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Joshua drags Nikki Sweet home like a prize he’s not sure he deserves. His gut twists when they meet Dick and Syren. Dick’s handshake clamps too long, eyes sharp enough to cut skin. The house tour drags. Every step Josh tastes copper. They hit the media room last, and Dick puffs up, runs a finger along a row of mismatched DVD cases. Homemade. Dates scrawled in marker. “My family’s big on keeping memories,” he says. Nikki stares at dozens of spines and tries to smile. After dinner the same room waits, but a tripod now stares at the bed. Josh mumbles that they’re making a new film, Dad’s idea. Nikki’s stomach drops. She’s done nudes on her phone, not this. Her voice shakes when she says no. Syren’s hand lands light on her wrist, voice soft. “It’s me first, sweetheart. Dick likes watching girls.” Heat crawls up Nikki’s neck. Her heart punches her ribs. She looks at Josh; he won’t meet her eyes. Something inside her folds. She nods once. Syren undresses her slow, mouth teasing, tongue drawing wet lines while the lens drinks every sound. Dick’s breathing thickens behind the camera. Josh sets the tripod, then joins, lips hot on Nikki’s shoulder, fingers between her legs. The three bodies lock together, the air sharp with sweat and gasps. The tape keeps rolling; a new date waits to be written on another spine.