Playing Knotty by Elia Winters Read Free Book Online Page B

stared at the blank screen. There was only one thing left to do.
    Emma picked up on the second ring. “Ian?” She sounded uncertain and maybe a little curious. “What’s up? I found some extra chairs, by the way, so you don’t have to bring any.”
    â€œWhat? Oh, good. Thanks.” He had forgotten about the chairs. “Well, I’ve, um, got a problem. I was hoping you could help me out.”
    A pause. “Sure, if I can.”
    He twirled a pen between his fingers. “This is really unconventional. I’m sorry. I wouldn’t ask if I had any other options.” She didn’t reply, but he could hear her breathing on the other end. He exhaled and continued. “My bondage model has the flu. I’ve asked around, but nobody’s available. I was going to cancel, but then I thought maybe . . . if you were interested, or . . . I mean, not completely opposed to the idea, maybe you would do it?” Another long pause. God, he’d give anything to be able to see her face, to know how to proceed. He was terrible at phone interactions. He pushed on. “It’s not difficult. You don’t have to take your clothes off or anything. And . . . it’s not sexual. I mean, it’s only a workshop. It’s not a kink event. I just need someone to demonstrate on. And I’ll pay you. I always pay my models.”
    â€œHow much?”
    The question took him by surprise; that wasn’t the response he was expecting. “Well, I usually pay twenty-five dollars per hour, and it’s a two-hour class, so fifty. I know it’s not a lot, but it’s the standard rate, and—”
    â€œI’ll do it.”
    His first response was relief. He didn’t have to cancel after all, and she was willing to do it. But something didn’t sit right. Was she really that hard up for cash? “Emma, is this . . . I mean, it’s not sexual, but it’s kind of intimate, and if you’re only doing it for the money but you really don’t want to do it, I’d feel shitty. I could give you the fifty dollars, if that would help, and postpone the class until Lizzy’s better.”
    Her response was clipped. “I don’t need your charity, Ian. I said I’d do it, and I’ll do it. You don’t need my reasons, right? You just need someone to demonstrate on. You said yourself it isn’t difficult.”
    Her answer wasn’t completely satisfying, but he felt somewhat better, and if he pushed the issue she might hang up on him, and then he’d be screwed. “No, it’s not. Thanks! Thanks a lot, Emma.” He let the relief he felt show in his voice.
    â€œSo is there anything I need to know or do?”
    â€œNo, just wear comfortable clothes.”
    â€œI can do that.”
    For a second time, he wished he could see her face, understand what she was feeling and thinking. Over the phone, he had to take her at her word. “Thanks again, Emma. I owe you one.”
    â€œIt’s . . . no problem. I’m happy to help a friend.”
    When he hung up, Ian scrubbed his hands over his face, unable to stop picturing Emma writhing in her bonds. He would need to jerk off right before the workshop or this would be far more difficult than he anticipated.

    E mma stared at the phone after hanging up, her heart beating a tattoo inside her rib cage. Holy hell. She was going to be a bondage model for Ian Cooper.
    The reasons why this was a terrible idea were scrolling through her head like the opening credits of Star Wars, but she tried to ignore them in favor of Holy hell, I’m going to be a bondage model for Ian Cooper. And with the fifty dollars, she could buy some groceries other than ramen.
    She flushed, thinking of his offer to simply give her the fifty dollars and let her skip the workshop. It was generous but insulting, if those two emotions could coexist. Their conversation