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  Three times I repeat the same process. Still, no luck.

  I open my bedroom door and call out to Rachel, “Can you please come in here and help me?”

  She whistles when she comes through the door. “That is one dynamite dress.”

  “Thanks.” This dress looks killer on me. It hugs and accentuates every curve I have. Butt. Boobs. Hips. I love this dress. And I hate that I’m not wearing it for Hutch tonight.

  He’s been gone for three days and I miss him far more than I should. Because I shouldn’t be missing him at all. He isn’t mine to miss.

  “I can’t get the zipper up.” I spin around and pull my hair off my back and shoulders. “The dress doesn’t feel too tight. Does it look like there’s a thread caught in it or something?”

  She comes to me and examines my dress. “Not that I can see.”

  I stand taller, suck in my stomach, and poke out my butt and boobs. “Try it now.”

  She pulls upward and the zipper smoothly glides to the top. “Got it.”

  I step away and smooth my dress. “Looks okay?”

  “Stunning.”

  “I love your dress too.”

  “Ah, thanks. It was a gift from Claud.”

  Rachel and I haven’t gotten to talk about him in a while since I’ve been spending so much time at Hutch’s house. “How’s your relationship with him?”

  “He’s still booking all of my appointments, even when he can’t see me.” It’s one thing to book her time for dates, but it’s something entirely different to book her time so that no other client can see her.

  “And you’re still happy about that?”

  “Ecstatic.”

  “Then I’m happy for you.”

  “Everything is still going well with Mr. Hutcheson?”

  “Wonderful. Or at least it was until last night when I told him about the Inamorata cocktail party tonight.”

  I understand why Cora would want all inamoratas to attend the party. She wants the clients to see her wide variety of choices in women, but I’m not a choice.

  “What happened when you told him that you were attending the party?”

  You’re not available for the taking by other clients.

  Stop acting as though you’re still an inamorata. You’re not.

  Those men at that party are going to want you.

  “He was very verbal about his dissatisfaction. He acted possessive of me and came off jealous that I was going to be around other clients.” Can’t lie. I loved every dominating word.

  “Of course, he doesn’t want you to go. In his mind, you are his.”

  “Would it be crazy if I felt the same? Like I am his?” Surely it is. The man bought my time. Not me.

  “It’s not crazy if you’re falling in love with him.”

  “I’m not.” I can’t. Falling in love with Hutch would be the stupidest thing I’ve ever done. Even stupider than trusting a bartender to be faithful to me.

  “Is something more than sex happening between the two of you?”

  “No.”

  “Do you want something more?”

  I can’t have those kinds of thoughts. “Doesn’t matter if I do. It can never happen.”

  “And why not?”

  “His circumstances are complicated. There isn’t room for a romantic relationship in his life now or anytime soon.” And if there were, it wouldn’t be with an escort. I’m certain of that.

  “Love has a way of not caring about complicated circumstances.”

  Maybe love doesn’t care but Hutch does. In fact, he cares very much about his complicated circumstances. And I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

  “Champagne?”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  I sip from the glass of bubbly and watch the twirling couples on the dance floor. Old, balding, big-bellied men. Young, beautiful, physically fit women. Not all, but the contrast between most of the dance partners couldn’t be more dramatic. And I could be in the arms of one of these men right now. That thought elicits a shudder throughout my body.

  Thank God for Hutch.

  “Lots of new clients tonight,” Cora says.

  I turn at the sound of her voice. “I thought it would be a light turnout since it’s a Wednesday night.”

  “A man doesn’t care what day of the week it is when there’s a chance of getting his knob polished.”

  “Yes, I suppose that all of them would clear their calendars for that.”

  “I assume all is well with Mr. Hutcheson? You’re getting along?”

  “We get along perfectly.”

  “You’ve overcome your aversion to sex?” Cora says.

