“Just think about it a minute. We’re both private people, right? We both know how to keep our business to ourselves. So, what if Cat and Masque did their own thing, completely outside of our normal lives. No crossover, no awkwardness, no mention whatsoever of Explicit, not even the vaguest hint that there is anything extra-curricular about James and Lydia.”
“You propose Masque and Cat have an Explicit-only relationship? Is that what you’re saying?” I nodded. “And you really think that will work?”
“I think it might.”
“And Cat is really happy to fuck Masque in a public-only environment, is she? No strings, no late night cuddles, no in-bed sex with warm sheets and cosy pillows...”
“Cat’s happy to fuck Masque wherever she needs to.”
Seconds ticked by so slowly. I could see him weighing it up, running it through his mind. My heart pounded, waiting for his verdict.
“I guess Cat will have to speak with Masque when she sees him at Explicit, see what they can work out.”
I breathed out in relief, a smile blooming on my face. “Cat and Masque will have to wait a few weeks, until Rebecca can take a guest again.”
He cocked his head. “I think Cat might find herself on the guest list tomorrow night. Masque has platinum VIP membership, he can take a guest whenever he fucking wants.”
“Then Cat will be there.” I beamed.
I walked away before he could change his mind.
***
Chapter Eleven
James
“Ah, James! I was expecting your call. I wondered which one of you would get me first. How was Brighton? Good, I hope?”
“Cut the crap, Rebecca. Just what the hell have you been doing?”
She cackled so loudly I moved the handset from my ear. “Was three enough? I thought a twelve-pack may have been overkill.”
“We didn’t have any spare afterwards.”
“I should hope not. Our lovely Lydia deserved a good session of cock. Please tell me you managed to make her cry? She’s such a guarded little cookie, that one... no tears at all, and believe me, I’ve been trying.”
I ignored her completely, filing her revelation for later. “What the fucking hell were you thinking? That little Explicit stunt could have cost me my entire fucking life.”
“Must you always be so dramatic? She’s not a blabber, James, it would have been fine.”
“That’s my career you’re being so blasé about.”
“If you hadn’t taken the bait last night I’d never have taken her back to Explicit, ok? She’d never have discovered the identity of the elusive Masque. Anyway, if you’d have told me you were going to be beating the shit out of some random I’d have picked a different night to bring her along.”
“I’m allowed to change my mind as to when I frequent Explicit, Rebecca, or are you going to fill the place with more of my professional associates every time I take a fucking night off?”
I heard her slide her balcony door open, light up a cigarette on the roof terrace. “You wanted me to do this.”
“I really didn’t.”
“Lie to yourself all you want, but deep down we both know you wanted her. It’s why she’s here, Masque, you wanted her at Explicit, you knew this would happen.”
“You seem pretty fucking sure of that.”
“I’m beyond fucking sure of that. You like her, and you should. She’s fucking awesome.” She took a long drag. “You know I always tell you the truth, James, even when it’s rough. That’s why I’m your friend.”
A flash of remembered gratitude dulled the flames. “I know that, Bex. I haven’t forgotten what you did for me.”
“So, I’m doing it again, only this time it’s a shitload more pleasant a task... You like her. Deal with it. I’m sure I’ll get a thank you in time. Jewellery or boots are always appreciated.”
“Now you’re pushing it,” I snarled, but it was a front and she knew it. I heard her soft laughter, and struggled not to smile.
“Will I see you tomorrow?”
I made her wait a few seconds. “Yes, you’ll see me tomorrow.”
“Praise the Lord! Masque is back in town.”
“It would appear that way,” I said. “Oh, and Rebecca?”
“Yes, James?”
“Please make sure our lovely Lydia wears plenty of eyeliner, she will be crying tomorrow night, I assure you.”
She was whooping before I could reach the end-call button.
***
I took up my seat at the side of the bar, tipping my glass at the regulars passing close enough to catch my attention, and I waited for Cat’s eyes. Raven appeared first, head to toe in red latex, with Cara just a moment behind, shimmying in a tiny pink tutu. I held my breath as my guest followed them in, rational James springing up to bludgeon me with my own stupidity, but it soon passed. Lydia Marsh looked sensational, standing tall in stiletto knee-highs, stocking tops visible under a plush-velvet mini-dress. Her hair was styled in a natural wave, sweeping down around her slender shoulders, and her eyes, sweet Jesus, her eyes... Raven’s work, certainly, heavily lined with kohl and swept out to a feline arc. They looked paler than ever, dancing with the light as they searched the room for me. Giving up, she joined the girls at the bar, sucking up sex-on-the-beach through a neon-pink straw.