Kink Aware (Kiss of Leather Book 9)
Table of Contents
Books by Morticia Knight
Title Page
Legal Page
Book Description
Dedication
Trademark Acknowledgements
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Read more from Morticia Knight
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About the Author
Pride Publishing books by Morticia Knight
Single title
A Spirit of Love
Rocked Hard
Biking Bad
Kiss of Leather
Building Bonds
Safe Limits
Bondage Rescue
Grand Opening
Gaining Trust
Cutting Cords
Facing Fears
Switching Places
Soul Match
Slave for Two
Cherished by Two
Hiding from Two
Surrendering for Two
Fighting for All
Sin City Uniforms
All Fired Up
Copping an Attitude
Justice Prevails
Held Hostage
Negotiating Love
Searching for Shelter
Strip Search
Uniform Encounters
Set Ablaze
Arresting Behavior
Lust Emergency
Gin and Jazz
Hollywood Bound
Razzle Dazzle
Tarnished Glitter
Starring Role
Studio Orders
Casting Call
The Hampton Road Club
The Rules of Love
The Fear of Surrender
Mastering Love
Begging to Serve
Finding Sanctuary
A New Beginning for Angelo
A Master for Michael
Clandestine Classics
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
The Fall of the House of Usher
Anthologies
All Together Now: The Perfect Third
Semper Fidelis: Safe Shores
Aim High: Venetian Skies
Racing Hearts: Racing for Home
His Rules: Strict Consequences
Kiss of Leather
KINK AWARE
MORTICIA KNIGHT
Kink Aware
ISBN # 978-1-78651-710-4
©Copyright Morticia Knight 2018
Cover Art by Erin Dameron-Hill ©Copyright December 2018
Interior text design by Claire Siemaszkiewicz
Pride Publishing
This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Pride Publishing.
Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Pride Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.
The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.
Published in 2018 by Pride Publishing, United Kingdom.
No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the authors’ rights. Purchase only authorised copies.
Pride Publishing is an imprint of Totally Entwined Group Limited.
If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the publisher and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for this “stripped book”.
Book nine in the Kiss of Leather series
Cruella can’t wait to show Ray the ropes…
Working at Rogue Ink is a dream job for Cruella, especially being around the hunky co-owner, Ray. Even though the money isn’t great, the eye candy and Ray’s caring heart make it all worthwhile. When Cruella risks rejection by inviting Ray to be their partner for a shibari class at Kiss of Leather, they’re thrilled when Ray accepts.
Cruella’s invitation both excites and terrifies Ray. He wants Cruella, but does he also want to become more kink aware? Still, he could kick himself for not already making a move on the sweet and beautiful Cruella, so maybe this is his chance. His protective instincts have gotten him into serious trouble before, so he’ll be sure not to make the same mistake with Cruella. They’ve made it clear they can take care of themself.
Cruella fears that Ray won’t accept their genderqueer identity and Ray aches to be the strong man Cruella needs. However, when Cruella’s dark past intrudes on their blissful present, Ray’s definition of strength might turn out to be harsher than Cruella is willing to accept.
Dedication
For those who wanted Cruella’s story
Trademark Acknowledgements The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:
Rage: Rage West Hollywood
All About Eve: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation Comic Con: Comic-Con International Cheshire Cat: Lewis Carroll
Instagram: Facebook, Inc.
The Wizard of Oz: L. Frank Baum We’re Off to See the Wizard: Harold Arlen, E.Y. ‘Yip’ Harburg Jack Daniel’s: Brown-Forman Corporation Coke: The Coca-Cola Company
Grey Goose: Bacardi Limited
Stoli: Stolichnaya
You Spin Me Round: Pete Burns, Steve Coy, Wayne Hussey, Tim Lever, Mike Percy Louboutin: Louboutin
Instant Pot: Double Insight Inc.
Uber: Uber Technologies Inc.
Xbox: Microsoft Corporation
Netflix: Netflix Inc.
Doom: ZeniMax Media Inc.
Prada: Prada S.p.A.
Chapter One
Cruella eyed Ray from behind the desk at Rogue Tattoo, Piercing and Body Mods Studio, their gaze traveling to the tight as fuck, chocolate brown leather pants he wore, then drinking in the sinful way the supple fabric hugged his ass. When Ray reached up to hang his latest tattoo art award next to the entrance, his T-shirt lifted. Cruella held in a moan as Ray’s movement revealed the dimples at the small of his back, highlighted by dragons facing each other above the tempting indentations. Cruella bit their lip then lifted their gaze to track Ray’s colorfully inked biceps that bunched and rolled as he completed his task.
