Never in his more than ten years of teaching had Kyle seen a classroom so nearly empty. Not even after he had called out a demon to help him with out-of-control students had attendance been so low. This time, at least, it had nothing to do with him.

“Mr. Saunders.”

Even without a raised hand to get his attention, Kyle had no difficulty in picking out the student who had spoken. Lauren, one of his star pupils, was squirming in her seat. Her face was ashen, and her arms crossed tightly over her stomach.

“Go, hurry up. And then it’s right to the nurse’s office, okay? Someone will bring your things.”

Without another word, Lauren got up and bolted for the restroom. Kyle shook his head. That was the twelfth student in just that class to have fallen prey to the stomach bug circulating around the school. From the attendance reports he got each morning, he knew that almost a full third of the student body was out sick, with more being sent home every day. And it wasn’t just the kids. More than half the teachers were out as well. Angie, who still nearly fainted when they passed in the halls, had already been out two days. And Adam had been looking pale that morning, too.

“Don’t you ever get sick, Mr. S.?” one boy asked, taking advantage of the interruption to further distract his teacher. Kyle didn’t mind. There was hardly any point in lecturing when so many of his students were out.

“I can’t,” Kyle answered. The ten kids left in the room stared at him with something akin to wonder in their eyes. Wonder, and more than a little fear, he realized. They could easily guess the reason for their teacher’s impressive good health. Ryka’s immune system showed even less mercy than he did.

That was something they had learned the hard way, just before a holiday long weekend. One student had the gall to sass him. Knowing how much stress the kids were under, Kyle had been inclined to forgive and forget. But Ryka hadn’t thought twice about making an appearance; threatening to carve the offending boy like a Thanksgiving turkey. The class had quite a lot to be thankful for when Kyle had finally managed to reign in his parasite.

The memory summoned Ryka’s attention. I hope you don’t feel ripped off, having to miss out on all the fun.

Kyle scoffed, but didn’t otherwise reply. “Is everyone else still feeling at least relatively healthy?” Nods greeted his inquiry, but Kyle sighed nonetheless. “They should just cancel school tomorrow; give you all a long weekend. Get you away from these germs.”

“I bet if you talked to the principal, he’d do it,” one of the other boys suggested. His students were keenly aware how much influence Kyle could exert if he really wanted to. Usually, he was opposed to making suggestions, knowing the principal would comply out of fear alone. But this time, Kyle thought it might actually be a good idea. Teaching to a nearly empty room was getting old.

“Well, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to try.”

***

It turned out Kyle hadn’t been the only one thinking that shutting the school down for a long weekend was in everyone’s best interest. The issue had already been elevated to the superintendent - who blessedly didn’t know about Kyle’s passenger - and classes had been canceled for the next day and the following Monday.

This kicks ass, Ryka said as Kyle pulled out of the parking lot Thursday afternoon. He sounded even more excited than the kids.

“Why do I have a bad feeling about this?”

Bad? I was hoping to make you feel really, really good.

Even though Kyle’s body ran a constant fever thanks to Ryka’s hot blood and energetic immune system, he could still feel his face getting hot. Not wanting to sound unappreciative, Kyle told him, “Well, then maybe tonight I should get all my work done, so we have the rest of the weekend to do whatever.”

I suppose I can wait a little longer. As long as you can.

“I can. But please be quiet. I don’t want to look this flustered going into the liquor store.”

With their beer supply at stake, Ryka didn’t even bother to reply. He decided it was best just to try and be patient.

***

More than twenty-nine hours had passed since Kyle had left school for the weekend, and Ryka was sure his patience had run out about twenty-eight hours ago. Even though he had wanted to distract Kyle from his work the night before, he had kept quiet. And only because he liked sleeping so much, too, did he allow Kyle to doze until noon on Friday.

But in the seven and a half hours since Kyle had finally rolled out of bed, he hadn’t done much more than laze around the house, and Ryka was getting anxious.

Hey, stud?

“Sh, hold on. I know this one. Who is Abigail Adams?”

While Kyle waited for Alex Trebec to confirm his response, he grabbed another pair of underwear out of the laundry basket next to him on the couch. He folded it without looking, his gaze fixed on the TV. “I always thought it would be fun to be on ‘Jeopardy.’”

Only you would find that exciting. Being forced to watch this show actually makes me wish I could die. In case you missed that: I would give up my immortality in order to avoid ever having to watch this boring-ass shit again.

