Rhapsody (Butcher and Violinist 1)

The more I sipped wine and smoked with Leo, the more I became confident in the decision I was making with Jean-Pierre. Aunt Celina wouldn’t approve. My dad would probably disown me, and never let me walk into whatever church he decided to build. Bad things could happen because of this deal.

I might not ever be the same.

But the more I thought of Jean-Pierre, the more I thought of his story. The more I felt his touch against my hand. And caught the scent of him.

The more I didn’t care.

I’d been telling the truth to Leo earlier. I would’ve had sex with Jean-Pierre without the money. The check was just the elegant topping on the cake.

I’m doing this for the money, but I’m also doing this for me.

Chapter 10

Day One

Eden

Yesterday, Shalimar and I shopped at Zhalay’s boutique. We spared no expense as we used Jean-Pierre’s card. She assessed every choice I made, dumping the duds and approving the best outfits and lingerie.

This morning, we stopped by the beauty salon, where I was waxed from head to toe, eyebrows arched, hair shampooed, conditioned, and styled. Nails painted and filed.

Everywhere I felt silky, soft, and sensual.

Am I really going to do this?

We returned to my apartment. She packed. I showered and changed.

Naked, I stood in the mirror staring back at myself. Did I look like a high-end hooker? Did I have what it took? I tried to invoke an elegant seductress. But on the inside, I felt like a fraud.

Shalimar interrupted my thoughts. “That’s a pretty tattoo on your back.”

“Thanks.”

“Are you ready to put everything on?”

“Yeah.” I turned her way, still not comfortable with being completely naked around her.

Shalimar brought over several items and placed them on my bed. “So, Jean-Pierre wanted to provide his own guards for you which was a nice way of him saying: no one but his people will be around you.”

“What will we do about my personal bodyguard?”

“Buggy knows the location of where you’ll be staying these thirty days. He’ll be in a car parked across the street. If something happens, he’ll come in and get you.”

“That’s if he can come in.”

“Yeah.” She gave me a weak smile. “That’s if he can come in.”

I ran my fingers through my hair.

“Second thoughts?”

“Yeah, but I’m still going to do it.”

“Buggy will have your back. You won’t be alone.”

“Good.”

“And I’ll be by my phone and on call the whole time.”

“Good.”

She picked up a piece of black lingerie and wagged it in front of her. It was crafted from rigid, sheer black mesh. “Okay, so let’s put this on.”

“What’s that? A mini-corset?”

“It’s a waspie.” She held it out in front of her. “It’s a type of corset but more like an under bust that’s short.”

She helped me put the waspie on. It hugged my waist and gave me a curvier form. Next, she helped me step into my dress and zipped it in the back.

“Any tips?” I turned to Shalimar.

“I think to keep Jean-Pierre’s attention. You must be cerebral like him. . .The woman he will chase is probably one that pours all her attention on him, then later excuses herself to do something else.”

“Got it.” There was so much to remember between Leo and Shalimar.

“But. . .most of all just be yourself.”

“Now you say that?”

“He did offer 100k because you were you. That means something.”

“How much does he usually offer?”

“10k. So in the end, do what works for you. He’ll stop if you tell him to.” She headed to the door. “I’ll look out for the car, you finish getting dressed.”

I spent the rest of the time, freshening up my makeup and making sure my hair remained styled and in place. Over and over, I whispered confident affirmations in my head, anything to calm my nerves.

Minutes dragged along.

The more time went by, the more my fingers shook.

Finally, Shalimar ducked her head in. “Okay. The driver is outside. I packed everything. If you need anything, then call me.”

“What if Aunt Celina comes by or something?”

“Then, she just missed you. For now, let’s keep up the story that you texted her today.”

I’d told Aunt Celina that a new benefactor had discovered me and wanted me to play for his daughter’s wedding. I said I would be busy practicing for the event.

I hoped that would keep Aunt Celina busy for a few weeks.

I rose and headed to the door. “I should’ve thought of something better.”

“Well, we’re just trying to see if you can even make it for a week.”

“Thanks for the confidence.” I was close to puking.

“Hey, if every woman could be a prostitute, there would be a lot more broke men.” She stopped me and messed with my hair. “You look amazing.”

“Thank you.”

“You can do this.”

“I can do it.”

She patted my bottom. “Go make that money, Eden.”

100k. Let’s do it.

Breathing in and out, I left my apartment and entered Jean-Pierre’s world.