“Not all clients are like that,” Carter added, his voice gentle yet firm. “Some genuinely care. But they care within this context—to them, we’re an escape from their lives. That’s all.”
I felt this ache in my chest at those words, sharp enough that I had to look away, messing with my sunglasses while trying not to blink too much. “Yeah, I get that,” I mumbled. “But cut me some slack. I'm still figuring out this whole sex-for-money gig.”
Kaiden leaned forward, his face going serious in a way I wasn't used to. “Just watch yourself, okay? It's super easy to get your feelings all tangled up here. But what works in this fantasy bubble doesn't usually make it outside these walls. Even when it feels totally real.”
“Totally,” I muttered, wishing the ground would just open up and swallow me. I gulped down some tea just to hide my face and nearly choked when it went down wrong. Because no matter how hard I tried to keep my feelings in check, Ricard had somehow written himself into whatever dumb story I was telling myself.
The conversation fell quiet for a moment, broken only by the gentle lapping of water against the poolside.
“Well, this took a depressing turn,” Mitchell finally said, clearly sensing the mood shift. He stood up abruptly, rallying the troops. “I vote for a quick dip to lighten the mood.”
We all cheered in agreement, and after a few sprints and increasingly ridiculous jumps into the pool, Kaiden paddled his lounger over to where I sat, still picking at my fruit.
“Don’t let us rain on your parade, sweetie,” he said quietly, his brow furrowed. “If you’re enjoying your time with the Duke, that’s what matters. Just… protect your heart, okay? This job is hard enough without adding heartbreak to the mix.”
I nodded, grateful for his concern, but secretly wishing I could convince myself it wasn’t necessary. “I’m fine, really. It’s just a job. I know what this is. What it isn't.”
Kaiden didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t push. “Finish your lunch and join us in the pool. Trust me, you’ll need it. Nothing clears the head like a good swim.”
I finished my sandwich and fruit, then peeled off my t-shirt and slipped into the cool water, sighing as it enveloped my overheated skin. For a few moments, I floated on my back, staring up at the cloudless sky, trying to empty my mind of everything.
The contrast between the cool water and the warm air on my face created a cocoon of sensation that momentarily quieted my racing thoughts.
When I finally climbed out, the others had arranged themselves in a half-circle of lounge chairs, drinks in hand. Kaiden wordlessly slid a fresh glass of iced tea into my hand as I took the remaining seat.
“So, Theo,” Mitchell began after a comfortable silence, “the others mentioned you’re here because of your brother? If you don’t mind me asking.”
I took a sip of tea, considering how much to share. I’d told Kaiden and Carter the basics when I first arrived, but not the details. Not the guilt looming over me like a constant shadow.
“My brother, Casey,” I began slowly, setting down my glass. “He was in a skiing accident about eight months ago. Traumatic brain injury. He’s in a rehabilitation facility now.”
“I’m sorry,” Mitchell said, and I could see he genuinely was. “That must be tough.”
“It is,” I admitted. “Especially since…” I hesitated, then decided to just blurt it. “I was supposed to be there. It was his birthday trip, and I bailed at the last minute to stay and party with friends. If I’d been there, maybe I could have prevented it somehow.”
“You know that’s not on you, right?” Carter said gently. “You can’t live your life guessing at the what-ifs.”
“I know that,” I sighed. “But it doesn’t stop the guilt. Anyway, he needs specialized care now, and our insurance only covers so much. The facility he’s in is decent, but there are better ones.”
“So you came here,” Kaiden nodded, his expression softening with understanding. “Makes sense. The money is hard to beat.”
“I told him I'd be back in a few weeks,” I continued, staring into my cup, feeling the weight of my words. “But I’m planning to stay for a while, long enough to save up to not just pay for his care, but to set us up.”
“That’s a lot of responsibility for someone your age,” Mitchell observed, and I could hear the respect in his voice, not pity.
“We don’t have anyone else,” I said simply. “Casey took care of me when our dad died. Now it’s my turn to take care of him.”
“How’s he handling your absence?” Carter asked quietly. “Does he know where you are?”
I shook my head, my heart clenching. “I told him I got a job on one of those fishing boats in Florida.” I swallowed hard, willing the emotion to dissipate. “He’d be devastated if he knew the truth. He always wanted more for me. College, a career, the whole American dream package.”
“Sometimes life takes unexpected turns,” Mitchell said, his voice surprisingly gentle. “But from what you’ve told us, it sounds like you’re doing this out of love. There’s nothing shameful in that.”
“Noble,” Mitchell said with a nod. “But don’t forget to take care of yourself too. You can’t be a good provider for Casey if you’re not a good provider for yourself.”
“Yeah, that’s what Dr. Winters keeps telling me,” I said with a small smile.
“Smart guy,” Mitchell agreed. “And he’s right. This place can be intense, emotionally and physically. Make sure you’re refilling your own cup, so to speak.”
