Page 27 of The Perfect Bargain

“Ni Una Menos”

A protest against violence toward women. I remember hearing about it on the news, quickly shutting it off when Alex entered the room. She had a nightmare and couldn’t sleep, often climbing into my bed in the middle of the night. The therapist once explained it was a consequence of our many sleepless nights because of her father.

Those women are brave, walking through the streets, fighting for women like me—who choose to hide, not wanting to be found. I wish I could be a voice for others, but the thought of him finding me paralyzes me.

No, we’re fine as we are. Staying far away and hidden, staying safe.

“Have a good night, Richard,” I say, standing up and grabbing my purse.

“Same time next week,” he replies, barely looking up.

“You know where to find me,” I toss back as I walk out the door.

* * *

“Is this your first time at one of these clubs?” Victoria nodded toward the dance floor, where various couples moved together. Some looked ready to tear each other’s clothes off, while others swayed sweetly. They were all women.

I couldn’t help but blush. Was it that obvious? Victoria knew I hadn’t been with any other women before her. In my line of work, you see everything—I’d kissed women and shared men, but I’d never been alone with a woman until her. I was surprised she booked me again, but I didn’t expect her to bring me here.

“Yeah, it is. Seems like I’ve been missing out,” I said, smiling at her as I sipped my martini.

“Thank you for coming. It’s nice to have you here,” she said softly.

“Thank you for bringing me,” I replied, meeting her gaze.

I don’t know why I felt so nervous around her. No other client had ever made me feel this way. I was at a loss with Victoria. Should I touch her arm? Compliment her hair? How does this even work? I listened as she talked about work—it didn’t surprise me she was the big boss of some company—but I couldn’t focus on everything she was saying. Not when she slid off her blazer, revealing the thin straps of her dress and the faint outline of her nipples under the fabric. I took a deep breath, trying to seem cool and collected.

“Can I ask you something?” I said as we picked up our third round of drinks. The martini had definitely served as liquid courage, but I wasn’t sure if speaking my mind was a good idea. I never drink past one glass when I’m with a client, for obvious reasons, but with Victoria, I’d need a few more to keep my nerves from completely taking over.

“Of course,” she replied, her curious smile making something in my stomach flutter.

“How do you know what you’re into?” I blurted out, then quickly tried to explain. “I don’t mean to assume, but this is the second time you’ve booked me and, well, we’re here.” I gestured toward the couples on the dance floor.

Victoria grinned. “I like experimenting and testing things out,” she said. “I like men too,” she added, and something inside me sank, though I couldn’t say why. “But not more than I like you.”

Heat flushed through me, and the chuckle that escaped her lips told me she noticed.

“Come on, let’s go up to our room,” she said, grabbing her blazer and my hand simultaneously, not giving me much time to think.

As we entered the hotel room, the door clicked shut behind us, silencing the hum of the distant club and the city beyond. The room was luxurious, adorned with plush furnishings and soft lighting that cast a warm, inviting glow. My pulse quickened. I couldn’t tell if it was the alcohol or the way Victoria’s presence seemed to fill the space, making it hard to breathe.

She tossed her blazer onto a chair, her movements fluid and confident. I stood awkwardly by the door, unsure of what to do next. Victoria turned to face me, her eyes dark and intent.

“You look tense,” she murmured, stepping closer, her fingers brushing my arm. “Relax.”

I swallowed hard, trying to steady my racing heart. She closed the distance between us, her hand trailing up to cup my cheek. The softness of her touch contrasted with the intensity of her gaze, and I felt myself leaning into her, drawn by an invisible force.

“Let’s take this slow,” she whispered, her breath warm against my skin. “I want to enjoy every moment with you.”

The world outside ceased to exist as she led me to the bed, her touch guiding and grounding me. The room seemed to shrink, the only thing that mattered was the connection between us. As we sank onto the plush mattress, I realized I was no longer nervous. With Victoria, I felt an electric anticipation that made everything else fade away.

I was supposed to be the one making her relax—this was my job, after all—but I couldn’t get a grip on myself. Just like the last time, Victoria was the one taking charge.

Her lips were warm with a hint of spice from her drink, and I threaded my fingers through her long hair, pulling her closer. One of her hands rested on my waist, the other on the side of my neck, steadying me. She slid her hand across my chest, her thumb brushing over my nipple, and I couldn’t suppress the soft moan that escaped my lips.

“I want to make you come this time, and I want you to tell me exactly how it feels,” I whispered against her ear. I was half convinced it was the alcohol talking, but every word was true. I was skilled at making men squirm, but it never excited me. Not the way the thought of Victoria squirming under my touch did. The idea of her melting for me made me wet.

I needed it.

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