“Have you been here many times before?”
“Only once.”
“What happens, Evgeny? What will happen later?”
“There will be dinner, conversation, then…entertainment.”
“What’s the entertainment? Sex?”
“Yes.”
“Did you…do it?”
“I watched. Last time. I think I’ll have to take part tonight.”
“Have to? Don’t you want to?”
“Yeah, yeah, sure I do. Of course.”
Lydia wasn’t convinced, but she had no chance to pursue the conversation as a gong sounded, indicating that dinner was ready.
She was relieved to find herself placed beside Milan, but Werner sat on her other side and she had the feeling he would pride himself on being an attentive host.
She wasn’t wrong.
“How long have you and Milan been friends?” he asked. Friends?
“Since I jo
ined the orchestra—in January.”
“Not long. What do you think of my little place here?”
“Little place? It’s vast! And very beautiful.”
“Thank you. I like it. So many things have happened here, Lydia, you wouldn’t believe it if I told you. Every single act man and woman, or man and man, or woman and woman, or multiples thereof, can possibly do together. It’s all happened here. Do you have experience of parties like these?”
“Er, not really.”
“Oh, that’s good. So we can teach you a few things. We do love fresh blood.”
The female movie star, Natasha Linbergh, chimed in.
“Just as long as the old guard get their fun too.”
“Darling Natasha, you know you’ve never left my premises unsatisfied.”
She laughed throatily. “I guess that’s true. Milan, do you remember that time with the sex swing in the garden?”
Lydia tried not to pinch her lips, but it was hard. Something gave her the impression that Ms Linbergh was playing footsie under the table with Milan as well. She moved her foot sideways a little and hit a flexing calf. Bitch!
Milan, gratifyingly, moved his legs back and tucked them under his chair.
Ms Linbergh pouted and shot a daggers glare at Lydia before discussing her latest waxing with the man on her left.
The food, Lydia assumed, was exquisite, but somehow she couldn’t bring herself to swallow more than a couple of forkfuls.
“So, Milan, will you and your guests be performing for us tonight?” Werner asked.