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Anthony hid a wince. He didn’t mind the use of his last name, but some days, it cut him deep. He was so careful not to cause the subs pain. “Do you have some time to chat?”

Damon’s features went from playful to serious in a second. “Sure.” Damon turned, and Anthony followed him into the quiet area of the club, if there was such a thing. At least here, the music was muted, and they would be able to hear each other.

“What’s up?” Damon asked after he sat down.

Anthony put his elbows on his knees and leaned forward. “You were sitting with Kaley during my demo last Saturday.”

“I was.”

“Did she act funny to you?”

Damon crossed his arms over his chest. “What do you mean by funny?”

“I know she left the demo not long after it started. Did she say anything?”

“Shouldn’t you talk to her?”

Anthony sighed. “I’ve tried. She’s put me off with excuses all week. I don’t know what to do.”

Damon rubbed his chin. “I was watching her out of the corner of my eye since she’s new to the club. All I could tell was that she looked a little uncomfortable. Kaley plays her cards close to her chest.”

“Yeah.” Anthony had noticed that too. Usually, subs were very expressive but not Kaley, unless she was completely relaxed or working with her animals, then the joy on her face was there for everyone to see.

“Don’t let her retreat,” Damon said.

“I don’t want to push.” He was worried if he pushed too hard, she’d avoid him even more.

“I’m not saying push her. Keep yourself in her life. Text her, call her, heck, video chat with her. Let her know you’re there for her. Show her you want the two of you to be together.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“I’d also ask her why knife play bothers her so much.”

Anthony tilted his head. “How do you know that?”

“Besides her walking away from the scene? The entire time, she was rubbing a spot below her breasts, like something hurt.”

“I’ve noticed that. She told me it was a nervous habit.”

“It could be. She’s been in the club less than six months, but you’re the first person she’s played with or even gotten close to.”

“What about Noah? He was her trainer.”

“She and Noah have an easygoing relationship. He was teaching her the aspects of kink and how the club worked. But there was no spark. You, on the other hand, make her light up.”

“Thanks.” Anthony had a lot to think about.

“Work it out in your head and then go after her. I believe in my heart she’s your keeper.” Damon stood and left Anthony alone. Yes, he had some more thinking to do.

Chapter Nineteen

Kaley pulled into the parking lot of Sweet & Savory at one on Friday afternoon. She’d rescheduled her afternoon clients so she could have a chat with Dani. She needed to talk to someone.

Walking into the brightly lit café, Kaley relaxed. She needed the afternoon off. She’d been working far too hard this week, mainly to keep her mind off of Anthony. Not that it worked; he was never far from her thoughts.

“Kaley,” Dani called.

She turned and saw her friend sitting at a table in the corner. “Thanks for meeting me.” Kaley took the empty seat across from Dani.

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