“Why? I’m fucking asking you to let me in.” I pull her close to me, the evidence of my arousal against her thigh.
“Don’t fucking swear like that.”
“You do it all the time!”
“And your mouth is too fucking beautiful for it.” I back her up against a building. “Do you feel what you do to me, Aspen?”
“Yes,” she says, breathless as my lips hover half an inch from hers.
“Then why do you torment me?”
“How?”
“Those lips, purring Sir at me, asking to see Venom in all its glory. I can barely stand it. I’m trying to be honest with you, Aspen. That’s all I’m asking of you. Honesty. And you gave it tonight. You don’t want to be a submissive. At your core, you don’t want to kneel for me.”
“You won’t give me the chance! I want to see your playroom.”
“No,” I exclaim, pushing off the wall.
“Why the hell not?”
“Because I don’t want to fucking lose you. Don’t you get it by now?I can’t walk away!”
My lips crash down on hers, desperate for even the smallest touch.
“Take me home and make love to me, Ryder Stevens.”
Chapter 15
ASPEN
“You look stunning tonight. Perfect for this event. The gown I sent looks amazing on you.” His greedy gaze rakes the length of me, leaving its mark, as palpable as a goddamn mud bath. I used to find this fun, but ever since I started seeing Ryder, I can’t stand another man’s touch.
I’ve been a high-end escort for two years, and I’ve never faltered when it comes to my end goal—make enough money to open my own restaurant. Sure, over time, I’ve upscaled my lifestyle, but that’s natural for anyone.
When I started working at Venom, I made the decision to stop taking on escort jobs, but with the incredible tips I used to make, I’ve been having to cut back on the luxuries in my life. Working nights already isn’t ideal, but I had a regular client ask for a black-tie event last week, and I couldn’t pass up the money on offer. It will cover my rent for the next few months—foroneevening.
“Hi, Joseph. It’s good to see you.”
“Likewise. You’ve been booked solid for weeks. I haven’t been able to get you for any of the charity events I’ve had in the past month.”
“I’m scaling back on clients.” He bristles at the term. It’s a rookie mistake I would never normally make, but I have other things on my mind. “I only see my favorite people now.” A compliment always soothes Joseph.
“Well, I’m happy to see you.” He places his hand on the small of my back to usher me into his waiting town car, but it doesn’t sit right. It never bothered me before—him.
I slide into the back seat in my floor-length black dress. It highlights all of my assets, hugging my ample curves, with a thigh-high slit to expose my leg. I put as much distance as I can between us, knowing he likes to rest his hand on my knee when we’re in the car. He’s been a regular of mine for over a year now, and I know what he likes. I also know that if I gave him the option, I’d be more than an escort. He’s offered me double to spend the night with him, but that’s where I draw the line.
I will hang on every word and be the perfect arm candy for high-powered businessmen, but I’m never intimate with them. I would never cross that line.
“Where are we going today?”
“There’s an award ceremony at The Met. It’s for the most influential men in Manhattan.” Of course it is. Society talks a good game, but we still live in a world run by rich men, and here I am selling myself to be on his arm.
“Congratulations. That’s exciting.”
“I haven’t won yet. Save your adulation for the red carpet, petal. With you on my arm, I’m sure to make headlines.”
“Am I anyone specific?” It’s a common ask for a client. Sometimes I’m the fictitious girlfriend they invented, and I need to assume the role and the name.
