Page 20 of The Laughing Game

Vihaal’s eyes narrowed.

“No, I mean, I don’t know. It hasn’t started yet.”

“What are you telling me?” Vihaal asked, in measured tones.

I stood up. “I’ve watched gay porn, okay? Fuck, I’ve watched a fuck ton of it.”

Gideon stood up. “What?”

“That doesn’t mean I’m gay!”

“It probably means you’re not straight,” he said in measured tones.

“Yes, well. We already established that.”

Vihaal was smiling. He sat back against the sofa cushions, the remote in his hand.

“Yes, but…we thought you were still in the early stages of accepting it.”

“Okay, fine. I’ve been questioning things a lot longer than I mentioned to Sebastian or to you.”

“Uh huh,” Vihaal said. “Well. I’m fucking delighted.”

I looked at him, then I looked at Gideon. Then I looked at the TV and sat back.

“Well? You gonna start it, or what?”

Vihaal hit play, and the three of us watched some cute twink get stripped and fucked over the back of a ratty sofa by two muscly bears. It was incredibly hot, and I definitely enjoyed it. For some reason it seemed like Vihaal and Gideon were watching me the whole time.

After it was finished, I said, “Okay. I have one question.” I glanced at Vihaal. “Does…getting fucked like that hurt?”

“Not if it’s done properly,” Gideon said, a saucy glint in his eye. “And Vihaal, well…he does it more than properly.”

“I didn’t ask because I necessarily want…that. I’m just curious.”

Vihaal leaned forward. “You don’t have to do anything you’re uncomfortable with, Angel. Not all gay men like to bottom. I’m not a fan. But Gideon…”

“Oh, I fucking love it.”

I barked a laugh at how sincere he was.

Vihaal sighed. “All right, enough of this. Anyone for more tea?”

Despite the fact that I was having a good time, it all started to overwhelm me. “Actually, do you mind if I get going?”

“No, of course not,” Vihaal said, while Gideon gazed at me with affection.

“This has all been a lot,” I said. “Good. But a lot.”

“I’m sure.”

“Can you email me the Tarnish files?”

“Yes. We won’t keep you,” Vihaal said.

Gideon leaned forward, becoming serious. “Now, about the accounts. I don’t trust Dominic. I wouldn’t put it past that son of a bitch to sabotage V’s store.”

“Don’t worry. I know exactly what to look for.”

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