Page 13 of The Masked King

“What happens if I touch you?”

There’s the briefest pause, then, “You don’t want to know.”

“Has anyone touched you before?”

“So many questions.” She doesn’t answer though.

“I like to know what I’m getting into. It’s a tough habit to break.”

Nyx takes her time. “Did you come here to see a show?”

“No. The… invitation gave nothing away. Just a name. JADED.”

“Yet you felt compelled to come here tonight. Why?”

“Long story.” I still have no idea where this is going, and my patience is non-existent after Bianca’s arrival at my apartment.

“I have all night.”

“Yeah, but I don’t.” I’m being an asshole. It isn’t even about money; it’s about being disappointed when the results don’t match the promise. “The woman at the door mentioned living out fantasies after she got me to sign an NDA.”

I sense Nyx stiffening even though I have no idea how big the room is or if we’re even alone. Is that it? Is Nyx paid to talk until I touch her and then watch me get hauled out of here while she waits for the next sucker?

I stand up. “Who else is here?”

“Sit down, Brian. We’re alone in here, I promise.”

“Yeah, well, you’ll have to forgive me for not believing you when I still have no fucking clue what to expect.”

“Do you have someplace else to be?” Her voice is maddeningly steady.

“What? No. Why do you ask?”

“You said you don’t have all night. It’s a lot of money to hand over if you’re on a tight schedule.” She’s coming closer again.

“No, I don’t have someplace else to be.” I never cared much about rules even as a kid. If I can touch her, make sure she’s real, I’ll risk the punishment. “Why do I need to wear a mask, Nyx? Can you see me? Is that it?”

“No, I can’t see you.” Her perfume wafts in front of my face and I lean forward trying to taste it. “How does the mask make you feel?”

Okay, so we’re still talking. “Hot.”

No response. I sense that she has moved away again until I give her something she can work with.

“Claustrophobic. Gimp masks are not my thing.”

“Can you feel the blood pumping around your veins?”

I hesitate, focusing on the gushing in my ears, and my heart thudding inside my chest. “Yes.”

“Embrace it, Brian. Lean into the mask instead of counting the moments until you can take it off.”

Something brushes the back of my neck, and this time it doesn’t feel like her breath. I jolt in my seat as if burnt. “So, you’re allowed to touch me, but I’m not allowed to touch you?”

“I didn’t touch you.” She’s in front of me now.

“I felt it.” I raise my hand and touch the back of my neck where I can still feel the tingle. More than that, I can feel it in my loins, in the bulge expanding inside my pants.

“You only imagined me touching you. I’m right here in front of you, Brian.”