Page 14 of The All-Inclusive

“Mr. Wilder has been with us for a number of years and is one of our most requested consorts.” Kora tilts her head. “I’m sureyou’ve read our literature and been briefed by your friends, but just to reiterate our most vital rule, consent can be revoked at any point.”

I’m nodding along, pretty sure I follow. “You mean if Logan decides he’s not into me?”

“Of course.” One edge of her mouth quirks. “Or, more commonly, that you might prefer a session or two of justtalking. Getting to know one another before anything sexual transpires.”

“Oh.” I give Kora a nod of relief. “With all due respect, I’ve spent twenty-three years just talking.” Uncrossing my legs, I draw a deep breath. “I’m ready for action.”

I’ve unpacked my bags,enjoyed a full tour of the grounds, and devoured a gourmet lunch of coconut prawns over jicama slaw and fresh pineapple.

With my teeth freshly brushed and my whole body scrubbed to lilac-scented perfection, I’ve got ten minutes until my date arrives.

Not mydate.

My consort.

Do I call himmyconsort if he’s had sex with thousands of women?

That’s probably purity culture talking. Some deep-seated notion that sex is equated to ownership.

God, I’m nervous.

I fire off a group text to Eve and Camille.

Almost time for my first enchantment. Wish me luck!

Eve is the first one to answer.

Which enchantment did you pick? GOOD LUCK!!!

She follows it up with a string of emojis like lips and a tongue and the one my mother believes stands for praying hands. I learned from Camille the graphic was meant to be a high-five.

Speaking of Camille?—

You requested Logan, right?

I smile to myself, typing a response I know will make her snort-laugh.

Of course I did. I’m a good girl. I do what I’m told.

She texts back a long string of laughing emojis, followed by a more heartfelt message.

Don’t be afraid to tell him what you want. He’ll take good care of you no matter which enchantment you choose.

Their encouragement puts me at ease and I search for a throne emoji. The closest I find is a toilet, so that’s no good. I locate a crown and send that along with the same tongue emoji Eve used.

She’s the first to respond when I send it.

Ohhh, the Queen of Her Tongue Throne? Way to go right for the face sitting!

I smile as Camille adds her own string of emojis, including the melty face Trent used to text me after an especially hot makeout session.

God, I miss Trent.

“Stop it.” I say it out loud, just as a knock drums my door.

With trembling knees, I walk past the bed and smooth down my skirt before twisting the knob to throw open the door.

“Oh.” I look up at the man with his muscular build and thick, sandy hair. His grin and his bright, hazel eyes filled with mischief make him look like a Boy Scout gone bad. “Oh, wow.”

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