Harem House Chapter 34 Part 2

Evening twilight crept across the lawn and brought nighttime chill with it. Thalia put the towel from the poolhouse over her shoulders like a blanket as Rani and Arthur tore down the camera equipment and props. 

Arthur cleared away the tools and lawn equipment, while Rani cleared away the camera equipment. Arthur grabbed their things from the poolhouse and brought them into the house’s kitchen. The girls followed him inside. Once inside, Arthur washed up. 

“This is a good place to start.” Rani said. “Arthur, can you put on that flowery apron again? I want some shots of you doing the dishes and cleaning the kitchen.” She said as she started to set up the lighting. 

“Sure.” Arthur’s ‘costume change’ took less time than the lighting. He set up the sink with water and suds and took some clean dishes from the cabinet to wash. Thalia took up the towel and stood beside him, ready to dry and put away. 

“You okay?” Thalia asked, her voice quiet as if whispering a secret. 

“Me?” Arthur asked. “Yeah. Why? Are you okay?” 

“Earlier, with the mower. You had quite the erection. And in the pool house. But you are not angry about blue balls?” Thalia asked. 

Arthur laughed. “No, I’m fine.” 

“Okay.” Thalia said. “And you are okay doing this? Posing doing the things a woman normally does while I do the things a man does? You do not feel emasculated at Rani bossing you around? Are you one of those men who likes a woman to take charge?” 

Arthur laughed. Rani glanced in their direction but refocused her attention on the lights. “I’m actually the exact opposite, but no, I don’t mind. To be honest, I was an only child. So all the chores were my chores, especially the domestic, quote/unquote womanly ones, growing up. I grew up in an apartment building, so I never did any yard work either. Even my mom hires landscapers for this place. My dad probably bought the yard tools to convince my mom they didn’t need to pay a company, but I can’t imagine him mowing the lawn.” 

Thalia smiled. “You are confident in your masculinity?” 

“Yeah. I guess you could put it like that.” Arthur said. “Confident enough that I’m not worried about appearances. I know I’m hot, and I know I’m in control.” 

“You are in control? It seems to me Rani is the one in command. She tells you to do something, and you jump.” Thalia said. 

Arthur laughed again. “I’m helping her out. I’m here to be helpful. That’s the whole thing. She gets that, but if you want, I can prove it to you.” 

Thalia considered him for a moment, then glanced behind her toward Rani. She nodded. “Okay. Prove.” 

“Rani.” Arthur said, surprising Thalia and Rani with the tone of his voice. Thalia hadn’t heard him speak that way before, but Rani certainly had. She immediately looked up from what she was doing and turned toward him without a word. Her expression asked everything that her voice didn’t. 

“Come here.” Arthur gestured for her, and she moved to stand before him. “Kneel.” 

Rani knelt, which surprised Thalia. 

“Open your mouth.” Arthur instructed. 

Rani opened her mouth. 

“Suck my dick.” Arthur said, his voice stern. 

Rani moved his apron aside, gripped his dick, and moved her head forward to bring it into her mouth, stroking him to hardness with her tongue and lips as she sucked. 

Thalia’s eyes looked as if they might bug out of her head. 

“Stop.” Arthur said. 

Rani stopped, pulling away and kneeling. Her eyes searched his gaze. 

“Thank you.” Arthur said, offering her a hand up. “I was just trying to prove a point to Thalia.” 

“Of course, my King.” Rani said, smiling and glancing at Thalia. Arthur could tell she’d known all along. She hadn’t been that far away and had probably been listening. “If you need anything, just ask.” 

“Thank you.” Arthur said, returning the politeness. “You can go back to what you were doing.” 

Rani kissed him first, then returned to setting up for the shoot. 

“Wow.” Thalia scoffed. “That was… surprising. And hot.” She fanned herself. “Could you tell her to lick my pussy?” 

Arthur laughed. “Maybe later. If you help Rani with her shoot.” 

Thalia laughed. “I will be the best model.” She agreed. 

“Ready?” Rani asked, now set up and ready to go. 

