Page 74 of Black Light: Cured

Besides, I know what these rooms go for. When helping my friend plan her wedding, she

considered this as a venue but instantly shot it down because of the price. Not that it’s the most

expensive hotel in D.C., just higher than she could afford.

But for Master Aiden, it’s nothing. No man I’ve dated has ever booked a hotel room just in case

things got too hot and heavy during a meal.

Reaching down, I pull my purse into my lap and open the clutch with trembling fingers. The

money lays there, filling me with guilt. All of this is far too much for a first date. There’s no way there

won’t be expectations, and I have no way of guaranteeing that I’ll be able to meet them.

“Here, I didn’t spend it all,” I say, holding it toward him. “You can have it back.”

Master Aiden looks down at the money in my outstretched hand and frowns before looking back

up at me. “I gave that money to you. I don’t want it back.”

“Well.” Helpless, I look about the restaurant. “I did what you told me to do. I bought a dress. I

bought some shoes. I paid my coworker to do my hair. If you won’t let me give it back, then at least

let me put it toward dinner. It’s the least I can do.”

“Lila, you’re doing nothing of the sort. What you’re going to do is sit there and let me spoil you.”

“Spoiling is one thing. This…” I motion toward the sleek and sophisticated decor, far more grown

up and classy than any other restaurant I’ve been to with dishes so expensive I don’t even want to

think about it or I’ll throw up. It’s for sure not the most expensive place I’ve seen, but certainly out of

any price range I set for myself. Hell, fancy for me is Red Lobster. Not something like this. “This is

far too much.”

He leans forward, opening his hands for mine, but I refuse. I need to keep my mind clear and

touching him will only crumble my resolve. Normally, money isn’t a big thing for me. I have enough

to be content, and that’s fine. But this is going above and beyond what I’m comfortable spending.

Then again, I’m not the one spending it. Master Aiden is.

When I first found out about Black Light, I knew the people who went there were rich, affluent.

People I probably wouldn’t meet or talk to unless they were on my table, but it didn’t matter. I never

thought I’d get into a relationship with one of them. I was just grateful Klara helped me negotiate a

contract for my massage services to pay my membership fees, because I couldn’t have afforded it any

other way. It didn’t bother me that my play partners were loaded and I wasn’t. It had no effect on me

or our interaction. Just like in my other job. Hell, I’ve had senators, diplomats, and star athletes on my