Kyle hoped that was bullshitting. “Wow. What do you sound so pissy for?”

I’m bored out of my fucking skull.

“Whose skull?” Kyle teased, trying to cover up his guilt. He had finished all his work as he said he would, then proceed to bum around the house.

Fine. How’s ‘our skull’ sound? Master. The last word sounded like a curse, but Kyle knew he wasn’t as angry as he let on.

“How about this: you think of something to do while I finish the laundry. Sound good?”

Anything I want?

“Try to be reasonable.”

To Kyle’s surprise, Ryka didn’t immediately make a suggestion. Nerve-wracking, to be sure. And his apprehension only grew when Ryka still hadn’t proposed anything by the time Kyle had put the laundry away, showered and tidied the bathroom.

“Anytime tonight would be great,” Kyle urged.

I wanna go to the strip club.

Considering the things Ryka could have come up with, Kyle didn’t think that was too bad. Still far from his first choice, though, especially given the dearth of strip club diversity in easy driving distance. This adventure was going to be solely for Ryka’s benefit.

Just mine? Who do you think I’m going to want to fool around with afterward, hmm?

“So I’m the second choice?”

You know that’s not true. What will I have to do to prove it? In case Kyle needed help deciding, Ryka shared images of several of the things he’d be willing to do.

“Let me get my shoes on and find some cash. Just please, behave yourself.”

At least until we’re alone right?

The truth was inescapable, but still Kyle hesitated several moments before answering, “Right.”

***

It was a half an hour ride to the nearest club that Kyle felt wasn’t too seedy. Since it was a Friday night, the parking lot was already almost full when he pulled in. “There’re a lot of people,” he mumbled, circling for a free spot. When he finally found one, he thought he recognized the SUV he had parked next to, before realizing the color wasn’t quite the same. And a new worry began to plague him. “What if someone I know is here?”

What? Afraid they might find out you have a life?

“Forget it,” he said, lighting a cigarette. He wasn’t looking forward to this, and lingered next to the Smoker’s Outpost, shifting his weight from foot to foot. He was still finishing his first cigarette when he pulled out the pack and shook out a second.

“Excuse me, but can I borrow your lighter for a sec?”

Startled, Kyle turned to find a man standing next to him, looking desperate. A brief flashback to the time he had nearly been raped in a Boston alleyway played in his mind, but the panic quickly subsided, and he managed to dig his lighter out of his pocket and hand it over. The man lit his own butt, handed back the lighter and thanked Kyle as he walked away, completely oblivious to the traumatic memory he had just triggered.

I thought you were going to have a heart attack for a second there.

“Sorry, it just reminded me-”

I know. Don’t worry so much. If he was even thinking of hurting you, I would have burned his retinas with his cigarette.

“Don’t you mean corneas?” Kyle lit his second and took a deep drag, burning through half this one in a single go.

Nope.

Trying not to think too hard about whether the eye would have to come out first or not, or whether Ryka would attempt both ways just to be safe, Kyle finished his butt, tossed his filter and went inside. The parking lot only told half the story – the club was packed. The reek of sour sweat, combined with bone-shaking bass, made him want to turn and flee. But he sucked it up. He shoved his way through the crowd to the bar, where there was one stool left empty near the end.

Busy as it was, one of the bartenders came to take his order as soon as he was seated. “What’ll it be?” she asked cheerfully, resting her elbows on the bar and leaning forward just enough so that looking down her shirt was unavoidable.

“The biggest, cheapest beer you have.”

“You got it, hun.”

She returned moments later with a towering glass of ale, foam spilling down the sides. He took a swig and nearly gagged. “Fuck, this is awful.”

It’s absolute shit. I’m so sorry. I’ll make all of this worth your while. I promise.

“You’d better.” He forced another mouthful down, finally noticing his neighbors at the bar giving him strange looks. Too late, he realized he’d been chatting out loud with Ryka. He smiled nervously at the men on either side of him, then set down his drink and turned around in his seat. He knew Ryka didn’t want to stare at the bottles of liquor behind the bar, and he didn’t need to get the boot for trying to do just that.

The women dancing on the other side of the room were enough to hold Ryka’s attention for nearly an hour. In that time, Kyle bravely finished most of his beer. Only a mouthful of tepid swill remained when Ryka finally spoke again. Can we get a lap dance? Please?

It was nearly as unappealing a prospect as putting away another bitter ale. I suppose, Kyle thought, after several minutes of internal torment, all self-inflicted.

