Page 101 of Their Courtesan
Chapter 23
JUDITH
The greatest feeling wasn’t finally arriving “home” after a long flight and a longer car ride in a chauffeured sedan, but that feeling of triumph Judith experienced upon walking through the Château’s front doors early Monday afternoon.
“All hail the conquering heroine,” Grace said, standing in the dining room doorway. She held up a glass of orange juice while Judith wandered toward the grand staircase, eager to throw her luggage in her room and be done with it. “See the ghost of Grace Kelly, Miss Monaco?”
Now I get why Miguel is tired of having Americans ask about Grace Kelly.After seeing all that the little nation had to offer… why did it always have to be a former queen whohappenedto be a famous American actress?At least ask me about the disappointment that was Monte Carlo.Who the fuck decided that Miguel couldn’t go into casinos? Wasn’t that what his family did for aliving?
“No ghosts, sorry.” Judith opened her tote bag and pulled out a tiny bottle of French champagne, the souvenirs of choice she brought back.Er, I nicked them from Miguel’s plane.Right under his nose, no less. For some reason he found it greatly amusing that she forewent joining the mile high club for the tenth time in her life to search the plane for last minute souvenirs that looked like they could’ve come from Monaco. “Brought booze, though.”
“That’s because you are thebest.” Grace air kissed her coworker before disappearing into the dining room again. “By the way, Monica said she wanted to see you as soon as you got home. She’s in her office. Catch her before she goes tohernew home.”
Judith trudged upstairs, bags heavy and eyes heavier.Have not slept much.Between the time difference and the thrills of a weekend trip to Monaco… oh, and that raunchy as hell sex Miguel cooked up with her the night before.
After dumping her luggage in her room, Judith continued down the hall with one of the tiny bottles in her hand. Monica couldn’t drink at the moment, but at some point that baby would pop out and then it would be all alcohol, all the time.
“You’re back already?” Monica called from her bedroom as soon as Judith entered the master suite. “I hope everything went well. Your check-in texts weren’t bad.”
Judith lumbered through the bedroom doorway, depositing the bottle of champagne on Monica’s personal wet bar. “I was wined and dined in one of the most luxurious nations in the world.” She decided to add an addendum to that. “Did you know citizens couldn’t go into the casinos?”
“Doesn’t everyone know that?”
“No.” Judith looked away. “Did you get the pictures I sent you?”
“Yes. Lovely.” Monica pulled out her phone and thumbed through her recently acquired photos. Judith had sent anything pertinent, like the photos of Miguel’s apartment, his cars, his boats, and the choice, exclusive restaurants they were in. She even snuck a photo of his snotty sisters.That Dolores. God.If Judith had any inclination to marry Miguel, they were dashed now. No way would she ever put up with that shit for a family.Seth’s parents sound perfectly peachy in comparison.
“What do you think?”
Monica pulled her short legs onto her bed, sitting cross-legged with her stomach bulging in their gap.That looks so uncomfortable.Monica had taken to some rather unconventional postures and positions since becoming twice as wide as she was tall. Hard to believe she wasn’t due for another six to seven weeks. “I think either man would make a terrific patron. Although, if you want my professional opinion…”
“Of course I do.” Monica was one of the few women who knew more than Judith. Or at least she had a killer sixth sense for this business. Better than Judith’s, even if Judith had more sex work experience. “Lay it on me. The sooner this is over, the better.”
“Mr. Bolivar is my top choice for you. Not only does he have more money, but he has more powerful connections than Dr. Christens. We could always use more referrals here, especially if we go on to hire another two girls like we’ve discussed.”
Judith nodded. “I thought you would say that. I agree.”
“You do?”
“Why wouldn’t I agree? I want what’s best for the business. Not just yours, butminetoo. Miguel and I get along great. There also isn’t as much…” Judith stopped.Emotional attachment.She shouldn’t say that. No need to worry Monica that something deeper was going on between her and Seth.Hmph. Miguel’s the one who keeps saying he loves me, though.She felt it more strongly with Seth. Blech. Both men were a headache.
And a heartache.
“Anyway, I agree. If Miguel offers the most money, we should automatically accept. You’re right about everything. If Miguel is my patron, then that’s about half the month where I don’t have to worry about him monopolizing my time and I can earn more from other clients. He’s also comfortable with the type of arrangement we have and isn’t prone to jealousy. He knows what I am and how we relate to one another.”He called me his girlfriend…“I talked to Seth about what would happen if he didn’t get accepted for patronage. He said he would still be able to keep our current arrangement going as is.”
“That’s excellent. Sounds like everything is falling into place as it is. We could almost call the bids closed with Mr. Bolivar as it is.”
Something was off in Monica’s tone. “So why don’t we?” End this swiftly! Judith was ready for things to go back to normal in her life.
“I would like to see how things play out for a little while longer. I’m curious how Dr. Christens will respond with his final offer.”
Don’t hold your breath.Seth was a romantic. He probably thought the money dirtied their masterful connection of what the fuck ever.I like being with him. He could be a good friend as well as a client. Something more than that?Miguel was more the type of man she preferred to have as a client. Someone hot, rich, fun, jet-setting, and staying out of her fucking hair most of the time!
“Should be a blast,” Judith sighed. “Now if it’s fine with you, I think I’ll go die in my bed for a while. I can barely walk as it is after two nights in a row with Miguel.” Did the manyevershow her poor pussy any mercy? No.Bless him for it, but dear heavens.Judith saw herself out of Monica’s chambers. As she collapsed in her bed five minutes later, she imagined someone there with her. One thing could be said for all this attention from both men. They knew how to make a girl feel comforted while she slept.
Felt a bit lonely now.
