Remington (The Theriot Family 1)

He gave me a sly smile. “What kind of man do you think I am?”

This was moving us into dangerous territory. “Wealthy, arrogant, demanding, scary.”

“You got me there. I could have servants do anything I don’t want to do for myself. I have people I can call who’d be here at a moment’s notice to do whatever I told them without question, but I’m not the kind of man who is afraid to get his hands dirty. I don’t ask people to do work I wouldn’t be willing to do myself.”

I didn’t think he was talking about cooking. I had a feeling he was referring to things that were a lot… messier, a lot more evil. He was a man who would kill without hesitation. How much danger was I in?

“You look like a frightened rabbit. Are you afraid I’m a fox come to eat you up?”

Instead of answering, I took a bite of omelet and groaned. It tasted like heaven. He wasn’t kidding. He really was an awesome cook.

“I take it you’re impressed?”

“I… Yes, and I’m not worried I’m in danger. I know I am.”

“You’re smart. I like that, but I told you last night I’m not going to hurt you.”

He’d been true to his word so far. “I know, and I’ve done everything you’ve asked, but that doesn’t mean I’m safe with you.”

“Perhaps not, but you’ve enjoyed what we’ve done. I have more to ask of you now.”

“You said you had a proposition for me.”

“I do.”

I studied him for a moment. “A proposition or a demand?”

This time his smile did remind me of a fox. “Is there really a difference?”

“Yes, there is.”

“I’ve told you before. I always get my way.”

I should be truly scared. Instead, I found him only mildly infuriating. He hadn’t hurt me, and he easily could have. I was totally at his mercy. I’d never gone anywhere with a client except down one of the darker alleys. I was in danger every night, and I knew these lovely surroundings didn’t actually change my situation, but Remington made me feel comforted. Cared for. It was hard to hate that.

“My proposition is this. I’ll pay you eighteen thousand more if you stay with me for two weeks.”

8

Henri

“You can’t be serious.”

“I am very serious. You’ll get eight thousand at the end of the first week and the rest when our agreement ends.”

“But that’s…”

“More money than you could make doing anything else for two weeks.”

“It’s… very generous, but I have some questions.” It was too good to be true, and that meant there had to be a catch.

“Ask your questions.”

I took another bite of omelet while I thought, but it was hard to swallow. “I would stay here for the two weeks?”

“We’ll either be here or at my family’s home in Metairie. I have a suite there as well.”

“Okay. Will I be working twenty-four seven?”

He grinned. “I will occasionally let you sleep.”

“That’s… good.”

“Along with having you at my disposal for these weeks, I will require absolute discretion from you. You aren’t to speak of anything that happens here.”

I could live with that. “And you will pay me eighteen thousand dollars?”

“I will.”

“And no sharing.”

His expression hardened. “No one touches you but me. You’re mine.”

Jesus. Why was that so hot?

“One more thing.” Remington’s tone told me I wouldn’t like his final stipulation.

Instinctively, I took a step back. “What is it?”

“I get to have your ass.”

I’d been thinking he was going to ask for something kinky or ask me to do something illegal—or more illegal than fucking him for money. I should have been prepared for his request, but I wasn’t. “I… um…”

“I want to be the first man to fuck you.”

I swallowed hard. I should say no, but the money he was offering me would be more than enough to get me off the street. I wouldn’t have to go with random men anymore. I could get a new place to live and even have the breathing room to find another job, one that didn’t scare the fuck out of me.

What was I waiting for anyway? Did I think some perfect man was going to come along, sweep me off my feet, and make my first time so special that lights flashed and lovebirds sang? I never meant to wait so long to try anal, but once I came to New Orleans, I swore it wouldn’t happen with a customer.

Telling myself Remington was different was dangerous. He was a man who had hired me, but I liked him. I’d enjoyed being in bed with him. Would it be so bad for him to be my first? “Anything else?”

Remington slowly assessed me. “No condoms.”

My heart pounded against my chest. That was wrong, really wrong, but the thought of him taking me with no barrier between us had my cock starting to plump. It would make my first time even more intense. I didn’t have to be experienced to know that. The heat of him, the feel of his cum inside me, would be incredible, but if I had him like that, with that added layer of intimacy, how much harder would it be to walk away in two weeks.