‘How are you feeling now?’ Matthew said, handing Cheryl a glass of water as she perched on the side of the four-poster bed. She seemed in a haze, her breath reeking of the alcohol she had consumed.

‘Woozy,’ she replied, swiping for her glass and missing. ‘Goodness. I shouldn’t have taken that tablet. Does it always affect people like this? My voice feels really far away, like it’s not coming from me.’ She slowly waved her open hand in front of her face and giggled. ‘My hand, it feels weird. I don’t know what to make of it.’ Another giggle erupted and she put her fingers to her mouth. ‘Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry, I’ve come over all funny.’

‘You’re fighting it,’ Matthew said, pressing the glass of water against her lips until she took a sip. ‘It’s been so long since you’ve had fun you don’t know how to let go.’

After placing the glass on the bedside table, he removed her shoes and lifted her legs onto the bed. Seconds later, he was lying beside her, watching her intently. He smiled as he watched the drug take effect. Cheryl had not been as easy to convince as his previous date. Thankfully, she had a trusting nature and – after a few more drinks – had caved in. ‘Relax,’ he said, cupping her cheek, his palm warm against her flesh. ‘Breathe nice and slow, give into the feeling. Now isn’t that better?’ Leaning forward, he kissed her gently on the lips.

‘Yes, that is kind of nice,’ she said, her giggles abating.

Swiftly, Matthew slid his phone from his trouser pocket and flicked the camera app into life. Tilting his head out of shot, he knew he could crop any of his distinguishing features. As long as it was enough to make Cheryl appear she was happy to be here, in bed, with someone other than her husband.

‘What was that?’ Cheryl said, as Matthew slid his phone back into his pocket.

‘Just the air con controller,’ Matthew said lightly. He had already set the air conditioning to low. Things started to smell when the room got too warm. He exhaled a breath of relief as Cheryl slowly closed her eyes. He didn’t want to have to kiss her again. In truth, he didn’t find her attractive. But then this wasn’t a sexual encounter. That was what differentiated him from Mason Gatley. The promise of sex was just a means to a bigger end.

Snorting, Cheryl took a breath and opened her eyes. ‘I almost dozed off there. What must you think of me?’ Lifting her wrist to her face, she squinted at her watch. ‘How long have we got left?’

Matthew rolled his eyes before plastering on a smile. ‘Enough to do what we came here for. I was just letting you catch your breath.’

Bouncing onto his knees, he took her left and right hand, pinning them above her head as he straddled her. Clamping his legs around her body, he held on tight, getting a feel for the strength she had left. ‘Why don’t we play a game?’ he said, a wicked grin spreading on his face. ‘Something to really get you in the mood.’

Cheryl bit her bottom lip, flushed at the sudden physical contact. ‘I don’t know, this feels all wrong.’ Trying to raise her head, a flicker of concern crossed her features as Matthew held her down. ‘I’m sorry,’ she said, ‘can you let me go? You can keep the money. I don’t think this is such a good idea after all.’

But each time she tried to rise from the bed, Matthew forced her back down. He hadn’t come this far for her to change her mind now. Not that it would matter. Her black intentions were set when she came here. It was too late for forgiveness now. Licking his lips, he lowered his body on top of her, inhaling her perfume as he nuzzled the crook of her neck.

‘I shouldn’t,’ she moaned, her breath growing heavy.

Releasing her hands, Matthew silenced her words with another lingering kiss.

‘Good girl,’ he said, reaching for his bag at the side of the bed. ‘Remember what I said about letting go. Close your eyes, you’re going to get everything you deserve and more.’

His words did not concern Cheryl as she had fallen into unconsciousness, her head lolling to the side. Matthew knew he had very little time until she awoke again.

Working swiftly, he bound her wrists and ankles, just as he had the woman before. He was becoming quite adept at knot tying. He smiled. His years as a scoutmaster had served him well.

‘What’s going on?’ Cheryl murmured, her eyelids fluttering as she awoke.

‘Just a bit of fun,’ Matthew said. ‘Just close your eyes and let me do all the work.’