Camille came in, her shirt much too small for her bountiful assets, and ordered her regular gluten-free coconut muffin. She’d asked me to take her to dinner at least three times. The ring on her left hand seemed to be of no consequence—though it rarely was where I was concerned—and especially so when her husband joined her one morning and left his number, aswell[7].
When Erica came in for her pumpkin scone, she tipped generously. She’d not yet asked for anything, but she flirted as heavily as she applied her make-up. Joshua told me, in no uncertain terms, that he and his partner were very generous with their lovers. Janine had once tried to come by at closing to take me on a stroll by the waterfront, to which I had to politely decline, though the Vaughn twins had been successful a week later.
What could I say? Everyone was a sucker for twins.
But I never got too involved with them, as I had in the past. Until I gathered the information I needed, fighting and fucking were the only vices I allowed myself. One night was all I needed from any one person, just enough to relieve the tension in this body. More than that was risking attachment, which I had no desire for in my current state.
“Sam, when are you going to call me?”
Flashing her a bright grin, I handed Vivian her blueberry scone. “All good things are worth waiting for, love.”
Bright red lips peeled back to reveal perfect white teeth. Real diamonds clung to her ears and at least three fingers, so she clearly had money, but I wouldn’t be the one to tell her that her Louboutins were very convincing knock-offs. They’d been a gift from her husband to keep her happy while avoiding the dreaded conversation about losing their money to one of his more resourceful mistresses.
“Mmm, don’t keep me waiting too long.” She pouted dramatically.
She sauntered off, swinging her hips entirely too blatantly. When most people thought of a good time, they pictured Las Vegas or New York City, but Boston had plenty enough sin to keep me satisfied. The more money they had, the more untouchable they thought themselves. My gaze landed on the drawer I’d had to repurpose for the phone numbers that kept “accidentally” getting left behind.
I figured I was due for another night off.
My regulars flooded the store and the line was starting to wrap around the building. Perhaps I should have made it a drive-through business, but then I wouldn’t get the social interaction I craved. I loved talking to them, teaching them, fucking them, learning what they most desired.
“Ooh, are those strawberry cream cheese-stuffed bagels?”
I locked eyes with the next gorgeous creature in line. Medium brown skin, her hair a mess of spiral curls, a silver stud in her nose, and eyes a shade of brown so dark they looked black. She wore black leggings and a grey UMass sweatshirt hacked off below her ribs, showing off musculature I didn’t typically find attractive on women. I preferred mine on the softer and more pliant side. It certainly worked well for her, though.
Her entire persona screamedau naturel, as opposed to the trying-too-hard, fake Vivian, whose natural hair color had long since been forgotten. She was also a new customer.
“Indeed they are,” I replied, whipping up my classic charm. “Have a sweet tooth that needs satisfying?”
Her grin was infectious. “More than one, as a matter of fact.” She leaned into the counter and winked. “I’m cheating with carbs today. Best not to tell my clients.”
“Personal trainer?” I guessed.
She licked her lips. “It’s like you can read minds.”
Not entirely true but also not untrue. I wasn’t exactly a telepath—that would make the game far too easy—but sin was something I knew well, and sometimes I caught glimpses, flashes of things people kept close to the surface when I made eye contact.
Eyes were supposedly windows to the soul, or so it was said. Sometimes it was the simple power of deduction, though I wasn’t averse, however, to having people give up their secrets willingly. As I said, I could be very convincing.
“I also do private in-home sessions for clients who needextraspecial attention.” Her eyes looked me up and down, her gaze like a physical weight. “If you’re interested.”
Feisty, this one. I liked it. I wrapped up her bagel and sealed the bag. “I’ll certainly give it some thought.”
She looked out the window at the long line. “Are you the only one working here? Did someone call in?”
“Actually, I haven’t had the time to hire any help.” I chuckled and gave her a megawatt smile. “I didn’t expect business to boom so soon after I opened up.”
The girl smirked as she handed her credit card over. “Well, this place is absolutely adorable, and you’re located in a prime spot. You should’ve known better.”
It was part of the plan, technically, but I wasn’t about to say that. “You live and you learn, right?”
I handed her card back and she tapped it on her chin. “If you’re the only one who works here, you should definitely make time to hire someone. Long lines might end up driving customers away, no matter howSinsationalyour pastries may be.”
That was a clever little quip. I looked her over again, wondering if she’d be leaving her number this time or play hard to get and wait until her second visit. Built as she was, I was willing to bet she could withstand more punishment than some of my other trysts. The thought had my inner devil pushing at my restraint, begging to test her limits.
She grabbed her bag and left, skipping happily out the door. I realized with a start I hadn’t gotten her name, which was unusual for me. I’d had her bloody credit card in my hand and hadn’t even looked at it. No matter. She’d be back. Once she bit into the deliciousness that was her strawberry cream cheese stuffed bagel, she would need a repeat, carbs be damned.
Peeking out the window at the line again, I sourly admitted she might’ve been right about that part. Business had been increasing daily and, while it was a good thing, even I wouldn’t be able to keep up much longer without using magic, which would bring demons to the city faster than I could blink. I stepped into the back to bring out another tray of scones.
