Using my name, spoken with such genuine remorse, did something to my insides that I wasn't prepared for—a flutter, a warmth, a dangerous feeling that had no place in this transaction. “It’s forgiven, Your Grace,” I said, trying to reestablish some professional distance.
He shook his head. “Please, call me Ricard. At least while we're alone.”
That felt like crossing a line, one of the unspoken boundaries that separated us. But wasn’t it my job to make him happy? “Alright... Ricard,.”
He smiled, clearly pleased. “So tell me about your life as a companion. What's a typical day like?”
I relaxed at the safer topic. “We work three days on, one day off. The days we work, we're basically on standby unless we have a reserved client.”
“Like me,” he interjected.
“Yeah, like you,” I agreed, fidgeting with my fork. “Otherwise, it’s kind of like being at the world’s fanciest call center. Someone wants a specific type, and The Master matches us up like some twisted dating app.”
“And your health? That's monitored?”
I nodded. “Very carefully. Regular check-ups, wellness evaluations. The Ranch takes care of its people. It’s better healthcare than my last three gigs combined, honestly.”
“Its people,” he repeated, his expression thoughtful. “And what brought you to this particular career path? If you don’t mind my asking.”
The question probed too close to Casey, to the accident, to the mountain of medical bills that kept me up at night. “Life circumstances,” I said vaguely. “It pays well. Not all of us can be born with a silver spoon and a fancy title, you know?”
He nodded, not pushing further.
“And what about you?” I asked, turning the tables. “What brings a duke to a place like The Ranch? I mean, don’t you guys snap your fingers and people appear?”
Ricard's lips quirked in a half-smile. “Finding sex has never been an issue. Finding discretion, however, is another matter entirely.” He sipped his wine, eyes distant. “In my position, every action is scrutinized. Every relationship dissected for potential political implications.”
“So this is an escape?”
“Of sorts.” He leaned back in his chair. “Hiding from real-life and real problems in the wilds of America.”
The vulnerability in his admission created a strange connection between us. “Earlier, you mentioned receiving bad news,” I said cautiously. “Is that something you want to talk about? I mean, I’m no therapist, but I’ve been told I’m a good listener. It’s the eyebrows. They look totally sympathetic.”
He studied me for a long moment, as if weighing whether to trust me with his troubles. Finally, he sighed.
“My brother,” he began, “is the crown prince of Avaline. The heir. He’s charming, handsome, with a beautiful wife and two perfect children. The picture-perfect royal family.” His tone carried a bitterness that suggested the reality was far from the image.
“But Remy’s always been a bit of a... how to put it delicately... charming scoundrel. There have been rumors of indiscretions for years. Most have been managed quietly, kept out of the press.” He ran a hand through his hair. “But the latest... a woman has come forward claiming he fathered her child.”
“Do you think it’s true?” I asked, leaning forward.
Ricard's shoulders lifted in a resigned shrug. “With Remy? It's entirely possible. My brother has never been one for restraint or consideration of consequences.”
“That sounds familiar,” I murmured, thinking of Casey before the accident.
“You have a brother?” Ricard caught the parallel immediately.
I nodded, pushing pasta around my plate. “Older brother. Casey.”
“And he’s similarly troublesome?”
“He was,” I admitted. “Always the adventurous one, the risk-taker. The hold-my-beer and watch-this type.” The memory of Casey ashe used to be, vibrant and fearless, squeezed my heart. “Now he’s... different. There was an accident.”
Ricard's gaze softened as I spoke, his expression shifting from intrigue to concern.
“I'm sorry to hear that,” he said quietly, leaning forward. “Accidents can change everything.”
I took a deep breath, fighting back the tightness in my throat. “Being a younger brother can be hard.”