“Ready when you are.” Arthur said, raising the washrag for the ditches. Thalia slung the dish towel over her shoulder, and the two models turned to face the sink, standing side by side but slightly angled so the camera could look between them to show what they were doing. Rani had one camera set up directly behind them, one to the left tilted toward them in an arc, and the third she moved with, capturing images and occasionally calling for them to hold a pose. 

“Okay.” Rani said once the dishes were put away. “Thalia, can you put on that toolbelt? I want to get some shots of you fixing things around the house.” 

“I will be your handyman.” Thalia agreed. She slipped on the belt, turning it so that the flaps holding the tools covered her like a much too-short, separated skirt obscuring everything but her ass. Her glutes were solid, large, toned, and definitely the results of heavy squats. Her ass was pure muscle and smaller than Rani’s, though Rani’s had far more fat to it than muscle. 

“Let’s start with you in the kitchen. Would you mind pretending to fix something under the sink?” Rani asked. 

“I do not mind.” Thalia said, opening the cabinet under the sink. She pushed the detergent that was there back and laid on the ground with her back on the floor. 

“Spread your legs a little wider.” Rani instructed. “Better yet, bend your knees, put your feet on the floor. Perfect.” 

Thalia moved into the position, exposing herself as if the camera were ‘looking up her skirt’ which was really the toolbelt. With a monkey wrench in one hand and a pair of pliers in the other, she fixed the pipe until Rani told her to stop. 

“Arthur, can you stand over her? At her hips? There you go.” Rani said as Arthur stood facing Thalia and looking down at her. “Take off the apron.” 

Arthur shed the apron and tossed it to the island with the rest of their clothes. 

“Hands on your hips like you’re disappointed this is taking so long. Perfect.” Rani snapped the photos. “God, I love your ass.” 

“Thank you.” Arthur and Thalia said simultaneously. 

“Ah, she was talking to you.” Thalia said. Rani couldn’t see Thalia’s ass in this position since she was face-up on the ground. “But I have a nice ass.” 

Arthur laughed. 

“Okay, let’s get some in the sitting room.” Rani said, gesturing for them to follow her. 

Rani stepped out into the hallway and turned into the sitting room. The oak bar sat across the wide floor from the stone fireplace. Two armchairs sat facing each other, turned toward the fireplace a few feet from its hearth with side tables on the opposite sides of them between them and the bar. Further along, a sofa under the window faced the room, and the grand piano sat waiting for someone to play it. 

“I know I want at least one shot of Arthur on the piano.” Rani said, pointing to it. “But… Arthur, do you have a small ladder or a tall step stool?” 

“Yeah.” Arthur nodded. “I’ll get it.” He left the room. 

“You want me to climb a ladder?” Thalia asked. “I’m already tall. I don’t mind reaching.” 

“I know, but the light bulbs are way up there.” Rani said, pointing to the recessed lighting in the vaulted ceiling. “I’m going to use a perspective trick to make it look like you can reach them, but I need you at least a few steps up on the ladder to make it work. Okay?” 

“Okay. Just a few steps.” Thalia agreed. “I am afraid of heights.” 

“Don’t worry.” Rani said. “Just a few steps. And Arthur will be there to catch you if you fall.” 

“He looks strong, but… I weigh more than I look.” Thalia said, her tone doubtful. 

“You want me to prove how strong he is?” Rani asked, almost laughing. “I’d be willing to bet he can lift you no problem.” 

“And if I win the bet, what do I get?” Thalia asked. 

“If he can’t lift you, you get… an extra hour’s pay?” Rani asked. 

“I was thinking of a kiss.” Thalia said. “If your boyfriend cannot lift me, then you can lift me with a kiss.” 

“Oh, girl. I’ll make you fuckin’ fly.” Rani said, laughing. 

“What did I miss?” Arthur asked as he entered with a five-foot utility ladder. He set it up and moved it to the side as Rani answered. 

“Thalia and I bet whether you could pick her up.” Rani said. “If you can’t, I have to kiss Thalia. If you can, she has to get up on the ladder.” 

“Okay…” Arthur said, gauging Talia’s weight in his mind as his eyes scanned her body once again. 

“You think you can?” Thalia asked. 

“I’m optimistic.” Arthur said. “Are you okay if I do it without the toolbelt? I don’t want the tools falling out.” 

