Incentive (Infidelity Universe)

If I do this, I’ll be reduced to arm candy, the dude in a tux accompanying the big-shot politician or celebrity at social events. Can I live with that emasculating stigma for a year?

“Sign here, if you agree.” She taps the paper. “And initial here and here.”

I stare blankly at the agreement, my stomach a snarl of nerves.

What if I hate the woman? What if she’s a total bitch? What if I find her nauseating and have to endure a year of her groping?

I picture Shelby at Blue Dixie with her hands on my dick and the cloying scent of her desperation fumigating my personal space day and night. Karen assured me I would enjoy the relationship, but if Infidelity wants me badly enough, she’ll tell me anything to make me sign.

“Mr. Gabrielli, what’s your answer?”

CHAPTER 5

DECKER

What’s my answer?

An obscene amount of money, enough prestige to potentially repair my reputation, and monogamous sex—that will be my incentive plan for the next year.

I pick up the pen and sign, trying to keep my hand from shaking through each stroke.

Evan grips my shoulder and squeezes. “You made the right decision.”

I’m not so sure. I might not have sold my soul to the devil, but I just signed an agreement that sold my body to a woman I’ve never met.

After Evan and I shake hands and say goodbye, Karen sends me down the private elevator with her assistant to get photos taken for a passport and Infidelity’s records. I fill out more forms in a conference room, providing details such as bank account information for direct deposits.

Two days ago I faced eviction and unemployment. Before that, I lived paycheck to paycheck, without electricity or frequent meals. Now I’ll be earning a six-digit annual salary, living rent-free, and eating like a king. I feel wildly knocked off balance.

Karen’s assistant pokes her blonde head into the conference room and smiles. “All finished?”

“Yep.” I stand and head toward the door. “Do I just wait for a call?”

With the interview check in my pocket, my next stop will be the phone store.

“Actually,” she says, “Ms. Flores would like to speak to you before you go.”

She escorts me back to level I and waves me into Karen’s office, closing the door behind me.

Karen sits behind her desk, laptop closed, and expression expectant. “Take a seat.”

I lower into the chair, narrowing my eyes. “Did something happen?”

“I have good news, Decker.” Her grin is wide, her voice damn near breathless. “Normally, the medical evaluation and background check comes after the interview, but when Evan called me two days ago, I expedited the process.”

My brows pulled together. “Because of my financial situation?”

“No. Let me reiterate that our clients pay a high price for a successful coupling. It can take weeks or longer to find the perfect match. We don’t always have employees on hand that fit every profile. Sometimes we have to look outside of our existing staff to make these perfect pairings possible.”

My heart pounds in my chest as I register the meaning of her words. “That’s why you pushed so hard for me to sign. You hired me with a specific client already in mind. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“There’s an order to these things, Mr. Gabrielli. After your interview, I had to make some calls. Frankly, I didn’t expect everything to line up as seamlessly as it did.”

“Everything like what? You told me it could be a month before you matched me with someone.” Fuck, I’m not ready for this.

“I have a female client who requires a specific kind of companion. We don’t have many male employees, which has made the process of filling her needs even more challenging. I’ve been searching for a profile like yours for a long time.”

“What are her needs?” My palms slick with sweat. “Who is she?”

“I’m not authorized to say. What I can disclose is she flew into town this morning to meet you.” Karen slides a square card across the desk. “You’ll meet her tonight.”

Waves of dread and excitement roll through my gut. If this woman doesn’t live in town, that means I’ll be moving. Doesn’t matter in the scheme of things, but it’s another big adjustment in the reckless whirlwind I’ve found myself in.

I glance at the embossed phone number on the card. “What’s this?”

“If you need to report abuse, that’s the number you call.” She squares her shoulders. “The client received the same card.”

A warning, probably one with more concern than usual, given my combat training. She knows I can defend myself against any man or woman and gave this to me as a reminder to keep myself in check.

“A car will pick you up at your residence at six tonight. Pack an overnight bag.” She stands and offers her hand. “Congratulations, Mr. Gabrielli. Today is the first day of your one-year agreement. You’re officially employed at Infidelity.”