I was not in the mood for games. I knew her. But I could not place her. She was causing all my internal alarms to sound with jarring klaxons. “Everything has a price.” I spoke soft enough that only she and the ever attentive bartender would hear. I spoke firmly enough that she understood I was not being flippant.

“Yes. It does.” Her smile bloomed and I felt trapped. “A kiss, then. Nothing binding by it. Just lips to lips. None may approach you without my consent. You be on your best behavior, which you are displaying now. Write your notes in peace.”

2,177 words.