Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 91216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
“Safe?” Sloane repeats, her brow furrowing. “That’s not exactly a glowing endorsement. What do you mean by ‘safe’?”
I take a sip of my drink, trying to find the right words. “I mean . . . he’s a fireman.”
Sloane’s eyes widen, and she lets out a low whistle. “A fireman? Well, that certainly explains the ‘safe’ comment. But girl, you’re holding out on me! A fireman is definitely not boring.”
I play punch her arm. “I’m not boring, you know. I have some juicy secrets. You might just not know them all.”
Oh yes. The martinis are most definitely taking hold.
Sloane inches closer, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. “Ooh, secrets? Now we’re talking. Come on, spill! What juicy secrets are you hiding, Miss Boring?”
I bite my lip, realizing I’ve said too much. The alcohol is making me loose-lipped, and I need to be careful. “I . . . I meant that there’s more to me than you might think.”
“Clearly,” Sloane says, eyeing me suspiciously. “First a hot fireman, now mysterious secrets. Who are you and what have you done with sweet Chloe?”
I laugh nervously, trying to deflect. “Maybe I’m just full of surprises.”
“Well, don’t stop now,” Sloane urges. “Give me something. Anything. I’m dying here!”
I hesitate, weighing how much I can safely reveal. “Okay, fine. Let’s say . . . I’ve been doing a side project. Not just for Hailey.”
Sloane’s eyebrows shoot up. “Cheating on me?”
“Not exactly,” I hedge. “It’s more . . . personal. Just exploring another side of me.”
Sloane’s voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Another side of you? What, like a secret identity? Are you moonlighting as a superhero or something?”
I laugh at the irony. If only she knew how close to the truth she was. “Not quite a superhero. But may involve . . . costumes.” I take another sip. “And leather, whips, cuffs, and—” I shrug. “Maybe.”
Sloane’s eyes widen to the size of saucers, and she nearly spits out her drink. “Wait, what? Are you saying . . . are you doing some kind of . . . kinky stuff?”
My face burns, realizing I’ve gone too far. “I . . . it’s not . . . I mean . . .”
“Oh my God,” Sloane whispers, leaning in even closer. “You are! Little Miss Vanilla is secretly a dominatrix or something, aren’t you?”
“Well, I’m far from vanilla. But I’m also not a dominatrix. But I do have an account on Dark Secrets. I have subscribers and I like to . . . perform. Do live videos and . . .”
Sloane’s mouth drops open, her eyes widening in shock. “Dark Secrets? As in the adult content platform? Chloe, are you serious?”
I nod slowly, the full weight of my admission sinking in. There’s no taking it back now.
“Holy shit,” Sloane breathes. “I can’t believe it. You’re like . . . a camgirl?”
I wince at the term. “It’s not exactly like that. It’s more . . . artistic. Sensual. I don’t do hardcore stuff, and I hide my face for the most part. I keep my identity private.”
Sloane leans back, studying me with new eyes. “Wow. I never would have guessed. You always seemed so . . . reserved.”
“That’s kind of the point,” I say, feeling strangely relieved to finally share this secret. “It’s a way to explore a different side of myself. To be someone else for a little while.”
Sloane nods thoughtfully. “Well, girl, I have to say—I’m impressed. And a little jealous. Here I thought you were spending your nights curled up with a book and a cup of tea.”
I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in months. “Well, sometimes I do that too. A girl needs balance, you know?”
“And the fireman? Is that how you met him?”
I shake my head. “No. In fact, I think that’s one of my hang-ups about the fireman. I’ve been with vanilla men all my life. I’m ready for a change.”
Sloane leans back, a mischievous glint in her eye. “So, the fireman doesn’t know about your . . . extracurricular activities?”
I shake my head, feeling a twinge of guilt. “No, he doesn’t. And I’m not sure how to bring it up. Or if I even should.”
“Oh, hon,” Sloane says, patting my hand. “If you’re serious about this guy, you’ll have to tell him eventually. But maybe not on the first date.”
I nod, grateful for her understanding. “It’s just . . . complicated. I like Jack, I really do. But this other part of me . . . it’s important too.”
“Jack, huh?” Sloane grins. “So the fireman has a name. And a pretty hot one at that.”
I roll my eyes but can’t help smiling. “Yes, his name is Jack. And he’s . . . he’s different. Kind, funny, and yes, hot.”
“But you want something less safe,” she says.
I nod slowly, feeling conflicted. “Maybe. I don’t know. And I’m probably overthinking this. Jack and I haven’t even been on a real date yet.”