Page 47 of Judging Duke

“Can’t be just that.”

“Why are you here?” Stupid fucking question. I knew why he was here.

In her call, Barbara had explained they were filming a movie and not to be surprised when I got here. She even asked if I’d be prepared to give a few of the stars a massage. I was fine with that as long as nothing more was expected from me.

He cocked an eyebrow. “You know what I do for a living, right?”

“I do.” I shifted uncomfortably in my chair. Please don’t ask me. Please don’t ask me.

“Have you watched any of my movies?”

And…there it was.

“Do I have to answer that?”

“I think you just did. Go on, what did you think?”

“Seriously? You’re asking me if I’ve watched you fuck?”

“I guess.”

“You’ll be asking me to give you points next for performance and stamina?”

“No need. I’m always a ten.”

I laughed. I’d thought I was cocky.

“I could do with a massage, though. The flight over was cramped as hell. I sat with my knees around my ears. Economy class travel is not for me.”

“What, you didn’t fly first class?” I asked. With his money, he could have afforded it.

“I didn’t see the point. It’s a couple of hours at most.”

“I mean, I could probably fit you in. I’m here for a few days, and Barbara won’t take up all of my time.”

She’d mentioned taking me sightseeing, maybe driving into Italy as it was so nearby. I’d planned on using the beach—well-protected, mind. Flying over the sea, it had looked clear and blue.

It was nothing like the sea at home, and I recalled family holidays in Blackpool where the sea was so brown I wouldn’t even paddle my feet for fear of catching something.

I’m sure it was clean, but I wasn’t taking any chances.

“That’d be great, thanks,” he said, his speech slightly slurred, yet he hadn’t touched his drink.

I watched as he yawned and stretched, noticing then how tired he looked.

“Keeping you up?”

“Let’s just say the past few weeks have been trying. Robbie has been on one, and when he gets like that, it’s draining. Constant calls and texts. I hate not answering him, but sometimes I have to for my own sanity.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Nothing for you to be sorry about.”

He looked at me. A flash of the old, hateful Simon surfaced, and I waited for the tirade that was sure to follow.

Instead, he stood. “Nice talking to you, Duke. I’ll hold you to the massage.”

“Yeah, no problem.” He walked towards Barbara, and I watched their exchange with interest. She flirted as usual, but Simon looked different. I’d seen the fire in his belly when he was worked up, usually at me, but now it was as if a wash of exhaustion had flowed over him.

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