Did everyone simply have a price?

The thought that even I had a price made me feel uneasy, and the fact that I was feeling uneasy was making me feel even more uneasy. I pushed aside those thoughts, and plastered a smile on my face.

"I'll be fine out here, I'm sure." I sounded much more confident that I felt. "Good luck." I added, smiling. It was hard not to love Emily.

After Emily left, I set myself up. I sat nervously, waiting for the first client. Sitting there, waiting was worse than waiting for the interview that first day. Angry b.u.t.terflies nosedived around my stomach. I could feel the hotdog from dinner sitting uneasily in my stomach.

It was going to make another appearance soon, I just wasn't sure which end.

Going over the booking page, I tried to familiarize myself with the regulars that were coming in tonight. I found it interesting that Emily was already fully booked. How long had she been doing this for? The fact that she was so popular really didn't surprise me. She had that young, barely legal look about her.

I couldn't imagine any other rewards for basically being a glorified prost.i.tute, other than the money. She had spoken about her boyfriend last night. How did he feel about what she did? I found it hard to imagine any man being okay with their girlfriend sleeping with other men, especially for money. If I had a boyfriend and he was sleeping with other women for money, I'd be livid. I'd never been good with sharing. I blushed as I realized my mind had cast Devon as the fict.i.tious boyfriend in my scenario.

My heart jumped as the door pushed open. A man walked up to me, smiling. He raised an eyebrow.

"New here?" He asked. I nodded, feeling completely incompetent. Was it that obvious?

"Hi, I'm Bambi." I said, happy I'd managed to say my stage name without rolling my eyes. Couldn't Emily have picked any other name?

"Nice to meet you, Bambi." I could feel his eyes linger over my curves. I suddenly felt very uncomfortable in my tight black dress. It was sinking in that even at reception, I was as much on display as all the other girls.

"I'm Michael. I'm here for Emily."

"Right. Take a seat, and I will let her know you're here." He winked at me as he headed for the couch. He was cute. Really cute. From the suit, and the c.o.c.kiness I guessed he was a corporate guy. Emily had told me something like ninety percent of the clients were simply men who worked too hard, too long hours to have time to meet a woman.

Most were not interested in anything other than s.e.xual release, and it was much easier to pay for that without all the ha.s.sle of a causal relationship. Grabbing the phone, I dialed the playroom (dubbed the playroom by the girls because it was full of everything you could think of to help them relax between clients). I was relieved when Emily answered.

"Hi Emily, Michael is here for you."

"Oh good." She giggled. I shook my head, getting the distinct feeling she loved her job sometimes. I glanced back at Michael and smiled. He nodded and went back to his phone.

Emily came out for Michael, leaving me alone once again. Getting the first client out of the way had made a huge difference to my nerves. The rest of the night went smoothly, with most of the time spent playing games on Facebook. The end of my shift came much faster than I was expecting.

"How did you go, Kait, any problems?" Mauve asked, popping her head into the office.

"No, it went well. I enjoyed myself." I smiled at Mauve as I pulled my jacket on, secretly happy that she'd come to check on me after my first shift. She looked genuinely pleased. And I honestly had enjoyed myself.

"That's great. I'll see you tomorrow. Let me know if you have any problems." I waved to her as I left the building. Barry sat in his usual spot, not looking up as I left.

I was way too buzzed to sleep. Glancing at the clock, I saw it was after three. I'd been home for half an hour. I'd half expected Ara to still be up, but she wasn't. Then I remembered her early start for college. The thought of college reminded me of my a.s.signments which really needed starting.

Sighing, I grabbed my laptop. If I wasn't going to sleep, I may as well make use of the time.

I set myself up in the kitchen, where the lure of the TV couldn't run me off course. After three hours I'd managed to put a huge dent in most of my essays.

It was now just after six. Too late to go back to bed, but too early to actually do anything. I made myself a cup of tea (I was determined to cut down my coffee intake), grabbed a banana, and went into the living room. My reward for doing my homework was re-runs of General Hospital.

Lucky me.

After dropping the kids at school, I collapsed into bed, exhausted after the last few long days. I felt as though I could sleep forever, and I was sure I was starting to hallucinate. The vibration of my phone woke me up. I glanced at the screen, my vision blurred, sure I'd only been asleep for a few minutes. It took me a moment to make sense of the number. It was Devon.

"h.e.l.lo." I mumbled. Gosh I sounded like a drag queen. Worse, I sounded like a drag queen who'd just woken up after a twenty four hour bender.

"Kait?" I cringed at the concern in his voice. I sounded that bad?

I coughed. "Yes, it's me. Sorry my voice isn't exactly morning friendly." He chuckled.

"It's nearly two in the afternoon." I glanced down at the alarm clock. Huh. I had no freaking idea where the last five hours had gone.

