“No.” There wasn’t even a second’s delay.
I studied him for a moment. “You’ve done this before.”
“Yes. That’s why I know it’s important to talk it through first.” His gaze locked onto mine. “So you feel safe.”
Another calming breath. “Okay.”
He took a breath too, and I realised this really was important to him.
“It’s not just going to be wall-to-wall sex. There will be other things going on—kink-related things.”
I bit my lip. “I think getting fucked in front of other people and being fine with that counts as a kink, don’t you?”
He beamed. “Good boy. You learn fast.”
His praise felt warm and comfortable.
“What kind of other things?”
“Slings, paddles, toys…” That searching gaze locked onto me. “You don’t have to do any of that—unless you want to.” He cocked his head. “Still want to go?”
I hesitated. “I do have one question.”
“Fire away.”
I swallowed. “What about you? Willyouwant to… have sex with other men? Or… do things with them?” Because I didn’t know how I’d feel about that.
Okay, that was a lie. I didn’t think I’d like it.
Stefan regarded me steadily. “Not if that makes you uncomfortable. And if that’s another limit, I’m totally okay with that.”
Breathing became less of a chore. “Then yes, I still want to go.”
Stefan held my gaze for a moment longer, then nodded. “Good.”
There it was again, that word. Except now it didn’t feel approval, but alignment.
Now all I had to do was not chicken out.
Karl was at the piano when I let myself in.
The sound drifted through the apartment, the kind of playing that filled a space without demanding attention. I paused in the doorway for a moment, listening.
Then he stopped and gave me a warm smile. “How was the concert?”
“Amazing. I’m sorry I haven’t been around much. I didn’t come here with the intention of treating your home like a hotel.”
He waved a hand. “I don’t mind in the least. You’ve had a lot on your mind.” He studied me over the top of his glasses. “In fact, you have the look of a man who has been thinking too much.” He paused. “Or not enough.”
I set my bag down, shrugging out of my jacket. “I’m beginning to think everyone can read my mind. Or else I can’t hide a thing.”
He patted the piano bench. “Sit.” When I did as I was told, he added, “Shoes off. You’ll ruin my pedals.”
I huffed out a quiet laugh. “Good morning to you too.” The worn wood of the piano bench creaked under our combined weight. “What are we playing?”
Karl glanced at me sideways. “Something you won’t overthink.”
I snorted. “That rules out half my repertoire.”