I heard the faintest sounds coming from the kitchen and deduced Hadrian’s location. I looked at the clock on the bedside table. It was a little past seven. I still had some time before I had to get back to The Mansion.
I went into the bathroom and grimaced when I saw my reflection in the mirror. Last night’s makeup was ringed around my eyes. I turned on the faucet, let it warm, and then I scrubbed away the residue with the luxury soap on the counter.
There was something oddly sobering about washing off face paint in the early morning light.
Though I’d found pleasure in Hadrian’s arms, I definitely couldn’t dismiss the truth. In the dark, in the shadows, pleasure reigned. I had enjoyed what I’d done.
But in daylight, the cold transaction of business was first and foremost.
Hadrian was an amazing lover. And for my first Rex experience, I couldn’t have hoped for better. But that’s exactly what it was—my first experience. The first of many.
There would be other men who would be amazing in bed, but would any of them wrench desire from my body? Would any of them look at me the way Hadrian did? Like he could see past the name I called myself and the smile I plastered across my lips?
Would any of them slide between my legs and fill me so completely that I’d forget why I’d taken this job in the first place? Would any of them make me feel like a sensual, powerful woman? Or would I wake after mornings with them and have regrets about the life I had chosen.
I had no regrets now.
But I also knew I was feeling emotions that I shouldn’t be feeling. Not for a client.
I wanted more of him. I wanted another night where I was the one who climbed on top of him and made him beg.
I grabbed the hand towel and gently dabbed my face dry. I twirled my hair into a loose side ponytail, securing it with a strand of hair and pins.
Hadrian had ripped the lace undergarments from my body, so I slid into my dress, wearing nothing underneath. It felt mischievous and secretive.
I left my ruined undergarments and slipped into my crystal slippers before padding out of the bedroom and down the hallway.
My steps were quiet as I made my way down the stairs and headed toward the kitchen. Hadrian’s back was to me and he was standing at the counter. I was just about to announce my presence when his phone trilled. He reached into his black tuxedo pants pocket and pulled out his cell.
“This is Rhys.” He paused a few moments. “I didn’t agree to that. No. The price is the price. It’s non-negotiable.”
I hesitated, not wanting to alert him that I was eavesdropping on a business conversation. A few more moments of silence passed.
“Have you forgotten who the fuck you’re talking to?” he demanded. “I’ll give you a few days to reconsider your position, but only a few. After that, I’ll be happy to remind you exactly who you’re dealing with.”
Ice flew through my veins, freezing my blood.
I didn’t like his tone or the fear that rippled down my spine. It was a conversation I never should’ve heard.
He hung up and set his phone aside.
His business was his business.
I finally mustered the courage to face him. Slapping a smile on my face, I entered the kitchen. “Good morning,” I greeted.
He looked at me over his shoulder. His eyes crinkled at the corners, and his grin made my heart soar in my chest.
“Good morning,” he murmured huskily.
I swallowed my desire. He’d been inside of me most of last night, but I wanted him again.
Desperately.
“I’m going to go,” I blurted out.
“Coffee first.” He went to a cupboard, pulled out a mug and filled it. “How do you take it?”
“Black, if it’s drip,” I replied. “I prefer espresso.”
He arched an eyebrow but came toward me and held out the cup.
“Thanks.” I took it from him, trying not to be too overt as I studied him. His blond hair and natural strawberry highlights would’ve looked downright feminine on a lesser man. But Hadrian wasn’t lesser. He was huge and looked out of place in a modern kitchen. He wore his white formal shirt from the night before, but it was open at the neck and rolled up to the elbows. He was wearing his tuxedo trousers, but his feet were bare.