There was no other—
A package on my doorstep had me pausing in the hallway, my brow furrowing. The label was addressed to me, but I hadn’t ordered anything.
I unlocked the door, picked it up, and entered my tiny studio. After bolting the lock behind me, I turned my focus to the box.
No return address.
Handwritten.
“Odd.” I carefully unwrapped it and gasped at the dark blood-red dress lying inside. Elegant handwriting adorned the card sitting on top of the fabric.
For tonight.
—N
I read it twice, not understanding. Then went in search of my phone—I’d left it charging while at my interview. Not exactly the safest plan, but the battery was almost dead and I didn’t have to walk too far to the restaurant.
A voicemail and two text messages sat waiting for me.
All from JBI.
“Hello, Miss Mikos. Your audition was a success. A new phone will be delivered to you via courier in precisely two hours. However, you already have an interested client. As we have no other means of contacting you, a current client offer will be sent through text message. Should you have any questions upon review, please give our offices a call. Welcome to JBI, Miss Mikos. We look forward to our profitable journey together.”
I blinked, stunned.
Then read the first message.
One-week assignment. No packing required. Dress and shoes will be provided for tonight’s dinner.
“Uh, okay.” That didn’t tell me anything. Like where I would be staying, what he wanted from me, or even a name. Although, the card with the package indicated it was Nero. Still, a little more detail would be appreciated.
The second text said:Pickup scheduled for six.
So, I didn’t even get to agree to the terms? No contractual review? Just an expectation that I accepted?
Which, yeah, I wasn’t really in a position to deny anything at the moment. Nor did I really want to…
Nero had been passionate. Hot. Demanding. And so fucking sexy. My lady parts tingled at the thought of another night with him. A completely insane reaction after the rough way he’d handled me, but there’d been a hint of tenderness, too.
And possessiveness.
I shivered at the thought. He’d commanded me with every touch, then sealed his ownership with a gaze before he left.
“Don’t commit to anyone else.”His words had branded my mind, making it impossible for me to even consider engaging in an arrangement with another man. A ludicrous reaction when I hardly knew him.
Oh, but I gave my virginity to him.
Willingly.
Mostly.
And also for money.
Which made me a whore for hire.
Awesome.
I clenched my teeth and swallowed a growl. Belittling myself wasn’t the answer. Accepting, however, was, because I needed that money. Of course, I had no idea how much he was offering.
