Harem House Chapter 37 Part 3

After class, Arthur hesitated as he saw a familiar face waiting for him across the hallway. He wasn’t sure how she knew his class schedule, but he decided not to let it bother him. She was clearly waiting for him, though. She came to life as soon as he stepped through the classroom door and into the hallway, and she approached him like she was storming a castle, holding a binder in front of her like it was protecting her vital organs, shielding her torso.  

“Hey.” Arthur said, hesitating to produce a name in case he got it wrong. He tilted his chin at her in greeting. 

“Rachel.” She gestured to herself. A white ribbon tied into a bow swept back her long, dark brunette hair. The high collar of her dress closed over her neck, and the dress covered every inch of skin, so only her face, the top of her neck, and her hands showed. Her boots were barely visible under the floor-length hem of her shapeless floral pattern dress. She looked like a Christian fundamentalist or some kind of Amish woman, which seemed intentional on her part. 

“Right.” Arthur nodded. “Rachel. Mindy’s roommate.” He’d met her before and briefly talked with her when she tried to shame him for everything he did with Mindy and Selene. The last time he’d seen her, she’d exited the bathroom where he, Mindy, and Selene had shared a shower. She hadn’t looked at him since, and he imagined she either overheard them or he must have missed her going in at some point while he stood and waited for Selene and Mindy in the hallway. 

Her nervousness seemed to suggest she’d heard them. So now he was wondering if she was going to yell at him, accuse him of something, or present him with some pamphlet that condemned the views he’d expressed during their brief conversation. Rachel believed there were no morals apart from her religion. Arthur disagreed. He might be living a lifestyle very different from Rachel’s, but he lived as ethically as possible, especially where his girlfriends were concerned. 

“Yeah. Mindy’s roommate.” Rachel nodded. “I was wondering, do you have a moment to talk?” 

“Oh, uh… not really.” Arthur said, looking around for any familiar face that might serve as someone who could explain why she was approaching him. Mindy’s more friendly roommates, Sara and Bella, weren’t here. Neither was Mindy. “Is everything okay? Is there something wrong with Mindy or–” 

“I’m sure she’s fine.” Rachel said, cutting him off. “I wanted to talk to you, specifically.” 

“Is this about condemning us for being poly again, or some new issue?” Arthur asked. “Because… I’m sorry, but I really don’t have time to chat. I have to get back to work.” He gestured toward the office building and started shifting toward it. To his deep regret, Rachel began walking beside him. 

“I don’t want to condemn you.” Rachel declared. “I mean, yes, what you’re doing is wrong, and you should rethink it, but that’s something you need to discover on your own. I realize that. Condemning you isn’t my job. Conviction is the work of the Holy Spirit. But I do want to save you, Arthur, from yourself.” 

Arthur stopped walking. 

Rachel stopped beside him. 

He closed his eyes and sucked in a deep breath, letting other people move around them, even between them. They stood resolute in a stream of students who kept swimming through the hallway like fish on their way to feed. 

“Are you okay?” Rachel asked. 

“I’ve hit my limit.” Arthur said, releasing his inhale in a heavy sigh. He pinched the bridge of his nose and tilted his head to the sky. “Congratulations, Rachel. You’ve officially helped me realize how batshit crazy and insane my life is.” 

“There’s no need to be crass. I–” 

“No.” Arthur cut her off. “I can’t tell you how few spoons I have left.” 

“Spoons?” Rachel asked, confused. 

“Spoons.” Arthur agreed. “There is no spoon.” He’d normally be proud of the spoon theory and Matrix reference pun, but his audience remained clueless. He was sorry to have wasted it and thrown his pearls before swine. 

“I’m confused.” Rachel said. 

“Spoon theory.” He explained. “It’s a… well, it’s actually about chronic health issues, but a lot of people use it to refer to mental fatigue and wellness, specifically around everyday tasks. I have a lot going on in my life right now, too much, really, and I have no spoons left for you. Whatever this is, whatever you’re talking about saving me from, I’m not interested.” Arthur tried to phrase it as nicely and softly as possible. “I’ve told you that.” 

“But it’s your soul.” Rachel said, confused. “I’m trying to save you from hell. Don’t you care at all that you’re damned?” 

Arthur sighed. He’d tried to be nice and indirect. That hadn’t worked, so it left him with a more direct option. He wished Rani were here. He wondered what she’d say to this person and how he could do the same while still being kinder than Rani would be. He simply didn’t have the patience left.  

“You sound like a crazy person.” Arthur said, shaking his head. “While I would normally try to be nice and understanding so I could help you in whatever way you need to move past whatever issue you have with me, I just don’t care anymore. Hate me, call me a freak, and be as nasty as you want about it; I just don’t have the energy to care about whatever your issue is. It’s not my problem. Okay?” 

