Page 116 of Their Courtesan
“I don’t even want to say it. Videos, pictures, all sorts of sordid shit that would make our dear mother faint to even acknowledge. Most of your sluts have dirty pasts that landed them in front of a video camera or two. What he found out about her lifetodaywas much worse.”
“Cut to the chase, Dolores.”
“Like I said.” Her tone turned curt. “She’s a slimy prostitute.”
Miguel somehow managed to not react.Trust me, I would love to give her a few choice words right now.He had long learned to leave things be in that regard. People like his sister lived for getting a rise out of him.
“You’re not even going to deny it?”
“Is there a point?”
Dolores almost looked disappointed. “I should’ve figured. A woman that relaxed around so much wealth either had to come from it herself or be a high-priced escort. It was made quite clear she was not the former when we met her.”
“Congratulations, you’ve cracked the code. I’m assuming you haven’t told anyone.”
“Whywould I?” Her upper lip curled. “As soon as I found out, though, I hopped my husband’s plane here. Told everyone I was coming to check-in and acted like you knew about it. Really, though, I wanted to see if you would deny dating a hooker.”
“Do you feel better about yourself saying these things?” Like he needed her to answer that. “I don’t see how it’s any of your business. If I had anything to do with those photos, I would apologize… but I didn’t, so all you did was fly out here to rub it in my face. As if I care.”
“True. I also came out here to give you a warning,hermano.” Dolores draped her gloves over the back of the couch. Did she think she was staying a while?Either find a hotel or get back on your plane… my guest room does not have your name on it.“Normally I wouldn’t go to these measures, but you said that woman was your girlfriend… and both Maria and I agreed that you were smitten with her.”
Miguel didn’t deny that, either.
“Your image problems are your own to deal with, although you really should think of your poor youngest sister who is in pursuit of her own suitor right now. Think of Mama’s heart, too. It’s not so good anymore, you know.”
“What is the point?”
“Thepoint,Miguel, is that you simply can’t be serious about such a… such atrampbeing your girlfriend. First of all, she’s playing you. You think she really cares about you back? She’s after your money, purely. That’s all she thinks about. Everything she does is about advancing her station and setting herself up for life.”
Miguel cocked a wary eyebrow. “Sounds familiar. By the way, how are Pierre and his billions?”
“You leave my well-respected husband out of this.”
“I’m just saying, Lola…”
She grimaced at that name. “That is different. I’m not saying I begrudge Ms. King for playing the game well. She’sclearlygood at what she… does…” Dolores cleared her throat, cheeks pink. “You just best damn well pick a woman of proper breeding or at least a clean, sweet record to breed with.”
“My, you are a real romantic.”
“I’m serious, Miguel!” Ah, there went the fake demeanor. “Don’t you dare fucking sully our family name by getting serious with aprostituteof all people! Not only is it wretched, but…”
“But what?” Miguel was starting to lose his patience… and he had a lot of patience for his sister’s stupid bullshit.This is different. This is about Judith.The woman she kept demeaning. “Go on. Tell me what ‘this’ is and why I should feel bad about it.”
“It’s disgusting! Think of your position! Everyone expects you to use women like they’re worthless fucktoys…”
“Excuseyou.”
“…But don’t you dare start parading around a hooker like she’s your girlfriend. It’s bad for everyone’s image. If you dare marry her? Papa would disown you! If she gives you bastard children? There is no way they would be recognized by family law. No matter how you do it, Miguel, it’s a disgusting mess. Spare us all and cut her loose so the fervor back home can die down.”
“Fervor, huh?”
Dolores was fuming now. “You think I’m the only one who saw those photos and did some digging? Mama’s the only one being kept in the dark. Papa has half a mind to hit you in the wallet when you next go back to Monaco!”
“Stop your crowing. It’s not that serious. Judith is…”
“She’swhat,Miguel?”
Miguel would not throw her under the proverbial bus. “Very special to me. It’s true.”
