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He smiled. “There’s a catch. If you come before I do, I’ll put you in chastity for a month.”

My mouth fell open. “You mean…” I pointed to the dildo. “That thing is going to plough my arse, continually lubed, and you expect me not to come?”

Duncan let out a whoop. “Ooh, he’s evil.”

Then Max gazed at me. “I’ll check in all the way through the scene. I’ll take care of you after, because you’ll need it. If at any time it gets too much, or if you think you’re going to come, then use your safewords.” He smiled. “If your mouth is full, then blink rapidly.” He cocked his head. “Does all of that work?”

I nodded, my jaw aching from the smile that would not quit. “Perfectly. I think it all sounds⁠—”

I stared over Max’s shoulder, and ice inched its way through me.

Oh fuck.

I swallowed. “Max.” His name came out as a croak.

He frowned. “What is it?” Then he turned around and followed my gaze.

Grant Hawthorne had just walked into Obsidian.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Max

One second Quinn had been smiling, his eyes bright, his face almost incandescent with anticipation, and the next the expression vanished so quickly it felt like watching a light go out. He was staring past me, his entire body still.

“Max.”

I turned.

The man standing on the edge of the main floor was perhaps in his early thirties. He was tall, dark-haired, and expensively dressed without trying to be conspicuous about it. He carried an air of composure that suggested he was accustomed to being taken seriously the moment he walked into a room. His gaze moved across the floor, registering mild interest.

Then it alighted on Quinn.

His eyebrows shot up, his eyes widened, and he smiled.

I took in Quinn’s rigid stillness and realised I didn’t need an introduction.

So this is Grant.

I moved to Quinn’s side. His breathing was shallow, his shoulders tight, his hands curled at his sides. Without thinking, I placed my hand at Quinn’s waist.

Grant walked towards us, and Quinn’s jaw flexed.

“Quinn,” I said quietly.

His eyes flicked to mine. “I’m fine.”

The words were automatic, and I wasn’t convinced, not even for a second.

Grant stopped a few feet away. Up close he was handsome in a controlled sort of way. He’s probably the sort of man who believes composure is the same thing as authority. His gaze raked briefly over me, and I felt the weight of cool assessment. Then he returned his attention to Quinn.

I was apparently being ignored. Yeah, I didn’t like Grant one bit.

“Well, this is unexpected.” Grant’s voice carried the faintest hint of amusement.

Quinn didn’t make a sound.

Grant’s gaze travelled over him slowly, taking in the leather jock and boots. “So you finally decided to explore the club scene.”