Page 123 of Their Courtesan
“One of the dirtiest languages in the world! You could say ‘Wash my socks by hand’ in that sexy accent of yours and I would die.”
Miguel tried that out, careful to roll every R in a long, searing purr. Yes, Judith was definitely melting.
After they finished their drinks, they left to take their assigned places in the ballroom. Good. Miguel was starting to get hungry.
“Oh… good afternoon.”
Judith stopped, torn between returning the greeting and ignoring the man pushing his way into the lounge.
“Could you give me a few seconds, Miguel?” She put a hand on his shoulder, reassuring him while he looked into the glassy eyes ofthe other guy.Seth Christens stood in his stuffy tailored suit, hair slightly unkempt – because he was a dirty artist, so there – and gaze turning from Miguel to Judith. The way he looked at her… it was the way Miguel looked at her.Fuck this guy.He knew it was jealousy bubbling up. He couldn’t help it. How could he keep from putting a protective arm around his beloved to make sure she didn’t run away with him? Like she was an animal in heat…
We’re all dumb animals.Fucking feral beasts who needed collars and leashes because they couldn’t be trusted with their own genitals!
“You do what you need to do,mi amour.” He kissed her temple before releasing her. “I’ll be at our table.”
“Thank you. Just a few minutes. I may not see him before our trip to New York. You know, for the gallery. I want to clear some details.”
“Yes, of course.” Miguel did his damndest to not growl like a dog in a cage. “Take your time.” He sent Seth a frosty glare.Does she actually see anything in this guy? He looks pathetic.Funny. When he first met Seth without knowing their connection, he thought he was a fine guy. Everything changed when a woman was involved.
Miguel found the nearest usher the moment Judith left his side. After being escorted to his seat, Miguel made the executive decision for what both he and Judith should eat for dinner. He liked to think he knew her tastes well enough by now to order her the steak and vegetable plate.
“May I trouble you for a moment, Mr. Bolivar?”
He looked up to find Monica leaning against his otherwise empty table. Where the other guests were, he had no idea, but he wouldn’t say no to his beloved’s boss joining him. Her husband was not in tow.
“Lovely wedding, isn’t it?”
Monica smiled. “I like to take some credit for it, yes.”
I don’t recall implying that…“If you’re wondering where Judith is, she said she had something to tend to. I don’t expect her to be back for at least a few minutes.”
“That’s fine. I wanted to speak with you separately, anyway.”
Miguel braced himself for trouble. “Go on.”
To the tune of a live jazz band playing mood music, Monica said, “I have some good news for you, Mr. Bolivar. After extensive consideration between myself and Judith, you have won the silent auction. Congratulations.”
It’s about fucking time!Miguel retained his composure. “Thank you for the information.” The smile he had practiced for years to maintain some degree of civility even though he was exploding inside paid off. “I am happy to hear it. You know I care for Judith and have every intention of being a doting patron for as long as possible.” He had thought about what would happen if his family called him back from America, or sent him to another part of the world. The casino project he was overseeing should last a few years, from groundbreaking to making sure it turned a sizable profit, but anything could happen. If it did? He intended to still see Judith as often as possible. That’s what love did to a man.I bent over backwards to see Rosa all over the Western hemisphere, didn’t I?At least he didn’t have to keep his relationship with Judith a secret. The whole world already knew, much to his sister’s chagrin.
“I do not doubt it.” Monica folded her hands on the table, careful to keep her stomach from scraping against the edge. “Moving forward, I will draw up the business contract for you and her to sign. However, I don’t plan to present it to you until after she returns from New York in July. I hope you understand.”
“Sure.”
“I’m glad. After that, you will be her patron, and your first monthly payment will be expected. I trust that won’t be an issue?”
“Not at all.”
“Excellent. Judith and I are excited to have you on board as her patron. We’re sure you two will be happy with the arrangement.”
“What about the other guy?”
Monica looked back at him with a start. “What do you mean?”
“The other man I was bidding against. Seth Christens, isn’t it?”
“Why, yes… well, I’m sure they will still be seeing each other, especially if the gallery showing goes well. Your patronage does not make her other clients invalid. It simply means you have many more benefits than they do.”
“I understand that.” Miguel poured himself a glass of champagne from the complimentary bottle left on the table. “I was asking how he’s taking it.”