“Okay.” Thalia said. She took the toolbelt off and lowered it to the floor. 

Arthur moved in front of her, squatted slightly, pressed his shoulder to her waist as he grabbed her wrist in his hand, hauled her over her shoulder, and stood straight in one motion as if hefting a sack of potatoes. Thalia squealed and kicked, but Arthur held her steady, spun, and put her down again. 

“That was fun.” Thalia said, breathing quickly. “But… now I don’t get a kiss?” 

Rani stepped forward, her lips a breath away from Thalia’s. “No.” She said, laughing as she retreated. “Not yet. Now you get on that ladder.” 

“Aw.” Thalia pouted as Rani pulled away, laughing. “You are a tease.” 

“That’s definitely not true.” Rani said. “I fuckin’ follow through. Now on that ladder, missy, or I’ll have Arthur fetch a paddle.” 

“Okay.” Thalia said, laughing as she put the toolbelt on. She snapped it, spun it into place, and stepped onto the ladder one step at a time. Arthur held the ladder steady from behind her. She stopped when her ass was level with his eyes. She held her legs together, both feet on the same ladder step. 

“Stagger your step a little…” Rani said. 

Thalia lifted her right foot to the next step, splitting her legs and giving Arthur a view of her pussy from behind. 

“How comfortable are you with another erotic pose?” Rani asked. 

“I’m okay.” Thalia said, her voice somewhat shaky. 

“No, she’s not.” Arthur answered. 

“You don’t want to put your face between her legs?” Rani asked. 

Thalia looked behind her, then whipped her face forward again as her balance yelled at her. 

“She’s too unsteady on the ladder and too nervous.” Arthur said. “She’s not comfortable. Yellow light.” 

“Okay.” Rani said, backing down immediately. “Let me just get some more shots…” She took a few, lying on the ground and turning the camera toward the ceiling to capture them both from multiple angles. “Okay, Thalia, you can come down.” 

Arthur helped Thalia down. Her footsteps were shaky, and she clasped his hand too tightly for the initial step down, but Arthur didn’t complain. Once her feet were on the soft carpet again, she relaxed, and Arthur took the ladder to put it away. When he returned, Rani had Thalia pretend to paint the wall; the lights shifted to cause some shading to split from her brush and make it look as though part of the wall was unpainted. Arthur thought that was a clever idea. 

Rani looked at her camera again and nodded to Thalia to say they were done. 

“Thank you.” Thalia said, standing beside Arthur again as he watched Rani. 

“For what?” Arthur asked. 

Thalia looked at him. “For noticing I was uncomfortable and for saying something when even I would not.” 

Arthur nodded. “Of course. Anytime. We look out for each other, yeah? Us models have to stick together.” 

Thalia laughed. “Yeah. We stick together.” 

“You’re a natural at this. Always moving and freezing into place perfectly. And your expressions? You’re amazing.” Arthur said. 

“Thank you.” Thalia said. “You are good too, for a beginner. Your expressions are good. Your poses… you could practice.” 

“I’ll do my best to learn fast.” Arthur said, not taking the comment badly. He knew it was accurate. He had a lot to learn if he wanted to make a career out of this. Luckily, he didn’t. Hopefully, Rani could use what she had, and he hadn’t totally messed things up for her. 

“Do not worry. You look good. You will be good in photos.” Thalia said. 

Rani looked up from her camera. “Okay…” She said and gestured toward the camera. “Last batch, I think. Arthur, can you sit at the piano? Maybe play something?” 

“What do you want me to play?” Arthur asked. 

“Just something you can play?” Rani asked. “Show us what you can do.” 

Arthur nodded and took his seat on the bench. It felt a little strange, sitting naked at the piano. At least he knew it was clean. He lifted the cover for the keys and placed his right foot against the pedal with his fingers on the keys. Rani and Thalia watched him. Rani moved the lights into place, made some adjustments, and then took photos. Thalia sat in one of the armchairs before the fireplace and turned to face him. He took a deep breath, and started the intro for a number he knew in his bones. 

Music of the Night from The Phantom of the Opera crept into the room in soft, plodding trills. Thalia fell silent as she sat in her seat, watching Arthur. Rani might have expected something show-tuney and corny, but this wasn’t that kind of song.