Rachel listened to him, watching his face. She was young, like Mindy. An eighteen-year-old university freshman who still had braces, though they might be ready to come off for how straight her teeth were. She wore no makeup. Her clothes marked her as one of the more modest people on campus, to the point where it was clear she had some religious hang-ups before she even opened her mouth. 

Her parents, however involved they were in this, hadn’t done her any favors for dealing with the world outside their church group. Maybe she was homeschooled and sheltered. Arthur didn’t know why she’d come to Pendleton and not attended Bible Camp College, but he didn’t care. He’d had exactly one deeper conversation with her, and he didn’t have the energy for a second discussion of religion and philosophy. Not right now. Not with everything else going on in his life that was weighing him down. 

Arthur had burdens. Lynn, Yvonne, theater club, talking to his mother, the girls, the guys’ night, whatever the girls were planning while he was at guys’ night, the Ren Faire, packing, renting a truck, moving, his schedules for lunch dates, evening dates, BDSM sessions, finding Beth a Dom, work, classes, homework, projects, exams, Ricky and Olivia, Lori had texted him, and now the HR lady who hated his guts for some unknown reason watching his every move in the office like a hawk. It was too much. 

Breakfast had been lovely, an oasis in the storm of life, and he desperately wanted to go back to his apartment and live in those moments with his girls once more. Kelly cooking at the stove, Rani showering in the other room, Mindy gathering his things, a naked Selene sitting at the table with him, Kat, and Katelyn while they joked about their plans for the day. It was heaven on earth, but he’d moved out of the eye and into the storm; now, he had to weather it. 

He had no patience left for Rachel, who might be well-intentioned but needed to grow up. 

“You need to grow up.” Arthur said, knowing he shouldn’t but pushing forward anyway. Was it the wrong thing to say? Absolutely, but he couldn’t stop the words from coming out of his mouth. “Whatever your issue is, you need to realize that whatever tradition you’re coming out of doesn’t work for everyone. Okay? It’d be like Mindy holding me accountable to Korean traditions, even though I clearly never had the opportunity to learn them. Or Rani expecting me to get baptized at her temple, or whatever the Hindi equivalent to baptism is. Do you understand? I’m not Korean, Indian, Methodist, Hindi, or whatever you’re supposed to be. Puritan? Baptist? Whatever? I’m just… I’m not interested in being saved. Whatever that’s supposed to mean to you.” 

“But..” Rachel hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “But you see where your life has led you, right? You’re overwhelmed and spiraling out of control. That’s what happens when you lead a life of sin. It takes over your life, and soon, you have no control over anything anymore. But if you let God–” 

“Nope.” Arthur cut her off. “Look. You can believe whatever you want, okay? I’m not mad that you’re a Christian if that’s how you identify your faith. But… I’m just not interested. So if you’re looking to recruit people to your bible study, prayer meeting, or dwindling church congregation, you’re talking to the wrong person.” 

“I’m not doing it for that.” Rachel said, her voice stern. “I’m trying to help you.” 

Arthur sighed. He took a deep breath and lifted his head. He wanted to shake this girl by the shoulders and scream until she left him alone. Why was she even bothering with him? Why wasn’t she doing this with Mindy or random people? Why was she targeting him out of everyone she knew? Probably because of the harem and his place in the center of it. She had an issue with polyamory and blamed him for corrupting Mindy. Maybe she thought she’d save the others if she saved him first. He didn’t have time to explain to her how deluded she was. 

He walked away. 

She followed. 

He stopped. 

Help. He needed help. From the sound of it, so did Rachel. He didn’t know what her story was exactly, but he knew her level of faith wasn’t normal. She wasn’t a typical Christian. She was something else, and she’d clearly been raised that way by people who loved her and believed what they told her. That wasn’t her fault, but it also wasn’t Arthur’s problem. However she twisted her thinking; it wasn’t his responsibility to straighten her out. 

He had no space left for problems, so it was time to start solving them. 

“Follow me.” Arthur said, changing his direction and walking through the hallway once more. 

Rachel hesitated but followed him. She was quiet initially, but as the crowds thinned around them, she found her voice. “Where are you taking me?” 

“You’ll see.” Arthur said, taking the exit from the front lobby and leaving the building. He held the door open for her to pass behind him, and she trotted to keep up with his longer stride. 

“I’m not going somewhere remote and alone with you.” Rachel said as if stating the declaration to correct a miscommunication. She didn’t seem disgusted by the suggestion so much as offended by it. Not that Arthur had suggested it in the least. “I won’t let you seduce me or tempt me into sin.” 

“Nope.” Arthur agreed. Sinning with Rachel was the last thing on his mind. “I’m definitely not going anywhere alone with you either.” 

“Okay… Well… good.” Rachel said, her voice full of confusion. “Just so we’re clear.” 

Arthur let silence fall between them as they walked, but they didn’t have far to go. 

“The health center?” Rachel asked, confused as they passed the sign. He knew she could read, so he didn’t bother confirming the giant-sized letters on the board in the grass. 

