In The Dark

by Chelsea Curto

When is the right time to tell someone your bedroom preferences? After the third date? The fifth? A year down the road when you say, ‘hey, honey? Could you tie me up and gag me while you fuck me? And after, could you chase me? Don’t forget to start the dishwasher.’

“Slow down there, creeper. Women don’t want to be stalked. They want to be pursued. There’s a difference,” he says.

I’m going to track you down, Maxine. And when I do, I’m going to make you mine.

“You don’t know anything about me. I could be dangerous, and you look like a girl who doesn’t bend the rules.”

“You make me want things I’ve never wanted before, and I don’t even know you.” “What do you want to know?” I rub a slow, teasing circle over her clit and hum when she moans. “My last name? My favorite food? My credit card number so you can buy yourself whatever you want? I can give you the world if you let me, Maxine.”

I told myself I was only going to pass by, but now that I’m here, I might as well look inside to make sure she’s taking care of herself.

What’s your favorite food?” “Besides your cum on my tongue?” I laugh when she flips me off. “Okay. I’ll play. I love pasta.

“Okay, well, it’s hard to call you a creep when you’re being all noble and shit, but don’t watch her sleep. That crosses a line.”

“We should change your name to Hunter Loverboy Wilder, because you’re fucking smitten, dude,” Leo sings. “Give me an hour, and I’m there.”

“Christ on a fucking cracker. How many times have you been here? Please don’t tell me you sleep in her closet.”

My head hurts from trying to justify what he’s done, but my body is hot from his words, the truth slipping out.

“I’m mad at you,” I whisper. “Very mad at you.” “Is this our first fight, angel?” “I’m close to throwing a book at your head.” “Make it a hardcover. I deserve to be punished.”

“Let me fuck you, baby. I’m all worked up, and only you can calm me down.”

“Shucks, baby. An unbelievable orgasm and your flattery? I’m a lucky asshole.”