Page 39 of He Sees You When You’re Sleeping

“Holy shit,” Sloane breathes. “I can’t believe it. You’re like... a camgirl?”

I wince at the term. “It’s not exactly like that. It’s more... artistic. Sensual. I don’t do hardcore stuff, and I hide my face for the most part. I keep my identity private.”

Sloane leans back, studying me with new eyes. “Wow. I never would have guessed. You always seemed so... reserved.”

“That’s kind of the point,” I say, feeling strangely relieved to finally share this secret. “It’s a way to explore a different side of myself. To be someone else for a little while.”

Sloane nods thoughtfully. “Well, girl, I have to say—I’m impressed. And a little jealous. Here I thought you were spending your nights curled up with a book and a cup of tea.”

I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in months. “Well, sometimes I do that too. A girl needs balance, you know?”

“And the fireman? Is that how you met him?”

I shake my head. “No. In fact, I think that’s one of my hang-ups about the fireman. I’ve been with vanilla men all my life. I’m ready for a change.”

Sloane leans back, a mischievous glint in her eye. “So, the fireman doesn’t know about your... extracurricular activities?”

I shake my head, feeling a twinge of guilt. “No, he doesn’t. And I’m not sure how to bring it up. Or if I even should.”

“Oh, hon,” Sloane says, patting my hand. “If you’re serious about this guy, you’ll have to tell him eventually. But maybe not on the first date.”

I nod, grateful for her understanding. “It’s just... complicated. I like Jack, I really do. But this other part of me... it’s important too.”

“Jack, huh?” Sloane grins. “So the fireman has a name. And a pretty hot one at that.”

I roll my eyes but can’t help smiling. “Yes, his name is Jack. And he’s... he’s different. Kind, funny, and yes, hot.”

“But you want something less safe,” she says.

I nod slowly, feeling conflicted. “Maybe. I don’t know. And I’m probably overthinking this. Jack and I haven’t even been on a real date yet.”

Sloane takes a long sip of her drink, studying me thoughtfully.

“Maybe Jack has hidden depths too. Or maybe he’d be open to exploring new things with you. Plus, firefighters are used to handling heat, right?”

I groan at her terrible pun but a laugh still escapes. “That was awful.”

“You love it,” she grins. “But seriously, don’t write him off just because he seems safe. Give him a chance. Maybe he’ll surprise you. Also, don’t hold back on this Dark Secrets thing either. Explore it. Live it. Fuck... maybe I need to as well.”

I nearly choke on my drink. “You? On Dark Secrets?”

Sloane shrugs. “Why not? I could use some excitement in my life. Plus, it might be fun to explore my wild side a bit.”

“Trust me, your wild side is plenty explored,” I laugh, remembering some of Sloane’s more outrageous escapades.

“Well trust me on one thing,” she says. “Now that I know this about you, we are going to have much more fun! No more cocktails at geriatric hour for us.”

I giggle, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation at Sloane’s words. “Oh no, what have I unleashed?”

“Only the best kind of chaos,” Sloane says with a wink. “Now, finish that drink and give me your username so I can look you up.”

I nearly choke on my drink. “My username? Oh no, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Come on! I won’t tell a soul,” Sloane wheedles. “And I promise I won’t judge. And who knows, maybe I’ll even become a subscriber.”

The thought of Sloane watching my videos makes me squirm. “That’s... really not necessary. And obviously this stays between us.”

Sloane pouts but nods. “Fine, keep your secrets. For now. But don’t think this conversation is over.”

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