August wasn't sure what he was expecting, but that definitely was not it. As Emma spoke he fought against the urge to touch his own collar again. It was made out of thick wood with carvings of whales, donkeys and crickets. He would've liked the craftsmanship if the thing didn't have such a negative purpose.

"I don't think you're crazy," August assured her. He believed every word, of course. And in theory he didn't mind the idea of having sex every week or so. It was the idea of Emma forced into it that gave him the uneasy feeling.

"How long were you in that other place?" he asked. Hopefully the question came out casual.