  I never had an aversion to sex. I simply wasn’t inclined to sleep with a man I didn’t know and take money in exchange for it. It’s a reasonable line to have. And it’s a line I’ve crossed. “My reluctance was short-lived.”

  “As one would expect with a man like Mr. Hutcheson. He is quite handsome.”

  I admit that it wasn’t difficult to change my mind about him. “He is good-looking but he’s also a good man.”

  “I’m happy that you’re pleased with your arrangement. Perhaps we’ll be able to find another like it after you fulfill your obligation to him.”

  “Thank you for the offer, but I won’t have a need for more money.” Not with the current balance in my bank account.

  “Every girl of mine has her own personal reason for being an inamorata. Ask around and you’ll quickly find out that those reasons aren’t always about money.”

  I can’t imagine doing this for any other reason.

  “I appreciate your interest in me, and I’m thankful for your taking me on when I needed the money, but I don’t plan on making this a career. I’m going back to uni in September.”

  “All right. We’ll leave it at that for now, but please know that you have a place at Inamorata if you ever change your mind.”

  “You’re very kind. Thank you.”

  Even if I wanted to continue at Inamorata, I couldn’t. Being with Hutch has ruined me. I can never be an inamorata to anyone else.

  The first glass of champagne goes down so easily that I have a second. And then a third. I’m toying with having a fourth even though it’s against Cora’s rules. But why not? Hutch isn’t here and I can’t be booked by Inamorata clients. Sure, I must behave and represent Inamorata in a positive light, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t enjoy a fine champagne. And who’s keeping up with my drink tally anyway?

  Warm. Relaxed. Buzzed.

  Check. Check. Check.

  “Looks as though someone has exceeded her drink allowance. Mum won’t be pleased about that.”

  Chambers, Cora’s son. My body shudders at the sound of his voice.

  When I met him, he instantly gave me the creeps. I don’t have an explanation as to why, but I’ve never been able to shake the feeling. I only know that something below his seemingly professional surface makes me cringe.

  I hold up my glass, bringing it to my lips and downing the final drink while he watches. “Guilty as charged.”

  “Don’t worry. I won’t tell Mother.”

  “Oh, I’m not worried.” I’m spoken for by Hutch. Paid in advance. There’s not a lot that Cora can say to me.

  “I’ve noticed that you aren’t making connections with clients tonight.”

  “Because I’m not available for booking.”

  “What does that mean?” he says.

  If Chambers is the important partner that he claims to be, Cora would have told him about my arrangement.

  “My time has been bought and paid for in full through August 31.”

  “By whom?”

  “Mr. Maxwell Hutcheson.”

  “Never heard of him. I want to meet this man.”

  “He isn’t here. He’s away on business.”

  A man steps between us and wraps his arm around Chambers’s shoulder. “Listen up. Mr. Hutcheson is a possessive bastard. He’s quite fond of Miss Lou, and he won’t
be pleased to hear that you’re harassing her.”

  “I am not harassing her. I’m merely doing the job that Mother asked me to do.”

  “What job is that?”

  “I’m to check in on all of the inamoratas and see if they need anything.”

  “Errand boy. Figures. Well, this inamorata is fine so you should fuck off.”

  Chambers shoves the man’s arm away. “Mother will hear of this, Mr. Young.”

  “Aye, she will.”

  I don’t know who this man is, but I’m grateful for the interruption. “Thank you for that.”

  “I hate that wanker. I haven’t met an inamorata yet who likes him and that includes his mother.”

  So it isn’t just me? The bad vibes that I get off of the guy aren’t just in my imagination?

  The man offers his hand. “I’m Brady.”

  “You’re Hutch’s Brady? His best mate?” The one who brought him to the Inamorata gala?

  “Guilty.”

  Brady introduced Hutch to Inamorata. He was Hutch’s foot in the door at the gala. We’d have never met if it weren’t for this man.

  “It’s so nice to meet you.”

  “It’s my pleasure, Lou.”

