Page 9 of The Perfect Bargain

I perked up, curiosity sparking. “How good are we talking?”

Carmen leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Twice the usual big fee,” she murmured, like it was a secret only for me in the middle of a crowded coffee shop. The whole conversation felt like we were pulling off a covert operation, even though we were just two faces lost in the bustle.

“Damn.” The word slips out before I can stop it. Double our top rate? That’s the kind of money that changes things, the kind you don’t just walk away from. “So, what’s got you hesitating, Carmen? Sounds like you hit the jackpot.”

“It’s a mess, D,” she leans in, voice dropping lower. “The issue is, they’re all screwing each other and using their little game as an excuse. Someone is bound to snap.”

I frown, trying to piece it together. “And how exactly is their drama your problem?”

“They’re in the dark about why I’m really there. They think I’m just another guest—maybe even the girlfriend of the guy running the show. But the truth? He’s paying me for something else entirely.” She pauses, fingers pressing to her temples as she mimics an explosion. “He wants his sister-in-law, and somehow, he’s got this whole twisted plan to make it happen. And the crazy part? It’s working.”

A laugh bubbles up in her throat, and I can’t help but join in. The whole thing is so absurd, so messed up, it’s almost funny.

“Look, just ride the wave, Carmen. If this house of cards is gonna come crashing down, you might as well enjoy the perks while it lasts. Pad your wallet, babe.” I push my chair back, glancing at my phone. “Anyway, I gotta run—someone’s waiting on me. But shoot me a message after your next ‘game,’ and hey, if you need backup, I wouldn’t mind taking a slice of that doubled fee.”

With a wink, I drop some cash on the table to cover lunch and make my exit, giving her a playful wave as I step out of the cafe.

Lunches with Carmen? They’re my sanity. She’s the one person I can be real with—no pretending, no tiptoeing around the truth. After a hellish week or being late for the millionth time, it’s a breath of fresh air to just exist with her. No act, no apologies. Just me, unfiltered. It’s rare, and I don’t take it for granted.

The thought hits me as I walk: Robert used to be that person for me. My safe space. But since the secrets started piling up, I’ve been walking on eggshells around him. Always calculating, afraid one wrong word could blow the whole thing wide open. The fear of him finding out about my real work? It’s like this invisible wall between us, driving us further apart, brick by brick.

It’s exhausting—constantly keeping track of what I say, making sure I don’t slip up. The weight of it presses down, the tension always there, lurking just beneath the surface.

* * *

I’m the type who likes to get there early. It’s not just about punctuality; it’s about the ritual. The quiet before the storm. It gives me time to shake off the day and slip into whatever role tonight demands. Home prep is a no-go, so I’ve grown fond of the luxury suites that double as my temporary stage.

A sudden knock pulls me from my thoughts right as I’m cozying up in the plush hotel robe. A glance at my phone tells me my client is ridiculously early—forty-five minutes, to be exact. Seems pointless to get all dolled up now when it’ll all be undone shortly.

Opening the door, I’m ready to tease Stephen about his eagerness. Instead, I’m met with the unexpected sight of two imposing men in suits. Definitely not Stephen.

“Can I help you?” I ask my confusion barely veiled.

Stephen came into view as the two men parted ways, and I let out a sigh I didn’t realize I was holding. “Did my associates give you a fright?” he teases, kissing my cheek before breezing past me into the room. His so-called friends trail behind him, and I can’t help but scan the room, trying to make sense of the unexpected entourage.

“Just surprised, that’s all. You’re ahead of schedule, and I’m not quite ready. Weren’t we going out for dinner?” My question hangs in the air as another man, previously unnoticed, steps in and shuts the door with a quiet click. My gaze flickers to the newcomers, taking in their ages. They’re definitely younger than Stephen, who’s maintained his charm well into his fifties. Theguy on his right could pass for his thirties, while the other two look fresh out of their twenties.

“Looks like dessert’s coming early today,” Stephen says with a mischievous glint in his eye, giving me a look that says he’s already decided on the change of plans.

“Start talking,” I demand, my gaze sharp. I’ve never been one for unexpected shifts in the script.

“Well, darling, my good mate Michael here,” he gestures to the man beside him casually, “is about to tie the knot, and I figured we’d give him a night to remember.” I don’t immediately respond, my eyes flicking to the other two men, who look not much older than me. Stephen continues, Seeing my hesitation, “And these guys, Leonardo and Gio, are on my payroll. Wanted to join in the festivities.”

I open my mouth to object, but Stephen’s already one step ahead, dropping a hefty envelope on the nightstand. “Quadruple your rate tonight,” he declares, and my jaw almost hits the floor. Holy hell. I think back to the advice I gave Carmen today and almost want to laugh.

“Would’ve been nice to get a heads-up… could’ve brought a crew to keep everyone entertained,” I quip, half-serious. But Stephen’s shaking his head before I even finish.

“Friends aren’t what we’re after tonight; I want the best for my boy, and that’s you. Sharing is caring, sweetheart. Now, why don’t you make yourself comfortable? Our groom-to-be deserves to kick things off,” he says, his laughter filling the room as he heads towards the bar for a drink. Looks like I’m in for a marathon evening.

I glance at the envelope, thick with the promise of a payday that’s hard to ignore, and then back at the collection of men waiting. A thrill of anticipation weaves through the apprehension. It’s definitely going to be a night to remember.

I saunter over to the couch where Michael sits, and without missing a beat, I climb onto his lap, straddling him. My lips brush against his ear, and I feel his shudder. He’s already turned on, and I can feel his cock hardening against me.

“Congratulations on tying the knot,” I whisper before pressing my lips against his. My tongue parts his lips, and I grind my hips, teasing his erection through his pants. I’m so wet, and my nipples ache to be touched. The sensation of his fingers digging into my skin as he runs his hands along my body and tugs at my robe is the most delicious feeling. Michael’s touch is gentle, but the kiss is hungry. It’s been a while since I’ve been with a client, and I’m eager for the release. He’s not the one paying me, but he’s the one I want to fuck first.

“That’s right, love, work those hips,” Stephen calls out, and I smile into the kiss, amused by his comment. Michael’s not even doing anything; I’m the one in charge.

His hands slide between us, untying the robe, and it slides open. I can feel his fingers caressing my skin, his nails lightly grazing the sensitive flesh, making their way down to my slit. I break the kiss and lean back, letting him get a good look at me as he works my clit.

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