As the man came back down, he stayed where he was for a moment, eyes closed, regaining his breath. I stilled over him, almost grateful I hadn’t enjoyed it enough to lose control or my possession of thought.Eventually he opened his eyes again and looked at me, still straddling his lap. I didn’t move as he reached for my breasts again, watching them as he rubbed a thumb over each nipple.“You were perfect,” he said. “Exactly what I needed. If you’re not otherwise engaged in three nights’ time, I’m here on business again then for another five nights. I’d love to end each day with you.”“Of course,” I said, not sure what else to say. I had no other late-night engagements and I wasn’t going to complain about someone handing me a quick, easy way to earn some money, especially when I had to do little more than take him inside and set a pace. He clearly didn’t want anything else from me.Getting off him, and letting him clean himself up, I reached for my purse once more. But that was where th

Keaton helped me back to my feet, finally taking in my appearance and helping me straighten myself out.“And I mean it. I won’t forget your obedience, Courtesan. You’re different to the others.”“Thank you,” I replied, not sure what else to say, glad that no one was really looking on. As Keaton reached for my purse and retrieved my tablet, I almost panicked, aware Daniel had commanded I try and get more money out of Keaton.He pulled up my schedule and the four hours he had blocked off, the amount there from the day before. Before he could scan his chip and agree to pay the sum, I held out my hand and stopped him.“I know it’s still very early in my career, but...” I trailed off, the words failing me.“But you want me to pay you more already?” he asked, his disdain for the idea clear. I looked at him and gulped.“I struggled to make enough yesterday,” I said, searching his face for even a little understanding or pity, but there wasn’t any.“Did you make a loss?” he asked. I shook my he

“You know, I’ve never seen Rick look at anyone the way he looks at you,” Edward said as we descended through the tall building. “Be careful with his heart for me, okay?”“I’ll do my best,” I replied, not sure what else to say. Edward had seemed to be enamored with me himself, and no doubt he’d seen the way some of the others had looked at me. What was so special about Rick? I didn’t voice the question, but my glances his way must have made Edward realize he’d given me food for thought.“I’m no fool, princess. I know that despite calling us a pairing and making sure none of the other guards touch you, we’re not that special. You don’t love me. And I don’t love you. But I’m willing to stick with you while we’re both around and take care of you the best I can, like any man would do for the woman he did love. It’s going to take someone truly special to hold your heart for good, though, and I don’t think it will be Rick, or me, or any of the men currently paying to screw you.”I frowned, no

“Have you been painting long?” I asked, not sure what else to say and falling back on small talk from the era I’d grown up in instead.“Only eleven years. I’m nowhere near as good as some of the greats,” the boy replied.“Eleven years?” I asked. “That’s a huge amount of time. You must be a pro by now.”“No. I still have a long way to go before I’m as good as some of the masters, but this will be good practice. I’m sure Tomichii will be pleased.”It was all I could get out of the kid. Everything else was merely comments on things like asking me to keep a part of my body especially still.Over an hour had passed when Tomichii returned. He immediately smiled and went over to the painter to see what had been produced so far. The two of them talked about things in hushed voices before Tomichii smiled and came over to me.“Thank you, Markus. If you could return in a week’s time, we will continue it then.” Markus nodded and left as Tomichii reached for my hand and lifted me to my feet.“I thi

“Where’s Dante?” I said a moment later, noticing he’d not joined the group with Keaton, and wishing to change the subject so I could regain my train of thought and composure.“Gone,” Keaton replied, his vocal tone suddenly changed, clipped and almost aggressive in its deepness. “Not that you should be looking for someone else while I’m the one paying for your time.”Gulping, I tried to find the words to respond. I’d clearly angered Keaton with my careless question.“I was just surprised. You were obviously talking about very important things, and I didn’t want to interrupt you or distract you,” I replied.Keaton studied me for a moment, the room silent now as everyone waited to see how he reacted. I tried to look like I didn’t feel guilty, but I knew everyone was looking at me and it made me feel more than a little uncomfortable.Eventually he nodded and waved at the waiter to bring him some breakfast as well.“Let’s talk about something happier,” Keaton said. “None of this depressing