Arthur passed through the vestibule and stepped into a tranquil lobby. The check-in area was a square room with a counter taking up the far wall, a door to the waiting room on the left, and another door on the right. A small desk fountain stood beside a sign-in sheet. The glass wall behind them looked out onto the campus walk, but the windows were heavily tinted from the other side, granting privacy. 

The middle-aged woman behind the counter lifted her head and greeted them with a smile. “Hello, and welcome to the Health Center. Who are you here to see?” 

“We’re here for counseling.” Arthur said, taking up the sign-in sheet. 

“Couples counseling?” She asked. Given how close Rachel stood beside Arthur, it was an easy conclusion to jump to. She’d never been in here before, and in her nervous state, the tall and well-built Arthur was the only option for hiding behind. 

“No.” Arthur corrected the mistake immediately but kindly. “No, I’d like to schedule a personal session with Doctor O’Cinneide at her earliest convenience.” 

“Is Telehealth acceptable, or should this be an in-person visit?” The receptionist asked as she clicked away at her keyboard. 

“Either is fine.” Arthur said. 

“And you, Miss?” The receptionist asked. 

Rachel looked around her like she’d stepped into a trap. “Wait, Arthur, why are we here?” 

“I’m getting help.” Arthur said, stepping aside so that she could stand at the counter. “And I’d like you to get some, too.” 

“But I don’t need saving. I’m saved.” Rachel said, still confused. 

“Sure.” Arthur said. “But I think you need some help figuring out how to integrate into campus life and dealing with people outside your experience. Sessions with a therapist will help.” 

“But this kind of new age stuff is all just trickery. It can lead to demonic possession and–” 

“Please schedule a session with the doctor of your choice.” Arthur said. “I recommend Doctor O’Cinneide. She’s really helped me in the past, but…” He turned toward the woman behind the desk. “If you have someone especially well-versed in religious trauma, I might recommend them instead.” 

“I’m not paying to talk to some atheist so they can try and convince me to join them in hell.” Rachel said. 

“Oh, it’s free dear.” The woman behind the counter said as if she’d heard the objection to the cost and nothing else. “Well, not free. But the university covers the cost if you’re a full-time student. More than once-a-week sessions may incur some extra cost, and medicine costs are determined by your health insurance, but extra session rates are much lower than seeing an off-campus professional and can be charged to your school account.” 

“And do you have any mental health professionals who might be faith-friendly?” Arthur asked. 

“We have a few, depending on the faith.” The receptionist nodded. “And you don’t need to be embarrassed, dear. It’s common for freshmen to need help adjusting to campus life, especially those away from home for the first time.”  

“I’m not interested.” Rachel said flatly. “This is a waste of time. Arthur, if you just talk to me, I’m sure I can help you–” 

Arthur laughed. “No.” He shook his head. “Look. You said you want to save me, right?” 

Rachel nodded pointedly, not looking at the woman behind the desk. 

“And you want to do that by talking with me? Or having me attend some meeting?” Arthur asked. 

“Just talking.” Rachel agreed. “Not that I’d stop you if you wanted to come to church or Bible study, but that’s not–” 

“Okay.” Arthur said. “Here’s the deal. I’ll get help and talk to my doctor. You do the same. And then, if you want to, we can compare notes.” 

“The sessions are intended to be private.” The receptionist interrupted. “And confidential. You don’t have to share the details with anyone if you don’t want to.” She gave a pointed look to Arthur, who nodded his agreement. 

“True.” He said. “And I’m not forcing you to do anything. You don’t have to do this at all. But if you want to, it’s an option.” 

“And in return, you’ll let me try and convince you to stop seducing people and living in sin?” Rachel asked. 

The receptionist raised her eyebrows and gave Arthur an expression that clearly displayed her disbelief. Then again, on her second look at him, she could see how he might be a seducer. 

“You get one in-depth conversation at the end of the semester.” Arthur said. “You and I can sit and talk, somewhere public, about whatever it is you want to talk to me about. I will listen. I promise nothing else. Understood?” 

“Just one conversation?” Rachel asked. “How do I know you’ll keep your word?” 

“You’re going to have to trust me.” Arthur said. 

Rachel scoffed at that and crossed her arms. As unimpressed as she might be with the offer, Arthur didn’t see how she had any other choice. He didn’t have to talk or be nice to her at all. Hell, he could just file a restraining order if he wanted to. Anyone talking to Rachel for more than five minutes would see she was crazy enough to warrant one. 

“What terms would you prefer?” Arthur asked. 

“That we talk, and if that goes well, I’ll attend weekly sessions if you do.” Rachel countered. 

“And how do you define ‘goes well’?” Arthur asked. 

“If I get through to you.” Rachel said, defiant as she stared at him. 

Arthur shook his head. There were only about six weeks left in the semester after fall break. “Three sessions.” Arthur said. “Go to three sessions, and then before you leave for Thanksgiving, we can sit and talk.” 

Rachel narrowed her eyes at him. “And you’ll keep your word?” 

