Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 35876 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 179(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35876 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 179(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
"Please enter your account number so we may verify your identity."
I type 5324, and I hear a beep after a moment.
"Thank you for calling, Temptation."
Cringe.
I must've been really drunk last night, to choose that as my secret handle.
"We will now forward your call to Doctor Somebody."
It's my first time to hear what the other party's secret handle is, and his choice makes me feel just a tad better about the whole thing. I was afraid he'd choose something terribly clichéd like 'Dr. Charming' or go for something outright vulgar like 'Dr. Big Cock'. Something like the last would've been a complete deal breaker for me, and I'd have rather sold my kidney than push through with the rest of this.
But Dr. Somebody?
It feels 'safe' for some reason, but since Madeleine did say this guy was no asshole, maybe I'm just stressing myself out pointlessly again, and—-
CLICK.
Was that a click I just heard?
Does this mean we're on?
Is it time to start playing?
Oh shit, why am I acting like I've just joined Squid Games?
Get an effing grip, Leah!
"Hello?"
The one who finally breaks the silence is the person from the other side.
I mean, end.
It's bad enough I got myself in this sex-fantasy-business, but saying the voice is coming from the other side would make things worse, since that means I've signed up to do kinky stuff with a ghost.
"It's Temptation, isn't it?"
The voice is deep but gentle, and there's a touch of some accent I can't quite put my finger on.
"This is Dr. Somebody."
His tone is calm but authoritative, and I find myself grudgingly acknowledging that the people behind SFI just might know what it's doing.
So far, so good, Andie's daddies.
Some girls might go for beta-type guys, and that's cool. I totally wish them all the best, but personally? Only an alpha-type dude can probably force me into being distracted, and I have a feeling Dr. Somebody here is as alpha as they come.
"I'm assuming this is your first time..."
Whoa.
Is he just going to straight up ask if I'm still a V?
"—-to consult a doctor by phone?"
Phew.
So that was what he was getting at.
One of SFI's rules is for involved parties to begin their "encounter" with a roleplaying phone call. Just to get the ball rolling, so to speak. I thought it was pure B.S. when I first read it in their contract, but I'm happy to say I was obviously wrong on that score.
While Dr. Somebody having this awesomely hot voice certainly doesn't hurt, it's the way he sounds totally invested in his role that does the trick, and the fact that we can't see each other's faces is the final nail in my inhibitions' coffin.
Leah is dead, I tell myself, and it's Temptation who's taking over from this point on.
I repeat the words one more time before finally venturing to speak.
"I'm sorry, Doctor, and um, yes, it's me, Temptation."
It sounds so weird to make such a claim, but at the same time it also makes me feel all ridiculously giddy inside.
"Hello, Temptation."
My fingers tighten involuntarily around my phone. That name sounded so painfully stupid earlier, but when it's Dr. Somebody who calls me this, it suddenly feels so dreamily...improper.
"Was I correct in assuming this is your first time?"
"Yes, Doctor."
"I see."
My cheeks are on fire now. I will never ever think of the words 'yes, doctor' in the same way again, and I'll probably also think twice about saying them after this.
"Well, Temptation..."
My heart skips a beat, and I realize in surprise that this is the longest time I haven't spared Io a single thought.
Could this truly be the distraction I've been looking for all this time?
"I'm certain you're feeling rather apprehensive at the moment, but I'd like to assure you you're in very good hands."
"O-Oh?"
Why do I have this crazy, out-of-the-blue urge to know how big his hands are?
"You have nothing to worry about."
Don't say it, don't say it, don't say it.
"Doctor?"
"Yes, Temptation?"
"May I know how big your hands are?"
Oh God, I actually said it.
"Of course." Dr. Somebody doesn't miss a beat in responding, and I love how utterly professional he still sounds even when such words in real life would've passed for sexual harassment.
"And to answer your question..."
A small but distinct pause follows, and I hold my breath unthinkingly.
"My hands are appropriate for someone my size."
The last word sounds unbelievably wicked for some reason, and I start fanning my face.
"But if I may ask—-"
"Of course, Doctor." I'm surprised (and slightly ashamed) at how easily the words are now rolling down my tongue.
"Is there any particular reason you're concerned about the size of my hands?"
"Oh, um, none at all. I was just curious."
"I hope you're being honest with me."
A shiver tickles down my spine at the sudden firmness of his tone.
"It's my responsibility as your doctor to make you feel...better."
If that's innuendo I'm hearing, I...want more of it.