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“You won’t.”

“You can’t promise that.”

She frowned. “So, you’re not going to even kiss me because of this?”

“Yes…No…” He ran his hand through his hair, making it spike. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“I know you don’t.” Her gaze softened as she stared at him. “Anthony, I can only apologize for my over-the-top reaction Saturday night.”

“You know why you had it, don’t you?”

Kaley nodded. “I’m not ready to discuss it, not yet. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to try again.”

“I understand.” He did, but he wasn’t over his own fear. “I want to take things slow.”

“We have been.” She entwined her fingers with his. “I don’t mind taking kink slow, but our relationship… I want to keep progressing there.”

“You’ve thought about this.”

“All week.” She leaned over. “I want you.”

He barely prevented his jaw from dropping open. “I want you too.” He’d told himself he’d be honest, and he was. He’d wanted her for weeks now.

“Then let’s go to bed.” She stood up, still holding his hand.

“What about dinner?”

“Later.”

Thank goodness Gran was able to be alone all night. Anthony allowed Kaley to pull him to his feet, and he followed her into her bedroom. He’d seen it before since he made sure her apartment was safe, but tonight, it felt different. The brightly colored comforter was pulled back to reveal burgundy sheets. There was a small lamp lit beside the bed.

“Are you sure you’re ready for this step?”

“You worry too much.” She dropped his hand, grasped his cheeks, and kissed him.

It wasn’t the tentative kiss of an unsure woman; it was one of power and need. Anthony let his worries float away. His arms encircled her waist, pulling her to him as he returned the kiss. When they broke apart, they were both breathing heavily.

He rested his forehead against hers. “I’m still a Dom in the bedroom.”

“Of course.” She grinned.

“Witch.” He playfully nipped at her skin. “Undress and get on that bed of yours.”

Her eyes gleamed with playfulness as she began undressing. Anthony’s mouth watered as she revealed her creamy skin.

He captured her hand when he noticed she was trembling. “We don’t have to do this.”

“I want to.”

“But you’re trembling.”

“With excitement.”

“Oh.” He pulled her close. “You’ve done this before, right?”

Her laughter was music to his ears. “I’m not a virgin, if that’s what you’re asking.” Her warm fingers touched his cheek. “It’s because it’s you. Anthony. The man who showed me what kink is about, who brings me dinner, and who takes care of his grandmother when she’s injured.” Kaley tilted her head. “The man who works with underprivileged kids to teach them art, to allow them to get away for an afternoon from whatever situation they’re in and be a kid.”

“I’m no saint.” He brushed a kiss over her lips.

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