Page 28 of Masked Sins
“No, that was different,” he says slowly, but I can see the puzzle pieces clicking away.
“Really? Was it? Older man with power and money lusting after a younger woman who just so happens to be a ballet dancer? I mean, fuck. Copy and paste,” I add, shaking my head.
“So that’s what’s eating you up? You’re worried you’ll push her away like Dad pushed Mom away?”
I shrug. I can’t tell him about Starboy or the message from Layla, a.k.a. LittleDancer. I started doing those videos to educate people without the reputation of our family following us in a very public way. I wanted somethingfor methat no one else knew about. Being the youngest means my life is always under amicroscope from my four older brothers. My masked persona is a way to be myself, away from their influence.
I do tell Kai about attending all the ballet performances and interfering with her dates. Kai just listens—his eyes on me the entire time I talk. His intensity is alarming sometimes, but at least I know he’s genuinely listening and concerned. I’d always been the closest to Chase and Liam, but I’ve gotten closer to Kai over the past couple of years since sobering up and opening the bars. He pushes me to be honest and open. He challenges me. He sees me as an equal.
Not that my other brothersdon’t.It’s just that, in their minds, I’ll always be their little brother.
“You want my advice?” he asks, placing both hands behind his head.
“Do I?” I ask, smirking as I finish the last of my soda.
“Maybe you should stop stalking her like Dahmer and instead try getting to know her.”
“I do know her?—”
“No, you don’t. Youknewher. A lot of things can change in seven years. I know you guys had that falling-out, so maybe now’s the time to repair your relationship with her.”
I scowl down at the table. “She doesn’t want anything to do with me.”
He shrugs. “Don’t give her a choice.”
“Can’t believe I’m taking relationship advice from the brother who doesn’t date.”
Kai gives me a lopsided smile as he stands. “Who told you I don’t date?”
A few minutes later, I’m walking back to my penthouse alone. I get ready for bed, check my messages fifty more times, and after tucking Earl into his darkened enclosure, I fall right to sleep.
The following morning, as light seeps through the corners of my blackout curtains, I reach for my phone and instantly check my messages again.
There’s a reply from LittleDancer.
I sit up quickly and click through to Layla’s response.
LittleDancer
Wow. I didn’t expect you to respond.
I want to laugh, scream, pump my fist.
Guess you’re just special.
She responds immediately.
LittleDancer
Does that kind of flattery work on everyone?
Why? Did it work on you?
LittleDancer
Maaaybe. Also, hi.
To answer your question, I’d need to know what you mean when you say you’ve read about a specific kink. I need to know what I’m working with.
