“Thanks for a weird night,” I tease. She rolls her eyes, but I ignore it. Instead, I pull her against me, wrapping one arm firmly around her tiny waist. I plant a passionate good-night kiss on her, snaking my tongue through her parted lips and claiming her mouth. I remind her exactly what it is we’re doing together. I don’t stop until she gives in to the lust, digging her fingers into my biceps and pulling me closer with a soft moan.

My eyes locked with her, I tell her, “I’m not here to make you feel normal. I want to make you feel like the sexual goddess I know you are.” She doesn’t respond. She’s speechless. There’s a first. “Good night, Goose.”

“Good night,” she manages to squeak out as she walks away.

As her petite frame disappears into her building, I continue trying to convince myself she hasn’t gotten under my skin with her artless charm.

I don’t feel anything for this girl.

This woman.

This weird little goddess.

This is nothing but a simple business arrangement.

Keep telling yourself that, Jacobs.

Chapter Six

Chapter Six

Elizabeth

“I know xXGodsGift69Xx is an obnoxious prick, but the trade deal’s actually pretty sweet. He seems a bit desperate after getting sanctioned by The Federation for trading with Hellofaplace during the embargo. It’s a gamble, since no one wants to touch him with a ten-foot pole, but I think I’ll do it. What do you think?” I ask Jackie in our private video chat window while I check on the status of my small but mighty country in the background.

I’m hoping for some decent advice on the nation-building game we both play. We’re each the proud owners of first-world nations in Rule Them All, an online game where players create and run their own country. I’ve been playing since it first came out seven years ago. Players interact with other countries, forming alliances and making trade agreements. Or, they can invade and conquer. Whatever floats their boat.

The game is how we met. Being a woman gaming online can sometimes make you a target for juvenile perverts, so I try to keep a low profile. Not so much in Jackie’s case. Her player name is DominaTrix and she usually does just that, dominate. Her country is named WomansWorld. Subtlety has never been Jackie’s strong suit.