Page 14 of B is for Beg

“You’re early.” Calvin’s voice purrs with approval.

My chest puffs out. I’m glad I did something good.

“Come on up.”

The door buzzes open. I head inside and jog up the stairs. Like last time, Calvin is waiting for me at the second door to let me in. He smiles, and his stare trails over my body, making me tingle.

“Gabe’s already here,” he says. “Which means we can get started early.”

“And get home earlier,” Ivy says.

She’s sitting at her desk, focusing on whatever she’s doing rather than looking in my direction, but that doesn’t stop me from briefly imagining all four of us together. Damn, that would be a beautiful sight.

I look around for Gabe. He’s in the process of laying a huge fur rug on the floor. The chaise lounge and fleur-de-lis background are gone. Now there’s a white backdrop instead. There are hanks of rope lying by the far wall. My heart flutters with anticipation.

“Do you want Ivy to stay?” Calvin asks. “We want you to feel safe and comfortable.”

Fantasies of foursomes aside, I don’t really know Calvin and Gabe, and I’m going to be wearing nothing but a pair of lace knickers while I’m tied up. I’ll be putting myself in a ridiculously vulnerable position. I don’t think either man would do anything untoward, but it’s better to be safe than sorry, right?

“Yes,” I say.

Ivy sighs dramatically.

“Ignore her. She gets paid overtime,” Calvin says with a chuckle.

“I do have a girlfriend to go home to, you know,” Ivy says.

My foursome fantasy goes up in smoke.

“I’ll buy everyone takeaway after the shoot,” Gabe says as he wanders over.

“Fine,” Ivy says. “I’ll stay.”

Gabe is the opposite of Calvin in so many ways. He’s much shorter, only an inch or two taller than me. He’s got a pretty average build, with a bit of extra weight around his waist, which probably means he’s got amazing love handles. His nose is hooked and a little bent. I imagine he broke it somehow, and that’s a story I want to hear. His skin is pale, and he’s got a full head of black hair, although it’s starting to recede at the temples. He’s got almost as much hair on his chin, jaw, and over his lip as he does on the top of his head. About the only similarity between the two men is that they both have dark brown eyes. Gabe’s are exceptionally kind, with the first traces of crow’s feet forming at the corners.

“There are a few things we need to go over before we start,” Gabe says. He motions towards the stool at Calvin’s desk. “Would you like to sit?”

“No, I’m good.” I imagine I’m going to spend a lot of time unable to move.

Gabe picks up a clipboard with a sheet of paper on it and pen and starts reading. “Have you had any recent physical injuries?”

“No.”

He ticks something on the paper. “Do you have any physical disabilities?”

I shake my head.

Tick. “Have you had any past injuries that might affect your flexibility or cause you pain?”

I crack a smile. I don’t think I’ve ever been asked so many questions before being tied up. “No.”

“Are you claustrophobic?”

“Nope.”

Tick.Gabe puts the clipboard down, beckons me closer, and then holds his hand out towards mine. “Would you mind?”

I place my hand in his. He runs his palm over mine and then across the back of my hand. The texture of his rough, calloused hands brushes pleasantly over my skin.