Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 399(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 399(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
I sigh. “How the fuck did they get our details if they’re not even worth considering?”
She crosses her arms over her chest. Often she does that when I take a tone with her.
“You know it can be hit or miss. But I think the next one will have the funds, and perhaps the network you’d like in your back pocket. Which is why I’ve asked them to wait until you returned.”
This piques my interest. Lesley knows I like those who can offer me power and sway. I love money. But I prefer power and security more.
She places the profile down and smiles sweetly. “Perhaps this will make you happier today, even if you can’t get laid.”
My gaze snaps to her, but she’s already laughing and heading for the door. When she opens it, a man is waiting on the other side.
I recognize him instantly—a powerful and prominent judge. Young, only forty, reasonably good-looking, and wealthy. Most men in his position can get anything they want. We deal with many powerful people because discretion is what we’re known for. They know we use ironclad NDAs so none of their information will ever be shared unless they break the contract first. It’s also made abundantly clear that if our agreement is broken, there are consequences.
He walks into the room as if he owns it, running his hand down his suit jacket before taking a seat across from me and studying me in the same way I do him.
I smile and offer my hand in greeting. The difference between us is that he’s only ever tiptoed in lucrative business- this is new and exciting for him. However, I was raised in it. And I can tell already he is willing to pay handsomely for the desire that led him here.
People with money always want to buy what they can’t ordinarily get.
“I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me,” he says.
“The pleasure is mine,” I reply and pull out a bottle of whisky. He seems uncertain but agrees to a glass.
“I’m sure Lesley has gone over the finer details with you. Contracts and all. Considering your background, I’m positive you went over it with a close eye.”
His chest rises pridefully. I always find it interesting how people act when they step into this type of world. Because what I offer isn’t simply an escort business you could walk into off the street.
“A very thorough ironclad contract,” he admits as he takes the glass of whisky.
“So, tell me, what brings you here tonight?”
He licks his lips and takes a small sip of his whiskey. I can tell he’s trying not to cough at the burn.
“I’m under the impression you have specific auctions,” he says.
I clasp my hands together and lean back in my chair.
There are two types of auctions in New York that are known by those who can afford them.
The Ivanov Auctions cater to almost any black-market needs.
And my auctions.
The Ivanov Auctions have been around long before my time, so I made a deal with them. I auction virgins under my name and give them a cut without infringing on their business. And I only auction virgins. But what they get out of the deal is nothing compared to the money that is passed through for the service of those involved. And, of course, my cut.
“And what do you hope to gain from this particular auction?” I ask pointedly. No one has ever gotten their wires crossed with the two auctions. And only a chosen few know of both. He probably has no idea that the Ivanov siblings exist, but I’m always cautious.
He licks his lips. “I want…” He pauses.
I open my arms. “You have stepped into the world of pleasure. There is no judgment here. Only fair business and provision of services. I doubt you went through the vetting process only to choke on your demand here in my office.”
If people can’t be honest about their desires, I won’t draw it out of them. With the contract in place, my business is safe whether they satisfy their needs or not. But they always do. Because desire is strange, it can haunt you daily until you can satisfy the need.
He nods and rounds his shoulders. “I want a virgin.”
CHAPTER 15
Honey
I’m in Rya’s kitchen again. This time, I’m busy working alongside their chef, Lawson, with whom I’ve enjoyed cooking in the past weeks. We’re due for a family dinner. Something Rya’s made a point of every Friday night, and Crue begrudgingly joins us.
It’s also become a habit now that I cook while she looks over a few work things. She’s in the process of opening her law firm, and I can only imagine the stress it’s causing her. It’s also very Rya, to return from her wedding and open a business almost immediately. But she always takes the time to listen when I need her.