“The Blue Room is the toy room. Just to be clear on what can be expected, dildos are definitely allowed.”

Max again fought a blush as thoughts of toys filled her head.

“And the Red Room is the BDSM room. Pretty much anything and everything is allowed in there. We have various pieces of equipment that allow a certain level of play without being too dark.”

Max made a mental note to avoid Red—BDSM was definitely not something she’d experienced, and she didn’t intend to stumble into something she couldn’t handle.

The corners of Mandy’s mouth lifted slightly. “The basic rule for all rooms,” she continued, “is that if you want to participate in any way, you find a space along a wall. That signals your availability. Obviously, it’s up to you whether you want to be approached or do the approaching. If you just want to watch, take one of the bar stools, and no one will touch you. Anything happens that you think is against the spirit of the room you are in or the place where you are sitting, you just get hold of one of the bar women. Okay?”

Max nodded again and reached into her bag for her wallet. She pulled out the twenty pounds, heart pounding in her chest. A mildly nauseating mix of fear and excitement pitted deep in her stomach.

“I can give you a locker for your jacket and bag if you want?”

“That would be good, thanks.” She pulled cash from her wallet, stuffed it into the pocket of her jeans, and returned the wallet back into her bag. She followed Mandy to a side room, deposited her stuff in the locker, and pocketed the key.

“Green is the first room you’ll come to, through that door there.” Mandy motioned towards the end of the hall. “The others are through that room. You can’t miss them.” She paused and smiled. “Hope you find what you’re looking for.”

Even though her mouth had gone dry and her lips felt like they would never part, Max returned the smile and made herself walk purposefully to the end of the corridor. Her fingers trembled as she reached for the door handle.

She pushed open the door and stepped into an equally dim room, this one painted a forest green. Music played just loud enough to cover quiet sounds, but she would still be able to hear her temporary lover. A cry of “Oh yes!” came just as she stepped into the room. She didn’t dare look round for the source. Not yet.

She took a deep breath. The room opened up to a large space with a tall bar table and stools in the centre. A handful of couples were pressed up against the wall. She turned to the bar, feeling the need for something to relax her a bit before she allowed herself to participate in any way, even just by looking.