Page 31 of Masked Sins
Just as I press start on the machine—which is fully automatic—Layla’s response comes in the form of a long paragraph. My mouth waters with the possibility of knowing what makes her tick, what gets her off, and what she has yet to explore, and I decide to savor it once I head outside. I grab my coffee, my phone, and head out to the pool.
When Chase left, this was a large patio where he used to host his infamous parties. Since I’m not really a party guy—anymore, at least—I decided to put a pool in, and most mornings, I swim laps for thirty minutes. It’s sunny today, and the warm heat beats down on my arms as I take a seat on one of the lounge chairs. The pool is long and narrow, and the infinity edge overlooks Crestwood and Los Angeles beyond it. It’s my little slice of solace.
Once I’m seated, I pull my phone out of my pocket and read Layla’s response in full.
LittleDancer
I started reading dark romance novels a few years ago. Until then, I would’ve told anyone that I was vanilla. And I’m sure if you asked anyone in my real life, they would bet money that I’m vanilla. Innocent. Pure. My best friends are in the lifestyle, and I’ve been observing them for a few years, but it wasn’t until I read a certain book with a scene that I realized… I wanted to do what the characters were doing. I did some research and found out that I probably have a degradation kink as well as a corruption kink. As in, I want someone to corrupt *me*. I understand that these desires are normal, but I guess I just want someone to show me so I can know for sure if this is what I want.
I’m hard before I can even finish reading her response, and I read it about twelve times without moving at all before the information settles over me.
Fuuuuuuuuck.
A sliver of regret washes over me. Why did I respond to her message? Why did I think knowing any of this about the woman I craved would be easy? I’m proud of her for being honest, but also turned the fuck on. And that small kernel of guilt flashes through me again because she’d never tell Orion—her stepbrother—any of this.
She’s only telling Starboy because she trusts his anonymity.
I can’t think about that, though. Now that I know… I can’t walk away from this. The opportunity is too great, and I can practically taste all the ways I’ll savor her.
Thank you for telling me. Have you researched these kinks?
LittleDancer
Probably more than is normal.
I take a deep breath and rub my mouth with my hand. I haven’t even touched my coffee, but my heart is racing.
And this scene… which book is it from?
LittleDancer
Oh God. Do I actually have to give you the title?
You never have to do anything you don’t want to do. But I’m more than happy to read it and give you my advice, if you want. If it looks legit, I can point you toward resources, and we can talk about it some more. If it’s problematic… well… we can cross that bridge when we get to it.
LittleDancer
a.k.a. you’ll suggest I see a therapist? ;)
I’m grinning. Talking to her isfun.I’d forgotten how quick and witty she could be because she’s sullen and closed off whenever she’s around me.
I’ll have to change that.
Very funny. Still waiting on the title.
LittleDancer
It’s called His Doll by ME Osborn. It’s fan fiction, so you won’t have to buy it or anything.
Thank you for telling me. How about this? I’ll read the book today, and we can discuss it tonight. Sound good?
LittleDancer
Sure. Please don’t judge me.
I’m the last person to judge someone for where their desires lie.
LittleDancer