Hot damn.
What Cruella wouldn’t give to run their hands across the rounded, muscular butt of the man they’d been lusting after for… Almost a year? Even before they’d begun working the reception area at the shop, they’d been getting inked by Ray.
Back when I was still living with Tucker.
Cruella sighed, then returned to sorting through the new shipment of body piercing jewelry that had arrived that morning. Working
at Rogue for the past six months had been amazing. They needed to focus on the pros instead of pining after one of the co-owners. They’d made a wonderful new friend in Liam, finally had a steady income, gotten off the streets and were surrounded by cool people. But more importantly, they weren’t treated like a punching bag the way they’d been before.
Be happy with what you have.
Ray stood back from his project, staring at the framed certificate as he tilted his head. He regarded Cruella. “Does that look straight to you?”
The angle was hard to access from the angle where Cruella sat, so they came out from behind the desk, tugged at the bottom of their black, stretch mini-skirt and took a few tentative steps toward Ray. They were careful not to stand too close. The temptation to touch was becoming harder to resist.
“I think the barest of taps on the bottom left corner, and it’ll be perfect.” Their voice tended to be soft and a bit breathy under normal circumstances, but whenever Ray was nearby, they tried to project more.
Ray gave Cruella what they were sure was an appraising glance before returning his attention to the award. He did as Cruella had instructed then moved back again. Ray crossed his arms and smiled, nodding his head.
“Yup. That’s much better.” Ray shifted on his feet then coughed into his fist. After shoving his hands into his pockets, he finally regarded Cruella. “So, I was wondering if maybe—”
“Hi Cruella, hi Ray.” The automatic bell on the door went off at the same time as Liam’s voice sounded. His gaze darted between them. “Oh, sorry. Should I come back later?”
Cruella ducked their head as their cheeks heated. Ray mumbled something then shook his head.
“Of course not, Liam. These are business hours, and anyway…” Ray let out what sounded like a growl of frustration. “Well, anyway, I have stuff to do.”
His face flushed and Cruella hoped, wished with all their might, that maybe Ray was flustered because he’d been about to ask them out. Even if it wasn’t anything more than hanging out for a beer, it would at least be something.
Maybe if he spends time with me, I can figure out if he’s someone I might want to start something up with. Cruella sighed. If he’s even interested in taking things that far.
Cruella had spent over a year waiting for Ray to make a move. They figured it was due to Ray being their boss. He’d always been very respectful and responsible, had cared about doing the right thing.
Unlike some people I used to know.
Like Cruella, Liam tracked Ray’s hurried steps as he made his way upstairs to the inking and piercing part of the shop above reception. Liam regarded them with a fallen expression.
“I messed up, didn’t I?”
“No, hon, you didn’t.” Cruella shrugged at the futility of it all. “There was nothing to mess up.”
They turned and went back to the desk to take a seat again. Liam was the only person who knew Cruella had a crush on Ray, but that was only because he’d guessed. Cruella had been keeping that juicy piece of info to themself ever since the moment they’d first eyed the sexy tattoo artist.
Liam took a furtive glance upstairs, then rolled the other office chair next to Cruella. He leaned closer and brought his already quiet voice lower as he spoke. “I keep telling you he likes you. I mean, you know, wants to go out with you. On a date, I mean.” Liam huffed as he frowned. “You know what I’m talking about.”
Liam’s anxiety wasn’t nearly as pronounced when they spoke alone. Since Cruella tended to be quieter as well, Liam seemed less nervous around them. But when Liam did need a moment to take a breath, or had to abruptly leave the room, Cruella always understood.
“I do, baby, I do.” Cruella ran their long, purple fingernails through their hair. “And if I can figure out a way to ask him to get together without it sounding like a date, I will.” They locked eyes with Liam. “Ever since the situation with Tucker, I’m a lot more careful.”
Liam sucked in a sharp breath. “B-but Ray…he…he would never…” Liam’s breathing took on a frantic edge and, being mindful not to touch, Cruella caught Liam’s gaze again.
“Look at me, Liam. I’m not implying anything bad about Ray, all right? Let me explain.” They regarded him with concern. “If you need a minute—”
Liam shook his head, then let out a long exhale. “No. I’m okay. I was remembering your ex and I started thinking about all the bad things he did to you, then I thought about how Ray is so good and kind and funny and that he’d never do anything like that, and…and…” Liam rubbed the back of his hand across his forehead. “Wow. I shouldn’t have thought you meant anything bad about Ray. Don’t be mad?”
