Page 112 of Now and Forever

“Jude, I don’t know if you’d like Dexter’s game.”

Taken aback, I look at him. When I see he has nothing else to say, I ask Frida, “He’s into S and M?”

“Yes and no,” Andrés answers as Eric laughs.

Frida shrugs her shoulders.

“Dexter likes to dominate, to play with women and give orders. He’s not exactly into S and M. He’s demanding, horny, and insatiable. I have a great time when we see him.”

Eric waves goodbye to one of his teammates as he leaves and holds me around the waist.

“C’mon, let’s go home.”

I say insistently, “Eric, I want to meet Dexter.”

My Iceman stares at me for a long moment and finally gives in. “OK, Jude. We’ll go.”

Andrés calls Dexter and tells him about the change of plans. Dexter accepts, and Andrés says he sounds delighted.

We get back to our respective cars and say goodbye, and my guy and I disappear into Munich traffic. He’s quiet. Thoughtful. I sing along to a song on the radio. Suddenly, he’s stopping at the curb in front of a building.

“Do you really want to play that badly?”

His question surprises me.

“Hey ... if it bothers you, let’s not. I thought you might be into it.”

“I told you sex is a supplement for me, Jude, and ...”

“It’s the same for me, darling,” I agree. But looking him straight in the eye, I explain. “You’ve showed me this is about two people, not one. When you suggest it, I go for it. Why can’t you go for it when I suggest it?”

He doesn’t answer; he just looks at me.

“In the end, it’s a supplement we both enjoy, right?” I say, shrugging.

Eric just breathes for a moment. “Dexter is a good guy,” he says in a sweeter voice. “We’ve known each other for years, and when he comes to Munich, we usually see each other.”

“To play?” I ask sarcastically.

Eric nods.

“To play, have dinner, a drink, or just do business.”

“Does it turn you on, my asking to play with him?”

My German sets his impressive eyes on me.

“Very much,” he says.

I nod, and Eric tells me to get out of the car. It’s bitterly cold. I slink deeper into my red down coat and walk hand in hand with him. He holds on to me, sure of himself. His hand fits around mine so well. I see we’re going straight to a hotel, NH München Dornach.

When we go in, Eric asks at the desk for Mr. Dexter Ramírez’s room. They tell us the number, and, after calling to confirm our arrival, Eric and I get in the elevator. I’m nervous. Eric smiles with his hand around my waist. “Don’t worry, it’ll be fine. I promise.”

We get to a half-closed door. Eric knocks with his knuckles, and I hear someone say in Spanish, “Eric, come in.”

Eric takes me by the arm, and we walk in. He closes the door behind us.

“Be right there,” someone says.

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