Page 9 of The Laughing Game

“Oh fuck,” Gideon said. “Is he mad?”

“I’ve got you on speaker, Angel. That was Gideon. Are you mad?” he asked, with something that seemed like delight.

“Uh…not mad exactly. Surprised by all the…speculation.”

“So, tell me then. Who won this bet? I’m very curious to find out.”

My breathing got louder.

I swallowed. “Well…what was the exact wager?”

Vihaal gave a slow soft chuckle.

“Tell you what. Why don’t you come over for a visit and we’ll discuss it. Gideon has a recipe for tiny sandwiches he wants to try.”

“Tiny sandwiches?” I asked.

“Also, I’m wondering if you’d look over some financials from Tarnish, the antique store I own. Sebastian suggested it might be a good idea.”

“Sure. Yeah, I can do that.”

“Angel!” Gideon spoke again. “I have a silver tiered platter and a recipe for triangle sandwiches that I don’t get to use very often. We’d love to have you for afternoon tea!”

“Extravagance,” Vihaal said in the background. Then he huffed a laugh. “Did you just make a rude gesture to me, Gideon?”

“Will you come? We haven’t seen you properly in ages!” Gideon pleaded.

“How can I possibly refuse a silver tiered platter and triangle sandwiches,” I said, only after the words had left my mouth realizing just how strange that sounded.

“Exactly. Is tomorrow okay? About three o’clock?” Gideon asked.

“Yes, that’s fine,” I said.

I was free. I wanted to see them. And this was absolutely happening.

“Wear something nice,” Gideon whispered.

“What?” I said, my cock reacting to the timbre of his voice.

“Gideon, I am not amused. Give me the phone.”

“Ta, ta,” Gideon said.

“I’m so sorry, Angel. He’s impossible.”

I laughed.

“It’s fine. He’s…” I tried to think of a word to describe Gideon. “…something.”

“Yes. Yes, he is. See you tomorrow.”

After we’d ended the call, I thought about what Gideon had said. Did he want me to dress fancy? It was afternoon tea, after all. Or did he want me to dress…sexy?

I didn’t have a clue how to dress sexy for two men who had finally made me realize I’d been living a lie.

* * * *

I wasn’t used to losing sleep over anyone, but I tossed and turned with anticipation over the prospect of seeing the two of them again. I finally gave in and jerked off, mostly as a form of stress relief and a sleep aid, and if I’d had any doubt as to the sexual nature of my obsession with Gideon and Vihaal, their sexy performance in my fantasies laid that to rest. I’d never felt this way about any of the women I’d dated. I felt so out of my depth and like a total newb.

---