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When the bartender sets our drinks down in front of us, I barely let the glass hit the counter before I’m tossing back another gulp. I don’t know what it is about this guy, but he’s got my nerves firing on full blast. If I’m going to go through with this idiotic plan tonight, I’m going to need all the liquid encouragement I can get.

“You seem a little flustered⁠—”

“What? I am not flustered.” I sit up straighter.

“Are you sure? Because your cheeks look awfully flushed…”

“Don’t flatter yourself. It’s called makeup. Women wear it to appear aroused.” I gesture to his tie, which is now loosened, the first two buttons of his white shirt undone. “If anyone’s looking hot and bothered right now, it’s you.”

Just when I think I’ve officially scared him off, his smile widens, and he nods toward my cleavage, which he doesn’t even try to hide his gawking at. “Your nipples sure are hard. Seems like something’s got you turned on.”

My jaw drops, astonished by his brazenness, and for some reason, my first instinct is to stare directly at his dick. Which is quite substantial—and yes, very much erect—protruding beneath his black dress pants.

He winks before tossing back his drink, looking all too proud of himself. I hate the way my traitorous eyes zero in on his Adam’s apple, tracking the slow bob as he swallows.

Dear lord, he really is a specimen of a man.

When he’s finished, he places the glass on the counter and looks at me, his chocolate eyes growing darker. “Look, I’m going to be honest with you. You are quite possibly the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen, and I frequent places like this pretty regularly. So I don’t give a fuck what your price is; I’ll happily pay triple for the chance to spend the night with you.” He lifts my hand and places a gentle kiss on the back of it. “I promise I’ll make it worth your while.”

Holy shit.

I blink several times, trying to understand what’s happening here.

He thinks… He thinks I’m a hooker…

I open my mouth to argue, then think better of it.

“Well…with an offer like that, how could I refuse?”

CHAPTER THREE

Kira

On shaky legs, I follow the handsome stranger to the elevator, my heart racing in my chest as I try to keep my cool.

What the hell is wrong with me? It’s not like I’m inexperienced and haven’t had a one-night stand before. What is it about this man that makes me so nervous?

Maybe because he so casually assumed I’m a hooker—meaning it’s not out of the ordinary for him to sleep with hookers. I may not be inexperienced, but a girl can feel a little intimidated when she’s expected to be a professional.

When is the payment exchanged? Should I assume he’s got enough cash? What if he only has Venmo? What if he suddenly recognizes me?

Goddammit, I’m in over my head here. A little prep time would’ve been nice.

I could still back out. Tell him I changed my mind, walk away, and no one would be any wiser. And if things couldn’t get any worse, he presses the button to the thirteenth floor, and I know I’m thoroughly fucked—pun intended.

I stare at the back of the handsome stranger’s head, mentally replaying every movie involving a sex worker I can think of.

The elevator doors slide open, and we turn right instead of left. I glance over my shoulder, but any lingering hesitation dissolves the moment his hand settles against the small of my back. He’s so sure of himself—quietly confident and surprisingly respectful—and for reasons I can’t quite explain, I find that combination impossible to resist. The tension growing between us is thick, making the air feel heavy as we step inside his room.

Similar to my room, a four-poster bed sits in the center, but instead of the vanity area, a large wooden desk sits in its place. I take note of all the fresh details. The wallpaper is darker—a deep green rather than light mauve—and taxidermy animals decorate the walls, as if it were designed to mimic a gentleman’s courier.

Okay, now shit is getting real.

Am I actually doing this?

My heartbeat stutters in my chest as adrenaline crackles through my veins.

“Can I make you a drink?” he asks, his dark eyes softening ever so slightly, as if he senses my nerves.