Page 14 of Entice

“Where to start?” Jordan rubbed the back of his neck. “In the lifestyle, safe means safe for everyone—the Dominants and the submissives. SSC is a code within the community to protect everyone. Not everyone holds to it. In my opinion, the good ones do.”

“Makes sense.” It did now.

“Sane has to do with mindset. Is this a sane thing to do? For example: If a submissive asked me to use a cane on her back, would that be sane? Yes, but I’d be careful not to go near the kidneys and cause damage.”

Crystal’s gut tightened. “How dangerous is kink?” She never thought about it.

“If you don’t know what you’re doing, it can be dangerous to everyone.” Jordan leaned his elbows on his knees. “Training is important for both Dominants and submissives, along with a good place to play.” He turned his head and looked at her. “Things like fire play, knife play, and rigging take time to learn and learn right.”

“I have no idea what those are, but they sound dangerous.” A shudder ran over her body.

“They can be, again, especially if someone doesn’t know what they’re doing.” He rubbed his jaw. “I think I just thought of a way to help you understand faster.” Jordan picked up his phone and began typing. “Should have an answer in a minute.”

Crystal tilted her head, wondering who he’d texted, and then his phone pinged. He read the message and laughed.

“Here’s the deal. What I’m about to tell you will be covered by another NDA, but not until Thursday. Can I trust you to keep quiet?”

“Of course. This has to do with the case so the NDA applies in my book. But what is Thursday?”

He nodded. “Thursday you are coming with me to a BDSM club.”

CHAPTER THREE

“What?” Crystal’s heart sped up, and her nerves tingled with anticipation and apprehension. “Are you serious?”

“I am.” He leaned forward. “You need to understand the lifestyle, and you can only get so much from reading.”

“True. Are we going to Seattle?”

“No. I’m surprised Sierra hasn’t told you.”

Crystal lowered her eyes. “She did. But I don’t want her to get into trouble. I know because I was making sure she was safe with Max.”

Jordan smiled. His warm fingers ran over her cheek, causing her skin to tingle. “Look at me, Crystal.” He waited until she was looking at him. “It’s okay. The NDA Sierra signed covers talking about who is at the club doing what. We figured people would talk about the club itself. We wanted to protect the people at the club.”

“We? Who is this we?”

“Max, Damon, and myself. We’re more or less partners in the club.” He shifted closer to her. “Since we’re talking about this, are you interested in learning more about kink?”

“In relation to the case?” Had he moved even closer? Yes, he had. She was sitting with her legs tucked under her, and his knees were now almost touching hers.

“More than the case.” His palm slid around to the back of her neck.

Her nerves danced with excitement and a hint of anxiety. Did she want to explore kink personally? To find out if kink was as good in real life as it was in the books she’d read or from what Sierra told her? To trust someone—she’d read the lifestyle was about trust—that much? Yes, to all of it. After reading about it and seeing how happy Sierra was, she wanted to know more. Still, in the back of her mind, she could hear her mother’s words:Sex is a sin.

“You’re thinking very hard,” Jordan said.

“I am.” He stroked the back of her neck. “Jordan, this is inappropriate.” She wiggled beneath his touch.

“Why? I’m attracted to you.”

“No.” Crystal rose to her feet and tried to control her breathing. Her thoughts were starting to jumble together. The case, his offer, his touch, everything.

“Crystal.” He frowned.

“If this has to do with the case, fine, but anything else is a no-go.”But I want it, a little voice inside her said. Yes, part of her wanted to explore with Jordan, but she couldn’t. They barely knew each other. However, it was more than that. Her upbringing hadn’t been one of a loving nature. While she’d gotten past certain aspects of her teen years, Jordan brought out memories best left in the past.

Jordan stared at her. “All right.” She released the breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. “For now. Tomorrow I’ll have you sign the NDA for the club and fill out the paperwork for a background check.”

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