Me: I just showed up in my Uber™. I’m coming inside.
Shalimar: Hurry. We don’t want to keep him waiting.
I left the Uber™ and stumbled toward the Candy Shop. I kept a long black coat on, covering the beaded lace gown. Jean-Pierre had sent six-inch heels with the outfit. Although they were stylish and unique, the damn things were hard to walk in. My pocketbook held the mask that Jean-Pierre had included in the package.
I carried my violin case in the other hand.
It took a few minutes to get to the VIP section. The guards nodded.
I wobbled inside the main lounge, got my rhythm, and hurried past tons of women catering rich men. I hit the red door and took a right for Shalimar’s office.
She stood in the doorway with a worried expression. “Good. You made it. You look amazing.”
“Thanks for the confidence.”
“Hey, this would scare most.”
“It does.”
Shalimar rushed me into her office. “Take off the coat. Let’s see.”
I undid it and showed her.
“Damn. You clean up well.”
I pulled out the mask he’d included and tapped my right foot. “I’m nervous as hell.”
“You are, but he wants you to play music and be sexy. And you are sexy. Don’t worry. If I thought it was more, I would end it. Regardless, Jean-Pierre always follows rules and limits.”
“Good.” I considered, bringing up the fact that he’d hinted at wanting more, but chose not to. Secretly, I wanted to know where this was going.
“Listen.” Shalimar took the mask and placed it over my face, tying its silk strap at the back of my head. “Tonight, is surviving for tomorrow. Nothing else matters. Make that money. Keep eating.”
“I’m ready.”
“Say it with boldness.”
I chuckled. “I’m ready!”
“Okay. Let’s get you in there and then get you out.”
I straightened my face and followed her up to the fourth level.
His room stood at the end of the hallway along the back wall.
She opened the door peeked in. “He’s not here yet. He’ll be in soon.”
“Okay.”
“You’ll be fine.”
“I’ll just tune up…or something.” I slipped inside and waited by the fireplace.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes.”
“I should check on everyone. Are you okay if I go?”
“Yeah.”
“You can do it.”
“Thanks.”
Shalimar left.
I didn’t want to sit down. The black lace revealed so much. I wasn’t sure which position would be less revealing.
I can’t believe I’m doing this. I’m playing for the Corsica’s accountant. Don’t worry. It’s for good money. Relax.
The room contained a number of over-stuffed sofas arranged around the fireplace, with low tables beside each one. The light in the space came from the fire and the lamps set on each of the tables, and the walls were paneled with dark wood, giving the room a cozy, intimate feeling. The carpeting underfoot had a thick, dense pile. Nothing was overtly flashy, but the room as a whole screamed money.
Endless moments dragged past as I waited.
I tuned my violin for a little bit, plucking the strings and twisting until the sound vibrated just right.
The whole time, my stomach did somersaults.
After a slow eternity, I heard a noise at the door, and it opened slowly. I held my breath.
It was him, of course.
Jean-Pierre.
Wearing the mask for some reason made me feel less naked, but still I forced myself to exhale. Passing out from a lack of oxygen probably wouldn’t make a good impression.
He crossed the room. With each step, my heart slammed into my ribs. His walk was smooth, but dominant as if he owned everything around him. His eyes locked with mine and made me melt, right as he stopped directly in front of me. I gazed into those blue eyes, feeling an electric connection flowing between us.
I rose. Even with my heels, he towered over me.
He wore a suit, a navy one with a blue shirt matching those ice cold eyes. He had on a dark red tie and I thought of blood. And still with all that, he looked good enough to eat.
His gaze roamed over the black lace gown. His voice was as deep as I remembered and riding that sexy French accent. “Tu es belle.”
“You are beautiful.”
It was hard to string two words together when he stood there, whispering French and smelling of rich cologne.
I concentrated on not stammering. “Merci.”
I swore he groaned. A shiver of lust ran through me.
“Ten thousand for the night,” he whispered.
“Okay.”
He licked his lips. “And nobody else will touch you.”
Nobody else?
He moved closer to me. “Are you comfortable with this arrangement?”
“Yes,” I whispered.
How could I not be, when he was standing there looking at me, dripping gorgeousness? The money had been a huge temptation, but those intense blue eyes had lured me here. No matter how much I thought about the extra funds, I couldn’t deny that it was the man that intrigued me.
“The rest of my party will be arriving shortly.” He reached out and touched my hand again, raising it to his lips. Warmth pulsed through me. “I can’t wait to hear you play. It is always the best part of my day.” His voice lowered. “Since you. . . La vie est belle.”