Back to the Present

As Kathryn stands before me, the opulent suite begins to disintegrate. The plush couch, where we shared our most intimate moments, folds in on itself, the fabric rippling and collapsing until it disappears into the void, leaving no trace behind. The stripper pole, a symbol of her profession and our encounter, loses its form, the metal sinking into the platform, both fold into the floor fading into nothingness.

The bar, stocked with an array of alcoholic beverages, shrinks and recedes, the bottles disappearing one by one, the wood and metal framework collapsing in on itself until it, too, is gone. The entertainment system, the large screen TV, and the surround sound speakers follow suit, the electronics disassembling themselves and disappearing into the expanse of the void.

The panoramic view of the city, once a breathtaking backdrop to our passion, fall away entirely, leaving only the infinite blackness of the void.

Kathryn watches as her suite disappears, a smile on her lips, she turns to me, her form also beginning to dematerialize, her edges blurring and fading, her voice echoing slightly as she speaks. "Goodbye, Joe," she says, her voice a whisper on the wind, a memory of our time together. She waves, her hand dissolving into the void, and then she is gone, leaving me alone in the endless expanse of nothingness.

The sleek sheen of sex dissipates from my body, and my clothes flow back onto me, a smooth transition from the raw, primal state I was in moments ago. I watch as my clothing attaches itself to me, the fabric molding to my body perfectly. My shirt slides over my head, the cool material a stark contrast to the heat of my skin, and my tie knots itself around my neck, I am as I was when I first entered.

The voices of the Voyeurs echo around me, their tones a blend of admiration and satisfaction, enveloping me in a warm, ethereal embrace.

"Simply amazing," they say in unison, their voices resonating through the void. "This is only your second adventure here, and you've shown a control of your abilities that far exceeded our own analyses. You've truly outdone yourself, Joe."

Streams of light emerge from the shadows of the void, coalescing into a beautiful, glowing spherical orb that floats before me. The orb pulses with energy, casting an otherworldly glow on the surrounding darkness. "Accept this gift," the voices instruct, and the orb flies quickly into my abdomen. I feel a surge of energy course through me, lighting up the veins in my skin like a roadmap of power. My muscles tense and relax, adapting to the new energy within me. The glow fades, but I feel a constant hum of energy beneath my skin.

"You now have the same control over your body that you demonstrate here. Your release, and endless stamina you can now take with you into the real world," they explain. "Enjoy the benefits of your new abilities, Joe. You've earned them."

I stand there, my mind racing a million miles a minute, wondering how I can utilize this new power with Emily, my true love. I turn to the elevator doors, which fold into the portal that leads back to the "real" Kathryn, still frozen in time, her eyes locked on her compact makeup mirror.

I look up into the void and offer my thanks to the Voyeurs, my voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for this experience, for the gift, and for the trust you've placed in me," I say, my words echoing through the void. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the return to reality, and step through the portal.

As I enter the elevator, I notice the imprint of my footprints in the carpet, a tangible reminder of my exit from this reality and into my domain. I plant my feet into the impressions, feeling my feet almost clicking into place. I close the portal, and as I do, time catches up with me. The world starts to move again, and I sway slightly, adjusting to the sudden shift, my newfound energy stabilizing me.

Kathryn shoots me a concerned look, her eyebrows furrowing slightly. "You okay, Joe?" she asks, her voice laced with genuine care. She's dressed in her tight jeans and loose top, a stark contrast to the provocative outfit she wore in my domain. "Excited about what waits for you in my suite?" She teases, a playful smile on her lips, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

I take a deep breath, the scent of her perfume filling my nostrils, a reminder of the passionate encounter we shared. "I can't go in that room with you, Kathryn," I tell her, my voice firm but gentle. "This has all been amazing—the 'Colt,' driving 'Baby,' and especially meeting you. But if I go in your hotel suite, I could jeopardize everything I've worked for. My reputation, my relationship with my girlfriend. I'm flattered as hell, Kathryn, but..."

She looks shocked, her eyes widening in surprise, her mouth forming a perfect 'O' of astonishment. "What?" she exclaims, her voice a mix of confusion and hurt, her hands flying to her cheeks in embarrassment.

"Oh my god," she says, putting her face in her hands, hiding her flushed cheeks. "It totally looks like I'm trying to seduce you." She peeks through her fingers, her eyes welling up with tears. "Oh, my god, Joe… I’m so sorry that I made you feel so uncomfortable."

I reach out, gently pulling her hands away from her face, forcing her to look at me. "Kathryn, it's okay," I assure her, my thumb brushing away a stray tear. "I understand. But I have to be true to myself and to Emily. I can't risk hurting her or my reputation."

She nods, sniffling slightly, her eyes searching mine for any sign of insincerity. Finding none, she takes a deep, shuddering breath, composing herself.” I promise that’s not what this is, Joe.” She says. "So what is this?" I ask, genuinely curious about her intentions, genuinely upset that I misunderstood them.

She looks at me, her hands trembling slightly as she places them on mine, her eyes welling up with tears. "Please… just let me show you what I wanted to meet you for," she pleads, her voice a **** whisper. "Trust me for just a moment longer."

As the elevator doors open to her suite, I can't help but feel a mix of anticipation and trepidation. I nod, agreeing to her request, wondering just what she wants to show me. The doors slide open, revealing the luxurious suite, and I step inside.