Page 41 of Edged

Finding an empty spot in the aftercare area, he sat and cradled Kaley in his lap. He’d never seen her so relaxed. Usually, she was on guard for something—he didn’t know what—but he suspected she never truly relaxed. Even when sleeping.

Maybe they needed to discuss why she lived where she lived. It wasn’t exactly one of the safest areas. He wanted, no, needed her to be safe. Anthony glanced up as Jordan approached him.

“How is she?” he asked, handing Anthony a bottle of water.

“She’s still out of it.”

Jordan nodded. “Okay if I clean up the area and put your things away?”

“Are you sure? I can do it.”

“Stay with Kaley. It’s no big deal.”

“Thanks.”

Jordan walked away. This was another reason he enjoyed Wicked Sanctuary. Everyone looked out for everyone else, especially Max, Jordan, and Damon. Those three had built one hell of a club.

Anthony relaxed against the sofa and glanced down at Kaley. Her eyes were still closed, her breathing steady and even. Good. She was going to come down slowly, which maybe wasn’t a bad thing. He didn’t mind sitting there holding her.

About thirty minutes later, she stirred. Anthony looked down as she raised her lashes. Her eyes were clear.

“What happened?”

“What’s the last thing you remember?” he asked.

“You were using the rabbit flogger on me. Did we get to the paddle?”

“No to the paddle. You zoned out on me.”

“I did? I’m so sorry.” She shifted in his arms and started to sit up. Anthony tightened his hold.

“Stay still.” Using his free hand, he brushed a strand of her dark red hair off her face. “There’s nothing to be sorry about. It wasn’t something I expected, but you let your control go, and by doing that, you allowed yourself to relax and feel. Your trust in me is humbling.”

“Oh.” She blinked. “I had no idea it could be like that.”

“You are new to the lifestyle.” He shifted so she could sit up a little bit more. “How are you feeling?”

“Pretty good. My ass is still tingling, but otherwise, pretty energized.”

He nodded. How did he approach her about this next part. “I know you don’t have work tomorrow, and since you were close to or in subspace, I don’t feel good about leaving you alone tonight.”

“Why?”

“You could have subdrop. You were and probably still are on an endorphin high. When you come down, it’s better not to be alone.” He wasn’t going to leave her alone tonight.

“I can’t stay at your grandmother’s house.”

“We can stay at my place.”

“Your grandmother?”

“She has a friend spending the night, so she’s fine.” It was sheer luck Gran’s friend was visiting. Kaley eyes narrowed as she stared at him. “I didn’t plan it. I swear.”

Soft laughter was music to his ears. “I’m pretty sure there was no way for you to know how I was going to react. I’ve been in the club long enough to know that much.”

Anthony leaned down and kissed her temple. “Then you’ll spend the night?”

“I should say no.” She put her fingers against his mouth when he opened it to speak. “It makes sense for me to be with you tonight. I honestly don’t know what I’m feeling.”

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