Thalia held her breath at the surprise of his skill. She released her exhale as the music swept higher, and Arthur’s movements at the keys became half a dance. The piano performed the other half of the dance, giving life to the music he struck through it. He closed his eyes, and his expression gradually shifted from nervous to serene. He was home, and the music enfolded him in a warm, familiar blanket of nostalgia. 

Arthur had played this and many other songs from the show many times. He had a difficult time not singing along, but he heard the words in his mind as clearly as if they’d left his lips. His fingers remembered their dance. The subtle movements and changes of pressure against the keys created lingering, haunting despair with light, tinkling notes. Finally, the soft keys ended on their final, prolonged chord, like a final tear trailing down a cheek and falling to the ground. 

Arthur opened his eyes and turned to see Rani and Thalia staring at him, both wiping the corners of their eyes. 

“Are you okay?” Arthur asked. 

“Are you?!” Rani asked. She pulled some tissues from her backpack and handed one to Thalia. “Fuck man, you picked the saddest-sounding song I’ve ever heard!” 

“It’s Music of the Night from Phantom!” Arthur said. “It’s one I know really well.” 

“Fucking hell.” Rani said, wiping her nose with the tissue. She had to be careful with her piercings. 

“Way to ruin the mood.” Thalia said, chiming in. 

“It’s romantic!” Arthur exclaimed. 

“It’s sad!” Rani argued. “It sounded so sad.” 

“You played beautifully.” Thalia said, clearly not wanting Arthur to get the wrong idea. “But yeah. I agree. Was sad. Not sexy.” 

“It’s…” Arthur was at a loss for words. “It’s from Phantom of the Opera.” He didn’t know how to explain that it was romantic, but he’d always thought it was a beautiful romantic song. 

“The Gerard Butler movie?” Rani asked. 

Arthur stood from the bench so quickly that Rani flinched in surprise. “Never mention that movie again in my presence.” 

Rani laughed. Arthur didn’t. 

“Ooookay.” Rani said, unsure of how to respond. 

“Seriously.” Arthur said. 

“Okay.” Rani said again. “I mean, I’m sorry, my King.” She slipped to the floor and bowed, going into a child’s pose. “I won’t mention it again in your presence, my king.” 

Thalia gave Rani a look but then became distracted by Rani’s backside in her pose. 

Arthur rolled his eyes but nodded and closed the piano. 

“May I stand, my king?” Rani asked. 

“Yes, Concubine, you may stand.” Arthur said. “I want to finish the shoot sometime tonight, after all.” 

“Oh, I think we’re done with the photos.” Rani said. “That was the last of my list, unless…” 

“Unless?” Arthur asked. 

“Unless both of you are interested in doing some more erotic photography?” Rani asked, looking between Arthur at the piano and Thalia in the armchair by the fireplace. 

“I am okay with that.” Thalia said. “What did you have in mind?” 

Rani kept her gaze on Arthur. He nodded. “I’m okay with it if you are.” He said. 

Rani smiled, picking up her camera and pointing to the armchair. “Okay, Arthur, I want you to stand behind Thalia’s chair. Thalia, I want you to sit up for me, spread your legs… just like that.” Rani nodded as Thalia followed her instructions. “Rub yourself.” 

Thalia started playing with herself as she had outside, her fingers flat against her and rubbing in small circular motions. 

“Arthur, I want you to massage her shoulders.” Rani said. “And Thalia, if at any point you’re uncomfortable, just say red light, and we’ll stop. Yellow light, we’ll check in.” 

Thalia raised an eyebrow. “Okay.” She shrugged, stretched her neck, and let Arthur massage her shoulders. “Harder.” She told him. 

Arthur massaged her harder, using his hands to knead her muscular flesh. He rubbed her shoulders, and she rubbed herself while Rani snapped pictures on her camera. 

“Okay, switch places.” Rani said. 

Arthur’s expression turned skeptical, but he took the seat from Thalia and spread his legs, taking up much the same pose, his erection standing for him as Thalia massaged his shoulders. 

“Stroke yourself.” Rani said. 

Arthur smirked at her but stroked himself. 

