Her beard did little to hide Celeste’s grin.“You say that, but we both know different.It’s like all those men who tell me they don’t like cock when they book their time with me, and after we’re done, they’re fans all of a sudden.”
Peter had never seen, much less experienced Celeste’s cock.It would’ve been unprofessional even if she had offered.
“I’m already aware that I like cock.”
She raised a brow.“I know, though you spend half your time with us looking at other people making out.Some of my birds wonder whether you’d like them to put on a show for you?”
Peter ground his teeth.I have sweet Corvin and Michael now.I can watch them.If only they’d let me…
“I’m fine,” Peter said, forcing his voice to remain as flat as a Dutchman’s humor.
“‘Fine’ he says,” Celeste purred.“If you say so, Peter.Now, come.Let me introduce you.”She took his hand and pulled him with her to one of the other rooms.
Peter did not get pulled along, ever, but he was not about to point that out to Celeste.She came to a stop in front of a small table.One of the people sitting there was a woman Peter recognized from his previous visits.She’d been in Celeste’s employ for a few years now, was an excellent dancer, and had let Peter drink her blood a few times.
The young man next to her was a new face though, and Peter knew immediately that Celeste understood him better than he even understood himself.That rankled, but it wasn’t something he’d dwell on long.
Speaking of long, those lashes almost look fake…
The man with the long lashes was in his early twenties, but his eyes looked older, like he had seen things he hadn’t been ready to see.He was lean, just a hair past skinny, and the ends of his messy black hair grazed his high cheekbones.He had green eyes—not a muddy shade, but a bright jade that was arresting in the very best of ways.
Celeste indicated the woman.“You know Marie.This,” she added with a knowing grin not quite hidden under her beard, “is Puck.Puck, meet Peter.”
Puck, which of course wasn’t his real name, looked up at Peter.The man’s gaze was assessing.Peter recognized that look.It was not a hungry one, but the kind of look one used to judge someone else’s threat level.
Peter ground his teeth.He should know he’s safe here, and yet… Did someone hurt him?Take advantage of him?
The idea didn’t sit right with Peter, made him want to get into someone’s face, maybe even rip someone’s face off.It’s the blood.I should’ve eaten long ago, should’ve come here sooner.Did someone hurt him while workinghere?No, Celeste wouldn’t allow that…
“A pleasure,” Peter said, careful to keep his tone cordial and nothing more in an attempt not to freak Puck out.
Marie covered her mouth with her hand as she chuckled.“I’m feeling ignored, Mr.Collins.”
“My apologies, Marie.Always a pleasure to see you.”
“Though not tonight.”
Celeste and Marie exchanged a look before Celeste went on.“Puck is new.He’s only been with us for about two months.In fact, this is only his first day out of training.He’s been observing and learning the ropes, but I think you’re the right kind of gentleman to help him get his feet wet.”She turned to Puck.“Puck, Peter is here for something warm-blooded.Nothing but a drink.”She looked back at Peter.“Unless of course—”
Peter took a deep breath.“No.Just a drink, Celeste.”
Puck’s eyes had narrowed slightly, and his jaw tightened, yet he wasn’t so unskilled as to let raw distrust and contempt show on his face.He schooled his expression within moments.
Celeste frowned.“Ah, Peter.Ever so cold.”
“Not at all, Celeste.Perhaps someone else is able to provide me with a drink?I wouldn’t want Puck to lose the night to exhaustion.”
“Well, since you’ll pay for the entire night, I don’t see what the problem is, Peter,” Celeste said.“Puck?”
Peter knew the arrangement Celeste had with her employees.Puck might have rejected him now, indirectly, but he could choose to take this job or not.Celeste was an excellent boss that way.She also vetted each client and provided her people with training and health benefits.What she expected in return was professionalism and loyalty.
Puck stood with the grace of someone who’d learned how to use the hungry eyes of others to his advantage.He nodded at Celeste, confirming that he was happy to take Peter upstairs.
“Wonderful.”Celeste’s eyes were twinkling, her smile bright.“Now you enjoy yourself, Peter.”
She brushed past him, but not without stopping to kiss his cheek.Peter once more kept himself from rolling his eyes.
Puck looked up at Peter, but at the last moment, he turned his gaze away, almost flinching.
