Page 16 of Pretty Mess

He waves a careless hand. “Don’t worry about it. I don’t need the money.”

“But will your bloke mind me being here?”

“He’s not my bloke. He’s myclient.”

“Well, won’t yourclientbe pissed off that you’ve moved another man into a place he pays for?”

“I’ll explain that you’re a friend, and he’ll be okay with it.”

I stare at him. “Am I?”

This seems to discombobulate him for a second, but then he shrugs. “Maybe.”

“I think yes,” I say boldly.

He arches an eyebrow. “You don’t know me very well.”

“That’s probably a prerequisite to get over your personality.” He pinches me, and I flinch, laughing. “Does it matter if I don’t know you? You helped me. That makes you my friend, and I want you to know I would do the same for you if you need it.” I look around. “I really don’t want to upset your situation, though. If Mister X is going to mind, I’ll clear out.”

“There’s no need, and it’s ending anyway. He’s moving to New York, so our arrangement will end next week.”

“Will you miss him?” I ask impulsively.

“Well, I’ll certainly miss his wallet.”

I used to think Julian was such a snob. In truth, he intimidated me with his expensive clothes and posh accent. So while being polite, I kept my distance. I’m regretting that now. I’m beginning to see his snootiness is his way of covering his emotions, and there’s something so endearing about that.

I wonder if it’s possible to fuck someone for an entire year and not develop feelings. “Will you have to get out of here when Mister X goes to America?”

“No. He’s paid the lease for another six months.”

“That’s very generous of him. It can’t be cheap.”

“Darling, I’m not cheap.” He shrugs. “It gives me a bit of wiggle room, but I’ll be going back to Jack’s soon to pick up another client. I don’t like not having someone on the hook.”

“Jack’s? Is that the…” I hesitate, searching for the word.

“Jack of Clubs is the name of the business.” His blue eyes twinkle. “Were you going to say brothel?”

I sag. “I’m sorry. I think my vocabulary is rooted in my mum’s old historical romances.”

He eyes me consideringly. “So, what do you think? Do you fancy it? I’ve got to go back to the club to pick up a new client next week, so you’d have company on your first night if you want to do it.”

I swallow hard. “So soon?”

“I don’t like to be without an arrangement. There’s an introduction evening on Friday, so it’s perfect timing for me.”

“Introduction weekend? That sounds like my first week at uni.”

“Think less alcohol and vomiting. I heard all about you on fresher’s week.”

“Reports of that were wildly overexaggerated.”

“An introduction evening is exactly what it sounds like. The members come to the club and choose the boys they want. The details of the arrangements between clients and escorts are sorted out on the night. It’s all very civilised.”

I hesitate. My heart is racing, and my brain feels chaotic. And no matter how hard I try to distract myself, I’m constantly thinking about those credit cards that Tyler took out. “Would I really earn a lot of money?”

“Your first time with a client? You’re looking at twenty to thirty grand. However, it’s your first time with anyone in this game, so you’re looking at alotmore. I’d say maybe fifty grand.”