It’s intoxicating. I feel like I’m on stage, getting that same rush from the audience that I love.

“What’s yours, then?” he asks, breath slightly uneven.

I lean back, folding my arms behind my head, considering him.

“I like it a little rough,” I say finally.

His expression twists—not in disgust, but in disbelief. “You’re into like… bondage?”

“No.” I laugh. “I mean, I like being lightly choked. Maybe a little biting. My nipples are—whatever. Why are we even talking about this?”

He laughs too. “Yeah, I don’t know.”

As if summoned by fate, our food arrives.

Hunger wins. We both dive in.

“For what it’s worth,” I say between bites, “knowing what you like? Exploring someone’s body. It’s powerful. And it’s really fucking fun figuring it out.”

Nathaniel watches me for a beat. Then nods, slowly. Thoughtfully, before taking another bite of his burger.

Well, I guess that was that. I only hope that won't be the last time we visit that conversation.

14

nathan

"So, what’s the plan?" Caleb claps his hands together as we step out of the pub and onto the sunlit street.

I insisted on paying for lunch. He’s been throwing money around since we teamed up, and while I appreciate the generosity, I don’t want him thinking I can’t handle myself. Even though... I haven’t exactly shown otherwise.

"Let’s check the performance areas. If she stopped for lunch like we did, she’ll probably hit a few more shows before heading inside."

"Good thinking. I think I heard people marching that way." He nods left, and I fall in step beside him.

But my mind drifts back to the conversation we had over burgers and beer.

I glance at Caleb moving ahead through the crowd. He’s so confident, easy, the kind of guy who’s always known who he is. I picture him in bed with someone. The way he might press their wrists down, control the pace—slow, hard, deliberate.

Fuck. What is wrong with me?

***

We reach a field by a park where a crowd’s gathered around a small stage. A drag comedy show’s underway. Laughter echoes through the open air.

I pull out my phone and check Sarah’s stories. She just posted.

"Look," I tilt my phone so Caleb can see. He leans in.

Sarah’s at someone’s house, posing in a mirror with two outfit options for tonight’s event. She added a poll. Yay or Nay?

So, she’s not here anymore.

"Okay, so this was a bust," Caleb mutters, sliding his sunglasses down and running a hand through his hair.

"At least we know she’s going out tonight," I offer, half-hearted.

"We don’t even know where."

"Maybe she’ll post later," I shrug.

Caleb side-eyes me. "You’re being weirdly optimistic." He smirks.

I roll my eyes. "We’ll find her. We’re obviously hot on her trail. Any moment now."

"You’re right."

I blink. "Wait, what did you just say?"

Caleb laughs, low and warm, and my stomach flips. I want to hear that laugh again.