*Zed’s POV*

When Beth got home, I was waiting for her. I let her set down her shopping bags, then grabbed her hand and led her down to the basement. As she walked down the stairs, she studied the BDSM props and sex toys. I could tell she felt familiar and shy as she looked at them. She began to retreat into her shell like an afraid snail, but I wouldn’t allow her to do that tonight. Beth was going to be honest with me.

Not her alter ego, but ...