“If I don’t, you can tell Mindy I’m a liar.” Arthur said, knowing that he wasn’t a liar. 

“That’s your offer?” Rachel asked. 

Arthur offered her his hand for a handshake, and she looked at it as if shaking his hand might lead to dancing or other unforgivable sins. She declined, nodding at him instead and hugging her binder with both arms. 

Arthur took a deep breath. He had too many problems already, but this helped solve some of them. Weekly therapy would help him work through his trauma and the stress of his life as it currently stood. Because damn, was it stressful. And outside of their eventual conversation, it’d get Rachel to stop ambushing him after classes. It also might help her work through whatever demons plagued her because even after only a few brief conversations with the girl, Arthur could tell she needed therapy. 

Good Lord, did she need it. 

“Yes.” Arthur said. “That’s my offer.” 

Rachel hesitated, glaring at him from a few feet away. She didn’t like this turn of events, but he didn’t see how she had any choice but to accept his offer if she wanted to try and dissuade him from the polycule. Not that he believed she had any chance of making him give up his girlfriends to fit whatever morality she considered correct. 

Still, if she wanted to try, she had to agree. 

“Deal.” Rachel said, grimacing at the compromise. 

“Okay.” Arthur said. “Let’s make that appointment.” He said as he turned toward the receptionist. 

Thanks to a cancellation, the first available office visit with his old therapist was later that afternoon, so he scheduled himself for that two-thirty PM slot. Rachel had to wait until Wednesday of next week, but she didn’t seem bothered by that. Doctor Williams had a good reputation and was a former minister, so they could help her through whatever she needed to discuss. 

