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A man had never made her feel that way. Oh, she’d dated, but the men always seemed so shallow or intent on sex. Or so hesitant she was left to make the decisions on where they went and what they did. Kaley didn’t want that, and it was one of the reasons she went to Wicked Sanctuary. There, she could let go of her control and be herself, but only to a point.

When she thought about it, her issues stemmed from her childhood where she’d had no control. She still carried that small, scared child inside her. She sighed. Maybe one day she’d find a man willing to help her explore on her terms.

“I see you found Anthony’s art,” Dani said.

“Anthony did these?” Kaley’s admiration for him increased. How would he make her look if he painted her? “He’s very talented.”

“He is. This is the first time his work has been shown in a gallery.”

“Why? It’s beautiful.” Kaley could see the loving lines of the strokes. He didn’t sexualize the concept, but allowed the sensuality of the figures to come out without being overt. It was open and honest.

“You know as well as I do how judgmental people can be. This is sensual, fetish art.”

Heat invaded Kaley’s cheeks. Thinking back to dinner, hadn’t she been judgmental earlier with saying Anthony had money. But this…these were works of art. Nothing people wouldn’t see in any museum in the world. Nude sculptures were found in almost any museum.

“You brought me in here on purpose.”

“Guilty. I wanted you to see what Anthony creates.”

Kaley had to admit that Dani was right. She needed to see Anthony’s work. Not that she was going to pose for him, but she now understood him a little better. He might be a Dom, but his portrayals of the women in the painting showed he saw more than most people did. He revealed buried pain being set free, along with contentment, caring, love. And he brought out the sensuality of his subjects.

Curious, she glanced at one of the price tags. Holy shit! She wasn’t going to take back her words about his wealth. This one painting cost almost a year of her gross business income.

“Come on.” Dani looped her arm through Kaley’s. “You wanted to be home by nine, and it’s after eight-thirty now.”

“Thanks.”

Together, they walked to Kaley’s apartment. Gabriel, Dani’s fiancé, was waiting when they got there. He’d dropped Dani at the restaurant and offered to pick them up, but they wanted to walk. He greeted Kaley, then helped Dani into their vehicle. Kaley waved to them as she stepped inside her apartment building.

Maybe one day she’d find a good man like Gabriel.

Chapter Three

Kaley slipped behind the bar at Wicked Sanctuary at seven-thirty Saturday night. She took a deep breath and let it out. Her muscles relaxed. She wondered if Anthony would be here tonight because she couldn’t get his paintings out of her head. Maybe if she saw him again in the club with a sub, it would help dismiss her wanton thoughts.

“Evening, Kaley. How are you?” Max asked.

“I’m fine, Master Max.”

He nodded. “I’m assuming Noah drove you?”

“Yes, Sir.” Kaley only had her business van, and it was too distinctive to drive to Wicked Sanctuary, so she usually caught a ride with Noah or one of the subs.

“And who is taking you home?”

“Probably Oliver and Rose.” Most women might be upset at his questions, but Kaley understood Max was only looking out for her, like he did all the subs in the club.

“All right, if something doesn’t work out, let me know.”

“Of course, Sir.” Max left, and Kaley grinned. She didn’t mind Max’s protectiveness; it felt good after being the one to make sure she and her siblings were safe when they were growing up.

Kaley checked supplies out of habit, but the bar had been restocked, so there was plenty of water, soda, and juice. The smell of beef and fresh cooked dough hit her senses, and she looked up.

Lara was here with Colby, and they were setting up the food. Oh good. She’d rushed home from her last job, took a quick shower, and changed before Noah picked her up, and she hadn’t been able to eat. She’d have to wait a while before she could grab anything, but she’d survive.

“Go.”

Kaley turned to see Noah. “What?”

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