Page 62 of The Laughing Game

“You don’thaveto do anything. But if you choose not to use it, you’re going to seriously derail my plans for the Bordello.”

I almost dropped the phone. “V, I don’t think I’m ready for you…or Gideon…to, like, you know. Top me.”

“Oh my darling, I know that. That isn’t what I have planned.”

“Oh,” I said, my curiosity piqued.

“Are you telling me that none of those sexy women you’ve taken to bed has offered to stick a finger up your ass, Angel?”

Well…“I mean, I seem to remember it coming up. But I always said, no thanks.” I turned the box over in my hand. “None of them ever told me to use one of these.”

“No, I don’t suppose they would have. Look, Angel, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. You can always safeword.”

He waited.

I didn’t say anything. Then I sighed. “Fuck.”

“That’s not your safeword.”

“You promise…that if I use this fucking thing…that you won’t go too crazy?”

“Of course I won’t. I know you’re new to…pretty much everything. But I’m telling you, you’re missing out.”

“Am I?”

“Well, you can tell me, I suppose. After I show you.”

I hesitated. I closed my eyes and hefted the box up and down in my hand. I’d done scarier stuff in my life than this. I could do this.

“Fine.”

“Pardon?”

I cleared my throat. “I said, fine. I’ll use it.”

Vihaal took a long, slow breath. “Now that’s my good boy.”

His voice was syrup pouring over me. I closed my eyes again and enjoyed the satisfaction of pleasing him.

“We’ll pick you up at seven.”

“I’ll be ready.”

Hopefully.

* * * *

It hadn’t been that bad. Once I’d gotten over my initial shock, and past the wall in my brain that saidabsolutely not, I had to admit it wasn’t that big of a deal. There was a certain sense of accomplishment and I did feel clean and fresh and ready for anything. I was probably as nervous as a virgin on her wedding night, but I trusted Vihaal and at least I knew there wouldn’tbe any unwelcome surprises if—when—he started playing down there.

Oh my God. Was I really going to let him?

Gideon and I had finally gone shopping, so I had some new clothes to wear to Molly’s. This time I was dressed and ready when they arrived and he texted from the car.

I put on my fancy new cashmere overcoat—not bright blue like Gideon’s, but a soft camel brown—grabbed my bag, and locked the door behind me.

Gideon leapt out of the passenger seat. “Here you go, Angel. You can sit up front.”

“Thanks,” I said, slipping in beside Vihaal.

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