Arthur left her in the lobby, practically running back to the office. He was already several minutes late. 

~~~

Selene’s early morning had been great. A run with Master left her tired, but a shower with him and a decent breakfast energized her. She felt bad about not eating everything Kelly made, but Mistress was generous and didn’t hold it against her. Everyone seemed to have their feet on the ground and were ready to face the day after the night’s drama. It was amazing what a round of relentless orgasms, while tied to your mattress, could do for your mental health. 

If Selene paid more attention in class, she might have realized that was an older philosophy than she knew. 

As it was, she’d spent too much time reading this morning, and her mood was souring by the hour. She sat in the student lounge with her laptop in her lap, trying to care about the lesson plan she should be making. She sighed. 

Kelly was going to be a fantastic teacher. Katelyn would make a good one, too. Selene felt out of place in the educational arena. She felt more at home beside them while kneeling before Master and serving him. Even with their different body types, she’d never felt more included and part of something than last night when they stepped out in matching costumes. The look on Master’s face had been priceless, and the reward was worth every effort they put into the surprise. 

She wasn’t making an ounce of progress on her project. She didn’t want to do homework. She wanted to wear a skimpy costume and dance for Master until he told her to kneel or bend over. Then he could take her right then and there. Or better yet, she could dance for him while one of the others served him. Or she could serve him while he watched two of the others fuck each other. 

She sat and fantasized about Master and the harem and what she might do for him tonight if he let her come over after his class. She looked spaced out to anyone who passed by, but that was normal for anyone with a textbook in their lap. 

Her baggy overalls were on the cute side, as Master instructed. The cropped t-shirt she wore under them was an old Metallica t-shirt she’d cut after she’d accidentally spilled some soda on it at a party. It was baggy but made a good top and stopped mid-torso, so she wasn’t in danger of flashing anyone. Good thing, too, since she wasn’t wearing a bra or panties. The overalls didn’t make it obvious, but if someone were to stand right beside her and look into the gap between the wide pants and her narrow waist, and she were to lean in just the right way, they might notice. 

Her hair might obscure that view, though. She’d left it down and unbraided. It fell like a blanket around her, though she had to move it out of her way whenever she sat down. It cascaded over her shoulder at the moment, wrapping in a thick trail from the back of her head, over her breast, to her lap beneath the book.

The rest of the lounge was mainly through traffic. People walked past the couches on one side and computers on the other on their way to the mailroom or offices. A few students sat at the computers, working on projects or using class-specific software. 

She had a couch to herself, with two chairs facing it. Both were empty. She’d split ways with Kat and Rani after they came to campus. Katelyn and Kelly had left Arthur’s apartment for theirs. Kat, Rani, and Selene drove to campus together. 

Kat went to the library’s tutoring center for work. Rani said she was going to “the lab,” which meant she was doing homework—like Selene was supposed to do. She’d done some reading and texted Caleb to invite him to lunch. Master wanted to help Yvonne and Caleb reconcile, so Selene thought he should be nearby when Master and Yvonne had their lunch conversation. 

It seemed like a good plan, though she hadn’t checked with Master first. She was going to, but there was always a decent chance of getting distracted here if you knew somebody who happened to be passing by the lounge. 

“Hey, Selene!” A familiar voice said as she approached. “Maria said you wanted to talk to me?” 

Selene smiled, turning her attention to Jen. The curly, black-haired girl looked cute in a vest, blouse, and black skater skirt.

“Hey!” Selene smiled, closing her laptop. She patted the seat next to her and shifted aside, letting Jen sit beside her on the sofa. 

Jen took her cue and the seat, turning to face Selene as she sat. “Wow, I love your hair like that. I didn’t realize there was quite so much of it before.” 

“Yeah. I usually braid it, but I figured I’d leave it down for today.” Selene said, smiling. “Just trying something different.” 

“It looks nice.” Jen said. 

“Thanks!” Selene smiled. “So, did Maria tell you why I wanted to talk?” 

“She filled me in.” Jen nodded. “You want to surprise the guys on their guys’ night?” 

Selene nodded. “Are you down?” 

“It’s a little weird, isn’t it?” Jen asked. “I mean, it’d be one thing if we did it separately, but together? Are you really okay with everyone seeing everything? With Maria and I seeing Arthur naked?” 

Selene almost laughed but restrained her laughter into a wide smile. “It’s only weird if you decide it’s weird.” Selene said. “And I’m fine with you seeing him naked. I figured the guys have seen me in a bikini before; it’s not that much different than what we’ve got planned. Mark will have Maria, and Brad will have you, so it’s not like they’ll get the wrong idea.” 

“And what is the wrong idea?” Jen asked. 

“That I want to do things with them.” Selene said, keeping her words obscure but her meaning clear as people walked past them. “We’ll each be there for our guy.” 

“So you don’t want Brad or Mark to do anything…” Jen glanced around, making sure they weren’t overheard. “Sexual, with you?” 

“Of course not.” Selene said, shaking her head. “Ma–Arthur is the only man for me.” 

“What’s to keep him from getting the wrong idea about me or Maria?” Jen asked.

“We’ll explain the rules to the guys.” Selene said. “Whatever you and Maria are comfortable with. But if either of you wants to do something with Arthur, I’m fine with that if he is. But only if he is.” 

Jen tilted her head at Selene, confused but working through it. “So you’re okay if Maria fucks him, but he’s not okay if you fuck Mark?” 

Selene shrugged. “I don’t know how he’d feel about it. I only know how I feel about it. I’m not interested in Mark or Brad sexually.” 

