Iris paused, confused. Scarlett looked between us, her brow furrowed.
“We’re not into that,” Scarlett said carefully. “We’re platonic friends.”
I wouldn’t call it that, but I went with the story they gave. “I know.” I kept my voice even, non-threatening. “Majesty told me. But I’d still like to talk to you both if you’re willing.”
“Why?” Iris asked, suspicion clear in her voice.
“Because you’re two gorgeous women and anybody would have to be a fool to dismiss either of you. Both of you.” I gestured toward the bar. “Can I buy you a drink? No expectations, no pressure. Just conversation.”
They exchanged a look, some silent communication passing between them.
“Fine,” Scarlett said finally. “But we’re getting juice. We don’t drink while at the Ranch.”
“Juice it is.”
I led them back to the bar and ordered two cranberry juices while I got another gin and tonic. We settled at a high-top table with good sightlines to the Dungeon floor.
“So,” Scarlett said, sitting with perfect posture. “What do you want to talk about?”
“Whatever you want to talk about.” I took a sip of my drink. “Tell me about yourselves. How do you know each other?”
“We met here,” Iris said, her voice quieter than Scarlett’s. “During a workshop.”
“And became friends immediately,” Scarlett added. “We just... clicked.”
I watched the way Iris relaxed slightly when Scarlett spoke, the way Scarlett’s hand rested on the table between them, casually available if Iris needed to reach for it.
“That’s rare,” I observed. “That kind of instant connection.”
“It is,” Scarlett agreed. “Most people don’t understand it.”
“They think we’re secretly sleeping together,” Iris said with a slight eye roll. “Or that we’re looking for a third.”
“Are you?”
“No,” they said in unison.
“We’re not into each other like that,” Scarlett explained. “We’re just us. Best friends who happen to be in the lifestyle.”
I nodded, filing that away. “And you both come to events together?”
“Usually. It’s safer, and more fun.” Scarlett smiled. “Plus, we can give each other feedback on potential partners.”
“We’re each other’s screeners,” Iris added. “If Scarlett doesn’t like someone I’m interested in, I listen. And vice versa.”
“Smart.” I leaned back in my chair. “So what are you both looking for? In partners, I mean.”
They exchanged another look.
“I’m looking for someone stable,” Scarlett said slowly. “Someone who won’t try to change our friendship or make me choose.”
“I’m looking for someone who won’t treat me like I’m broken just because I’m quiet,” Iris said, her voice gaining strength. “Someone who understands that I need Scarlett in my life.”
“What if someone wanted both of you?” I asked carefully.
“We told you—” Scarlett started.
“Not sexually,” I clarified. “Not romantically between you two. But what if someone wanted to date both of you, as individuals, while respecting your friendship?”
