Thorn's Addiction

Chapter 6: Role-playing

Amber sheepishly checked out of the room she’d just purchased, ignoring the judgemental looks from the receptionist and the other guests. Meanwhile, Thorn mesmerised the bellhop to see if she had observed the hunters going anywhere.

“She said they were headed downstairs? I didn’t realise there even was a downstairs here”, Thorn was incredulous.

“Maybe there’s a basement level? I don’t know but I have a hunch the entrance would be through the kitchen or storage areas”. Amber bit her lip, pondering their predicament.

“Psst”. Thorn and Amber both whirled around rapidly to face the voice that addressed them in hushed tones.

“Hey, you guys, come here”. A short man with greying hair was gesturing them over to the door to the kitchen, as if he had read their minds.

Amber and Thorn exchanged glances and nodded at one another, knowing that if this man were a threat they could take him on together.

“Who are you?” Amber demanded when they reached the small man.

“Shh, come with me”, he opened the door to the kitchens, gesturing for them to enter.

Once they were inside, the man walked over to a storage cupboard, filled with jars of preserves, cans of soup, and shelves lined with different herbs and spices. He shut the door quietly behind them.

“I know who you are, and I know why you’re here. My name's Damon”, the man extended his arm towards Amber and Thorn to shake their hands.

Amber and Thorn reluctantly acquiesced.

“How do you know?” Amber said, eyebrows furrowed.

“I saw them bring one of you in, look I don’t want any trouble but I don’t think they were doing anything good with him”, Damon shuddered.

Thorn clenched his fists, “where did they take him?”

“To the basement, but not just the wine cellar, like the BASEMENT basement. I don’t know if you guys are aware but… this hotel is mostly patronised by the ultra rich. And as such, they bring with them their uh… eccentric tastes. The hotel has a space where those tastes can be explored discreetly. Now usually I’d keep my mouth shut, but your friend is my blood.” Damon pulled up one of his shirt sleeves to reveal a hairy and heavily tattooed arm. The most prominent tattoo was of a wolf howling at the moon.

Amber nodded. “How do we get to the basement?”

“I don’t even know how to get there, I’m just a chef. But, I think if you could convince the bellhop that you’re ultra rich and want to make use of our facilities they might lead you down there.” Damon scratched at his dark stubble.

“f**k this sounds complicated”, Thorn’s shoulders dropped in resignation.

“No it’s okay, I have an idea. Just follow my lead. Thank you Damon, we owe you one.” Amber grabbed Thorn by the arm and pulled him back to the reception area, leaving Damon in the storage cupboard.

“Sit”, Amber once again pushed Thorn into one of the cushioned chairs, making sure it was near to other patrons and the bellhop’s position.

Amber ordered the most expensive sounding wine from the bar across the hall, and brought two glasses back to sit with Thorn.

“Cheap wine, but what can you expect, hmm?” she said as she sipped at her glass. Amber hated wine, but this was part of the ruse.

Thorn looked confused for a moment, then understanding hit him.

“Mmm it’ll have to do until we can find somewhere more daring”. Thorn sipped, and reached out to stroke Amber’s thigh.

“I just miss the excitement, there’s nothing to do here, Ferdinand told me this was an exciting, exotic place, but as far as I can see it’s just a boring hotel”, Amber made sure the bellhop was watching as she dipped her thumb into her wine and pushed it into Thorn’s mouth. Thorn moaned and clenched Amber’s thigh harder.

“At least it didn’t cost us much”, Thorn said through gritted teeth.

Amber nodded, sipping her wine again. She could see the bellhop approaching from her periphery, other guests were speaking in hushed tones around them.

The bellhop slipped a note onto the table next to Thorn and swiftly moved away. Thorn opened it and showed Amber.

“Do not read this out loud. It has come to the hotel management’s attention that you may be some of our more adventurous guests, and we would like to cordially invite you to our playground. Here we cater to ‘exotic’ desires, and allow you to have unfettered access to things others may consider immoral, illegal or depraved. If you wish to partake, come to room 163 and knock thrice. We look forward to your patronage. Please destroy this note once you have concluded reading”.

Once the two had finished reading the note, Amber shoved it conspicuously into her mouth. The bellhop raised her eyebrows, then averted her gaze.

“To room 163 then”, Thorn whispered to Amber.

“Let’s finish our wine first”, Amber skulled her wine, Thorn handed her his glass and she skulled that one too.

“Mmm, disgusting”, Amber said with a wink.