‘I know that. I just needed to know if it was because you thought you were worthless … or priceless.’
‘I don’t think I’m priceless, but …’
‘Don’t argue about it. It’s the right answer. I’m going to pass you on that. Even if you did fail the rest.’
He smiles down, looking so idiotically proud of me that I want to slap him. It’s hardly a Nobel-winning achievement, is it?
‘Thanks, so can you get on and fuck me now?’
‘Your wish is my co
mmand.’
Chapter Six
‘Do you ever see that guy Dr Lassiter these days?’
Lloyd’s question appears idle, but I’ve learned that Lloyd doesn’t waste words, and there will be method behind the chitchat.
I think back, trying to recall the last time I had an appointment with the professional disciplinarian.
‘You know, I think it’s been a while. Maybe eight, nine months. Since we got together, that vacancy has disappeared. Why?’
‘Just wondering.’ Lloyd shifts on the sofa, switches TV channels.
‘No, really, why?’ I remove the remote control from his hand and keep my fingers twined in his, literally pressing for information
He clicks his tongue. ‘Suspicious mind, Sophie. I bet Dr Lassiter knows a cure for that.’
‘Dr Lassiter’s cures are all the same. They always involve a sore bum.’
‘I know. I’ve consulted him myself.’
I’m shocked for a moment. What does that mean? ‘What? You’ve met him? He only takes female submissives.’
‘Not like that.’ He shakes his head in disbelief at my unlikely presumption. ‘I mean, he’s given me some good advice. I’ve spoken to him in the bar after a couple of his … sessions. When we first got together, I knew you liked a good beating, but I was no expert in giving them, so I thought I’d ask one.’
‘Did you really?’ I’m fascinated to think of Lloyd as a pupil of the dry corporal punishment fetishist. I try to imagine how the conversations went … were there lessons? Practical sessions?
‘Yeah. While you were off comparing cane stripes with Rachael, I was taking instruction from the don. He knows his stuff, doesn’t he?’
‘I ought to call Rachael, meet up for a drink with her. Haven’t seen her in yonks.’
‘Ah well.’ An impish grin breaks out. I have learned to fear these. ‘That might be on the cards already, actually.’
I knew it!
‘What have you done?’
‘I bumped into Dr Lassiter in reception the other day. We got talking. He gave me the best idea for the next challenge.’
‘Oh God. Go on.’
Lloyd’s arm creeps around my shoulders. He pulls me tight while he whispers the details of my doom into my ear. ‘Dr Lassiter and Rachael are members of a club.’
‘I don’t think I need to ask what kind of a club, do I?’
‘I think your first guess would be accurate. It’s called Kinky Cupcake.’