Page 29 of Filtration Play

“Sulky,” Fin said. “Over the fact that I have to actually market this photography show.”

Distraction was their favorite friend.

Meg was giving them the annoying knowing look she’d perfected, so Fin focused on Sloan.

“You seem to be doing well,” he said. “I’ve heard word about it all over. Hera’s good at getting the information out.”

The door to Whipped creaked open, and Hera stepped inside.

“Speak of the devil,” Fin said. They didn’t want Meg’s interrogation for the life of them.

Meg pinched their arm. “I know what you’re doing.”

“Let me do it even louder, then,” Fin said. Meg smirked in response.

Hera’s blonde hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and she flashed them a gorgeous grin. “What are you three whispering about?”

“No whispering here,” Fin said. “Want a tea?”

“Yes, please.” She leaned against the counter. “Are you guys talking about Play Night plans?”

Fin wrinkled their nose. Right, it was Wednesday. They’d been so fixated on Ollie’s text that they’d forgotten, which wasn’t like them. Play Nights were sacred, and they attended as often as possible. The worst-kept secret in their local scene was that the Whipped crew got together after hours on Wednesdays and played together, which had resulted in many a night of kinky fun times.

“Uh, I’m not able to go tonight.”

“Really?” Meg’s voice held far too much interest.

“When are you going to take me, Fin?” Hera asked, her tone dulcet but with a little bit of a push.

“Nuh-uh, babe. Employees only,” Fin said.

“But I heard partners get invited as well,” Hera said, leaving the rest linger.

“Serious relationships, sure, but we both know I don’t do those.”

“Boo.” Hera pouted, which would normally be cute, but Meg’s intense stare was a bit off-putting. This wasn’t the first or twentieth time Hera had asked for an invite, but Fin had no problem saying no. “Do you have another series to fill the back wall at the warehouse?”

Fin licked their lips. Ollie’s set. “Fuck yes. They’re a lot of fun. I’m still shooting them, but they’ll be ready by the time of the show.”

“The buzz has been increasing,” she said. “I don’t know why you’ve hidden this talent away.”

“That’s what I’ve been saying,” Sloan said. “I love the photoshoot they did with me.”

Meg remained suspiciously quiet, doing her weird watching thing. She’d never been a fan of Hera.

Fin finished the matcha latte for Hera and rang her up. Normally, they’d offer to play with her in the future, but those words dried on their tongue. Were they broken?

Maybe just fixated on a new toy.

“I’ll hit you up once the series is complete, and we can get the rest of it ready,” Fin said instead.

“Thanks, babe,” she said. “I’ll have to text you to work me over soon. I’ve been a bad, bad girl who needs a good flogging.”

Fin opened their mouth, but nothing came out. Hera had turned on her heel and headed for the door.

“Okay, that’s suspicious as fuck.” Sloan gave them a look. “No flirt or offer back? And you’re skipping Play Night? Ezra and Kai are going to tag-team me tonight.”

“Don’t they always?” Fin said.