Page 76 of Edged

“Dropped it?”

“Yes, long story, but when I was eighteen, I took back my birth parents’ last name.”

“As long as you’re happy.” She grinned. “Besides you’re special to me not matter what your name is.”

His lips tilted up. “You might not think so in a minute. My adoptive parents are Olivia and Albert Pierce.”

“What?” She knew those names, only because she was on the internet. They were cream of the crop society people in Pleasant Valley. She and Anthony really were from different sides of the track.

“I know. Shocking isn’t it that they have a son who’s a fetish artist.”

She heard the bitterness in his voice. “You are a great artist.” Kaley wasn’t about to let him put himself down. “You have such talent. I’m so glad Dane is displaying your work so people can see it. It’s bringing the lifestyle more attention. Good attention.”

He stopped the car at a red light and turned to her. “You mean that, don’t you?”

“Of course.” She leaned closer to him. “I’m so proud of what you’ve accomplished.”

Their lips met in a soft kiss until a horn honking interrupted them.

They broke apart with a laugh.

Anthony reluctantly dropped her off at her apartment, but only after Kaley insisted. She had things she needed to do to get ready for work on Monday. But before he left, Anthony told her he’d be back to take her to dinner.

She agreed. It looked like their relationship was back on, but in the back of her mind, she still wondered how long it would last. His family had money. Heck, Anthony had money. She’d seen how much his paintings sold for.

Even if he only got a fraction of that money, he was still a heck of lot richer than she was.

How long before Anthony resented her lack of resources?

Chapter Twenty-Five

Kaley finished up her paperwork for the business and closed her laptop. The last week, she and Anthony had seen each other every night. He left her with scorching kisses that made her want to tear his clothes off.

Even last night in the club, they’d stuck together. While they hadn’t played, they had gotten a little hot and heavy with each other. Nothing that people in the club hadn’t seen before, but Noah commented they needed to get a room.

Today there was a sub meeting at Lara’s café, and Kaley wanted to be there. She really enjoyed these meetings. It was a safe place for the subs to talk, and she finally felt like she could contribute to the conversation.

It was a nice day for the beginning of fall and Kaley decided to walk. She didn’t mind the long walk; it gave her time to think and get some exercise at the same time. She arrived at the café to see the subs gathered around a table.

Kaley checked her phone. She wasn’t late; it wasn’t even two yet. All eyes turned to her when she walked in. “Ah. Hi.”

Sierra broke away from the group and walked up to her. “Hey, Kaley.” Sierra took one of her hands. “I’m so glad you could come today. All of us here talked, and we want to help you.”

“Help me?” Kaley was confused.

Regina stepped forward. “Yes.” She waved at the other women who stepped aside and revealed the table.

Kaley stopped breathing. Knives. They were scattered around the table.

“I knew this was a bad idea,” Crystal said, coming up to Kaley’s side. “It’s okay. You don’t even have to go near them.”

“It’s not that I don’t appreciate…” A shudder racked her body.

“Too soon,” Tessa said. “Ladies, let’s put them away.”

“I’m sorry.” Sierra’s voice was wobbly.

“Sierra.” Kaley took her hand. Sierra looked ready to cry. “I know you’re trying to help me, but this isn’t something that’s easy to get over.”

---