You’re the best, stud.

“If you say so.” Louder, so that he caught the bartender’s attention over the music and drunken cat-calls, Kyle said, “Excuse me, but I have a question.”

***

Considering how big the club appeared on the outside, the room he had been shown into wasn’t much more than a glorified closet. Though at least the small dimensions would deter Ryka from summoning himself. Or so Kyle hoped.

This better be worth it.

“All things considered, this place isn’t too sleazy, so it should be.” His skin was crawling at the prospect of a strange woman rubbing herself all over him, but he knew Ryka would make it worth his while. Truly, the worst part had been making the transaction. When asked if he had any preference as to which girl he wanted, Kyle had only shrugged. He had been worried that if he made an actual choice, Ryka would get jealous. And he had been so well-behaved lately.

Kyle knew that meant it was only a matter of time before something set Ryka off, and he didn’t want to be the one responsible. So, he sat and waited as quietly and calmly as possible, and for the most part, Ryka seemed content to do the same.

They didn’t have to wait long. It was only a few minutes before the door cracked open and a young woman slipped into the room. “Sorry to keep you waiting,” she cooed, shutting the door before turning to face Kyle. The sultry smile she had been wearing instantly vanished, and Kyle could feel the blood draining from his face.

“Mr. Saunders!”

“Mackenzie ….” In his head, he was pleading with Ryka to kill him and end the embarrassment, but Ryka was in hysterics and obviously didn’t hear him, because nothing happened to put a stop to this nightmare-come-true.

“What are you doing here?” Mackenzie practically shouted, her voice wavering.

“I think I’m supposed to be the one asking that,” Kyle replied, keeping his gaze focused on his shoes. He had caught a brief glimpse of his former student’s face, and made a concerted effort not to look at the rest of her.

“But my Mom said you were gay!” Kyle winced. On Mackenzie’s senior class trip, which Kyle had chaperoned, her mother had tried to ask him out for drinks, only to be turned down. First by him, then by Ryka.

This just keeps getting better.

“I am. But that’s not … and anyway, does your mother know you’re working here?”

“She does! It’s helping pay for school.” Suddenly, Kyle heard Mackenzie begin to sob. “Oh shit. Oh no. I’m going to Hell for this, aren’t I?”

Against his will, his eyes darted up, and he had to fight his gaze back to the floor. He was eager to run, soles of his shoes peeling repeatedly off linoleum sticky with what he hoped was just spilled beer. But Ryka kept him frozen in his seat, far happier with the unexpected meal than he would be with most anything else, lap dance included.

If that’s what she’s going to be wearing, then she’s certainly welcome.

“No,” Kyle quickly told her, mouth still under his command at least. “And please calm down. They’re going to think something happened. I’m sure my being here is bad enough, but this doesn’t need to get out of hand. Right?”

As quickly as they had started, Mackenzie’s tears stopped. Kyle’s meaning was unmistakable. If security tried to forcibly remove him from the club, they’d much more likely encounter an infuriated demon than an apologetic history teacher. “Right,” she replied, reaching for the doorknob. “I’m um … I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. It’s just a job, right? As long as you’re safe.”

“Yeah. I am. And I have a scholarship for next semester. I'm going to quit then.” There was a pause where Kyle could hear her fidgeting. “Um, should I send someone else?”

Never looking away from his shoes, Kyle quietly answered, “Please.”

***

The strip club receding into the distance in his rear-view mirror was a welcome sight. Their last half hour there had passed without incident, but Kyle still couldn’t get over the fact that one of his former students had almost given him a lap dance. Which had still been only marginally worse than getting the actual service he had paid for.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

It had been difficult faking the appropriate response. Not only was he in no way sexually attracted to the woman who’d been grinding on him - so he’d had to feign interest - but he also had to fight back Ryka’s reactions. Which resulted in him scowling jealously whenever the dancer hadn’t been looking.

With a stranger’s chest in his face, he’d wondered if Ryka had known Mackenzie was there from the time they’d arrived. And was surprised to receive an answer. Not until she was almost in the room. And I didn’t want to spoil my meal. It had been an effort not to groan in frustration.

He’d played along the best he could, vowing to take a very thorough shower as soon as possible. Though not before doing something to rid his mouth of the vile aftertaste of that cheap beer.

Where are we going?

