Page 4 of Rowdy St. Nick

“What’s the point, then?”

“Of playing with men who wish to be dominated and helping people unwind and explore their tastes?”

“Well?”

“The point is to have fun. To show people that they don’t have to accept that everything is the same predictable routine and to do it in an environment that’s safe and discreet.”

“When you put it that way…”

“I better never see you at The Castle, Lucas. That’s too gross.”

My car sputters and shoots forward a bit when I hit the clutch and shift into third, stepping up my speed on the highway. I need to get to work on time today. My heart skips a beat when I hear the noise but then everything seems to run smoothly.

“What was that?” Lucas asks.

“It was nothing, a little hiccup but it’s all fine now.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, it’s fine, I swear.”

The car sputters again and I shift back to second, slowing down and moving over to the side of the road.

“Come on, Tess, I heard that.”

“It’s nothing.”

Another sputter makes my heart skip again and I have to pull over to see what’s up. The sputtering continues as I shift down to park and turn off the engine.

“Are you okay?” My Bluetooth switches over from the newly installed car stereo and speakers to my earpiece.

“No, fuck! I’m gonna be late. I can’t be late.”

This fucking sucks. I love this car, and I really need to get to work on time. I open my phone and send a text off to my boss that I’m having car trouble and then I drop a pin to show where I am. That way she’ll know how long it may take me to get there.

“Stay calm and just breathe. You’re going to get through this.”

“Fuck, Lucas, i don’t need your zen bullshit right now. I need to get to work. It’s the beginning of the weekend and I have a ton of bookings. I can’t miss this, it’s when I make the most money.”

“I’m sorry. I was trying to help.”

“No, stop, it’s not your fault.”

“Do you want me to send you a mechanic?”

“Not yet. Let me see what’s going on and I’ll make a decision. I really can’t afford a mechanic right now.”

“Okay, talk to you later.”

“Hey, Lucas?”

“Yeah?”

“Have fun on your daaaate.” I sing the last word.

“Fuck off, Tess. I hope you get stranded.”

“Mean!”

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