Page 7 of The Laughing Game

“First booking is for eight,” he said.

“Ah,” I said. When we got to the rack of coats by the front entrance I gave them a wave goodbye. “I’ll let you know when I’ve got everything ready for your signatures.”

“Great meeting with you, Angel,” Sebastian said.

They headed into the gaming parlor, from which the screech of microphone interference could be heard right before an amplified voice said, “Fuck this thing. Testing, testing.”

I put on my coat as I headed for the door, but my finger caught in the sleeve and I tripped on a roll in the burgundy rug. I fell forward onto my knees, bracing myself with my hands so I didn’t end up on my face.

“Fuck,” I cursed, as the front door opened and a blast of cold air came in with two pairs of legs.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t Angel Barnett.”

I froze for a moment, my body reacting to that voice and tone before my brain did. My gaze tracked up the closest pair of legs, over an expensive-looking leather coat, up, up, and up, to a face the color of copper and a striking pair of blue eyes.

“Vihaal,” I murmured, from my position near the floor as he gazed down at me with amusement and…something else.

I glanced to the man beside him.

Gideon, dirty blond hair artfully coifed and hazel doe-eyes dancing, crouched down to meet me at eye level, his blue cashmere coat draping softly over his thighs.

“Oh my God, Angel. Are you okay?” he asked.

“Hi,” I said, finding myself transfixed by Gideon’s pretty face, as if I’d jumped into another dimension.

I cleared my throat, blushing as I scrambled to right myself.

“Sorry. I was just with…” I gestured at the gaming parlor. “Jacob and Sebastian. Taxes. You know.”

Gideon helped me up, while Vihaal gazed at me sedately.

“I’ve often wondered how you’d look on your knees before me, Angel,” he said, with a benign smile.

Gideon threw him a look, then turned back to me.

“Are you sure you’re all right?” he asked, gazing at me with concern. “Don’t listen to him, he’s extra horny tonight. We have an appointment in the Bordello, doncha know.”

Gideon glanced at Vihaal, and the conflagration of desire between them was almost a visible phenomenon. Vihaal looked at Gideon like he was picturing him splayed out naked on a table. Maybe that’s what they were planning. I found myself wondering how that would look.

Another check mark in the bisexuality file.

“I’m fine. Thank you.” I dusted my pants and straightened, gazing at Vihaal and pretending he hadn’t made a reference to my knees. “Sorry.”

He was watching me as if I were a strange species of bird or mammal.

“Why are you apologizing?” he asked, in that deep, dark voice that made me question everything about myself.

“You know what, Angel? In the Bordello,” Gideon murmured, leaning forward. “V does nasty things to me and I fucking love every minute of it.”

Air seeped out of my lungs in an audible sigh as my cock jerked and my brain went fuzzy.

Another check.

“Gideon. Don’t be naughty,” Vihaal said.

Gideon shrugged, blinking soft eyes at me.

“I might as well let him know what kind of man you are,” Gideon purred.

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