Page 14 of Her Patron
“It’s because she’s good in bed,” Miquela mumbled into her glass. “God damnit.”
At the end of the day, it was all about money for June. Miquela clearly had more, but Sette was local and offered more… what? Didn’t June realize how much Miquela loved her?
Loved her?
Was Sette in love with June, too? Was that the woman she meant when she said there was sort of someone else, and she couldn’t commit to a relationship beyond some sex?
Miquela passed out half-dead in bed before she could ponder those questions too hard.
Most Wednesdays were spent either working or taking a breather at the marina. That day, however, she woke up with only one thing on her mind.
June.
She had to know something, and she wasn’t about to call her to ask.
Normally, Miquela didn’t act this uncouth to the local pleasure houses. They had businesses to run and people to keep safe, and she respected that. That was before her heart was on the line. Fuck her wallet. What about her feelings?
God, kill me. I don’t need feelings.
She swerved into the guest parking lot, which was empty at lunchtime. Miquela worried that she would walk in on June with a client from the night before, but reminded herself that Monday and Tuesday were considered the weekend at the Manoir.
“I don’t need an announcement,” she told the bouncer, who stood up from his post with a start and spilled half a container of salad on the marble flooring. “I need to see June. Is she in?”
The bouncer glared at her. This was a tough guy who wasn’t scared of Miquela or her money. Hell, he probably ate people like her for breakfast once upon a time. These bouncers were always ex-military. A place like the Manoir probably employed an ex-Green Beret or Navy SEAL. Miquela saw a glimpse of a tattoo on the guy’s arm.
Yup. Seal.
“If you don’t have an appointment,” and the bouncer damn well knew if there was an appointment or not… he didn’t have to look at his clipboard for that, “then I’m afraid I can’t let you in at this time unless it’s to speak with the madam.”
“Then let me speak to your madam.”
“She hasn’t returned yet, ma’am.”
“Peter,” a soft voice said behind the bouncer. “It’s all right. I’ll deal with it.”
The bouncer turned to June, who walked from the dining room to the front door, still dressed in her paisley cotton robe and trudging around in white ballet slippers. Even dressed down like this, she looked like an angel crashing to Earth. Didn’t matter that her tangled hair wasn’t yet brushed. Nor did it matter that she didn’t wear a smidge of makeup.
This is how she really looks. You know that.It only made her more beautiful.
“Ms. Kingsley…”
“I’m the interim madam until Monique gets back later, am I not?” June remained poised, even as she shot Miquela cautious looks. “Besides, she’s here to see me. If Monique has a problem later, she can speak to me about it. Hey, I said it’s all right. She won’t be here long, anyway.” Before Miquela could dropher mouth, June continued, “I have an appointment I should be getting ready for. Let’s make this quick, please.”
An appointment. With another client…
Normally, those facts didn’t bother Miquela. Why would they? She paid June for her time, and when that time was up… she was free to be with any other client she wanted… right?
Kick me in the ribs right now.
June didn’t offer her any pampering. This wasn’t an appointment. She wasn’t on her best game, and she didn’t have to be. Nevertheless, Miquela quietly followed her upstairs and to her room, the bouncer glaring at her for as long as he could be seen.
“If you’re here about the photos, I can assure you that I had nothing to do with them.” June perched on the edge of her sofa and motioned for Miquela to sit wherever she liked. She chose the bed, facing June. “Discretion is one of my greatest policies. If your lawyer needs convincing otherwise, she can talk to Monique and me. We’ll set up an appointment.”
“So you saw the photos?”
June rolled her eyes. “What, do you think I’m cut off from the world up here? I get decent phone reception, and we have Wi-Fi. Of course, I saw the photos. I woke up yesterday morning to a gaggle outside my door, giggling and marveling over your… enthusiasm. I daresay, if you ever decide to move on from me, you’ll have every other girl lining up to try you out.”
How could I want to move on from you?
