Incentive (Infidelity Universe)

“I understand how that would negatively impact your ability to bring in new business.” She gentles her voice. “It also explains why you have no personal references on your application.”

I smirk to stifle what would’ve been a disgusted expression. Since discovering that my best friend is a child molester, I’ve deliberately kept everyone at a distance. “I’m not as trusting as I used to be.”

“Understandable. But from a legal standpoint, you’re innocent. Ergo, Infidelity doesn’t consider you a risk in a high-profile relationship.”

“What are you saying?” I straighten in the chair, my mind spinning. “Are you actually considering me?”

“Mr. Gabrielli—”

“Decker.”

“Decker, tell me why Infidelity should hire you.”

I’m not prepared for this and grapple for how to respond. “You want the bullshit answer or the honest one?”

“Honesty is the only answer.”

When I meet Evan’s burning eyes, I’m certain he’s silently begging me to filter my words. But I don’t want this job, for so many reasons.

“You shouldn’t hire me.” I recline in the chair and prop a foot on a knee. “I’m here for the five grand. Nothing more.”

“I see.” She purses her lips. “Will you go back to bartending?”

“I’ll find something.”

“And when your next boss sexually harasses you? What happens then?”

My foot drops to the floor, and I glare at Evan.

“I didn’t…” His eyes widen, head shaking. “I didn’t know the details.”

“I saw the video feed at Blue Dixie.” She drums her fingers lightly on the keyboard.

“How the hell did you get that?” My pulse speeds up. Who are these people?

“We’re resourceful.” She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “I saw how and where the owner put her hands on you, so I’ll overlook the aggressive way you handled it. That said, Infidelity has zero tolerance for abuse. If you touch a client out of anger or in any way that could be construed as assault, you’re finished.”

“You don’t need to worry about that. I’m not interested in your—”

“What is it about Infidelity that has your mind made up?”

“I have enough shame in my past, don’t you think? Do you know how difficult it is to get a job when your name is smeared? Everyone knows how to Google, even bar owners. They do a quick search, find my name associated with a convicted child molester, and toss my application in the trash. Why bother researching the truth when there’s a hundred other applications on their desk?” My hands fist and relax. “I don’t need to add sexual services—or whatever it is you employ here—to my already vile résumé.”

I expect her to close the laptop and send me packing. Instead she steeples her fingers against her mouth and studies me for a silent moment.

Eventually, she bends forward, elbows on the desk. “I assume Evan gave you an overview of exactly what we do here, but I’ll make it crystal clear. We do not sell sexual services. Our clients are the elite of the elite, and they pay for a companion who represents their sophistication, a partner who won’t embarrass them in public, and a relationship that’s mutually enjoyed in private. That’s why compatibility and pairing the right personalities is crucial, and we’re very good at it.”

Mutually enjoyed? For an entire year? Not likely. “You’re telling me you’d put me with someone I can tolerate?”

“I’m guaranteeing you’ll be paired with someone you enjoy.”

“How? The application didn’t ask for my preferences. You have no idea who and what I enjoy.”

The form focused on limits, triggers, sexual orientation and practices, and relationship history. My answers could be summed up to straight man with an aversion to anal and monogamy. That tells her nothing.

“Let’s see…” She looks directly in my eyes. “I know you can sweet talk your way into any woman’s bed, but you prefer a challenge—”

“Why would you—?”

“The chase is your favorite part. Once you catch them, you lose interest.”

“None of that was on the application.” I stand and pace to the windows behind her desk, my nerves raw with suspicion. “Are you stalking me?”

“We have over a hundred employees, all of them selected through careful screening.” She swivels her chair, facing me. “I excel at my job, Decker, because if I disappoint a client, or worse, if I create a scandal in his or her life, they have the power to destroy everything we’ve built here. Our clients are influential, extremely wealthy, and they pay a premium for the highest level of service and confidentiality. Their friends and family don’t even know about us. Which is why I make it my business to know my employees.”

I cross my arms and lean a shoulder against the floor-to-ceiling glass. “Why would Infidelity want to hire a guy like me?”

“You’re physically appealing. If I may be so bold, you’re the epitome of masculine virility. There isn’t a client in our portfolio who wouldn’t be taken with you.”