Rhapsody (Butcher and Violinist 1)

“Thanks.” I stepped inside.

Tonight, people crowded the tables. There were no empty seats. A few men sipped wine as they stood in the back. Tons of half-naked women strolled around. Even more waiters rushed around to serve drinks.

“Wow. The place is packed.”

Shalimar grinned. “News travels fast in the Candy Shop. The girls found they make more money when the guys are listening to you play. For some reason, the men drink more.”

“Sounds good to me.” I scanned the space.

The whole place held new faces, except for one. Jean-Pierre sat at his same table. A new group of men surrounded him. These had scars too. They talked amongst themselves as he watched me.

Focus.

I changed the direction of my view.

Another dancer performed on stage. This one twirled see-through scarves around her nude body. And again, all remained mesmerized by her, but Jean-Pierre.

Shalimar snorted. “Unfortunately, he is here again.”

I fingered the case’s handle. “Jean-Pierre’s usually not here?”

“He hasn’t visited in three years. Last week, he popped up from out of nowhere.”

“And before that?”

“He was a regular, but then. . .something happened, and your aunt forbade him from coming back.”

“What happened?”

“It’s a secret.”

“Then, why did she let him back this time?”

“Money is low, and…well, Jean-Pierre is sort of an…accountant for pretty big people. The sort of people that own large parts of the Red Light District and solve their issues in ways that would make your stomach turn.”

My gut knotted.

She continued, “Because of that, no one can tell Jean-Pierre where he can’t go in Belladonna. He was being nice to your aunt by avoiding the place for these past three years.”

“But what happened before—”

“It doesn’t matter. Stay away from him,” she snapped.

That was the first time Shalimar’s tone ever held an edge with me.

Still, I couldn’t help but push it. “What else do you know about him?”

She sighed. “They say he was talented at music, until something happened where he couldn’t play anymore.”

“What instrument?” I held my hands out.

She shrugged. “I don’t know, and Jean-Pierre was never the type to talk about his life.”

“Maybe he played violin.”

Shalimar turned to me. “Why are you asking?”

“I’m intrigued and wasting time.”

“Has he approached you?”

“Not…not like you’re thinking.”

“Not like I’m thinking?” A frown replaced her cheery expression. “What did he say?”

“He asked me to play for him, and how much it would cost.”

“And what did you say?”

“I didn’t. It was a written message.”

She tucked a free strand behind her ear. “I don’t know if that would be a good idea.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re vanilla and not part of this life.”

“Vanilla? Like…he’s into BDSM or something?”

She grinned. “No, I’m saying…I doubt you’re his type. And I’m not saying you’re not beautiful or that he doesn’t like all kind of women. I’m saying that…he’s not going to be anything like the guys you’ve dated.”

I almost told her that she didn’t know the type of guys I dated, but staring at Jean-Pierre, I knew she was right. None of the guys I’d met compared to him, and I’d barely talked to him for a few minutes.

He played music? Of course, he did. He was whispering the notes last night.

I decided to look him up during my break.

Jene-Pierre Fabron.

I wondered if his cock was as big as his name. Quickly, I shook that thought out of my head.

“I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but. . .” Shalimar lifted her hand to her mouth and chewed on a nail.

“But what?”

She dropped her hand. “Maybe, you should take Jean-Pierre up on the offer. He would pay well. He’ll follow any rules you give him.” She rolled her eyes. “He’s a believer in rules. And…I’m sure he’s not interested in you like that. I mean sexually.”

Thanks, Shalimar. I wasn’t suggesting he was attracted to me, but it would be nice if we both could pretend that was the case.

“Yes.” She nodded. “I could book the deal, like I do with the other girls. In fact, you should have someone as the middle man.”

“Why?”

“If these guys see that you’re new, they may try to down-sell you on a deal. Even if it has nothing to do with sex. Whereas Aunt Celina or I will up-sell you. We’re like agents. We go for the highest amount and benefit because we get a percentage.”

Blowing out a long breath, I considered it. I wasn’t even sure I would play for him, but I was open to the idea if she would help me. “What should I charge?”

“Before we get into that, we should be wondering if your aunt would even approve.”

“Do you think she will?”

Shalimar turned to Jean-Pierre and then shook her head. “Hell no.”

“Seriously?”

“She told me to make sure you don’t do any private parties.”

“Because?”

“She’s your aunt and she wants you protected.”

“But let’s remember that I’m an adult. Would she protect me because it’s dangerous or because I’m her niece?”