Page 216 of Well Played

“Thank you. I see that as a compliment. Now…” I pointed my chopsticks at him. “What pastime?”

He cleared his throat, gazed around the small space—devoid of other diners at this weird hour between lunch and dinner—and leaned closer.

In involuntary reaction, I mimicked his actions.

“I like to tie women up and bring them pleasure.” He held my gaze. “Well, men too.”

I swallowed. “That sounds…interesting.” My body might’ve also reacted. My nipples stiffened and little butterflies exploded in my belly.

“Interesting? I suppose.” He gave me a wicked grin. “I enjoy myself as well.”

I snickered. “One would assume—or why would you keep doing those things?”

“Intrigued?”

“Most definitely.” I licked my lips. “What would it take to persuade you to give me a sample? A taste?”

His pupils dilated. “You don’t know what you’re asking.”

I grinned. “Oh, I do. I’ve watched videos. BDSM, right? I’m so curious.”

“You’re in a relationship. I don’t mess with that.”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s an open relationship. Just because I’ve never availed myself of what’s on offer, doesn’t mean I can’t. Ineed time to study, and Kaden’s adventures give me precious time to do that. I’ll earn my diploma just before Christmas.”

“So something to celebrate.”

Laughing, I reached out to touch his fingers.

He didn’t recoil from the touch—so I considered that a win. For all the dark masculinity and flares of sexuality, he wasn’t touchy-feely. Or at least he hadn’t been with me.

“I’m good with celebrations. I won’t be heading home, so I’ll be looking to do something here in Vancouver.”

“You’re not celebrating with the troupe?”

“Sure. But we’re only doing something on the twenty-fourth. I still have to occupy myself Christmas Day.”

“Kaden?”

His eyes carried an emotion I couldn’t quite nail down. “Sure. Whatever.”

“And he’s okay with you…being with other men?”

I grinned. “Don’t forget women. We’re both pansexual. Whatever works. I’m attracted to all kinds of different people—men, women, enbies—it doesn’t matter to me. I do, however, require some kind of emotional connection before I’ll step into the realm of the physical. That’s where Kaden’s very different from me. I’m not even certain attraction is necessary for him.”

“I’m attracted to you.”

His pale blue eyes flickered with another emotion I couldn’t quite identify.

I knew lust—this was more than that. “Are you propositioning me?”

He cocked his head. “Well, you said you need to feel a connection to someone. I’m saying that…I would like to connect with you as well.”

“What’s the plan?”

“Do you want to come back to my place?”

I eyed him. “I’m adventurous, but I think that’s a bit much for me.” I licked my lips again. “Tell you what…Kaden’s out for the night. You can come back to the hotel with me. We can…get to know each other.”

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