Page 22 of The Laughing Game

I was not prepared for the way my body reacted to those deep, confident tones.

“Vihaal,” I said, lost for words. “Hi.”

“Hi,” he repeated and I could tell he was smiling. “I’m so glad you called.”

“Oh. Well, good. I’m glad I called, too.”

Silence.

Say something, say something.

“Uh, so…I was wondering if…” I laughed nervously, standing up to go look out of the window. “I mean, I just wanted to say…oh my God. Fuck, this is so awkward.”

“Shall I make it easy for you?”

“I’d love for you to try.”

“Gideon and I want to fuck you.”

I inhaled a sharp breath. “Jesus Christ.”

“No, just us. He’s not invited.”

“Hardy har. You’re hilarious,” I said, my head spinning.

“And you’re a beautiful, wonderful man. And we want more of you. If,” he said, “that aligns with your wants.” He waited a few beats. “Does it, Angel?”

“Yes. Fuck yes,” I said, then realized what I’d agreed to. “I don’t know about the… I’m not quite ready for…you know, this is all very…”

“When I say we want to fuck you, that doesn’t necessarily mean intercourse.”

“Oh. It doesn’t?” I asked, an inflection of disappointment in my voice.

There was a chuckle. “Well, it can. But it can mean so much more.”

“More?” I whispered, feeling shivers and shudders all over.

“Mmm. I’m thinking about more right now.”

“Yeah, me too.” I swallowed. “Do you mean the kinky stuff?”

Another beat.

“Do youwantme to mean the kinky stuff?”

“Yes.”

“Then, yes, I mean the kinky stuff.”

“Holy fuck,” I said.

He laughed. “I’m thrilled by how you’re reacting to this conversation.”

“Vihaal…”

“Yes, Angel?”

“I’ve never…this is all going to be completely new to me. I’m going to need you to…” I swallowed again. “Start slowly.”

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