Cruella gave a light laugh. “I’m not mad, hon. Listen. I’m more careful because of my heart. I’m not being a big chicken, I promise. I want to meet another guy, I want to love again. But I don’t want to waste my love on someone who isn’t ready to be with someone like me, or who starts to hate themselves because they do, then…” Cruella lowered their head. “Then takes it out on me.” They inhaled, lifting their gaze. “I don’t need to apologize to anyone for who I am. And I sure as hell don’t need to explain myself. If a man can’t handle that, then whatever. I don’t need them.”
“You’re right, Cruella.” Liam nodded. “I’ve begun feeling that way about my anxiety. Neal is always reminding me that it’s no one else’s business what I’m going through, and I don’t need anyone’s unsolicited advice or opinions, either.”
Cruella smiled, pleased to hear the conviction in Liam’s voice. His fiancé, Neal, had been such an amazing source of support for Liam. Watching them grow together as partners, both in love and business, had been a joy to witness.
“I admire you for learning that at such a young age, hon.” Cruella bit their lip. “Back then, it really mattered to me that people like me, accept me. I made it too much about what others thought rather than how I felt. More from men than anyone else.” Cruella shrugged. “But I had a fucked-up family, as you know, so there was also that.”
Liam fidgeted, and Cruella imagined his thoughts had gone to his own foster family upbringing. Rather than get into a contest of who’d had the worst time of it growing up, they’d instead become the type of friends who understood where the other was coming from without trying to top each other’s horror stories. They’d been down that road before too. At the age of twenty-six, Cruella was more interested in moving forward and not focusing on all the toxic bullshit they’d already been through.
Liam reached for them, squeezing their arm then letting go. The quick touch warmed Cruella. The gesture was rare for Liam, and Cruella understood the strong intent behind it.
“I think we both deserve lots and lots of love and happiness because of where we came from.” Liam averted his gaze as he picked at his jeans. “Which is why I think it would be great if you and Ray—”
“There you are, boy.”
Liam broke into a wide grin at the sound of Neal’s voice, and Cruella was relieved at the distraction. While they loved their friendship with Liam, they still weren’t sure when they were going to make a move with Ray and didn’t want to discuss how interested Ray might be.
But it seemed as if Ray was about to ask me something when Liam came in… Cruella slumped in their chair. It was probably only something like whether I could cover someone’s shift. Cruella was always the go-to for shift coverage. They could barely get by as it was, so accepted whatever was offered as much as they were able to.
I’ll think of something. They had to admit that Ray was an awesome enough catch that if they didn’t make a move soon, someone else would.
A thread of fear coursed through Cruella at the thought of Ray finding anyone else. That’s it. This week for sure. Cruella tucked their hair behind their ears. Now all I have to do is come up with a credible invitation.
Ray absent-mindedly listened to Neal while cleaning his tattoo guns. He used a cotton swab to get into the hard-to-reach areas, narrowing his eyes as his thoughts drif
ted to the moment downstairs when Liam had entered the shop.
Almost. I’d almost asked them.
He couldn’t be mad at Liam. It was his own damn fault for taking so fucking long to do anything about his attraction. Back when he hadn’t been an owner, he’d been trying to work up the nerve to ask Cruella out. After all, someone as stunning and sweet as Cruella could have anyone. They looked like a goddammed fashion model. He’d never had trouble attracting partners, but something about the soft-spoken Cruella made him tongue-tied and crazy. Made him wonder if he’d be right for them.
Especially after the way they were treated by that fucking asshole.
When Cruella had first come to No Quarter—before it became Rogue—as a customer, Ray had noticed the bruises they’d tried to laugh off as nothing. He’d been about to rip the guy a new one, if he could’ve ever figured out who he was, but then Cruella had somehow gotten away from the asshat. Then Ray hadn’t wanted to pressure them right away so they could have time to get over their ex, and the next thing after that, he’d been buying the shop. It became a case of how unprofessional would he behave and what should he do about it? However, he’d been about to ask Cruella to coffee so they could discuss the possibility of dating within their dynamic as boss and employee when Liam’s untimely arrival had derailed Ray’s big moment.
“Dude. Are you even listening to me?”
Ray dropped the gun he’d been cleaning, the metal casing hitting the edge of his tray with a clang before tumbling to the floor. “Oh, shit.” He leaned down to snatch it up. “Sorry. Had my mind on something else.”
Neal arched his eyebrows. “You mean someone else?”
Ray smirked at his best friend and business partner. “Don’t you start too. Liam’s been hinting the hell out of the subject to me for months.”