“Just set up the meeting.”
Jake rolled his eyes. “I’m gonna go take a shower. Come on, Slut #1, you’re shaving that bush of yours. I don’t like my slaves hairy.”
Claire dutifully scurried after Jake. Ben looked over at Montana.
Finally, they were alone.
CHAPTER NINE
Kimani watched Ben move over to the bar. She still didn’t know what to make of him. He had a very serious demeanor but seemed nice enough. After all, he had let her nap and given her clothes, and he hadn’t made her give him a blow job—yet. But maybe anyone seemed nice next to Jake. And how good a guy could he be if he was willing to pay for sex? It wasn’t like a guy with his assets would have a hard time getting laid, which made the fact that he would pay for sex all the more disgusting.
“Red or white?” he asked as he perused the wine bottles.
“I don’t drink.”
He looked at her. “At all?”
“I mean, I’m not much of a drinker. I drink a little now and then.”
He selected a bottle of Buena Tierra Vineyard from the Russian River Valley. He popped the cork. “Half a glass won’t hurt you, and it might take the edge off your nerves.”
He could tell she was on edge? She accepted a glass from him, reminding herself that she had a role to play, and maybe if she drank, he would, too. He seemed guarded, and she had to loosen him up to get him to talk. While in his room, she had gone through his luggage, but all she’d found were clothing, toiletries, and a laptop and iPad, both password protected.
“Thanks for letting me borrow some clothes,” she said after a moment of silence.
“If you need anything, let me know.”
“Thank you.”
Looking at the stool at the end of the bar, she wondered if she should sit down. She wanted to launch into a number of questions but didn’t want to appear too nosy.
He pulled the stool out for her. Gingerly, she sat down. He remained standing, his posture impeccable. It was too bad such a hot-looking guy was likely a lech, taking advantage of women who needed money.
She took a sip of the chardonnay and was immediately taken by its brightness and apple-blossom aroma.
“I usually prefer Italian whites, but the Russian River Valley wines have grown on me,” Ben said as he studied the wine’s coloring.
“Are you a wine aficionado?”
“No. Like you, I’m not much of a drinker. Sake is usually my alcohol of choice if I feel like drinking.”
She was glad to hear he didn’t drink much and hoped that meant he wouldn’t try to get her drunk. Silence followed as she wondered if she could ask to use his cellphone. She wanted to text or call Sam so badly.
“Something wrong?”
Realizing she had been fiddling with the stem of the wineglass, she met his gaze. She had to ask, and if there were repercussions, then she would know he was an asshole just like Jake.
“I was wondering...if I could use your cellphone?”
“You didn’t bring yours?”
“I think the auction staff might have taken it.”
“Why would they do that?”
“I don’t know, but both Claire and I had phones, and now they’re gone.”
He pulled out his cell, unlocked it, and handed it to her. She nearly jumped for joy. Should she call or text Sam? Since she couldn’t be sure he wouldn’t listen in on her conversation, texting would be safer. She started typing as quickly as she could: