Page 38 of Forfeits

Aiden’s eyes widened, and he gave me a look of hope and excitement.

“Aiden…tonight?”

“Well, if…if it’s available? It probably isn’t,” Aiden floundered.

“I’ll check,” said Robin, heading to Jacob at the bar, who was now discussing something with Sebastian.

“Why not tonight?” Aiden said, leaning toward me. “Patrick’s watching Lucy. We don’t have to do anything. We can just have a look at what’s there and discuss what we might want to do at some unspecified date in the future.”

I gave him a skeptical look. “We should find out how much it costs per hour.”

Aiden shrugged. “I’ll cover it, whatever it is.”

“Are they paying supply teachers more these days? So much money to throw around…”

Aiden laughed. “It’s an investment.”

I gave him a shocked look.

“In what?” I asked.

“In getting to know more about you, in letting you know more about me, in finding out if we want to take this thing between us in a kinky direction.”

Robin returned with a shiny silver key attached to a vintage Victorian one. He dangled it in front of Aiden.

“Looks like it’s yours if you want it.”

“How much?” Aiden asked with a smile and a devilish glance my way.

Robin leaned forward, so that his nipples were again visible through the gap of his chemise. “Well, you see, I got you a discount, seeing as it’s your first time.”

“How much?” I asked, trying not to stare at the dark brown buds peeking from the gap in Robin’s chemise.

“A hundred. It’s normally two.”

“For an hour?” I asked.

“Not just an hour. An hour to have the use of a wide variety of implements and furniture.” He looked me up and down. “Historical clothing, even. Trust me. It’s worth it.”

Robin looked as if he wanted to join us in the Bordello for an hour…or longer.

“Also, if you decide to become a member of our lovely little club after you try the space, we’ll deduct that amount from the annual fee. Membership gets you discounted prices on drinks and priority when making a future reservation of the Bordello.” Robin let the word drag out in a sultry way as he gazed at us.

Aiden leaned toward me. “Come on, Fletcher. I promise, we don’t need to actually do anything. Let’s just see what it’s like. It’s worth a hundred for the novelty alone—and the privacy to have an interesting conversation.”

“Fine. Whatever.”

Aiden sat back. “You romantic, you.”

“I’m sorry. Yes, I’d love to.”

Robin beamed. “Excellent.”

He gave Jacob a thumbs up and turned back to Aiden and me.

“There are some electronic forms to sign and safety protocols to go over. Then you’re in!” He glanced my way and waggled his eyebrows. “Get it? In?”

“We’ll see. I’ve only agreed to talk about it,” I said.

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