“A bar.” Home was in the opposite direction, and he thought that was for the best. Less of a chance of running into anyone else he knew. And the closer he got to Boston, the more crowded the bars would be, meaning that even if he did know someone, there was only a small chance they’d actually bump into each other.

He’d only been driving for ten minutes when he caught sight of beer signs in the distance. Sure he couldn’t make it any longer without a drink - and a good one this time - he parked his car then parked himself at a corner table.

“Guinness, please,” he responded, when asked for his order. The beverage made it to his table quickly, and he drained half of it with great enthusiasm. “Much better,” he breathed, finally taking the opportunity to check out his surroundings. To find they were checking him back. “Ah, shit.”

You’re on a roll tonight.

“Shut up.” A brief glance at the crowd had made it clear to Kyle that he probably should have found another bar. The clientele was exclusively male, and all eyes were on him.

Too much of a stud for your own good. Or theirs.

There was no way Kyle could say anything without drawing more attention to himself, so he ignored Ryka’s ominous words and resumed working on his drink. Almost immediately, he was joined by a man with close-cropped, dirty blond hair who introduced himself as Sean. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you here before,” he continued, offering a smile that was more creepy than cute.

“Just passing through,” Kyle told him, ice in his words. “Excuse me.” Following that, he finished off his Guinness, left money for his drink on the table, then stood and started for the restroom. Although he desperately wanted to leave, his bladder was making an even more urgent request.

You humans sure are thick-headed. For once, Kyle didn’t need an explanation. He could tell that Sean was following him. He just didn’t know what to do about it.

The restroom was completely deserted. He had hoped that if there was anyone else there, then maybe Sean would be spared. But the stall doors all stood open, and Kyle was still staring helplessly at the empty room when Sean entered behind him. “Sorry to bug you, but I thought it would be easier to talk here, where it’s a little quieter.”

Ryka’s growling was still only in Kyle’s head, but hearing it made him nervous. And his fears were confirmed when the demon spoke. Talk? He wants to bend you over, then brag to all his friends that he made a big guy like you his bitch.

In the mirrors over the sinks, Kyle was able to watch his face turn an unhealthy shade of gray. “You okay?” Sean asked, now standing close enough that Kyle could feel the other man’s breath on the back of his neck. Even worse, he had seen Sean lock the deadbolt.

He’s making this so easy.

“What are you going to do?” Kyle asked, his question meant for Ryka.

“Whatever you want, hunny. Sound fun?” Not bothering to wait for a reply, Sean expertly flicked open the button atop Kyle’s fly before pulling his t-shirt off. “Damn, hunny, you hit the gym?” Kyle just sputtered at him. Goosebumps rose on his arms as Sean dipped fingers under his waistband, shifting his pants lower.

He’s even doing your job for you. How nice.

Distracted as he was by thoughts of what janitorial staff was going to have to clean up once Ryka got involved, he barely heard anything the other man was saying to him. He saw his lips moving in their reflection, but nothing registered. What he did notice was Sean pulling a condom out his back pocket. He regretted thinking the lap dance had been repellent - this man’s hands on him were a thousand times worse.

No, this was not good; he needed to get away. As you wish. Kyle’s eyes went wide before rolling back in his head. And when they were again focused on the scene in the mirror, they were no longer his. Neither were the wings that unfurled from his upper back, knocking Sean to the floor.

When the transformation was complete, Ryka turned around and hauled Sean to his feet. “Just so you know, I’m definitely not here to talk.”

“W-what the Hell are you?”

“The reason you’ll be abstaining for the rest of your life. Now come a little closer. No need to be shy.” Really, Sean had no choice. The creature that pulled him into its arms was inhumanly strong. With his back now pressed against the monster’s chest, it moved them back to face the sinks.

“Please ….”

“You’re impatient. Haven’t you ever heard of foreplay?”

“No, I meant-” His pleas were cut short when Ryka tightened his grip. In the demon’s crushing embrace, Sean’s breath came only in short, ragged gasps, punctuated by the cracking of his ribs. What began as a scream ended as a rattling wheeze.

“What? You don’t want it? Neither did my Master, but you were going to give it to him anyhow, weren’t you?” Sean was trembling, and Ryka’s wicked grin stretched to show off his teeth. “Don’t buy any of that bullshit they tell you in Church – you can love whoever you want. But forcing someone is always a sin.”

