Page 16 of The KING Review

Professor Daddy:

Your voice is dangerous.

I smirk.

Me:

so I’ve been told

The three dots pop up and disappear for the next few minutes, and I sink into the sofa as I wait for his response, periodically tapping my screen so it doesn’t time out.

Professor Daddy:

I can tell that you’re relaxed. I think you’re probably at home, or at least you’re somewhere that’s familiar, somewhere you know that you’re safe, because you’re speaking slowly. You’re not rushed, and you speak freely, so I would hazard a guess that you’re on your own, too. Not that I think you wouldn’t say any of the things you just said when there are people around. But I don’t think there are people around.

A few beats pass as I read and reread his message.

Then another comes through.

Professor Daddy:

So, how did I do?

Me:

fuck, that’s so cool

it’s like a superpower

The three dots pop up. Disappear. Pop up again.

Professor Daddy:

I’ve never had it called that before.

Me:

what have you had it called?

Professor Daddy:

Manipulative. Untrustworthy. Deceptive.

The lump that forms in my throat is fast and painful. I swallow to try and quell it, but it won’t go away as I type my response. Even though I’m not sure I’m the person to tell him, I feel like I have to, because what I’m saying is true, even if he doesn’t believe it.

Me:

you know you’re none of those things, right?

Professor Daddy:

You don’t know me.

I don’t need to see his face or hear his voice to register the combativeness in his tone. He’s getting defensive. I suck in a deep breath, swallowing hard again.

Me:

I don’t need to know you that well to know that you’re none of those things, Grant