“You must masturbate often.” Thalia said. “With so many hot girlfriends.” 

Arthur had to think about it. “Not really.” 

“No?” Thalia asked. 

“I used to maybe once a day before bed, but I haven’t had to since this whole thing started.” Arthur said. “I’ve been cumming two or three times a day without having to do it myself.” 

“Impressive.” Thalia said. “I think?” 

Rani continued snapping photographs, moving the angle of her camera and adjusting the lighting between shots until she was satisfied. “The impressive thing is he gives twice what he gets. Sometimes more.”

Thalia’s eyes lowered to his crotch. 

“How many times have you cum today?” Thalia asked. 

“Uh…” Arthur had to think about it. He, Kat, and Beth hadn’t had time to play that morning with Lynn’s interruption and all the extra aftercare he gave them to prevent Beth from suffering any subdrop. Given how calm and quiet she’d been at work that day, he still wasn't sure if he'd succeeded. 

His shower with Kat and Selene, then. Selene had made him cum after he made Kat orgasm in the shower. 

“Once.” Arthur answered. 

“And how many orgasms have you given?” Thalia asked, her tone doubtful. 

“One.” Arthur answered. “Maybe two.” 

“Who was the lucky girl?” Thalia asked. 

“My girlfriend Kat. We shared a shower this morning.” Arthur answered. 

“And the second?” Thalia asked. 

“My other girlfriend, Selene. Though, I didn’t so much as give her one as give her permission to have one. She’s supposed to masturbate for me, film it, and she’s allowed to orgasm. We have a… we have a BDSM-based relationship.” Arthur said, trying to explain himself. 

“Like you and Rani?” Thalia asked. “Very dom and sub vibes, even if she is bossing you around as her model. You will make her answer for this, yes? Perhaps throw her over your knee and spank that huge ass of hers?” 

“You’d like to see that, wouldn’t you?” Rani asked, smirking. 

“Very much.” Thalia said, smiling back at Rani with a wolfish grin. “I would not mind getting a few smacks in myself.” 

“We’ll see how tonight goes.” Rani said. “Okay, let’s see… Thalia. Would you be comfortable kneeling in front of Arthur?” 

Thalia raised an eyebrow but circled the chair until she stood before him. She dropped to her knees between his legs, using his thighs for support. “Like this?” 

“Good.” Rani said, taking up a position behind her with the camera. “Now lower your face to his crotch, like you’re sucking his cock.” 

Arthur’s dick twitched in Thalia’s face. She parted her lips and tentatively took him into her mouth. 

“She didn’t mean–” Arthur’s protest died on his lips as Thalia’s tongue curled against him. 

“Good girl.” Rani said, snapping away. “How low can you go?” 

Thalia pushed her head forward, not sucking, not stroking, but holding him in her mouth for the photographs as Rani snapped away. She lowered her lips from beneath his tip to a quarter of his cock in her mouth, then more, until the soft tip of his rigid dick pressed against the tight entrance to her throat. 

“No lower?” Rani asked. 

Thalia’s eyes moved left and right as if shaking her head no without shaking her head. 

“I don’t think she can.” Arthur said. “Any further, and I’ll be in her throat.” 

Rani nodded. “I get it. Deep-throating isn’t my thing, either. These are some gorgeous shots, though.” Rani smiled. 

Arthur took a deep breath, relaxing as Thalia held him in her mouth. 

“Suck.” Rani said. “I need your cheeks to dimple a little.” As if that were the reason. 

Thalia glanced in her direction but sucked, concaving her cheeks with effort. It wasn’t particularly pleasurable, but it looked fantastic, and Arthur closed his eyes. 

“And switch.” Rani declared. 

Thalia pulled her head off Arthur’s cock and wiped her mouth. “Was that good?” She asked. “I’ve never… uh…” 

“It was okay.” Arthur said, not wanting to lie but not wanting to hurt her feelings either. 

“I expected you to pop as soon as I put you in my mouth.” Thalia said, smirking. 

“He has more staying power than that.” Rani said. “I’m a fuckin’ expert cock sucker, and even I have to work to get him off.” 