Jen looked at her, unsure whether to feel relieved or insulted that Selene had no interest in Brad. “Why not?” 

Selene shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m just… not? I’d probably do something with them if Arthur wanted me to. If he told me to do it, I’d do it. But I’d be more likely to do something with you or Maria for his sake than Brad or Mark. I know he enjoys watching girl-on-girl action. I don’t know how he’d feel seeing me with another guy. There was one time… but I was blindfolded, and I’m pretty sure it was just him pretending to be someone else.” 

Jen raised both eyebrows in surprise at Selene’s lewd frankness but swallowed despite her blush and pushed through it. When she moved beyond that to what Selene was suggesting, she frowned. “That doesn’t seem fair. That he can sleep with other women, but you can’t sleep with other men.” 

Selene shrugged. “Maybe it’s not fair, but it’s what I want from my and Athur’s arrangement.” 

Jen didn’t seem able to understand. 

“I’m…” Selene hesitated. “How much has Maria told you about mine and Arthur’s relationship?” 

Jen shrugged. “Not much, I guess, but I’ve pieced some things together.” 

“So let’s just say that my and Arthur’s relationship is more than polyamory. We’re also kink-positive. He’s my dominant, and I’m his submissive. Though I prefer the terms Master and Slave, and I like watching him with other women. I’m a total cuckquean.” She whispered the last part. 

“Oh.” Jen said, absorbing that information and swallowing thickly. She was clearly imagining it, picturing Arthur dominating Selene as her eyes lingered on the collar clasped around Selene’s throat. 

“Yeah.” Selene smiled, blushing slightly and falling quiet as another group of students passed by. “So that’s why I’m okay with the arrangement being more in his favor than equal.” 

Jen nodded. 

“Is my unwillingness to do things with Brad and Mark a dealbreaker for you?” Selene asked, eyeing Jen with curiosity. “Do you want me to do things with Brad? Do you like to watch?” 

Jen bit her lip for a moment and seemed to contemplate that. “How much did Maria tell you about last Saturday? About what we did after Homecoming?” 

Selene raised her eyebrows. “She said you went to the Alpha Theta Epsilon party and had a good time?” 

Jen nodded. “We uh… we got a little carried away, I think, and had some fun in my room that night.” She winced as if suddenly realizing she didn’t know if she should be telling Selene this. It was her story to tell, in a way, but it wasn’t only her story. Maria might not have wanted Selene to know about it. Maria, Mark, and Brad also featured, but they weren’t here. Besides, they were all friends. It wasn’t like she was gossiping about this to a stranger. “Mark apparently likes to watch Maria with other people, and Brad and I… well, we went for it. I don’t know if he’d want to do it again. But we let Maria join us while Mark watched.” 

Surprise and a pink blush covered Selene’s face as she processed Jen’s story. Maria had blamed Selene multiple times for turning them all into sex-addicted freaks, but she hadn’t thought her influence had been that strong. Then again, they were consenting adults, and whatever Maria and Mark were into, she felt glad for them. Exploration was healthy. She was curious why Maria hadn’t talked to her about it. She’d thought they were closer than that. Maybe Maria wasn’t into Arthur? Selene would have to figure out a way to broach the subject. Friday night presented an ample opportunity. 

“So it wouldn’t be the first time this kind of situation came up with you guys…” Selene said, stroking her chin. “Wouldn’t that make it easier? Brad’s more likely to be into it if he gets you and Maria, and Mark will have five people to watch instead of three.” 

“But if we’re surprising the guys, how will we know if they’re okay with it?” Jen asked. “What if Arthur isn’t okay with being watched? Or Brad isn’t okay with Arthur there? Or if Marks’ not in the mood to watch?”

Selene frowned. Arthur, Brad, and Mark’s delight and consequent consent was something she’d assumed from the start. Her plan started with the three girls in lingerie playing hostess and waitress for the night. It didn’t have to go farther than that, but she’d be lying if she said she didn’t expect it to progress. She’d want to kneel between Master’s legs as soon as he allowed her to, and once she and Arthur kicked off the sexual escapades, she fantasized the others would follow. 

Master would get a night off with the guys, and she’d serve him however he wanted. She’d expected Jen and Maria to object to the subservience and possibly the lack of privacy. Privacy could be provided if they split the guys for anything sexual, taking them into another room. That was one possibility. Jen seemed to be suggesting that they’d all stay together, which was not something Selene objected to in the least. In a way, Maria had questioned Selene’s plan’s broad strokes, but Jen seemed more focused on the details. 

“I think the best plan is to start off slow.” Selene said. “We show up in sexy outfits, play waitress, and let things progress as far as we and the guys are comfortable. Absolutely no further. If the guys want to split up for sexy times, we can take them upstairs or something. If we stay in the same room… I’m fine with that, too. We can work out a safeword if anyone wants to stop.” 

“A safeword?” Jen asked, glancing at Selene’s brown leather choker. 

“Yeah.” Selene said, smiling. “What do you think?”

“It sounds like a lot.” Jen admitted. “Very kinky and out of my depth for sure, but… kind of exciting? Worst case scenario, it ends up being one hell of a story we can tell about our wild college days and the guys we dated once. Best case scenario… I guess everyone has a lot of fun, and it brings us all closer together as friends.” This was college, after all. When else were they supposed to do stupid, adventurous stuff that they’d live with for the rest of their lives? 

Selene agreed. “So, are you up for giving Brad a night he’ll never forget?” 

Jen smiled slightly. “I like to think I’ve already done that, but… okay.” She nodded. “I’m in under one condition.” 

Selene cut her celebratory fist pump short. “What condition?” 

“I want to interview you.” Jen said. “On the record.” 

Selene hesitated. Jen had already suggested that she wanted to interview the harem and Master, and they had turned her down. 

