Page 33 of Quake

“I mean, there’s a lot of stuff I wanted to do sexually but couldn’t, but I’m not sure I’m ready to start dating or looking for people to sleep with just yet,” I answer honestly, even though the thought of being intimate with a stranger makes my skin crawl a little.

“Well then, buy a toy or two, and maybe make a list of things you want to try. That way, when youarecomfortable, you know what you want.”

“Are you telling me to make a fuck-it list?” I laugh.

“I mean, I wasn’t, but now I am! Fuck yeah, Lark, make a fuck-it list!” she says, her voice growing louder with each excited word. “Come on, let’s think. What kind of stuff would you put on there?”

With almost anyone else, this conversation would be weird, but with Kira, it’s borderlinetame.

“Oh, and pull up a notes app on your phone so you can type it out while we talk about this. That way, you won’t forget anything.”

Strangely, I do as she suggests and put her on speaker.

“Alright, I only have one vibrator, and it’s a tiny bullet. It does the job, but it’s not great by any means, so I’d like to get a new one, maybe a few, to see what I like.”

“Perfect. Consider it a belated birthday gift or,no,a breakup gift. I’ll send you a few of my favorites, all new, don’t worry,” she clarifies, chuckling.

“Thanks.” I snort, knowing she isn’t going to let me turn her down, so it’s easier just to accept the gift.

We spend the entirety of her drive writing down a list of all the things I’ve ever wanted to try that Tyler always made me feel bad for even having an interest in. The list includes everything from types of dirty talk and positions to role-play and everything in between.

“Ooh, I have the best idea!”Oh, fucking great.“How about you download that erotic audio app I keep telling you about so you can try out some of these things from the comfort and safety of your own home? It’s good to explore your own body, and if you don’t like any of this stuff by yourself, then you know not to bothertrying it with a partner, at least not one you’re super comfortable with.”

“That’s—” I stutter. “Alright, thatissort of a good idea. I know damn well you have a referral code for that app, so go ahead and text it to me,” I tell her.

“That’s my girl,” she says, and I can practically hear the wide grin that I’m sure is spread across her face. “Okay, I just parked, so I’m gonna head in and feed the cats. I’ll order you some fun new toys when I get done!”

“Thank you. I love you. Tell Harry and Percy I love them too!”

“I will! I’ll give them some good belly rubs and an extra treat from you too. Goodnight, and love you!” she tells me before hanging up.

I look down at the long note written on my phone and realize I definitely need to save this to the “my eyes only” section, just in case.

Once I’ve done so, I set my phone down and bury my face back in my book.

Chapter nineteen

Lark

Saturday, March 8, 2025

After blow-drying my hair and getting changed, I get Tiny leashed up for his class at Rocket Dog.

An unfamiliar heat sears through me as I think about the cagey blue-eyed man I’m actuallylooking forwardto seeing this morning.

As I make my way outside, the cool breeze whips my red strands around my face, and I catch a glimpse of a familiar pair. As if summoned by my thoughts alone, Gianni and Pickles trot ahead of me in the same direction Tiny and I are headed.

On a whim, I start to jog ahead, trying to catch up with them. “Hey! Gianni, wait up!”

His hulking frame nearly shrieks to a stop with Pickles at his side, quickly dropping to her butt at his silent command. Gianni turns slowly to face me. Those same dark circles surround his beautiful blue eyes, making them appear even more strikingly pale.

“Dr. Hughes.” He nods, his lips pressed in a thin line as I sidle up beside him. Pickles stands quickly at our approach, she and Tiny taking turns sniffing one another.

“You know, you can call me Lark,” I tease, giving him a wide smile.

His dark brow lifts, but he says nothing for a long moment. “We should, uh, we should probably get going if we don’t want to be late,” he says, clearing his throat. It’s possible that I’m imagining things, butI swearI see a pink hue creeping up his neck as he averts his gaze.

“Yeah, we should,” I answer, starting to walk ahead. I can’t help myself, though, as questions nag at the periphery of my mind with each step we take. “Do you live near The Groves?”

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