I turned my head slowly.
A man lay beside me—beautiful, with sharp cheekbones and full lips, his bright purple hair was mussed from sleep.
I called him, Puppy. He was one of my regular companions. Someone I always phoned after the events of the evening, needing bodies beside me, needing not to be alone with my thoughts.
I’d brought him and another regular companion to this island for protection and some sense of warmth.
On my other side, the other companion lay next to me. A strawberry blonde woman. Equally beautiful. Long limbs tangled in the sheets, her breathing soft and even.
I’d named her Kitty.
At this point, I’d forgotten their real names.
They were simply my pets.
Years ago, I’d set them up in separate condos and gave them bank accounts where I deposited generous monthly allowances. They had a doctor specially appointed by Reo who gave them monthly health screenings.
I yawned and looked back up at the ceiling.
Perhaps, I should get new companions.
Kitty stirred beside me, her hand sliding across my chest, seeking warmth even in sleep.
On my other side, Puppy's breathing shifted, that half-conscious awareness that came from years of being attuned to my movements.
They were good at this.
At waiting.
At responding.
At being exactly what I needed them to be whenever I called.
One text, and they'd drop everything.
Rearrange schedules.
Cancel plans.
Rush to whatever hotel, safe house, or private plane I'd summoned them to.
In exchange, I made sure they never worried about money. Rent paid. Cars maintained. Credit cards with limits high enough to fund small countries. Medical care. Personal trainers. Whatever they wanted, within reason.
And one rule: no one else.
Not because I was possessive.
Not because I cared who they fucked when I wasn't around.
But because I was careful.
Clean.
Controlled.
I'd seen too many men in my father's organization brought low by sexually transmitted diseases they'd picked up from careless encounters. Seen blackmail spring from tangled sheets and loose lips.
So, I paid for exclusivity the way I paid for everything else.