“Hear me out.” Jen said, heading off her objection. “It’d make for a good article on feminist sexual liberation and modern lifestyles.” Jen said. “You have a perspective that’s rare and interesting. People will want to read it, and everyone on campus is curious about the polycule making its way through the rumor mill. It’d be nice to set the record straight and get out ahead of the story before someone clueless, or worse, opinionated, writes an op-ed piece that causes trouble. We can even keep it anonymous, if you’d like, and not use your name so people don’t know that it’s you directly, other than me and my editor, obviously.” 

Jen seemed prepared with this pitch, and Selene realized she’d planned this offer. Selene asked her for a favor; it was only fair to ask for something in return. Jen seemed sex-positive, at least, and not like she’d pull a one-eighty and condemn their sexual escapades. Maria vouched for her, right? Still, why did she want an interview in exchange for the night of sexy fun Selene was offering? Orgasms weren’t enough? A night with Brad that they’d both remember forever? 

Selene frowned. “I’d have to ask Ma–” She cut herself off. “I’d have to ask my partners before going on the record for an interview. I’d be talking about them and wouldn’t want any of them to be blindsided by the article. They might even want to read it before it goes live.” 

“You’d get an advance copy to fact-check beforehand.” Jen said, her voice heavy with hope.

“I’ll ask.” Selene said. “But I want to keep our Friday night plans a surprise from the guys. Are you okay if the interview happens after Friday?” 

“That’s fine, so long as you agree to the interview before Friday night.” Jen said, nodding. “Maria vouches for you, and she trusts you.” 

“You don’t trust me?” Selene asked, surprised. 

“I don’t know you.” Jen said, smiling slightly. “Not very well, anyway. I’d like to. You seem like a fun friend to have and a good one, according to Maria.” 

“Aw.” Selene said, smiling. “Well, you seem fun, too. Especially if you’re down for this kind of thing with people you barely know.” 

“I have my moments.” Jen said, shrugging. “Honestly, it’d be weirder with people I was super close to.” She chuckled. “I guess we’ll hang out more if Brad and I get more involved, and he and Arthur are such close friends.” 

Selene nodded. “Are you coming to the Ren Faire with Brad?” 

Jen nodded. “Yeah, we talked about it. We went shopping for costumes last night as a date number two. Our first one-on-one date.” 

“Nice.” Selene said, smiling. “Brad’s a great guy. Did it go well?” 

Jen nodded. “Oh yeah. We found costumes and had a bit of fun.” 

“Hot.” Selene smiled. “Brad’s more adventurous than I took him for. Or maybe he just needed the right person.” 

“Yeah?” Jen asked, taking on a curious look. “Why did you never go after him? To date, I mean.” 

Selene smiled slightly. “I thought about it, but it wouldn’t have been fair to him.” 

“How do you mean?” Jen asked. 

“Brad’s a great guy, but I fell hard for Arthur when I first met him.” Selene blushed slightly, but this wasn’t something to be embarrassed about. At least, not now that she was dating him. “Brad would have been a consolation prize that reminded me of someone I couldn’t have. He deserves a girl who likes him for him. Besides, he knew how I felt about Arthur, and I don’t think he ever thought of me that way. He and I are friends from the Theater Club, but he’s always treated me like a little sister.” 

Jen nodded. Those were all good reasons not to date someone. “So you and Brad never hooked up or anything?” 

Selene shook her head. “No. We kissed on stage, but that’s not the same as actually kissing. Besides, I was dating Dave for a while when Brad and I became friends.” 

“So you didn’t date Brad because you were in love with Arthur but dated this Dave guy?” Jen asked. 

“Yeah.” Selene said. “It was bad advice, but I was trying to get over Arthur because he had a girlfriend.”

“Kelly?” Jen asked, remembering the redhead. 

“Lori.” Selene said, correcting her. “But she transferred and called it quits with Arthur.” 

“Right. I think I remember you saying something about that at homecoming.” Jen said, nodding as she tried to recall. “Or maybe Maria did.” 

Selene smiled slightly. She liked Lori and still considered her a friend, but she had to admit she was glad Lori transferred and dumped Arthur. It’d paved the way for Selene to make her move and for the harem to form the way it did.

“So, Friday night isn’t an excuse for you to bang Brad.” Jen said, presenting her reasons for asking as a statement, which she waited for Selene to confirm.  

Selene laughed, then restrained herself when she realized how loud and sudden her laughter had been. “No.”

“He’s pretty good.” Jen said. “You’re sure there’s not something between you two?” 

“I swear.” Selene said. “Brad’s a great guy, so is Mark, but sexually? I’m not interested in either of them. I’m sure Brad’s fine in bed, but I guarantee he’s got nothing on Arthur in that department.” 

“And how would you know that?” Jen asked. 

Selene shrugged. “Girls talk.” 

“So you’re not one of Brad's exes, but you know girls who are?” Jen asked. 

Selene’s smile broadened, and she had a mischievous glint as she met Jen’s gaze. “Oh, you want the dirt on Brad’s love life? That, I can deliver. But only for a few hours. I have a lunch appointment I have to make.” 

Jen chuckled. “I knew I liked you.”

Work moved slower after the adventure with Rachel. Her distraction caused Arthur to be late again. He explained what happened to Beth and then got to work at his desk. It was weird to work in the office without seeing much of Mindy, but she came and went as necessary, smiling at him when she could. Still, he missed her sitting at her workstation, where he could look up and see her. Instead, the other office women were there. 

One day, he was going to have to ask Beth why he was the only guy in this office. It wasn’t a problem, per se, but it did make things awkward sometimes. He could swear the others were giving him looks that alternated between curiosity and disgust as the clock ticked on. Tara and Sarah were unimpressed by his and Mindy’s relationship. The others hadn’t cared or addressed it with him or Mindy, as far as he knew. 

