Page 65 of The VIP Package

“Extremelywell cared-for.” One edge of her mouth quirks. “Five-star experience.”

The consorts’ eyes dart back and forth between us. Probably wondering what a beautiful woman is doing with a pompous dickhead. Or perhaps they assume we couldn’t possibly mean what’s just been implied.

“Glad to hear it, sir.” Logan clears his throat. “Let us know if you need anything, ma’am.”

“We came back early to get settled.” Zane shifts his pack on one shoulder. “Glad to clock in if we’re needed.”

“Absolutely.” Logan’s gaze swings to mine. “I know there’s nothing more important to you than guest satisfaction.”

Zane bobs his head. “Like you always say—‘Our mission is to ensure every woman feels secure, satisfied, and desired.’”

He’s right that I’ve said that a thousand times. It’s part of a small speech I give at each new consort’s orientation. Zane’s quoting me word for word, so why does it make me uneasy now?

It’s not simple jealousy. I see how their eyes roam Camille’s sexy curves, and all I feel there is pride. There’s something else bothering me, but I can’t put my finger on what.

“Gentlemen.” I nod to let them know they’re dismissed. “No need to report for duty until you’re scheduled. Until then, enjoy the resort amenities. All restaurants will be reopened by morning. There’s a welcome back luncheon on Saturday.”

“Thank you, sir.” Zane nods to Camille. “Nice to meet you.”

Logan does one better, capturing her hand and drawing it to his lips. “I hope your stay here has been everything you hoped it would be.”

“Thank you.” She giggles as he kisses the back of her hand. “Welcome back, guys.”

We both watch them go, silent until they vanish around a bend in the path that leads to the consorts’ chateau. The momentthey’re out of earshot, Camille looks at me. “I’m not positive, but I think my friend Eve slept with the blond one.”

“Logan?” Good for her friend, if that’s the case. “It’s my understanding that he’s quite skilled. One of our most requested consorts.”

Her lips form a cheeky grin. “So I’ve heard.” She must notice something in my voice or expression. “You okay, Ash Hole?”

“Certainly.”

She studies my face, and I hate the sensation of having her peer through my skull. I doubt she could know what I’m thinking, since I’m not certain myself.

But sometimes I think she might understand me better than I do.

“Hey.” She throws her arms around my middle, burying her face in my chest. It’s a swift, unexpected hug that takes me aback. I hesitate only a second before wrapping my arms around her. “You know I think you’re ridiculously hot, right?”

“So you’ve said.” And my healthy ego doesn’t doubt that.

“And you’ve made me come my brains out a million times since I’ve been here.” She tips her head back and grins. “Only a slight exaggeration.”

“Slight.” I don’t want her to think I’m threatened by other men. “You’re more than encouraged to ogle the consorts, Camille. If you’d like, I can even arrange for one or both men to?—”

“Clock back in and fuck me?” She draws back to slug me in the chest. “That’s what I’m trying to say, Ash Hole—you’ve satisfied me plenty. I won’t be leaving here with any regrets.”

But she will be leaving here. She has to.

“Semen!”McFly flaps his wings, breaking the tension.“Semen! Semen! Semen!”

Camille laughs and draws back, breaking our connection. Bringing me back to reality. “Way to kill the mood, bird.”

Still squawking, he does a proud march back and forth on the branch. “Cocky asshole,” I mutter.

Chuckling again, Camille threads her arm through mine. “Takes one to know one, Ash Hole.”

“Touché.” My chest feels warm from the heat of her arm tucked against me. The bergamot spice scent of her hair, the ring of her laugh in my ear, all serve to remind me that joy is a thing.

A thing that’s quite fleeting, if memory serves.

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