“I’m sorry,” Sean croaked. “They never-”

“Silence isn’t consent, fuckwad. And I don’t want to hear your excuses. I just want to hear you cry.” The word alone was enough to start the tears spilling down Sean’s cheeks. He let his chin fall to his chest, and regretted it. At his feet, the black puddle of his shadow resolved into a mirror of the monster restraining him, cruel ember eyes glaring hungrily up. His fear spiked, but Ryka knew they could do better.

Five hundred years in Hell had taught him that the best punishment for any sinner was giving him a taste of his own medicine. It was in this spirit that he slid a hand down the front of Sean’s pants, roughly cupping him. “Did you think you were going to satisfy my Master with this little thing? No wonder you usually get them drunk first.”

Sean squealed and struggled to free himself, fighting even through the agony in his chest. But the monster was relentless, and completely unaffected by his efforts.

“What’s the matter? Can’t get it up?” Still, Ryka kept trying, and Sean continued to sob. “Well, I’m no incubus, but I promise I won’t let you down,” Ryka assured him. He pushed his hips forward, and forced Sean’s back.

Between Sean’s fear and Kyle’s jealousy, Ryka was feeling very good. The lap dance earlier certainly hadn’t hurt, but all this raw emotion was almost too much. It was no wonder Sean was fighting with everything he had to get away. Violation by the thing pressing into his backside would break him, and not just mentally.

“That’s right. I’m going to tear you open, fucker. But you won’t live long enough to deal with any lasting trauma. Because I’ll be tearing your throat out while I finish.” A hand clapped over his mouth muted Sean’s screams just enough to not be heard beyond bathroom walls. But Ryka still enjoyed every desperate decibel.

“No, no. Please don’t. Please,” he wailed against the scorching palm covering his lips. If Kyle had been pale before, Sean’s complexion now was corpse-like. Kyle feared that soon Sean wouldn’t be more than a lifeless body cooling on the floor.

Yeah, please don’t.

“Let me finish this, then.”

To this end, he slipped the hand still in Sean’s pants a little further down, and Kyle watched in horror as a red stain spread from just below his groin. He wasn’t a physician, but even Kyle knew roughly where the biggest arteries lived. What did you do?

“It’s just a little cut.”

Apparently, Sean didn’t think it was such a minor injury, especially not when paired with the throbbing pain of newly broken bones. All feeling left his limbs as his eyes followed the rusty-colored trail working its way to his shoe. The shadow opened its mouth, eager for a drink, but Sean never saw if his blood made it that far. Black spots began to obscure his vision, and a breath later, Sean was unconscious, limp in Ryka’s arms. Ryka unceremoniously dropped him to the tiled floor.

Over Sean’s thudding to the ground, it was almost impossible to hear the knocking on the bathroom door. Ryka spun to face it just as the deadbolt slid back, and two men stumbled into the restroom, both looking very concerned. Concern turned to dread when they found one of the bar regulars crumpled on the floor, a black-winged monster mantling over him, admiring the way the lighting played off the blood smeared on his hand.

“You were worried about the wrong guy.” To Ryka, their intentions were clear. They had seen notorious bully Sean following a stranger into the restroom, and had come to make sure that stranger wasn’t being forced into anything he didn’t want. “You both know he deserved this. And if you don’t want to wind up like him, you’d better help my Master.”

Ry ….

“I’ll deal with this later, stud,” he added, trying to squirm himself comfortable without staining Kyle’s clothes. “You’ll be safe - or else - but wake up quick.”

Kyle came to sprawled out next to Sean, and with the overpowering urge to wash his hands. He couldn’t bear to look, but he could feel the blood drying on his skin. “I need to get it off,” he managed, gagging. One of the men helped him to his feet and over to a sink, while the other checked Sean for a pulse. “He’s alive,” Kyle told them, scouring his hands and trying to ignore the gore swirling in the basin. “And I need to get out of here. I’m sorry.”

As soon as he was sure he could safely walk to the exit - the blood and the transformation both left him feeling weak - Kyle started for the door. At least Ryka had done something to make his need to piss less urgent. Meaning he could get away from this mess all the sooner. He was almost free when one of the men spoke, stopping him in his tracks.

“That … thing … wasn’t you, was it?”

“No, he’s a demon. And he’s ….” Horny? Hungry? Infuriated? All that and more? “Not in a great mood.” Especially not after being called a “thing,” he thought. “I’m sorry to leave you with this.” “This” being Sean, who was waking slowly, moaning and weeping.

