He ignores my question. “Are you hurt?”
“Why the fuck are you wearing a mask?”
“My question first.”
“I asked first!” I snap.
“I work for dangerous people.” He exhales, shoulders stiffening. “It’s safer this way.”
“That does not instill the confidence you think it does. Are you dangerous?” I take a step back and eye the door.
He doesn’t move, like this is supposed to calm me. “Not to you. Are you hurt? I won’t ask a third time.” He takes a few steps back and puts his hands behind his back.
Ok, he claims he won’t hurt me, so I don’t think I’m in danger. “My wrist hurts, I’m a little dizzy, and it burns when I swallow.” I cross my arms over my waist. “And I’m cold.”
He nods, turning to a cabinet behind him. His hand hovers between two blankets and he picks the pink one. When he drapes it around my shoulders like a fluffy cape, his gloved fingers brush under my chin, tilting it up and exposing my neck. My breath catches as I stare into the shadow where his eyes must be. With him, the pressure in my chest loosens but the dull ache lingers. I don’t reflectively flinch when his thumb grazes my jawbone. But I’m not ready to relax. I’m not in danger and a strange pressure loosens its grip on my chest. Not in danger… but not quite safe.
“I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
From the other side of the wall, the sound of thumping and moans filters in. He exhales, chest rising and falling with the rhythm. The sound grows louder.
His Adam's apple bobs as he swallows, and for the first time, he bristles. He steps aside, presses a button near the door, and the noise dims as classical music pours from hidden speakers.
I finally take in the room. A padded table in the center. Handlebars bolted to the walls. Couches circling the table. Blankets tucked away in corners.
“Where are we?” I ask this secret man.
He glances over his shoulder. “Isn’t it obvious?”
My stomach twists. “A sex club?” I say, half-joking.
“See, Kitten,” he murmurs, “you got it right on the first try.”
Oh. Shit. My stomach drops like on a roller coaster. Fear and thrill combined with curiosity. What have I gotten myself into?