  “Hutch is out of town on business.” What a stupid thing to tell him. Not only are they best mates, they’re colleagues. “But I’m sure that you already know that.”

  “Aye, I do.”

  “Hutch tells me that you’ve been an Inamorata client for a while?”

  “Aye, since my divorce two years ago.”

  “My best friend is an inamorata. I’m wondering if you’ve ever booked her. Ra—” I’ve already let Rachel’s real name slip in front of Hutch. I can’t let that happen again. “Her name is Meg.”

  “I’ve never booked an inamorata by that name. In fact, I can’t recall ever meeting a Meg. How long has she worked for Cora?”

  “Several months.”

  “Is she here tonight?”

  “Yes, somewhere.” I look around and spot her with her steady Inamorata client. “There she is on the dance floor. Long blond hair. Green dress.”

  “It’s too bad that I’ve never booked her. She’s beautiful.”

  “She is.” Inside and out. I’ve never had a more loyal friend in my life.

  “I’d be interested in booking her. That is, if she wears a rosebud.”

  I’m not sure what her official rosebud status is these days. “She has a steady client who books her out in advance so that no other client can see her.”

  “Oh? Sounds similar to your arrangement with Max.”

  It feels odd to hear that name. I only think of him as Hutch now. “I suppose that our arrangements are a little bit similar.”

  “Your arrangement with Max… it’s good for him. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him this happy.”

  He’s happy? I am too.

  “He’s a wonderful man and I enjoy our time together.”

  Talking about Hutch makes me miss him so much. I’m wishing for the millionth time tonight that I was with him when my phone vibrates in my hand.

  HUTCH: You look beautiful in that dress.

  LOU: How would you know?

  HUTCH: Because I’m looking at you right now.

  Oh my God. Hutch is here?

  My heart speeds and my head springs upward. I search the sea of faces, but I don’t see him anywhere.

  He’s messing with me.

  LOU: Very funny.

  I’m awaiting his reply when I feel large hands grasp my hips from behind. Warm breath hits my ear and my breath catches in my throat. “I’m right here, mo maise.”

  I turn in his arms and look at him. “Hutch?”

  “Surprised to see me?”

  “Yes. I thought you wouldn’t be back until Friday.”

  “That was the plan, but I worked overtime so I could come back sooner.”

  So he could be with me?

  He takes my face in his hands and kisses me hard. When he lets me go, he pulls back and looks in my eyes. “Come home with me.”

  I nod. “Let’s go.”

  18

  Maxwell Hutcheson

  “Thanks for keeping an eye on Lou until I could get here.”

  “I have to tell you, Max, that I find all of this odd. I understand your arrangement, but I don’t understand your agenda.”

  “I have only one agenda, Brady. I paid a lot of money for Lou’s time and loyalty. Both belong to me. She shouldn’t even be at this cocktail party.” These men don’t have the right to so much as look at her while she is in a companionship with me. If I’d had my say, she wouldn’t have attended this party at all.

  “I get it. You don’t want to share your shiny new toy.”

  “And I won’t.”

  “Can’t say that I blame you for feeling that way, not after the amount of money you paid her.”

  “Exactly.” But that isn’t all of it. This is about something more than the money.

  I glance at my mobile. “How long does it take to let Cora know she’s leaving?” Feels like I’ve been waiting a long time.

  Another five minutes passes and she still hasn’t returned. Something feels off. And I know that I’m right when I see Lou rushing toward me.

  I glance at the hallway leading to Cora’s office and then back to her. “What happened?”

  Her eyes won’t meet mine. “Nothing. Let’s just go.”

  “You’ve been crying, Lou.”

  “Can we just go? Please? Now?”

  I don’t feel like going. Someone has done something to her, and I want to know what that is.

  “Did you have an argument with Cora?”

  “No. Nothing like that.”

  So something did happen. “Did one of the Inamorata clients do something to you?”

