"Tell you what, for the next game, I'll let you have the groom's spot."
I frowned. That word, let, cut deeper than any insult.
Before I could agree or refuse, Noel was already reaching into the game box. He pulled out a slip of paper and read it aloud.
"The groom must kneel before the bride and bark like a dog ten times to demonstrate his absolute loyalty to his wife."
The others exchanged uneasy glances and began whispering among themselves.
"Didn't we agree not to put anything degrading in there? Who wrote this?"
"Not me."
"Me neither."
Noel shot them a reproachful look.
"What are you all going on about? You think it's degrading, but maybe Laurence here would consider it a reward."
"After all, a kept man like him, a pretty face living off a woman's money, loves groveling to keep his meal ticket happy." He let out a theatrical sigh. "Me, I could never. Too much self-respect."
He turned to me, a taunting grin spreading across his face.
"Laurence, didn't you want to play games with Lauren?"
"Then go ahead and bark. Who knows, maybe she'll be so pleased she'll toss you another twenty grand. Opportunity of a lifetime."
Lauren heard every word. She didn't react.