Declan drapes the rope over both palms and holds it in front of him. “This isn’t about a kink. It’s not a game.” He pauses, zeroing in on me. “Doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyable. That I can’t find ways to make it”—he darts a look at Cade, then focuses on me again—“pleasurable. So long as we maintain a healthy respect for limits. You could get very hurt if we’re not careful. It’s simpler than safe words. You say stop, and I stop. We’ll use colors for everything else.”

“Colors?” Cade asks, his voice tinny through the phone.

Declan keeps his attention fixed on me. “Green means you like what I’m doing,” he says, his deep timbre rolling through me, causing the hairs on my arms to stand on end. “Yellow if you’re too close to the edge.”

What edge? I want to ask, but I’m afraid to speak. I’m locked in his spell, and I don’t want to be freed. If my assumption is correct, the edge he’s referring to is the one I’m desperate to be hurtling toward.

“What about red?” Cade asks.

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