They looked at each other, but clearly remembered the demon’s threat. The man who had helped Kyle to the sink said, “Go. We’ll take care of him.”

“And pretend we never saw you,” the other added.

Kyle managed a smile before departing. With a casual air he couldn’t believe passed muster, he strolled across the bar’s main room and out to his car. There, he collapsed into the driver’s seat, leaning forward to rest his forehead on the steering wheel. “What a night.”

It’s been fun. Don’t tell me you want to go home.

“Where else could we go? And what else would go wrong once we got there?”

Aw, come on, stud. Let’s stay out.

“I’d really rather not. Besides, don’t you have something to take care of?”

Is that it - you wanna watch?

“No, sorry. But you do what you need to, then I want to sit on my couch. Maybe fall asleep watching TV.”

Ryka obviously didn’t approve, but conceded. Fine. I just want you to be happy, Master.

“Right, well. Home it is.”

***

The clock on the microwave said it was half-past eleven when Kyle finally dragged himself through the door. He had nearly dozed off on the drive back, but now that he was on the couch, sleep eluded him. He was about to ask Ryka to help, but the demon had been making other plans.

You know, hosting me doesn’t mean your luck is all bad.

“What are you talking about?”

I’ve gotten a lot better at messing around with electronic stuff.

“And?” Already, Kyle didn’t like where this conversation was headed. It already sounded like it had the potential to be illegal. And Kyle didn’t need more cops showing up at the house.

I saw a commercial for some casino on TV. It’s not far, is it?

“There’s two in Connecticut. They’re a couple hours from here. But it’s too late to go now.”

It’s not too late. Those places never close, do they? I was having fun being out with you. Like a date, right? Let’s keep it going.

“Dates aren’t cheap, not with you. Whatever spare cash I had we already spent tonight.”

We can make it back. And then some. Let me treat you. Come on, stud, I owe you this much.

Definitely illegal, then. But Kyle could feel his will begin to crumble. Ryka’s tone was just too persuasive. And they both knew it was taking less and less effort for the demon to tempt his Master to sin. “Let me just grab a change of clothes.”

***

With Ryka making a few suggestions, Kyle packed a bag for overnight, tossed it in the backseat, and sped off. Though the speeding bit wasn’t his fault. He was passing other cars like they were standing still, but it wasn’t him keeping the pedal glued to the floor.

“Can we slow down maybe? I really can’t afford a speeding ticket.”

You won’t get one.

Kyle glanced down at the speedometer. “Going a hundred I certainly will.”

How many cops do you think we’ve already passed?

“Ry ….” He thought he’d caught flashes of patrol vehciles parked off the side of the highway. The confirmation was anxiety-inducing. How quickly had Ryka been able to deter those officers from doing their jobs? Nevermind doing so from a distance, while they raced by. Maybe this trip had been a bad idea.

Something the hotel desk at the casino seemed keen to confirm. The only rooms available last minute were astoundingly out of his budget. Disappointed and more than a little frustrated, Kyle was about to walk away when Ryka said, Just get the room. It’s on me.

Miraculously, his credit card didn’t melt, and Kyle secured a penthouse suite for two nights. “You know I still have to pay the bill, right?”

Don’t worry, I said I got it. Now, sit your ass down at one of those slot machines. The high stakes ones.

Shouldering his backpack, Kyle did as Ryka ordered. He only had enough left to bet twice, and he fed his cash to the machine with more than a little trepidation. “This is the last of my money, Ry. I’m broke.” It was no exaggeration. On his meager salary, it was impossible to keep up with his debts. Some he had accrued before Ryka, but lots had piled on while adjusting to his life as a host. Demons didn’t come cheap. One soul, plus several tens of thousands of dollars in renovations, booze and cigarettes.

I know. Ryka was aware that Kyle could barely afford his mortgage payments, and had put off paying his credit cards for months, and the part he played in this. He also knew that if he didn’t want his lifestyle to take a drastic turn for the worse, he needed to do something to improve his host’s finances.

Not sure what to expect, Kyle hit the ‘Spin’ button. He broke even the first three times. “Ry ….” he breathed, anxious.

Once more. I think I’ve got the hang of it now.

The reels came to an abrupt stop, and Kyle didn’t even have time to register what the symbols meant before the light on his machine started flashing. People sitting nearby congratulated him, slapping him on the back and shaking his hands, and some of the staff came over to do the same. He still wasn’t quite sure why, at least until Ryka spoke again.

