Chapter 2

Edwin's POV

"Oh my God, Ruby!" I blurted out, snatching the dildo from her trembling hands.

I hurriedly locked it away in my drawer, my face twisted with frustration as I looked at her. "How many times have I told you not to snoop around my room?"

Ruby wasn’t stupid.

I knew she had some understanding of sex, but this was a part of me I’d been desperately hiding for months. I rolled my eyes, digging my hand into my pocket again.

“Here, take this,” I said, pressing a twenty-dollar bill into her palm. “Go do something with it. Just go.”

“I don’t want your money, Edwin,” she said firmly, her eyes holding that same scorn my mother would have given me. “I’m just curious about what my big brother is up to.”

That thought made me shudder.

 I wondered if I’d be proud to introduce you to my friends... or Jamie.

“Jamie? Who’s Jamie?”  

She scoffed and headed toward the door without another word.

“Wait, Ruby,” I reached out and grabbed her arm, my heart sinking when she refused to meet my gaze. “It’s not what it looks like. That…” I sighed heavily, at a loss for words. “I have to do what I need to in order to survive. I’m a man. Sometimes, I don’t have a choice.”

“So you’re a sex worker?”  

I shook my head, unable to admit the truth. “No. I... I sell dildos.”

She frowned, yanking her arm away sharply. “You think I’m stupid, Edwin, and that’s what I hate most about you,” she snapped, then stormed out of the room.

“Wait! Ruby!” I called after her. “Who’s Jamie?”  

I let out a bitter curse. “Fuck!”

My phone buzzed on the bed, and I saw Mark’s message.

“Big day tomorrow. This one’s a bit awkward if you're booked in the morning. High-end lady, well under fifty. The hotel next to the bar. Room 27. Bring a dildo, would you?”

I tossed the phone onto the bed and headed to the bathroom. Seeing Ruby holding my dildo haunted me. I couldn't help but imagine what she might have done with it. I refused to ask; I didn’t want her to think I was a creep.

After a quick shower, I left Mark’s message on read and checked my email inbox, hoping one of my countless applications had been accepted. I’d lost track of how many internships I’d applied to probably more than my body count.

It was the same routine every night: a rejection letter starting with,

"Dear Mr. Reed, we regret to inform you that"

“Bloody hell!” I exploded, punching the pillow.

Part of me wanted to tell Mark to go to hell and figuratively fuck the old lady instead, but I desperately needed the money. My mother’s medications had run out that morning, and I knew I’d have to get her more tomorrow.

The next morning, I stood behind the reception desk, fists clenched, and she smirked at me.

"Hi, monster dick," she greeted teasingly.

I cleared my throat. “Room 27.”

“Oh,” she drawled, “she checked in about thirty minutes ago. Gorgeous woman, just a few wrinkles sure you wouldn’t mind? Third floor, eighth room”

“Eighth room?” I interrupted, frowning.

“When will I see you again, Edwin?” she teased, deliberately stalling. “I’ve missed you, and you’ve decided not to flirt with me anymore.”

Annoyed, I walked away, determined to find room 27 myself. Luckily, I did, and when the door swung open, I was hit by a wave of luxurious scent that filled the room.

This one was easier for me because she liked to be in control. So, she mostly rode my cock while I just watched, bored out of my mind.

She came again, her body limp on the bed. She pointed at the small table beside her, and once I finished dressing, I grabbed the wad of cash. I headed out without a word. That night, I promised myself I wouldn’t do this again if only for Ruby’s sake. I needed to be the big brother she deserved.

“Hey, Edwin!” Mark said with a wide grin.

Without replying, I dropped a hundred-dollar bill on the counter and walked into the inner room. When I returned with my apron, Mark was still there, giving me those knowing eyes that made my curiosity spike instantly.

“My answer is no,” I said firmly, turning to the bald man sitting on the other side of the counter. “What can I get for you, sir?”

“Ugh. He’s a billionaire, Edwin. The richest client you’ll ever meet, I swear!”

“No,” I repeated, voice steady. “I’m done. I can’t keep doing this. If he’s so loaded, why don’t you take him on?”

“He saw you last night and now he wants you,” Mark whispered, lowering his voice. “He’s offering ten thousand dollars for tonight, Edwin. Ten grand! That could cover your mother’s hospital bills. Think about it. And what do you mean you’re quitting? Your girlfriend doesn’t like it?”

I shot him a cold stare. “You know I don’t have a girlfriend, Mark.”

“Why?”

“Who would date a bartender?”

“Good question, but I know plenty of girls who’d date a bartender for ten grand.” Mark patted my shoulder. “Think this through, Edwin. Don’t throw away this opportunity. Ten thousand dollars. Eight p.m. in the upper room.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You’re letting me have the upper room?”

He grinned. “This isn’t a regular client, sonny.”

By 8 p.m., I was climbing the stairs to the upper room, my heart pounding like a drum. My legs felt heavy, and my breath was shallow as I knocked on the door.  

“Come in,” a deep voice commanded.

I hesitated, then pushed the door open.

Oh, my God.

He was the most handsome man I’d ever seen. His bare torso was sculpted to perfection, and the tattoos on his chest captured my attention for a few seconds. A strange thrill bubbled inside me, something I’d never felt with clients before.

His hypnotic cognac eyes seemed to see right through me, sending shivers down my spine.

Thank goodness I hadn’t turned him down. This client had the body of a Greek god, and those piercing eyes had me mesmerized without even trying.

“Hello,” I managed to choke out.

He studied me from head to toe, giving the impression that he approved.

He pointed at the door, and I locked it without hesitation. When I turned back, he was sitting comfortably on the edge of the bed.

“Strip,” he commanded with that husky voice.

A shiver ran down my spine. This was going to be one wild night.