“You just don’t want him to really work while he works?”The look in her eyes was sharp and her insights even sharper.
Peter pinched the bridge of his nose.“Maybe.I don’t know.No.I mean, yes.If he wants to work, I won’t stop him.I have no right to.”
The way Celeste stared him down made Peter feel uncomfortable, so he scowled right back at her.Heavens, if this human was not intimidated by his scowl, how would Peter ever get the succubus at the office to cry?
“Mm-hmm.”Celeste tapped a finger against the upholstery of her ottoman.“As you say.How old are you again?”
“I never mentioned it because it is none of your business.”
“Not old enough then, for the wisdom to really settle in.I’m assuming me participating in this…ruse, for lack of a better term, is your favor, so fine.I’ll tell security not to let in any vampires they don’t recognize and escort him in and out, no matter what.”
Peter nodded.“That would be good.Thank you.”
“Did you tell him you had already made plans to see him tonight?”Celeste asked.
“No.”
Celeste grinned up at him, recrossing her legs.
“That’ll be a surprise then.”
Of course she was right.Oh, the bother.
Peter thought that in the grand scheme of things, it could’ve been worse.If he’d had no idea supernaturals existed, that would be worse.I’d be in the same position Micheal was in, having to find the right time to tell him.Considering that, surely he cannot fault me for paying for the entire night?
Celeste pushed Peter out of her playroom.“Go upstairs and let Kira show you to a suite.I’ll send him after you.Oh, and I know I don’t have to tell you to be careful about using his real name because you’re a careful, circumspect man, but just in case, remember to call him Puck on the floor.”
“Obviously.”Peter straightened his suit, satisfied that he had put in the effort this morning to find the right tie at least.
Celest gave him another peck on the cheek.“Also, be good to him.Or I’ll cut off your balls,” she said sweetly.
Peter frowned at her.“Promise.”
“Good boy, Peter.”
She headed back to the bar with measured steps.
Peter looked toward the social rooms, but he couldn’t see Theo anywhere there.Is he still changing?I wonder what he’s going to wear.
Stifling a sigh, Peter made his way up the stairs and let the werewolf show him to a room.It wasn’t the one they’d been in yesterday, but one similarly designed, with gold wallpaper and deep blue covers.The lighting was low, and a selection of lube and condoms was set up alongside the refreshments.
Peter considered sitting on the bed, but that would make him look like a bride on her wedding night, and he was far removed from that level of innocence.
In addition, Peter had no intention of forcing Theo into a physical relationship, no matter what he had paid for when he’d negotiated this with Celeste.He stood in front of the selection of condoms, his mind drifting.I wouldn’t mind a physical relationship with Theo.Just looking at him with his black hair and those jade eyes…
Peter could see himself enjoying intimacy with Theo.Not in any selfish way.Selfishness got boring very quickly when it came to physical pleasure, and after a few hundred years, Peter had given up on it.Instead, he’d discovered that the true joy was having another person there to act and react in unforeseen ways.Getting Theo to a point of total trust, of totally falling into Peter, that would be a goal to pursue.
The door opened, and Peter turned.Theo stood there, framed by the somewhat brighter lighting in the hallway.His jaw dropped and his hand froze on the door handle.
Peter tried his hardest to smile sweetly.“I wasn’t sure how to tell you.”He glanced away for a second.
Theo collected himself, walked into the room, then closed the door behind him.He ran a hand through his wild hair.He wore a sheer shirt tonight that was beautifully revealing without totally spoiling the mystery.
“What the hell is this?You didn’t say anything about fucking earlier.”
Peter shook his head.“There’s no need to do that.I’m equally happy to enjoy your company.”He pointed to the selection of bottled and canned drinks.“There’s…soda.And things.”
Theo ground his jaw.“This is not how this works, vampire.You don’t get to come in here and pay for my time, only to then let me pretend I’m actually doing the work.And if you think your weird, possessive exclusivity extends to my body—”
