Ibrahim stood tall, blocking out the sun and casting me in shadow. “I understand you had a... run-in with one of our VIP guests today.”
My mouth went dry. “I’m really sorry about that, sir. I wasn’t paying attention and I—”
He raised a hand, cutting me off. “Mr. Bennett, carelessness is not acceptable here. Our clients expect nothing less than perfection.”
I stared at my bare feet, shame burning my cheeks. “I understand.”
“Do you?” His voice softened. “Look at me.”
I forced myself to meet his gaze.
“Despite your clumsiness, it seems you've made quite an impression on one of our guests already. This is highly irregular,” he added with a sneer. “As you know, we rarely assign clients to our new employees for the first week or two. However, after some discussion, Mr. Stone and I will make an exception in your case, should you agree. There will be no penalty if you decline, and the final decision is yours.”
My heart skipped a beat. A client already? The news hit me like a wave, filling me with a weird mix of pride and holy-shit-what-am-I-doing panic.
Then I got it.
The Viking with his piercing blue eyes.
My mind spun, thrill tangled with nerves. I agreed without hesitation. “Absolutely, Master. What are the details?”
Ibrahim took a deep breath, shifting into a more clinical tone. “The client's name is Ricard Crestien, Duke d'Moncloud, Grand Duke of the royal house of Avaline. It's a small principality in Europe, and the duke is the king’s youngest son.”
I shook my head, feeling frozen.Royal house? Son of the King?
“When assigned a client, you’ll receive all the info needed to prepare yourself.” He handed me a folded note with details. “Since this is your first assignment, I wanted to go over it personally. Unless he states differently, you will address the duke as 'Your Grace' or 'Sir.' His Grace enjoys dominance and control, but he also appreciates finesse and sensuality. You must find a balance where you submit without losing your individuality.”
Heat flooded my face at the thought of submitting sexually to that tall, blond man. I swallowed hard. “Yes, Master Ibrahim. I understand.” I glanced down at the paper.Light bondage, penetrative sex (active), privacy of the utmost importance.
This was it. This was what I was here for. “I will please him, Master Ibrahim. Thank you for the opportunity.”
“The duke is expecting you this evening. Prepare yourself, then head over soon. Also, don't miss your morning check-in tomorrow. Your roommates will debrief you after your assignment.”
With a nod, Master Ibrahim stood and pulled out his small tablet, tapping it twice. In an instant, my wristlet changed from blue to red, fromnot availabletoclaimed. “Good luck, Theo.”
Claimed.
My mind raced, adrenaline coursing through my veins like wildfire. “Yes, Master.” The word felt strange on my tongue but oddly fitting in the moment.
With one last nod, Ibrahim turned and walked away. I took a moment to gather myself, focusing on my breathing to calm the storm inside my head.
As I stepped back into the bustling scene of the main pool area, I caught sight of Pedro still at the bar, pouring drinks and chatting with guests. Our eyes met for a brief second before I waved goodbye, excitement and anxiety bubbling within me. The knot in my stomach returned, but this time, there was a flicker of thrill mixed in with the nerves.
Fuck. I needed to get ready.
I headed back to my room, almost tripping over my own feet with nervous energy. Once inside, I closed the door behind me and leaned against it for support. My heart pounded like a drum echoing through my chest as I glanced around, wondering how much prep I needed to do.
Time was slipping away fast. I needed to focus.
I ran a hot bath with lavender oil like Kaiden, one of my roommates, had shown me, to help relax, then prepped myself for bottoming. No way was I screwing this up.
As the hour approached, I stood in front of the full-length mirror. I grabbed a clean robe and threw it on over my shoulders. “Don't fuck this up, Bennett,” I said to my reflection.
Villa Six was all the way at the back of The Ranch, like a ten-minute trek. With every step, I felt more freaked out but also weirdly excited. My heart was going crazy and my hands were getting sweaty by the time I reached the place, hidden behind a bunch of oak trees.
I knocked, and the door opened.
It was him. The blond guy. “Your Grace.”
