The Duke nodded toward a cabinet. “Would you mind getting plates? They’re in there.”
I moved to comply, grateful for the task. “Is this... normal?” I asked as I retrieved two plates. “Cooking for... companions?”
The Duke paused, his expression thoughtful. “I can’t speak for what’s normal here. This is my first visit.”
That surprised me. Given his comfort level with everything, not to mention that skills in the bedroom, I’d assumed he was a regular.
The man tied knots like a pro.
“And to answer your unasked question,” he continued, meeting my eyes, “no, I don’t make a habit of cooking for people I don’t know. But tonight... tonight is different.”
The intensity of his gaze made me look away first. “Where should I put these?” I asked, holding up the plates.
“On the patio, if you don’t mind. It’s a beautiful night.”
The patio was as luxurious as the rest of the villa, comfortable seating around a central firepit and a dining area beneath a pergola draped with fairy lights. I set the plates on the glass-topped table, then found cutlery and napkins in a nearby drawer.
By the time the Duke joined me, I had the table fully set. He carried a steaming pot in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other. “Would you like a glass?” he offered.
I shook my head. “Can’t while working. Water is fine.”
His eyebrows rose, but he returned to the kitchen and came back with a bottle of spring water. “Is that a rule?”
“Yep.” I watched as he served pasta onto both our plates. “We’re not supposed to drink on the job. Could affect our judgment. Plus, you know, can’t have the merchandise damaged or anything.”
“A wise policy,” he agreed, settling into the chair across from me. “Though I admit, I’m curious about all these rules you mention. How does one become a... what do they call it here? A companion?”
I twirled pasta around my fork, buying time. “It’s not exactly something I planned,” I said finally. “I used to bartend at this hotel in San Diego, was a pretty nice place. Sometimes I'd make a little extra on the side, fucking the lonely businessmen. I guess one of them knew about The Ranch, or used to work for The Ranch? I don't know how, but one day I got a visit from Ibrahim who wanted to make me an offer.”
Fuck, I hope I hadn't said too much about the place.
The Duke nodded. “And what was the selection process like? I imagine they don't hire just anyone.”
“Extensive,” I admitted. “Medical exams, psychological evaluations, training on frequently requested kinks.”
“Ah.” His lips curved in a knowing smile. “And how many clients have you serviced during your time here?”
“You're my first,” I admitted, suddenly way too aware of my pasta.
Shock registered on his face. “Your first? But you seemed so...” He trailed off. “I had no idea.”
“That was the point,” I said with a small shrug. “I’m supposed to appear confident and experienced. Fake it 'til you make it, right? Those inspirational quotes are all over Instagram for a reason.”
“Then I’ve behaved abominably,” he said, setting down his fork with a sharp clink. “Especially during our first encounter. I was rough,demanding—”
“It’s fine,” I interrupted. “Really. It’s what I’m here for. Part of the job description: ‘Must be willing to be tied up by hot European royalty.’”
“It most certainly is not fine,” he insisted. “I received some... distressing news earlier that day, and I took out my frustration on you. That was neither fair nor becoming of me.”
The apology was unexpected. “It's okay,” I said, fidgeting with my napkin. “I’m here to fulfill whatever needs you have. That's literally why they pay me.”
I took a bite of pasta, surprised by the burst of flavor. “This is delicious,” I said, hoping to change the subject. “Like, restaurant quality. I was expecting, I don’t know, fancy ramen or something.”
“Thank you. My mother’s recipe. One of the few things I learned from her before she decided cooking was beneath her station.”
“Your mother sounds... interesting.”
He chuckled. “That's a diplomatic way of putting it. She's very conscious of her position, of maintaining appearances.” His expression sobered. “Which brings me back to my earlier behavior. I am sorry, Theo.”
