Neon is the Colour of Vengeance (Flappers and False Gods)

THE REGULAR

Ward Eight catered to all tastes. It was the most popular brothel in Tenebrium City, let alone the Pleasure Quarter. It was as opulent as it was seedy. The interior was all red, velvet and feathers. Catalogues of kink covered the atrium, an introduction and a promise of the tantalising delights held within the private rooms.

“Pick your poison, what will it be? Any gender, any species, any taste, any fetish, any time.” From behind the reception counter, Alice was greeted by a beautiful Chinese woman in her thirties. She looked expensive in the best way with her red dress that perfectly matched the damask wallpaper. “Are you new here, sugar?”

“You’re Mary Pickford.” Alice smiled widely. Mary, even though she was a front for her boss, was a legendary madame in her own right.

“I’m glad to see my reputation proceeds me. Now, tell me—what do you desire?”

“I’m actually here on the recommendation of a friend.”

“Music to my ears. And what did they suggest?”

“I believe his name is Steven. I would love to try him out.”

“An excellent choice. Steven is twenty-nine and pansexual. If you take a look through the brochures, he is willing to partake in anything on levels zero to seven. Level eight comes with extra charges and all options are at his discretion to refuse. All my people are tested daily for STIs.” The list was given quickly and with the air of a used transporter saleswoman.

“Perfect.”

“Room 201. If you need anything else use the intercom and have fun.” She gave Alice a wave, moving only the tips of her fingers.

“I plan to.”

Room 201 was square and black. The walls were covered in studded leather, and the circular bed was draped in silk. Soft fabric restraints hung loosely from the metal bedposts, and a rough rope swing swayed beside the bed.

Alice could hear the sound of running water as she stepped inside. Directly opposite the entrance there was a frosted glass door that led to a bathroom.

“I’ll be right with you,” a sultry voice called.

She wasn’t kept waiting long. Less than a minute later Steven Hayashi entered, still dripping wet, with a towel wrapped around his waist. He was Japanese and extremely handsome, with long, choppy hair and thick eyelashes.

“Steven, I presume.” Alice couldn’t keep the wide grin from her face.

“How shall I be delighting you today?” Steven dropped his towel. Alice had half a mind to partake in the service she had paid for, his body was spectacular, but that wasn’t why she was here.

“You know my friend Hugo, don’t you?”

“I can’t discuss other clients.” His tone was polite if clipped.

“He said he’s been with you the last few days.”

“You are…family?”

Alice gave Steven a roguish grin.

“Yes, he was here, but I can’t say more than that.”

“Oh, you’ve said enough.”

“Is that all, or did you purchase my services?”

She has accomplished what she had come to Ward Eight to do, Alice could leave. Then again, she had paid, and Steven was very attractive…