Page 94 of Their Courtesan
Usually women, regardless of background, didn’t ask that question so bluntly. If they were sophisticated like him, they dropped hints implying they wanted to know. Miguel hated those games, but he knew they asked only out of propriety. Lower-class girls would never in a million years ask unless they were that uncouth – and Miguel usually avoidedthatuncouth, let alone there in Monaco. Judith, however, was a unique case. She was used to dating high-rolling men of means. Or at least having them dote on her with their money. She had been all over the world at one point or another. Dined at the fanciest restaurants. Worn the finest designer clothes, purchased for her by her various lovers and clients. She didn’t just sell sexual services and general entertainment. She sold a girlfriend experience. Miguel had to remind himself of that.
That was also why he couldn’t have his off-grounds date with her back in America. That wasn’t special. Any schmuck could wine and dine her in her own country. Even flying to Miami or the west coast wasn’t good enough. Hawaii? She had probably been there a dozen times.
She had never been to Monaco, however. Who else could give her this unique experience? Not the other guy vying for her affections, that was for sure.
So he didn’t feel bad one bit replying to her original question. “A cool seventy million. Of course, that was a few years ago, when places were a little more inflated… but still. Dent in my bank account. Worth every penny, of course.”
“Naturally.” Still smiling – and still wearing her sunglasses – Judith ran her hands over a burnt orange leather couch and stared at a yellow and green statue on top of the fireplace. “That’s a lot of money.”
“Actually, about half of that was paying for the original owner to move his ass out. He was reluctant, but I absolutely wanted this unit.”
“Really?”
“Really.” Miguel handed her a glass of champagne and pointed to the marina down below. “This is my favorite residential view in all of Monaco. The unit above this one was empty, but it wasn’t the same. I could imagine what the view was like from here, and immediately went downstairs to see if the owner was willing to sell.”
“I take it he wasn’t.”
“Nope. He was a widower, and this was where he and his wife lived for decades. Felt kinda bad, but you know how I am,mi amour.When I want something, I get it.” He clinked his glass against hers. She knew what he meant.
“Hmm.” Judith sipped, eyelashes fluttering. “What an asshole move, though.” Her tongue clicked in her mouth. “Almost turns me on. I saidalmost.” Her hand was on his chest, holding him at bay. “Now, show me your room. I want to see if you’re one of those douches with the computerized wardrobe.”
He was. Not that he ever used the damn thing, but when he told the renovators that he wanted all the extras, no cost prohibitive, he ended up with more than he bargained for. That included a computerized wardrobe that would keep track his outfits and make sure he never wore the same one twice. Most of his suits looked the same, anyway. All he had to do was change out the ties and cufflinks.
Today he wore gold cufflinks, but no tie. Miguel leaned against the bedroom doorway while Judith ran to his bedroom window and took pictures of the view. She then turned, giggling over the bed that came complete with automated bed-maker. NowthatMiguel did make use of.
He approached Judith, swinging one arm around her torso and nuzzling the nape of her neck. “Are you impressed, my princess?”
She still giggled. “It is pretty impressive, but don’t call me princess.”
“Aw,por que?You’re regal enough for me. I would know. I dine with plenty of princes and princesses around here.”
“That’s the name my boss’s husband calls her. Too much baggage,sir.”
“Is that how you want it?” He kissed her hand before backing away, her hand still in his. They looked like they were about to start dancing. “We can do whatever you want this weekend. The choices are yours.”
There was nothing innocent about those batting eyelashes. “You know what I would like to do, sir. Why don’t you have a seat? You deserve a reward for how much you’ve spoiled me already. Time for me to spoilyou.”
Even though he knew that was her standard lingo, Miguel still felt a lump of more than desire in his throat. It almost felt wrong to sit on the edge of his bed and let Judith do whatever she wanted to him – all of which ended much in his favor, of course.
They didn’t leave the apartment for the rest of the night. Everything they needed was right there, from the high-tech shower to the automated food delivery services. There was plenty of time the next day to take Judith out and show her the sights.
***
“You’re kidding!” Judith cried, as they hopped in the standby Maserati after breakfast the next day. “You can really walk from one end of the country to the other in an hour?”
“Yes, but I don’t recommend it.” Miguel pulled out of the underground garage and waited for traffic to let him through. “The roads here are steep and narrow in places. The sidewalks are wide, but accidents happen. It’s better to drive. Easier to see things that way.”
“Parking isn’t a problem when you’re rich like you.”
“To be fair, everyone but some of the staff and tourists here are beyond rich.” Finally, an opening occurred. Miguel zoomed between a vintage Lambo and a stretch limo. “Although I am still one of the richest.”
Judith rolled the window all the way down. “I wouldn’t be caught dead in this part of Europe unless my date was a hot billionaire. So, you’re doing well in that department.”
As they stopped at a red light, Miguel leaned over and kissed her cheek. The limo behind them threatened to hit the bumper. “Want to meet some rich women? My sisters want to have lunch.”
“You have sisters?”
“Haven’t I told you before?”
