Page 45 of Their Courtesan
“Bolivar from Miguel… casinos, right?”
“Mostly casinos and resorts, yes.”
“You’ll fit right in here. Lot of real estate moguls around here. Bit of a mecca.”
“Are you in real estate?”
“Hell no. My family considers the time-honored tradition of manufacturing its greatest pursuit.” When Miguel’s interest remained piqued, Zachary continued. “We’re in steel.”
“Ah. Steel is good. We need steel to build those resorts.”
“Indeed you all do.” Zachary finished his drink and put his empty glass aside. “Believe it or not, I’m mostly an artist. Not making me more billions anytime soon, but it’s a good way to spend one’s life.”
“Being an artist on a boat? I would think so.” As a European, Miguel had a lot of respect for the arts. And sailing. Combining the two had never occurred to him before, though. “What’s your medium?”
“A bit of this, a bit of that. I dabble in paint, sculpture, and even woodwork if I fancy it. I bought the apartment right next to mine to turn it into a studio. I’m also a lazy son of a bitch. Most of us useless Americans are.”
“Smart.”
“I know! You Europeans should get on this lazy train.”
This guy’s a trip.A fun trip, but a trip nonetheless. “Your little woman lets you get away with this?”
“Nah, I’m single.” He seemed rather proud of that fact. “Serially single, if you know what I mean.”
Zachary picked up his empty glass so he and Miguel could toast to that statement.
“What about you? Got a woman back in Monaco?”
“Not quite.” There were women in Monaco. Quite a few broken hearts, truth be told. None of them were really Miguel’s type. Too high maintenance. Not willing to have enoughfunin the bedroom.Too scared of everything.He liked his women adventurous and willing. Like Judith.
Miguel glanced at the available yacht next door. Was it fate that it was called theSt. Jude?Wasn’t that the apostle of lost causes? Like being in a relationship with Judith…
She wants me to become her patron.Having her on call whenever he wanted? Being able to bring her back to his apartment, or take her to Europe for some fun in the Mediterranean sun? Sounded like heaven. Miguel didn’t even mind spoiling her with presents. He had already asked about the Château’s gifting policy, since every house had its own rules. Some were open to anything for anyone, but the Château made it clear that no gifts worth above a certain amount were allowed… unless the man was her patron. Naturally, everything Miguel thought about giving his fair and sexy Judith was well above the limit. Funny. He never would’ve thought that paying for the privilege of gifting expensive items was so appealing.
“There are a lot of beautiful and eligible women around here. Best news? All the rich assholes like us are being scooped up. More women for the rest of us.”
“I had heard such things. Quite a few weddings, isn’t there?”
“There’s a reason the social papers are doing so well right now. Do you know of Ethan Cole? He’s getting married in a couple of months. Big deal.”
“Ah, yes, I know him. I’m actually having dinner with him next week.”
“I’ve only met him a few times. He doesn’t have as much use for steel as the real estate guys.”
They were silent again, Miguel enjoying the last of his beer while Zachary fiddled with some ropes. The way he wove them together with dexterous fingers told of an expert naval officerandartist. There was technique, and then there was style. “Do you know anything about that vessel there?” Miguel pointed to theSt. Jude.“I may be in the market for a boat while I’m here.”
“That one? Seems like a nice little thing. Don’t see it out much. The owner doesn’t live around here anymore, so I think that’s why he’s selling.”
“I see.”
“Thinking about grabbing it? Aw, we could be marina neighbors!”
It was not in Miguel’s nature to say“I would like that,”having to be a manly man and all, but he smiled, conveying that he was not opposed to such an idea.
***
“A registered letter came for you while you were gone,Monsieur,” Aimee said over the phone. “I managed to sign for it as I was heading out of the door.”
