Page 17 of Reveal

Want.

And this feeling—this needing, wanting, missing Ryker—scares the shit out of me, especially when fate keeps proving time and again that he’s bad for me.

The ringing of my cell phone startles me from thoughts I shouldn’t be having, because deep down I can already hear myself shutting them out.

“Hello?” Flustered, I answer the phone without thinking.

“Is this Vee?”

The deep tenor of a male voice startles me for the second time tonight, and I realize it’s my Wicked Ways cell that I answered.

Heartbreak seems to have messed with all aspects of my life.

“Yes. Sorry. You caught me off guard.” I signal a left turn with my blinker and slip into the role I know so well but that now feels like so much more than a lie. “This is Wicked Ways, and I’m Vee. How may I help you?”

The man clears his throat, his discomfort over how to continue the conversation evident. “I—uh . . . I was given your number.”

“That’s always good to hear. May I ask by who?”

“By a client of yours. Does it matter who?”

“I’m sorry, it does matter. We only take new clients through referral.”

“Hmm.”

“I assure you, sir, all information is kept completely confidential. Is this your first time calling a service?”

“Yes.”

“It’s quite common to feel a little anxious over it. I assure you, we’ll take good care of you.”

He pauses for a beat, combatting his anxiety. “Ryker Lockhart is the name.”

My shoulders sag hearing the name, but I shouldn’t be surprised considering this is the sixth call I’ve received like this in the last ten days. A part of me wants to tell the gentleman my client list is full and refer him out to another agency. Ryker’s sudden referrals make me feel like this is how he’s trying to cement his apology to me.

Doesn’t he get that sending me customers doesn’t take away from the humiliation and hurt he caused?

“Are you there?” the man on the other end of the line asks.

“Yes. My apologies,” I say as I pull into my driveway. “I’m driving and was distracted. I’d love to help you with your needs. Here’s how Wicked Ways works . . .” And then I explain the process of becoming a client, the website where he can fill out the beginning paperwork for the vetting process. I then go on to explain how payment is up front and that we provide an escort only for whatever event she’s needed for, that companionship is our service, and that anything that happens after that has nothing to do with Wicked Ways.

His chuckle rumbles through the line in response. “Convenient.”

“The truth,” I correct, toeing that fine line between what could land me in jail and what might save my ass.

“When do I get to see the girls?”

“After you complete the information online.”

“Seriously?”

“If someone referred you to us, then I assure you we’re worth it.” His sigh is drawn out. “Look, I know it’s a lengthy process, but I like to keep a certain standard as well as a guarantee of my clients’ confidentiality.”

“Which I’m sure your clients appreciate.”

“Most definitely.”

Another nervous clearing of his throat. “Ryker had only positive things to say about you.”