"Honestly?" Astraeya said, somewhat hesitant now. "It's not as secluded as it looks. But that's part of the experience, that sense of being alone with your partner, out of reach. I'm not supposed to spoil that for you, but—"

She paused and I waited, finally prompting her, "But?"

She grimaced slightly and offered me a sheepish, beaming smile. "You're very new to this. It's a big leap."

Two weeks ago, I'd been too embarrassed to tell my best friend my deepest, strangest desires. Now here I was, in a car with a stranger, feeling slightly embarrassed that I hadn't already acted on them. It was like Astraeya thought I was having sex for the first time. Except maybe that wasn't so far off.

"I just want you to know you're safe. You have a really good partner, so I know you're going to have an amazing time," Astraeya said.

My hands clenched on the skirt of my dress, my head whipping to stare at her. "You know him?"

Astraeya grinned, the car slowing. "Just from the office. And his reputation with clients."

I stared at her for another long, quiet moment, willing her to give me more information, but she said nothing until the car had stopped, the forest quiet around us.

"We're here," she said brightly.

Distracted from the mention of my partner for the week, I turned again and gaped at the sight before me. Being chased through the woods was one of my requests, and I'd halfway expected Astraeya to drop me off to be chased. Instead, we sat parked in front of a sweet cottage, with cream plaster and a thatched roof like something right out of a fairy tale. There was even a blooming vine crawling up the corners of the house.

"Appearances can be deceiving," Astraeya said coyly. "Come on, I'll get you oriented."

I licked my lips and hesitated. Astraeya had made sure to tell me that I could back out or cancel my appointment at any time, even once everything had started. For a moment, I considered asking her to drive me back to the office, to my car. I would lose the deposit for the session, but not the entire small fortune this was costing me, and Natalie would let me stay with her. Or better yet, I could go to a hotel with a nice spa package, like I should've done in the first place.

I pushed open the car door, while Astraeya already had my small suitcase in her hand from the backseat. I met her at the little door, and my eyes widened to see the keycode and smart screen rather than some antique knob and lock.

"Just go ahead and press your thumb to the screen. It's easier than us loading you up with a bunch of codes you have to remember," Astraeya said.

"Will I need to unlock the door?" I asked.