Arthur shrugged but knelt before Thalia as she spread her legs for him. “Do you want me to…” 

“Return the favor, yes.” Thalia said. “If you think you can get me off… go for it. I am sure it will make for good pictures.” 

Arthur looked at Rani, who winked at him. “You heard the woman. Give it your all, my King.” 

So Arthur did. He started slow and calm, sweeping her with his tongue before he probed deeper. Once her folds open and she welcomed his tongue with her slick lower lips, he began to nibble and suck while his tongue worked, teasing her clit into the open. At first, he didn’t touch it directly but moved around it, pressing the tip of his tongue against everything but the bud.

Soon enough, Thalia shook with the effort of keeping her legs open for him beneath the onslaught. She held her pose as best she could, but she transformed above him as he tongue-fucked her until sweat fell in beading trails along the slopes of her body. 

“Use a finger.” Rani suggested. “Just one.” 

“No.” Thalia said. “If you do…” She panted. 

Rani took more pictures. “Do you want to use a safeword?” Rani asked. “Red light? Yellow light?” 

“No!” Thalia said. “Do not stop… I… hold onto your head?” 

Arthur couldn’t nod, so he put his hands over hers and moved them to his head. She mussed his hair, grabbing a fistful of it in one hand while cradling his head with the other. She pushed and pulled according to her need for pressure. 

“I’m going to–to–” She made a face as if she were about to sneeze. Rani’s camera sped into overtime, and Thalia came, shaking with the effort of it as her thighs suddenly slammed against Arthur’s skull and squeezed. He tapped her leg several times, three times, and Rani rushed over and helped him pry Thalia’s legs apart. 

“Sorry!” Thalia cried out when she realized what she’d done. 

“It’s okay.” Arthur gasped. “I panicked when you boxed my ears.” He rubbed the sides of his head and stretched his jaw. “I’m okay. It just surprised me.” 

“Me too!” Thalia said. “I have never… that was the first time a guy ever… I did not think you knew where the clit was, much less how to use it.” 

Rani laughed. “Believe me now?” 

Thalia nodded, laughing with Rani as Arthur fell back and rested with his hands behind him, breathing heavily. 

“Anything else on the docket?” Arthur asked. “For photography, I mean?” 

“Not unless you want to mop the kitchen.” Rani said, gesturing to the door. “Or reupholster the chair…” She noticed the damp spot on it at the same time Arthur did. He shrugged. 

“I can mop the kitchen.” Arthur agreed. “I’ve no idea how to reupholster the chair.” 

“I was kidding.” Rani said, holding up her hand to stop him. “I’m too hungry for anything else. I need to eat, fuck, and sleep. I’ve been awake for far too long.” 

“Should we order dinner?” Arthur asked, ignoring the middle suggestion. “Or go out to eat?” 

“I’m fine either way.” Rani said. “I need to do the edits, but not tonight. Food sounds good. The two of you are officially done either way.” She said. “Thank you so much, Thalia.” She glanced at her watch. “Since we’re a little over I’m just going to round up to the next hour, okay? Is Venmo good, or would you prefer an actual check? Same for you, Arthur, just let me know how you want it.” 

Arthur looked confused, but that was only because he was. “I can cover the food.” He said, still thinking about it even as Thalia gave Rani an exhausted thumbs-up. 

“Venmo is good for me.” Thalia said. “Or Paypal.” 

“You don’t have to worry about it. I can cover the food.” Arthur repeated. 

Rani shook her head. “For the shoot.” She looked at Arthur. “How do you want to be paid?” 

Arthur stared at her. “You don’t have to pay me. I did this to help you out.” 

“That is a good boyfriend.” Thalia said, nodding, but shook her finger at Arthur. “Bad model.” 

Rani laughed. “I’ve been meaning to ask you, where is your accent from? It’s beautiful.” 

Thalia laughed. “My accent is from my parents, I think. They are Greek. I was born in Cyprus. The South part.” 

Rani nodded. “Nice. Do you miss it?” 

“I go home in summer and winter, so it is not too bad, except sometimes people think I am a tourist until I speak.” Thalia said, shrugging and putting her hands on the arms of her chair. 

“You do a lot of this kind of modeling?” Arthur asked. 

