Page 24 of What's the time, Mr. Wolfe
He led me to the side of the room, where the smaller bedrooms were. Some had glass windows, some didn’t. It was nicely decorated, if a sex club could be. I was actually quite impressed with some of the art on the walls.
“That’s nice,” I said, pointing to a picture. It was of a naked woman, back to the camera. She was kneeling, and her hands and ankles were tied with intricate knots.
He laughed. “Is that all you can say?”
I turned slowly, looking around. Some stared at us, and I felt conscious about being scruffily dressed.
“So. This is your den of inequality?” I said, quietly.
“Don’t you mean inequity?”
“No, inequality. These women giving their bodies to rich old men because they can’t do anything else.” I snapped as my blood boiled at the sight.
There was a pause and I swear he rose in stature.
“What did you just say?” His voice was so low, and filled with such anger, it made my heart stop. His jaw clenched so tight, a rapid pulse could be seen at the side. His eyes had narrowed.
“Erm...”
“I misread you, Ruby. I didn’t think you were so judgemental. I was right earlier and should have turned around and driven you home.”
I wasn’t sure what to say, other than I knew I’dfucked up, and he was right. But I was too proud to apologise. He walked away, but I stood still.
“Come,” he said, not even looking at me.
I ignored him. In fact, I decided to investigate further. I took a few steps in the opposite direction. It was then that I saw her.
Amelia swung from two large ribbons hanging from the ceiling. I’d seen the ‘act’ before, but never with a naked woman. She lowered herself and landed gently in front of me.
“I heard what you said. Perhaps you should know I have a degree in aeronautical engineering. I could work on a fucking spaceship if I chose to.” Posh people swearing always amused me. But she was very annoyed, and rightly so.
Sebastian returned to my side and grabbed my arm. He held on tight to my wrist and I turned to face him.
“Don’t hold me like that. You don’t own me. I’m sorry, I spoke entirely out of turn. You caught me on the back foot and my mouth runs away from me when that happens.”
“Apologise to her,” he said.
My heart raced, more so when I saw how she acted around him. She was deferent. I apologised and she accepted. She also asked if I had any questions.
“Why are you here?”
“Because I love it. I love sex, I like to be dominated,and this club gives me, and many others, the freedom to practice what we love in a safe environment. These aren’t allrich old men. Although, granted, some are. Some are also just your average Joe. See him there?” she pointed to a muscled and tattooed man. “He’s a window cleaner, Ruby.”
I swallowed hard, suitably chastised.
“Who... Who dominates you?” I asked, knowing the answer immediately.
She looked at him, I looked at him. He stared at her. I saw him raise his middle finger. He gently rubbed a patch of skin just beside his eye. She nodded.
“Strike one,” he said, quietly. She nodded again.
He had given her a code, a message, but for what? I had no idea. She didn’t say a word, and left. He still had hold of my wrist, but not as tight.
“I’m sorry, Sebastian,” I said, gently.
He nodded, and then walked back, towing me behind him. We left the room and were back in the bar. He placed his undrunk glass of whisky on the tray being held by a waiter. I gulped a few mouthfuls before doing the same.
We were outside in minutes. I watched as he looked up at the sky and took in a large breath.