Paranoia wasn’t out of the question. After a while, he did his best to ignore the twisting stomach in his gut. He couldn’t do anything about their opinions, and the last thing he needed was another source of drama. He had enough to deal with. If anyone in his office had a problem with him, they could come and talk to him. He hoped. 

He was almost glad when his shift ended and it was time to leave for lunch. He poked his head into Beth’s office, but it was empty. She and Mindy had already departed, though he didn’t know if they’d gone to lunch together. He wondered, almost hoped they had, but he thought it might be slim chances. Mindy’s immaturity grated on Beth’s nerves. 

He gathered his things at his desk as he shut down for the day. His afternoon was spoken for between lunch, class, therapy, and homework. 

“Going to lunch?” Sarah asked as she gathered her things. 

“Yeah.” Arthur said, nodding. “You?” 

“Of course.” Sarah said, nodding. “Want some company?” 

“Oh, thanks, but I’m actually meeting a friend of mine already.” Arthur said. 

Sarah looked at him as if determining whether he was telling the truth. “Meeting Mindy?” She asked. “Or one of your other girlfriends?” 

“None of the above.” Arthur said. “Just a friend.”

“Oh.” Sarah nodded, walking with Arthur as they left the office behind. “Is he cute? Maybe I’ll join both of you.” 

Arthur laughed. “No, this is a more serious conversation. Theater Club drama we have to resolve.” 

“Oh.” Sarah said, obviously disappointed. “Well, have fun with that.” She frowned. “I uh… I’m gonna go this way. Enjoy your lunch!” She called out as she shuffled on the path toward the dorms. 

Arthur nodded and waved farewell as he walked across campus toward the cafe where he was supposed to meet Yvonne. He pulled out his phone as he walked and texted her. 

Arthur: Still good for lunch at the cafe? 

Yvonne: Yeah. I got us a table. It’s pretty busy here today. 

Arthur: Cool. I’m on my way now from the admin building. See you soon. 

He glanced around to ensure his bearings and changed messages, texting his mother as he walked. 

Arthur: Hey, Mom! Would you be around for dinner tonight? I know it’s short notice, but I wanted to talk to you about something important. 

His mom texted him back right away. 

Mom: Sure! Everything okay? Should your father be there too? Is someone pregnant? 

Arthur laughed out loud at her message. The gravity of what he wanted to discuss didn’t lend itself to laughter, but her imagination had been a total non sequitur for him. The women in the harem all used some form of contraception, so he wasn’t worried about pregnancy. Though, he wasn’t entirely certain she’d be upset if he did get one of his girlfriends pregnant. She’d been pretty clear with Lori about her desire for grandchildren one day. 

Arthur: Nobody’s pregnant.

Arthur: I just have something I need to discuss with you. Dad could be there, but he doesn’t have to if he’s busy. It’s a little sensitive. It might be easier if it was just you and me, and you can fill him in when he has time. 

Mom: Okay. Is everything okay? 

Arthur: It’s complicated. I’m okay. The girls are okay. There’s just stuff that’s been happening that I need to talk to you about. 

Mom: Of course. I’m happy to listen. 

Arthur: What time works for you?

Mom: I’m off at five. Where would you want to have dinner? Frenchy’s? 

Arthur: Would my apartment be too much of a drive? I could cook. 

Frenchy’s was private enough for a conversation to not be overheard, but this wasn’t the kind of conversation he wanted to have in a public place. Somewhere private was best. He could cook both of them dinner if he stopped at the grocery store on the way home. 

Mom: We could meet halfway, at the house? 

Lynn might be at the house. So that wasn’t going to work. 

Arthur: I can meet you at your apartment? I can pick up dinner on my way? 

Mom: Don’t be silly. We can cook something together like we used to. How does that sound? 

Arthur: That sounds great. I love you. 

Mom: I love you too! <3

Arthur put his phone away as he stepped into the cafe and joined the line. He looked around and spotted Yvonne waving at him from her table. She had food and a drink already. The two-seater table she’d chosen was against the window, with a large potted plant behind each chair offering the illusion of privacy. He nodded toward the counter, and she nodded, hiding behind her coffee. 

He didn’t spot Selene or the others at any of the tables, so he assumed they’d decided not to eavesdrop. Not that he scrutinized every face. The harem was probably eating lunch together in the cafeteria, and Arthur wished he could join them. He’d barely gone a few hours without seeing them but missed them and wanted to talk to them. He had to tell them about what happened with Rachel, and he was sure Rani would be glad to hear he’d scheduled the conversation with his mother. 

For now, though, he had to focus on his conversation with Yvonne. The plan was easier said than done, but it was simple: let her down easy and help her figure out how to reconcile with Caleb and the Theater Club. Ironically, Selene would probably be the toughest to win over. He might be able to pull the ‘Master’ card, but Selene might use her safeword if he abused his power over her that way. Appealing to her common sense might be the better way to go. 

If Yvonne left the club, it meant Selene would have to take on more responsibility to fill in the gaps. They all would. That meant less time for sex, which was already at a premium as far as Selene was concerned. So, what did she want more, more time for sex or more time holding a grudge against Yvonne? A grudge that Arthur was willing to drop, assuming Yvonne was as repentant as she seemed. He desperately hoped she wasn’t as much like Lynn as she sometimes seemed. Lynn was already too far gone, but he still held hope for Yvonne. Their friendship was salvageable. 

Arthur stepped up to the counter when it was his turn, ordered his tea, and bought his salad with grilled chicken. The cafe had far fewer options than a dining hall but slightly more options than a Starbucks. It was more like a Panera, but less fancy and more economical. It was a college cafe, after all. They knew their market, and their customers needed food. 

After making his purchases, he steeled himself and made for Yvonne’s table, sitting across from her and giving her a small smile.