My thoughts shifted immediately to the insane way my body had reacted the instant my eyes connected with Simon’s, the way my pulse had jumped, the way my nipples had beaded and my pussy had grown slick. Nothing like this had happened with any other man I’d ever met. I could still feel the sizzle of it deep down inside me.
Releasing a deep breath, I refocused on Akari and caught the knowing smirk on her face.
“Okay, then. You answered my question.”
“Answered what question?”
“You want to fuck him.”
I narrowed my gaze. “I’m not selling myself for my freedom.”
“It’s an exchange, not selling.”
“I can’t believe you right now.”
“Nyx, this is all we’ve ever talked about. The chance to live a life away from what we grew up with. To have choices.”
“Is this the way to do it?”
“Is it really that much of a hardship? The way you responded to my question says he’s hot and you would totally bone him if he were anyone other than Simon Drakos. Tell me I’m wrong, and I’ll call you a liar.”
“You’re so damn annoying.”
“I just say it like it is. Besides, it’s not as if you both aren’t getting something out of it.”
“I’m not whoring myself for my freedom.”
“Think of it as you’re mutually whoring yourselves. It’s no different than two people hooking up randomly for a year and then parting ways. No emotions, just hot sex. The added benefit for both of you is that there is a healthy payout for your families, and you get to live your life here while he has his perfect debutante back home.”
“I love how you justify an asshole blackmailing me into sleeping with him like this.”
“Stop lying to yourself. I know you better than you think. The reason you’re so mad is because he’s the first man to pique your interest, and he happens to be the one who controls your future and your fortune.”
I glared at her. “Let me repeat. You’re so annoying. Why are we best friends, again?”
“Because I’m the only one who will put up with you and your multiple personalities.” Akari picked up the decanter of whiskey and poured more into our tumblers. “Speaking of your many facets—is the goddess of night ready to handle her patrons next week, or are we canceling?”
“No, we can’t cancel. There are way too many of our high rollers coming into town.”
“Then I guess you’ll have my usual spot saved for me.”
“As long as you have the buy-in, your spot is assured.”
“Can I ask you a question about your fiancé?”
Rolling my eyes, I answered with a, “Sure, why the hell not.”
“Is he tall with a killer body, short black hair, a trim beard, and very green eyes?”
I stiffened as my grip on the tumbler in my hand tightened.
“He’s here?”
“I take that as a yes. He’s coming through the crowd in our direction.” Her gaze lingered behind me. “Okay. I give it to you. He’s hot with a capital H. You definitely need to take him up on the offer.”
“It’s not an offer. It’s blackmail.”
“One that would have you losing your v-card with a hot-as-fuck guy.”