He takes my hand in his, but instead of shaking it, he brings it up to his lips and lightly kisses my knuckles. Butterflies attack my chest, making it hard to breathe, and I release a harsh breath.
Edgardo clears his throat and it’s then I realize everyone is waiting for me to continue. Liam smirks, knowing damn well what he’s doing to me. He releases my hand and I shake my head slightly to get ahold of myself. “I’ll escort you to the office and we’ll go from there,” I tell the three of them, before turning on my heel and entering the mansion.
The three gentlemen follow me with their guards trailing behind. I assume they’ll leave them at the office door, but they all walk through. They stand in the back of the room, while Liam, Nate, and Jack have a seat on the couch across from me. Edgardo stays with me the entire time as well, standing behind me. The whole thing feels way too serious… official… like we’re signing an act of congress as opposed to finding them a woman to spend the weekend with.
Nico walks in and introduces himself. They make small talk for a few minutes, before Nico assures them I’ll make sure they’re taken care of and if they need anything to let one of us know.
“Here are the catalogues.” I hand them each an iPad. “You fill out the questionnaire with your likes and dislikes. What you’re looking for in a lover. Once you hit submit, the women who meet your criteria will pop up. They have all signed an NDA as requested and are aware they’re going in blind and will have zero details about you. You will have the entire weekend with them, if you so choose. You may select a private room or to leave the mansion, but if you opt to leave, a guard will accompany her. There are three indoor pools and two outdoor ones on the grounds. There are three Jacuzzis, a restaurant, and a theatre room. The woman you select is familiar with the mansion and the surrounding area, so you can ask her and she’ll accompany you anywhere you wish to go.”
The purpose of this gentleman’s club is for them to be able to feel comfortable. Many men come here several times a week, and not just for the sex, but for the companionship. Some are single, widowed, and others are in a marriage they wish they weren’t in. I’ve learned a long time ago not to judge. I don’t know their backgrounds, just like they don’t know mine.
“We want your stay here to be perfect, so if you need anything, please ask.”
The three men nod, but Liam is the one who speaks. “Thank you. This is our first time in the States and La Stella’s was recommended for their high-class service and discretion. I can now see why.”
While they spend the next several minutes filling out their questionnaires, I take the time to assess them. They’re all good-looking, and I doubt they would have trouble finding someone to have sex with, so them coming here must be because of the discretion, as Liam mentioned. They aren’t able to just go out and pick up a woman at a bar and bring her back to their hotel rooms. It would be a little awkward asking her to sign an NDA before sliding into her.
Jack is the first one to complete his questionnaire and it notifies me on my iPad who he’s selected. I let Edgardo know, and he sees him out to private room two to meet with Anastasia.
Nate is next, and since Edgardo isn’t back yet, I offer to escort him. I show him to private room three and wait for Jessica to arrive. All private rooms have a bed, a bathroom, and a living room area complete with a television—like a small loft apartment. And inside the drawer of the dresser are various toys, depending on what they’ve requested, as well as condoms and lube. All members are required to show proof of them being clean as well as use protection, and all escorts are on birth control.
After introducing Nate to Jessica, I head back to the office. Edgardo is back to standing behind the desk, and Liam is still perusing the catalogue.
“Is there something in particular you’re looking for?” I ask after a few minutes of him still not selecting someone.
He glances up and his eyes meet mine. “No matter which likes or dislikes I select, your name doesn’t come up.”
My chest tightens. “That’s because I’m not an option.” And I’ll never be again.
He tilts his head slightly in thought. “Are you married?”
“No.”
“In a relationship?”
“No,” I repeat.
“Lesbian?” he jokes.
“No,” I say, allowing a small laugh to escape me. I might not be a lesbian, but my body probably thinks, after four years of not seeing a single dick, that I am.
“I want you,” he says bluntly.
“Like I said, I’m not—”
“Just dinner,” he says, cutting me off.
“I’m not an escort…” Anymore, I think but leave out.
“Then I won’t pay you.”
“I’ll have to ask Nico,” I tell him, shocked at myself for even considering this.
“I’ll wait.” He smiles wide and a tiny dimple pops out of his left cheek.
I shoot Nico a text and he tells me I’m more than welcome to go, but to make sure Edgardo goes as well if he takes me off the property.
“I’ll need a few minutes to get ready,” I tell him as I put away my phone. I’m dressed in a black pencil skirt, a silky cream-colored top, and a matching black blazer.
“You look perfect, but maybe you could change into something more… comfortable,” he suggests. “I’m planning to change as well.”
After changing into a cute flowy maroon top, dark skinny jeans, and a pair of Christian Louboutin ankle boots, I quickly brush my teeth and then fluff my hair. I glance in the mirror, taking myself in—brown hair down in natural curls, brown eyes that look neither happy nor sad, and a tanned complexion. I put on a light coat of mascara, then head back out to the front entrance, where Edgardo texted me they’re waiting.
“We’re leaving?” I question when I see Edgardo, Liam, and Liam’s bodyguard waiting by the door. I had assumed since his brother and cousin stayed on the property, we would be as well.
“I mentioned dinner,” he says.
“Yes, but you also mentioned wanting to be discreet, and we have a restaurant here.”
“Let me handle that.”
“Edgardo will have to accompany me,” I tell him, suddenly nervous. I haven’t been alone with a man in years.
“I figured as much. He can ride up front with Harold.” He juts his chin out toward his guard.
I follow Liam over to his SUV. Like a perfect gentleman, he opens the door for me and I slide in. He speaks to his guard for a moment and then joins me inside.
The ride to wherever we’re going is quiet. The partition separating the front and back is closed, so I can’t see Edgardo, but he texted me to let me know he’s up front and if I need him to let him know. I feel better knowing he’s here with me.
When we arrive at one of the hotels on the Strip, I notice we’re parked in the back, where the delivery trucks go. Harold opens Liam’s door and tells him all is clear. Taking my hand in his, he guides us along the back and through a door. There’s nobody in sight and I briefly wonder if he’s made sure of this. We arrive at a restaurant and a hostess greets us as if she already knew we were coming. It’s then I notice we’re the only ones here. The entire restaurant is empty. Did they shut down the place for us?