By Wednesday, I’m struggling to focus on my mounting workload. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve checked my phone, just hoping to see a text from Jade. By late afternoon it becomes apparent I’m probably not going to. If she’s not going to make the move, then I need too.
Pulling out the card Theo gave me, I dial Madam Melody’s number. Guilt consumes me as I wait for someone to answer. I feel like I’m breaking all the promises I made to myself growing up. I swore I’d never be anything like my father and resort to paying for sex. This isn’t really about that, though. While sex with Jade is mind blowing, I’d forgo it if it meant I’d see her again. I’m doing this for one reason only: to be with my girl. There’s no level I wouldn’t stoop to for Jade. If this is the only way I can spend time with her, then so be it.
I’m pretty sure I’d sell my damn soul for this woman.
Theo was right, Melody Sinclair’s a bitch. She makes Clarissa look like a damn saint. It takes everything in me to keep my composure as I sit opposite her. I’m surprised she can even sit down with that stick that’s been strategically placed up her arse. I’m finding it hard to mask my dislike for her, but I need to try harder. I can’t afford to do or say anything that’s going to jeopardise me seeing Jade.
‘As I was telling you on the phone, Mr Weston, Jade is exclusive. I have a long list of girls who are available, and I’m sure any one of them could satisfy your needs.’
If this woman thinks she can intimidate me, she’s mistaken. I’ve dealt with a lot worse than her, my father being one of them. I sit forward in my seat before speaking as calmly as I can. ‘And as I told you on the phone, Ms Sinclair, I’m not interested in any of your other girls.’
‘May I enquire why you have such an interest in Jade?’ She picks up the three-page questionnaire I was made to fill out before she’d see me. Who knew seeing a prostitute would require divulging so much personal information? Granted, she runs a high-class establishment, but still.
‘She came highly recommended to me.’
I see her lips slightly turn up at the corners. I think this woman’s stern face would crack if she were to break into a full smile. ‘By whom?’
‘Theo James.’
‘Hah,’ she scoffs. I take a few deep breaths to calm myself as she continues to read over my paperwork. ‘Interesting,’ she says, leaning back in her chair and looking at me over the rim of her reading glasses. ‘You’re Maxwell Weston’s son?’
Bingo. I should’ve known this woman would be familiar with my father. A sick feeling settles in the pit of my stomach at the possibility he may have been with Jade. ‘You know my father?’ I ask, barely managing to keep the disdain from my voice.
‘We go way back.’
Of course they do. I’m struggling to contain the rage that boils inside me. Not that I’m surprised that my father is associating with madams. Clearing my throat, I sit up straight in my chair.
‘You’re in luck, Mr Weston. I’m prepared to make allowances now that I know you’re Maxwell’s son.’
‘You are?’
‘I am. Sometimes it’s not what you know, Mr Weston, but rather whom.’
Although I remain calm on the outside, my heart thumps furiously against my rib cage as pure elation courses through me. I’m going to see Jade again. I think this is the first time in my life that I’ve ever been grateful that prick of a man is my father.
She picks up the phone. ‘Bring me Jade’s schedule for the next week,’ she barks. This woman has absolutely no manners. A few seconds later, the plain-looking but meticulously dressed young woman who had me fill in the questionnaire enters the room. After she places a manila folder on the desk, I see Jade’s name printed on the front. The woman immediately turns and leaves. I suppose she doesn’t wait for a response because she probably has enough sense to know she won’t get one.
My eyes scan the list of names when Melody opens the folder. I hate that I have to share her with other men. She’s mine.
‘When was the last time you were tested, Mr Weston?’
‘Excuse me?’ I look at her.
‘Tested?’ she snaps. ‘For STDs.’
Oh. ‘A few months ago.’
‘That’s not good enough. I’ll require something more recent before this can go ahead. If you can get your test results to me by Friday, you can have Jade on Sunday evening.’
‘I can arrange that,’ I say as I stand.
‘Sit. Mr Weston, we need to discuss a price.’
‘I’ll pay whatever the going rate is.’