Page 66 of The Laughing Game

“Bi gives the impression of only referring to two genders, while pan refers to a multiplicity of them,” Vihaal explained. “However, the term bisexual can be used to mean any gender. It’s all just semantics.”

“Well, anyway, the important thing to remember,” I said, “is that I could have sex with a womantomorrow.”

Vihaal gazed at me with predatory and possessive eyes.

I withered under his gaze and backtracked.

“Well, in this specific case…not relevant,” I admitted. “But I could. If I wanted to.”

“And I could put on a tutu and dance on that stage. It’s fairly unlikely,” Vihaal said, running a hungry gaze over me.”

“And that is a fucking shame, V. I’d love to see it,” Gideon commented.

“Do I really look gay?” I asked Sebastian.

He laughed. “I’m messing with you. But you do look too good to be straight.” He examined me again. “Very…metrosexual.”

“The clothes do make the man,” Gideon said.

Robin raised his hand for a high five. “Preach it, sister.”

Gideon started to respond, then hesitated. “Wait, we’re not supposed to touch, right?”

Sebastian rolled his eyes. “I guess I can let a high five go. Otherwise, he’ll be moaning about being left hanging for the rest of his shift.”

Robin gave Sebastian a malicious smile. “Oh, you do know me well.”

Gideon and Robin slapped their right hands together with expressions of triumph.

“Can I get you gents anything?” Robin asked.

“You can get me the key to the Bordello,” Vihaal said, standing. “It’s almost nine.”

“As you wish,” he said, giving Vihaal a polite curtsy.

He gazed at me and Gideon, and clicked his tongue, eyeing Vihaal.

“You lucky fuck.”

Chapter Fourteen

Vihaal got the key, bade adieu to Sebastian, and led the way to the Bordello.

Once we got into the room, his demeanor switched from arrogant—but charming—patron, to stern dominant.

“Gideon, strip. Angel, take this time to gather yourself because it will be your turn next,” Vihaal said, sitting on the settee and crossing one leg over the other. “And don’t forget that you can use your safeword at any time. Tell me what it is.”

I stared at him, blood rushing everywhere but my brain, and for a moment I couldn’t remember.

“Oh, wait. It’s Devil.”

“Yes. Gideon? What’s yours?”

“Tambourine.”

Gideon held my gaze as he pulled off his emerald green sweater.

My breath hitched at the sight of him. He was wearing a strappy fabric harness that triangulated his upper chest and nipples as if it were some kind of male bra, anchored by a thicker strap across his sternum. There were also narrow bands that headed down his sides and disappeared into his dress pants.

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