'Okay,' he says. "I win." And he fans out the five cards, face up, on the carpet for her to see. She sees the row of tiny red hearts. Her own heart starts thumping.
She looks at him. His eyes have a dreamy, warm look. He smiles at her. She lays her own cards out on the carpet.
"I lose," she says.
She is suddenly nervous. But she can feel herself growing wet.
"Right," he says. "Now you have to do whatever I want."
"Okay," she says, trying for nonchalance.
"Stand up," he orders.
She stands. He lies back against the soft cushions stacked on the floor. His eyes are laughing up at her now. Her heart turns over. His voice is lower now. "Take off your shirt."
She undoes the top button.
"Slowly." His voice is soft.
She breathes raggedly, as each button slides from its placket. Her shirt comes off. Beneath it she wears an ivory-coloured lace bra. She throws the shirt on the floor, and stands there, eyeing him. Daring him.
"Lift up your skirt, slowly."
She bends to remove her stilettos, her hair falling in a silk curtain across her face.
"No," he says, "You can leave your shoes on." They both laugh.
She relaxes suddenly. More confident, feeling her power, she inches the skirt up her thighs, revealing lace-top stockings. She hears him draw in a sharp breath. She watches his face as she draws the hem up to reveal tiny lace panties. She feigns boredom. "What now?"
He lifts his handsome, flushed face. His eyes are alight with lust. She smiles. She feels drunk with lust and power.
"Come here," he says thickly.
She moves slowly towards him, her skirt rucked up around her waist.
"Turn around." She turns and he stands behind her. His hands are at her waistband. The skirt slips to the ground. His fingers linger on her skin. Gooseflesh pricks her entire body. She resists the urge to push back against him.