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I wait until he sits down before I rise back up to remove my coat. The heat scorching my exposed skin as he watches is exactly what I was hoping for. I drape the coat over the back of the bench, lowering myself back down so our thighs brush. “I like this,” I whisper coyly, playing with the leather harness. “What’s it for?”

Amusement sparks in his gaze as he looks down at me. His tongue pokes out to lick at his bottom lip as he takes in my pinafore and the pink crop top bra underneath.

“Mostly just for appearance. Couldn’t look too buttoned up for the Clubhouse.”

“You looked it up?” I check, my tone filled with praise.I do like a man who does his research.

“Aye, I did. Sounds like it’s gonna be a fun night.”

“Did you complete the form with your test results?” He gives me a nod. “You’ve been to play parties before, right?”

“I went with Saff to a couple in Glasgow. But not for a while.”

“And do you like to watch? Or do you play?”

“That depends on you, Pixie. I’m happy with either. What do you want to do tonight?” We’ve moved closer to each other as the words have flowed, and our faces are angled towards each other.

“I’m happy to play,” I tell him, my voice pitched low. I enjoy the fidget he gives, one of his hands adjusting the crotch of his trousers. I reach over and take a sip of my wine, grateful for the moisture in my dry mouth.

His focus is fully on me. There’s no doubt in my mind that if a troupe of half-naked women can-canned through the bar right now, he wouldn’t even notice. I take another sip, savouring the fruity taste, my eyelids fluttering down so I remove the temptation of Cam from my sight. I jolt when his hand brushes at my hair.

“You’re so bloody gorgeous, Abby.”

That accent. That voice. The way he says my name.There’s an intimacy that comes with sharing my real name; one that I rarely gift to playmates, and I can’t decide which name I like him using best. My thighs clench together. I wonder if I should just drag him upstairs and keep him all to myself. There’s something about this man that has me questioning my need to keep him and others at arm’s length. I open my eyes and he’s staring rightat me, his body angled to face mine. We’re in our own little world in this quiet corner of the bar. And I like it.

“You’re not bad yourself,” I respond, gripping his thigh with my hand. I squeeze and he lets out a low, rumbly groan. It takes me back to the times I’ve been intimate with him. He makes the best sex noises I’ve ever heard. “I think I could probably come from just listening to you. Do you know that?” I tell him with a grin. It’s safer to keep the conversation on sex and push my growing affection to the side.

“You like the dirty talk?”

“Cameron, you could recite the sodding phone book and my underwear would be damp.”

He chuckles, putting his own hand on top of mine. I hold my breath as he pushes my hand ever closer to the bulge now evident in his trousers. But, just before my fingers touch him, he pauses, letting out a gentle, “Fuck.”

Worry bubbles inside me. “What is it?”

“We’re supposed to be clearing the air. And here you are, seducing me so I can’t think straight.” He edges away just a bit so there’s breathing room between us. “Don’t get me wrong, I can’t wait to get my hands on you, but I need to know we’re okay first.” He quirks a brow, watching me with intent.

I draw in a breath.Are we okay?“I spoke to my friends about you.”

“Yeah? That sounds terrifying. What did the committee decide?” The corner of his mouth quirks with amusement.

“They decided I should have some fun with you.”

“Thank fuck for that. I wholeheartedly agree.” He lets out a sigh of contentment. It would be easy to joke back, but I want to give him more.

“I was uncomfortable with you not being honest with me, and I know I didn’t have any right when you only just found out myname. It’s just that The Thirst Trap is important to me. Tom is like family, but the decent kind.” I grimace.

His gaze is intent as he pauses before speaking. “I know you must have your reasons for keeping your identity protected.” I study his face, looking for any hint that he’s prying. But I only see compassion and openness. “I’m honoured that you shared your name, and I’ll take whatever else you’re willing to give. I like you, Abby. I’m glad you reached out about tonight. I wanted to give you space to figure it out, but I missed you.”

I snort, mostly to cover up the thought that I missed him too. “We barely know each other,” I tell him with a chuckle.

“I know how you sound when you come. I know how far down your throat you can take my cock. I know that you secretly like to snuggle afterwards, even if you would never admit that out loud.”

Dammit, he’s observant.And there’s something attractive about that. I’ve been so used to flitting between sexual partners and playmates, trying not to be too serious. And yet, two nights with this man and he has picked things up that no-one else has. I scowl.

He laughs as he pulls me in close to his side in a half hug. “I promise I won’t tell anyone, Pixie. Your secret is safe with me.” And while it’s said in jest, I can’t help but feel that my secrets would be safe with this mountain of a man. And I find myself leaning into his warmth and taking comfort there.

Chapter sixteen