Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush 1)

"Hi," I say, a little shy. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to address her as Madam Christine or just Christine.

"So, you're a preschool teacher."

I pale. Not a question, but rather a statement, and it makes me edgy. She doesn't seem bothered by it, but she isn't amused either, so I can't tell if I'm in trouble or not.

Swallowing, I hide my panic and offer a timid smile. "It was the first thing that came to mind and something I’d never, ever do, so I figured it would be okay. I don’t even want kids."

"Of course. It's good to have a cover ready when you're asked questions."

"I can change it if you like. I can be a pastry chef, or a florist. Whatever you like."

She shakes her head. "It's not necessary. Were you nervous?"

"Yes, very."

"Once you start doing more jobs it'll get easier, if that's what you want," she says, never breaking eye contact. She doesn’t even blink.

I nod. "Yes."

I feel like I'm under a spotlight. Trying to remain collected is proving to be harder than expected.

Christine reaches into her desk and pulls out what looks like a prescription bottle. She gives it a little shake, then hands it to me. There's no label, no instructions, but then why would there be? It's clearly not from a doctor.

"Take one an hour before each job."

I reach for the see-through orange bottle. "What is it?"

"Percocet. Natalia said she gave you one, but I think you need a stronger dose until you're more comfortable. If you run out, just ask me for more."

My gut tells me there's more to what she's saying than she’s letting on. I can't help but wonder if the test John had complained.

"Did I do something wrong?" I ask quietly.

Her lips purse together, eyes flashing with the hidden truth. "No, but I don't want my girls to act like amateurs. You've fucked plenty of men. You shouldn't tremble when you're touched or grunt like an animal. Men pay a lot of money to be a member of Sanctuary Cove, Valentina. They want seasoned women." Her gaze drops with her voice. "Act like you fucking love it, even if his dick is small and you can't tell if he's inside you or not. Make him feel like a king, like you’re giving him the best sex of his life. Do not moan like a porn star. Remember how you moaned and whimpered under me? That’s how it should be for the client. If you have to imagine my tongue on your pussy, then so be it."

I flush and glance down. My body warms, and I'm instantly hot in my sweater. I knew she wasn't happy with me. I sensed it, but all I can do is nod.

I did shake, I was nervous, and I may have sounded a little off last night. I guess I was focusing on what I was supposed to do and how I was going to i

mpress him that I didn't realize it would backfire on me. I didn't know if I should make noise or not. I didn't know if I should let him do what he wanted or if I should take control, if I should show interest. I’d simply viewed it as my first night on the job and tried to learn as much as I could on the fly.

"I understand. It won't happen again."

Her eyes are blazing. A weak person would cower, but I steel myself, forcing an unwavering gaze back at her.

"I don't give a lot of chances."

"I like a good challenge."

Something flashes across her face as she slides an envelope across her desk toward me. She keeps her French manicured nails on it to keep me from grabbing it.

"Do not deposit that into a bank account all at once. A little at time, or try to pay cash for anything you need. Some girls open offshore accounts, and that's something you can look into if you should need to." She let's go and sits back.

"Thank you," I say, then slip it into my bag. The envelope doesn't feel as thick as I assumed it would, but I can't wait to count it. I won't be able to until I get home, though. Flashing money like this in New York City is a sure way to get mugged.

Christine hasn't taken her eyes off me. "How many days a week do you want to work?"

"I'll take whatever you want to give me. Weekends I'm free for anything at any time. The weekdays will have to be evenings."