‘That’s right, Carmel, I like that thing you did with your hair just then, and now maybe, give him a quick look and, that’s right, look away again. You like him, don’t you, that dangerous older man, but you’re not going to show him, are you?

‘And, Stevie, you’re disappointed, yeah, that’s it, she’s raised your hopes and dashed them again, that’s women for you, but you can’t help it, you like her, you’re attracted to her, it’s something you can’t control, and you move a little closer, casual, like, but hey, fuck her, you’re a good-looking guy, let her beg, that’s good, Stevie, and yeah, that’s right, you’re drawing her in.

‘Her head turns, and she looks at you for longer now, that’s good, Carmel, and turn away, and I’d like you to open your mouth now, Carmel, just a little, that’s great, and close it, and now, you moisten your lips with your little pink tongue … that’s perfect.

‘And then, Stevie, come closer, and closer still, and step behind Carmel, put your arm around her waist, this is really good, you two.

‘And, Carmel, you’ve got mixed feelings now, things are moving fast, maybe too fast, and he’s what you want, he’s what you desire, but you’re afraid too, that’s good, Carmel.

‘No and yes, Carmel, no and yes, and Carmel, that’s so good, and Stevie, you know what you want, we all know, and you know she wants it too, even though she’s pulling away from you now, but you know what she really wants underneath that fear, you have to push through that.’

‘And do it now, Stevie,’ Gill said, and took a step closer to them.

With force, Stevie put his hands on Carmel’s hips, one at each side, then pulled her suddenly and violently towards his pelvis. She gasped. She hadn’t known this was going to happen. I looked at Gill. He had stopped talking and he was watching Carmel, her every breath and movement, appraising her as if she was a horse he was buying at an auction.

He spoke softly to her.

‘Carmel, you are so, so good at this,’ he said.

He swallowed, then continued talking in the same soft voice.

‘And, now, Stevie, like we planned and, remember, softly.’

Stevie bent his head to Carmel’s ear, and whispered. She blushed pink, and her eyes closed, and stayed shut.

There was silence until Gill spoke again.

‘Carmel, let’s see that little pink tongue again …’

She opened her eyes, looked at Gill, did as he asked. He smiled, like he was the one holding her, like she had become his.

‘And. Cut,’ Gill said.

‘You guys, that was amazing.’