Page 178 of Key of Kink

Well, he’s here, isn’t he?

I took a deep breath. “Can I ask you something?”

He chuckled. “Uh-oh.” He gave an exaggerated swallow. “Okay, hit me with it. Whatever it is.”

I hesitated for a second or two. “Has there ever been anyone?”

Max blinked.

“I don’t mean casually,” I added quickly. “Not scenes or… club dynamics.” I gestured vaguely between us. “I mean someone who actually mattered to you.”

He relaxed against the pillows. “That’s a broad question.”

“Was there a sub? Someone long-term?”

“No.”

Seriously?

“Okay… a boyfriend?”

The word hung there for a moment.

“No,” Max repeated.

I studied my face. “That surprises me.”

“Why?”

“Are you kidding? You’re kind, steady, intelligent, and very good-looking,” I smirked. “Statistically speaking, someone should have snapped you up by now.”

Max smiled. “Is that how relationships work now? Competitive acquisition?”

I gave a quiet laugh. “You know what I mean.” I shifted on the bed, turning towards him. “So there’s really been no one?”

Max took a long drink from his mug. “There was someone.”

I stilled.

“Not a boyfriend,” he clarified. “And not exactly a sub either.”

My curiosity sharpened immediately. “But someone important?”

“Yes.”

“What happened?” I asked after a moment.

He looked up at the skylight. “That’s a longer story.”

My chest tightened. “You don’t have to tell me. You don’t owe me anything. And I’m definitely not asking because I think I’m entitled to the story.”

“I know.”

I studied his face for a moment. “I don’t know what happened between you, but it still hurts, doesn’t it?” I kept my tone low.

He expelled a breath. “Yes.”

I found myself breathing in sync with him. “You don’t strike me as someone who scares easily.”