Is ten grand enough for tonight?

Dumbstruck, Kyle nodded. One of the casino workers escorted him to a window so he could collect his winnings. At Ryka’s urging, he celebrated with a drink - the most expensive whiskey they could find - before Kyle retired to their room. “Th-thank you,” he stammered, still ogling his newly fattened wallet.

Yeah, yeah. We can at least double it playing poker tomorrow. No one can bluff good enough to fool me.

“Double it? Really?”

As long as you stick with machines or poker. There’s not much I can do in any other game. Well, I could, but people might start to wonder if the Roulette wheel starts spinning backwards.

“Sure,” Kyle replied, still stunned by his sudden change in luck.

I can’t believe you’re not pissed at me for cheating.

“I’m going to Hell anyhow, right?”

That’s the spirit. Ryka chuckled quietly, his laughter quickly fading into a purr. I’m still pretty wound up from earlier. How are you feeling, stud?

“Like I’m not done getting lucky yet.”

Just what I wanted to hear.

***

Saturday was a blur. Kyle had ordered room service for breakfast then spent the rest of the day gambling. He was impressed by Ryka’s restraint. It would have been easy for him to ensure a jackpot with every spin on the slots, but he instead made sure they only gradually increased their winnings.

Poker had been a close call, though. For being an obvious novice, he had done quite well. It was almost too easy when Ryka could tell him what almost everyone else at the table had for cards. Then it was his turn to hold back a little. But when some of the other players had remarked that he seemed like a natural, Kyle had coolly replied, “I teach high school. Recognizing bullshit is sort of a requirement.” That seemed to put the others at ease, and made Kyle feel a little less guilty about taking their money.

When they finally called it a day around midnight, Kyle was several pours of overpriced alcohol deep, and drunk on the thought of not being broke.

“What can I do for you now?” Kyle asked, kicking off his shoes before falling back onto the bed.

Be careful; you’re spoiling me.

“I was sort of thinking the same thing.”

***

Still groggy, Kyle set the phone back down and pulled the sheets up to chin. He knew he should get out of bed. It wouldn’t be long before room service arrived with his breakfast: two steaks - one medium, one as rare as they could legally serve it.

If mine’s not still bleeding ….

Kyle suppressed the urge to gag and rolled onto his back. “I don’t want to see you eat that.”

I’ll see what I can do.

From his tone, Kyle thought that would be nothing at all, but also thought it was too early to argue about it. Instead, he looked out the window, realizing with some embarrassment that the curtains had never been closed the night before. Not that anyone could have seen anything. They were high above the surrounding fields and forest.

As he watched, the sun peeked up over the tops of the trees, setting them ablaze with red-orange morning light. It might look even better that way. Want me to?

“Don’t ruin it.”

But if it’s what Master wants, I’d do it.

“Thanks,” Kyle replied, sure that by now, his face was the same brilliant crimson as the sky. His other half kept quiet as Kyle continued to watch the sun rise. It had crept most of the way over the treetops when their breakfast arrived. Hardly peeling his gaze from the window, Kyle grabbed their steaks and settled back into bed.

“I’m eating first.”

Go for it.

The sky was fading from fuchsia and pink to blue when Kyle spoke again. Setting aside his dishes, he leaned back against the headboard. “This is really nice. Being able to relax like this.”

Mm hmm.

“I mean, not just sitting here, but not having to worry about school, or housework. Or money.”

I see.

To Kyle, it very much sounded like Ryka was holding back something. “And you don’t have anything to say about this?”

I’m happy you’re relaxed. And it’s definitely less boring than school.

Kyle laughed. He rested his hands across his stomach, and the moment he did, lost all feeling in them. Through half-closed eyes, he watched them slip down under the covers. “Ry, what are-?”

Didn’t you want this? He was only wearing a robe, and felt the soft fabric sliding off his thighs.

“Yeah.” Very soon to be completely content, Kyle leaned his head back. “You know, I really could get used to this. I wish things were always this … easy.”

Yes, Master, Ryka replied, showing Kyle a wicked, knowing grin.

Eyes wide, Kyle tried to sit up. “Wait, what?” But Ryka was too skilled, and with a sigh, Kyle sank back into his previous position. “Answer me,” he managed, his order lacking conviction.

But Ryka obeyed all the same. I like this, too, stud. But even though you’re not dealing with the Devil himself, you should really be careful what you wish for.