“Sure,” said Cassie as Nina left. She turned to the room. It was only the second time she’d been in Red. The first time, the lights had been in club mode, so she’d not had to look too closely. Now, with the room fully lit, she stopped in the centre and stared. The equipment in here was actually fairly tame, if that book was anything to go by. The room was meant to hint at something darker for women who had fantasised about it but didn’t necessarily want to go the whole hog. There were two large crosses, various benches, and some stocks, plus a couple of other bits of furniture Cassie had no clue about. This room contained possibilities, and she was intrigued.

She wanted to strap Nina down on one of those benches, spread her naked body out to enjoy at her leisure… She blushed and forced herself to move. She grabbed the glass holder and began collecting up the empties.

Making herself busy cleared her mind of the dirty thoughts she’d been having, and she relaxed a little. Once she’d cleared the glassware and boxed up the bottles for recycling, she donned a pair of gloves and pulled a black bin bag off its roll from behind the bar. Latex gloves, tissues, spent tubes of lube—she collected it all and shoved it into the bag. She didn’t get so much of this in Green, but she’d been briefed by Mandy to expect more in both Blue and Red, and Mandy had not lied.

* * *

Nina handed the cash over to Mandy, who turned and locked it in the safe.

“Thanks again. It’s a while since I got out of here on time,” said Mandy, smiling.

“No worries.” Nina played with the loose strands from her ponytail. She was itching for Mandy to leave so that she could lock that front door behind her and then get back to Red…and Cassie.

Mandy stopped as she pulled on her jacket. “Everything okay, Nina?”

Nina fought the blush that attempted to invade her cheeks. She nodded. “Fine,” she replied. “Just…fine.”

Mandy cocked her head to one side briefly, her expression thoughtful, then shrugged on her leather jacket and picked up her handbag. She walked out of the office, and Nina followed behind her ready to lock the door.

As Nina closed the door, Mandy turned to her. She stared deeply into Nina’s eyes until Nina dropped her gaze. Mandy’s piercing stare seemed to cut straight through her.

“Be careful with her,” murmured Mandy. “She’s not as…robust as you are.”

Nina stared at Mandy in surprise, and Mandy smiled back, understanding written all over her face. She nodded once and then stepped out of the door, leaving Nina to push it closed behind her.

* * *

Cassie had finished picking up all the detritus and was washing her hands in the small sink behind the bar when Nina returned.