"Pardon me?”

“That's your safe word.” She sighed in relief but felt a little bit disappointed maybe she wanted to hear those three words from him. Or maybe she missed Mark.

“But it has three words. It's a phrase.”

“Iloveyou. It's one word. Has eight letters.” She sighed.

“Don't you think it's too much?”

“Too much for who? Me? Come on. We know we need each other for pleasure not for love. Besides, I can do all romantic things without feelings. After all, we both know you don't love me and I don't love you.” He said very coldly and she went silent.

Silence filled the room.

“Yes, you're right....