Page 110 of Tendu: Dancing in the Castle

“Yes,” agreed Colin. “Though first, may I just say how absolutely divine you look today, Miss Treadwell. Elegant and alluring as ever.”

I stared back expressionlessly.

Paul cleared his throat. “This isn’t quite what we…”

“Oh, I know, I know,” said Colin. “I am truly sorry. I apologise from the bottom of my heart, the very depths of my soul, if I have caused you to feel anything other than completely respected at all times.”

“If?” I asked.

“Yeah, what the fuck, McKen?” blurted Will. “I had to pull you off her. Your hands were, like, everywhere.”

“Oh, the day of the red leotard,” interjected Michelle. “I can attest to the fact that nothing untoward took place. Treadwell and Hearst were just inviting trouble as usual. What are you doing, Mr. Bevan? If you’re going to turn up uninvited to a private meeting, you could at least pay attention.”

“Just checking record was on,” he said, holding up his phone. “Mustn’t miss any of these lovely litigious comments. So, a red leotard in a ballet class is being declared an invitation to grope? Interesting stance you’re taking. Do go on.”

Michelle was clearly livid, but she stayed quiet. I didn’t look at Aleks.

“May I just say that Amalphia has my total support?” said Colin. “The manner in which she was spoken to during the research yesterday was completely unacceptable, and I fully understood her impassioned response.”

“It was unacceptable,” I agreed. “But so is much of what you say. ‘Bingo Wings’ and ‘Cankles?’” I didn’t want to mention the ‘Double D’ thing in front of Aleks. “Name calling is bullying.”

Colin smiled. “Oh, come now, points well made, surely? Amalphia,” he said, sounding each syllable slowly. “Even your name is a delicious, orgasmic experience for the tongue.” There were uncomfortable or surprised movements from the others at the table, but Colin wasn’t finished. “You and I are very alike, both plain-speaking, passionate individuals.”

“In that case why do you have so much trouble understanding the words ‘no’ or ‘leave me alone’ or the fact that I have literally fled your presence several times?”

“The game of cat and mouse is an old one, pet,” he said with a smile.

“I’m not playing a game.”

“Then let’s be blatantly frank. I want to fuck you sideways.”

Aleks had him by the collar. Will cleared the table to join the fray, and I scrambled after.

“No hitting,” I said. “There’s been enough hitting…” I trailed off as Aleks ordered Colin to leave.

The incorrigible man continued to speak from the doorway. “These young boys don’t know how to make it good for you. I would be so much more—”

Aleks shut the door over him. “This is how he has been?”

I leant back against the table. “I can’t believe he didn’t tone himself down in front of everyone.”

“You said something of this,” said Aleks. “I didn’t listen.”

“I didn’t tell you properly.”

“Yes, yes, we’re all very sorry,” said Justin. “But do we have an official acknowledgement that McKen’s behaviour is inappropriate?”

Michelle shook her head. “Treadwell’s always got to be the centre of some little drama, the boys all clustered round.”

“Michelle, I think we have to take this seriously,” said Paul, putting on his glasses. “If we could all sit down again, could you clarify what you said, Miss Treadwell? Colin hit you?”

“No,” I said, as we returned to our chairs. “You didn’t tell them?” I looked straight at Michelle.

“What nonsense is this now?” She sighed and rolled her eyes.

“You assaulted a student. She could press charges. You could lose the right to work with young people. You really do think you’re above the law, don’t you?”

She glared back, eyebrows furrowed as if in non-comprehension.

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