The date was going so well. Ken had been scrimping and saving for a few weeks now to get his financial situation in a place where he could afford to show Rita a nice night out. Of course, lots of people preferred to split costs more equally, but Ken was old fashioned. With his old bad habits, he could never afford a place like this, but he had overcome those.
Rita seemed really into him, too. On the app, their senses of humor had been a total match, and they talked frequently in the days leading up to the date. He took her to one of the few really high end restaurants in town, he had even got himself a haircut the day before. It felt really nice to have a proper evening to look forward to.
Buzz, Buzz.
She was telling him about her job, smiling adorably as she elaborated about the clueless customers and irritating coworkers, when his phone buzzed in his pocket. It was that particular buzzing pattern that sent a chill through him. He'd recognize it anywhere. He was sure he'd deleted the app, there's no way he hadn't deleted it....
Discreetly, he checked the lock screen under the table, and there it was: his bad habit staring him in the face.
"Goddess Lexie requests: $5.00"
"1 New Message: Good luck on your date. - Lexie"
How did she know? How did she find his account?? The intoxicating green logo sent his mind spiraling. All the nights Lexie had spent brainwashing him, programming him. It was like she was in his head forcing open the floodgates.
"Everything OK?" Rita asked, still smiling. She was so pretty. He had to concentrate.
"Yeah, sorry. Just a work thing, it's not important." He tried to give a convincing smile, "Please, go on."
Her story continued on, but Ken couldn't follow it anymore. The words were just going in one ear, out the other. In his head, Lexie was waiting impatiently. Tapping her foot as his will slowly wore itself into nothing. He was flashing back to his bed, eyes glazed over, droning beats invading his ears. So many sleepless nights and hypnotic sessions, it was silly to think he could ever fully de-program himself. The triggers were everywhere.
Buzz, Buzz.
His cock was already throbbing in his slacks, as he subtly pulled the phone up.
"Goddess Lexie requests: $5.00"
"2 New Messages: don't make me wait, slave. - Lexie"
Rita's voice trailed off, "Do you need to take that?"