“Mostly, I pose for drawings.” Thalia said. “Figure model. Sometimes for photos, which I like. There is more movement. It is easier.” 

Arthur nodded. 

“This is your first time?” Thalia asked, already knowing the answer. 

Arthur nodded, glancing back toward Rani as she stepped out of the room. He stepped away from Thalia, closer to the door where he could keep an ear on Rani in the kitchen. “Yeah.” He answered Thalia. “Rani?” He called.  

“I’m just getting our shit!” Rani called back. “You okay?” 

“Yeah!” Arthur said, relaxing a little. 

“Here we go.” Rani said, re-entering the room with clothes, purses, and the rest of their things. She set them on the bar and passed Thalia her belongings. Thalia made no move to get dressed but put her clothes on the end table beside her. Arthur hesitated. He wouldn’t dress if Rani and Thalia weren’t going to, and neither did, so he put his clothes under the chair.

“So, what is the verdict for food?” Thalia asked. 

“Oh uh…” Arthur glanced at Rani. “If we order from The Garden Wok, do you think Mindy will deliver it?” 

Rani shook her head. “She’s not working for her parents tonight. She has homework to do. I should check in with her, actually, I’ve had my phone on silent since we got here.” 

“I could call Selene. She’d pick up anything we order and bring it over.” Arthur said. 

“Selene would do anything for you, but don’t abuse it.” Rani said, patting his back as she walked behind him and sat in the chair opposite Thalia. 

“Or we could go to a place on the way home.” Arthur said. 

“Or…” Thalia said, eyeing Rani. “We could fuck.” 

Rani smiled. “You’re a woman after my own heart, Thalia.” She offered Thalia a fistbump, and Thalia bumped it. “Isn’t that unprofessional, though, to fuck your photographer?” Rani was teasing her now.

“Bullshit.” Thalia said, shaking her head. “Is fun. Besides, the photoshoot is done. You have what you need, yes? Any other photos you take tonight are for me, and anything we do is for us.” 

Rani looked at Arthur. “What do you think, My King? Can we have some fun with Thalia?” 

Arthur hesitated. “Should we message the group?”

“It’s your permission that matters.” Rani said. “Remember? I’m allowed to play with others if you’re there and approve. You’re here… so… can we play with Thalia?”  Rani looked at Thalia. “He’s my King, so I have to ask his permission, you understand.” 

“I do not.” Thalia said. She shrugged. “But that is okay. Kelly warned me you like to let Arthur take the lead? And he did the commanding in the kitchen. Very hot.” 

Rani nodded and glanced at Arthur. “And according to our rules, his rules, really, we should be good to go since I’m here, and he’s here, and you’re here…” She glanced at Thalia, then at the bar. 

“Food first.” Arthur said. “We need fuel, then we can burn off the calories.” 

“Yes!” Rani said, dancing over to him. “Thank you, my King. I’ll owe you one. Next girl you want to bang? Free pass.” 

Arthur chuckled and shook his head. “Food first.” He reminded her. 

“Sure, sure.” Rani moved behind the bar. “Would anyone like anything to drink?” 

“Did my mom leave liquor?” Arthur asked as Rani went behind the bar. 

“There’s some!” Rani said, holding up a bottle of whiskey, then another of peppermint schnapps, and a bottle of vodka. 

“I think we should have food first.” Arthur said. “Let me see what’s nearby.” He pulled his phone out of his pants pocket to start Googling and stopped when he saw a notification from his mom. 

Mom: Having dinner with the Tae family tonight! Will you be there? I’ll do my best for you and your girlfriend! 

“Uh…” The face Arthur made at his phone piqued Rani’s curiosity and dragged her to his side. He showed her the message. 

“What the fuck?” Rani asked. “Oh, because she knows them.” 

“What?” Arthur asked. 

“Your mom knows–oh, that’s right, you’re not in the girls’ chat. Fuck. Your mom apparently knows Mindy’s dad from college.” Rani explained. “It was a whole thing on Sunday. The girls filled me in, but I guess we left you out of it. There was a photo album. Selene sent pictures. I’ll send them to you.” 

Arthur called his mom. It went to voicemail. Based on the time his mother texted, they might have been sitting down to eat with Mindy and her family at that very moment.