After accepting a large sum of money from their wealthy neighbour, Colin and Libby are bound by the rules of the agreement:
It was just on seven that night when I was led by my husband into the lobby of a beachfront hotel on the side of town we had never been able to afford to stay at. It was a warm sultry night, my skin clammy, my belly uneasy with nerves. I had on a sleek backless dress to my knees. The neckline plunged in the front and the skirt was split high between my legs. I was completely naked beneath it, as requested by our host. I was wearing the expensive-looking ruby pendant and earrings he had delivered to me by courier that afternoon.
Mike was there to meet us at the main restaurant bar. He approached and took my hands, kissing both cheeks. "Stunning!" is all he said. He was dressed in a fine dark suit and smelled wonderful.
We were shown to a booth seat at the back of the restaurant. I was guided in and the men sat either side of me. I couldn't seem to speak, while Colin was stammering nervously in response to Mike's chatter.
There was wine waiting. I started on it, sipping regularly as Mike went on about the hotel, which was one of a number he had invested in apparently.
"Yes, you look absolutely stunning, Libby," he said again, pausing to look me up and down. "That's a lovely dress. Is it new?"
"Uh huh. I bought it for you." I looked down at myself, plucking at the scooped neckline. "It's very revealing without the bra I bought to go with it."
