Page 12 of The KING Review

Even after she says it, I still can’t help playing along.

Me:

You said you don’t get them even if you have a hunch.

Don’t:

okay so maybe it was more than a hunch

I had a really good feeling about this hot professor messaging me back

I roll my eyes, but heat sparks low and mean in my gut.

Fuck, it feels good to be desired. It’s been a long time, and my instinct is to lean in, even though I know it’s indulgent. Even though I know how many rules I’m breaking, and how dangerous it is to break them.

Something about Neve Hart makes me want to be reckless.

When my phone buzzes again, I realize I haven’t messaged her back.

Don’t:

so… this is okay?

Me:

Yes. It’s okay.

Don’t:

good, so other than calling me out, what’s the deal with the little victory?

I consider how to respond, but only for a second. If I’m doing this, I’m not doing it halfway.

If I’m in, I’m in.

Me:

Your safe word is ‘lemon drop.’

Don’t:

sexy

I snort. I can almost hear her deadpan delivery.

Don’t:

so how does that make it so we can both check in, other than the fact that either of us can use the safe word if we need to

because I hope you know that either of us can use it, obviously

Me:

I know. I wouldn’t enter into something like this with anybody who thought otherwise.

Don’t:

and what, pray tell, is ‘something like this’ to you, doctor king?