  “No.”

  I grasp her chin and force her to look at me. “Tell me what happened.”

  A fresh collection of tears begins to pool in her lower lids. “Let’s talk about it in the car.”

  She’s baiting me to get us out the door, away from whoever hurt her. I hope she isn’t under the impression that I’m too dumb to sort that out. “All right.”

  We leave Inamorata, saying nothing on the walk to the car, but I can’t stand it another second once we’re in the back seat. “Tell me, Lou.”

  Her head lowers and she stares at her hands in her lap. “It was Cora’s son.”

  “What did he do to you?”

  “Please tell Calvin to drive. I want to leave this place.”

  I nod at Calvin but she’s wrong if she believes that distance will save Cora’s son if he has somehow hurt her. I won’t hesitate to tell Calvin to turn this car around.

  I reach for her hand and bring it to my lips after the car is moving. “All right. I’ve done everything that you’ve asked.”

  The spill from the streetlights flashes on her face as we drive, and I see the tears flowing down her cheeks.

  “I went to Cora’s office. She wasn’t there but her son Chambers was. He got between me and the door and shut it. He wouldn’t let me out.”

  I already know how this story is going to go. How far, I don’t know, and that will be the deciding factor for my next move.

  “He told me that I wasn’t leaving until I gave him what he wanted.” Lou sniffles and reaches up, wiping her lower lids. “He was so fast and so strong. I tried to push him away and he didn’t budge.”

  Anger. Fury. Rage.

  Tightening fists. Grinding teeth. Shaking body.

  “He told me that I was nothing more than a whore and I should stop fighting him. I was so scared that I couldn’t think straight, but then my mind cleared, and my self-defense lessons kicked in. I put my hands around his head and pushed on his eyeballs until he let go of me. And then I kicked him in the nuts and ran.”

  I want to kill him.

  I think that I will kill him.

  “Calvin, turn the car around and go back to Inamorata.”

&nbs
p; “No, no, no.”

  That man has taken advantage of Lou’s vulnerability. I’m not having it. “I won’t let that bastard get away with doing that to you.”

  “He didn’t get away with it. Ask his balls.”

  Lou doesn’t get it. She got lucky this time. He could have done so much worse to her and he probably has with some of the other inamoratas. “He deserves more than a kick in the bollocks.”

  “Please don’t, Hutch. He’s an asshole, no doubt about it, but he’s Cora’s son. I don’t want this to become a problem between her and me.”

  Lou was an inamorata when we met, and she’ll be an inamorata after our arrangement ends. She doesn’t want problems because she could need Cora to broker future arrangements with Inamorata clients.

  There could be clients to have her after me. I don’t like the way that makes me feel.

  “I know his kind. You’ve hurt his ego and now he’s going to be driven even more to have you.”

  Her eyes widen. “Meaning what?”

  I don’t want to frighten her, but she needs to be smart about this. “Does he know where you live?”

  She brings her hand to her forehead and mutters a profanity under her breath. “Cora would have my name and address on file. Do you think he’d be crazy enough to come after me at home?”

  “Who knows what’s in his head? But I’m afraid it might not be safe for you to stay there right now. I think you should move into my house for the remainder of our arrangement. At least we know he can’t get to you there.”

  “How can I live with you without exposing our relationship?”

  Concerned Lou. Thinking of me instead of her safety. “Don’t worry about that.”

  “How can I not worry about it?”

  I pull her close, so close that our foreheads are touching. “Your safety is what matters most, and I won’t leave you vulnerable to him. Understand?” She nods and our heads move together. “Going back and forth from your place to mine is getting old anyway, right?”

  “I could do without it.”

  “Ava Rose will like having you around more. She enjoys your visits.”

  “She said that, huh?”

  “Aye, she did.”

  Lou becomes quiet. Not the immediate acceptance that I was hoping to hear. “Come on, Lou. Say that you’ll move in with me.”