The Silk Dungeon

Chapter 1

The Silk Dungeon

By Feral Sephrian

Are you free tonight? I have some plans if you want to come over.

Nick squeaked with delight. He would have been louder, but he didn’t want to draw the attention of his coworkers. Most were busy on the phone, but a few of the ones who weren’t were notorious busy-bodies looking for anything to spice up their dull afternoons. Nick had felt the same way, working in a call center day in and day out directing the calls of people who either had no idea what they wanted or thought they were entitled to only speak to the person in charge. As a result, he had spent a lot of weekends perusing the local club scene looking for a one-night thrill on the dance floor. Eventually one of his friends had dragged him to a speed-dating event, assuring him that “having a regular thing can be fun too.”

That was where Nick met Victor. After the initial awkward hastened introductions, the two had begun to hit it off. They were both neat freaks, both liked Greek cuisine, and both enjoyed spy-genre action films, although they were at odds about which actor was the best James Bond. That had been a few months ago, and even though Nick had wanted to jump into bed with Victor after five minutes of chatting, he decided to be classy and wait until the third date to bring up the subject. It took another week or so, but Nick was not disappointed.

Their relationship was new enough that every date felt like an adventure. Victor was a film critic for the local paper, so occasionally he took Nick along to a movie and they both received special treatment from theaters who wanted good reviews. Even if they simply met up for dinner, they were still learning new things about each other. Now Victor had plans. Nick’s imagination ran wild and he happily replied that he was free.

“Whaaatcha doing?” a voice came from over Nick’s left shoulder.

Nick jumped with alarm and turned to glare at his coworker. It was Lianne, one of the nosiest women Nick had ever known. “Just sending a quick text. Get back to your desk, someone might call.”

“Might call? We’re a call center. People always call.”

“And we’re here to answer. Now shoo.”

“Aw, don’t be like that. I was only making small talk.”

“Yes. Small. So small I only need one word: scram.”

Lianne pouted. “Well, someone is grouchy today.” Suddenly she grinned. “Were you sexting someone? Is he cute? Are you ever going to bring him to office parties?”

Nick threw up his hands. “For the love of God! Get your own life!”

Lianne gasped. “Why are you so rude?”

“Because you’re a pain in the ass, Lianne,” their coworker Hank replied from the next cubicle over. “He has a point. Get back to your own work space and leave him alone.”

Outnumbered, Lianne stormed back to her chair, red-faced and muttering, “Some people are just so antisocial…”

“Thanks,” Nick said.

“No worries.” Hank lowered his voice. “How many times has she sent you friend requests on f*******:?”

“Twice, then I blocked her.”

“You can do that? Damn. She sends me a request every other month. I’ll have to look into that.” Hank smirked. “So, were you sexting someone?”

“Yes. Your brother. And your dad. At the same time.” Fortunately, several calls came in within seconds of each other, saving Nick from further awkward conversations. Instead he went back to daydreaming about what Victor could possibly have in store for him.