"Well sue me. I didn't get much sleep last night." I grumbled. "And someone ruined my usual before work nap too." I added for effect.

Not that I'd been complaining.

"You didn't seem to be complaining about that too much last night." He retorted amused, echoing my thoughts.

"So how can I help you?" Juggling the phone to my ear with my shoulder, I pulled on some pants. If felt wrong to be chatting to him half naked. It was like talking to someone on the phone while sitting on the toilet.

"I was seeing if you're home. Do you mind if I come past?" My pulse quickened. Did I mind? h.e.l.l no! He could swing by anytime. He could- Kaitlin May Delancy, get a f.u.c.king grip!

"I guess I'm awake now so you may as well..." I finally replied, trying my hardest to keep my voice neutral. "You better have coffee though." I warned. "I won't let you in the door if you don't have coffee." He laughed, as though I was joking.

I wasn't joking.

"Sure." He agreed, laughing. "I'll get coffee. And donuts. See you soon." My mouth salivated at the mention of donuts. I hadn't eaten since last night, and as a result, I was starving.

If he brought donuts, I'd love him forever.

Throwing off my blankets, I ran b.u.t.t naked down the hall to the bathroom. One of the benefits of working at night was having the house to myself during the day. If I felt like walking around naked, h.e.l.l I could do it. I'm sure that logic would come back to bite me in the a.s.s one day.

After a quick shower, I threw on a top and a pair of jeans. After running a brush through my hair, I tied it into a high ponytail, and threw on some lip gloss. I'd never really bothered too much with make-up, and I wasn't about to start now. Cute detective or not.

Just as I finished brushing my teeth, the doorbell rang. I bounded to the door like the place was on fire, almost tripping over a stray matchbox car by the buffet in the hall. I stumbled to my feet, silently cursing Sam as my toe throbbed.

"Hey..." I began, my voice drifting off as my eyes caught sight of him.

Five seconds ago my focus had been getting my hands on that coffee as quickly as possible. Now, seeing Devon, in his silk pale blue shirt and grey pants, all thoughts of coffee were replaced with Devon, naked, under me.

"Hey you." He smiled, his dark eyes smiling at me. His grey tie hung down his shirt, the top two b.u.t.tons of the shirt undone giving me a preview at his body underneath. My G.o.d he was s.e.xy.

I gasped in shock as he suddenly pulled my body against his, and kissed me deeply.

It took me less than a moment to melt into his embrace. This man drove me crazy. I grabbed hold of his shirt and pulled him inside. Slamming the door with his foot, he hoisted me onto his hips and balanced me against the wall. His lips pressed hard against mine, his breath sweet and manly. It was only then I noticed the coffee cup pressed between my back and his hand. It was f.u.c.king hot.

"You got me coffee." I grinned, kissing him again.

"Well, I was under the impression I'd be refused entry, otherwise." He raised an eyebrow, setting the cup next to me on the table. He slapped my hand when I reached for it.

"No time for coffee. You'll have to wait." His eyes narrowed, as his lips met mine.

I unb.u.t.toned my jeans and wiggled them down my thighs, finally shaking them off my feet. He pulled his mouth away from mine slightly, long enough to smirk at me.

"Presumptuous much?" He teased. He thrust his warm hands under the soft cotton of my shirt, lifting it over my head from the inside. I gasped as his hands touched my skin. Every fantasy I'd had of what this would feel like failed to compare to the real thing.

"Oh shut up and kiss me." I grumbled.

He laughed, but obliged, his hands running over my bra as his mouth explored mine. I reached behind me, unclasping the hooks as he brought me in for another pa.s.sionate kiss. My hands fumbled as I tried to undo his pants.

"Seriously?" I muttered. "What, are these glued on?"

He chuckled, pushing my hands back around his neck. He undid his pants, pulling them down enough to free his length. I undid the b.u.t.tons on his shirt, running my hands over the smooth bare skin on his chest. He suddenly lifted me onto his hips again, this time forcing himself inside of me. I gasped at the surprise of him entering me. He carried me over to the arm of the sofa, sitting me on the edge. It was just the right height.

"I wanted to do this to you right here, last night." He murmured in my ear. "You make me so h.o.r.n.y. You're all I've thought about since we met." I clutched onto the arch of his back as he pushed himself further and further into me.

"Oh lord." I cried. The image of him before me, still fully clothed apart from his undone shirt, and me completely naked was unbelievably arousing. His thrusts became faster and harder as his o.r.g.a.s.m heightened. Eventually, he groaned, thrusting himself one final time deep inside of me.

"Wow." I sighed, falling back, tumbling ungracefully onto the sofa. Devon grinned, shaking his head, breathing heavily.

"Wow is right." He agreed. "Are you always such a klutz?" His laughter was infectious. He put his hand out to help me up. Instead, I jerked him hand, sending him tumbling on top of me on the sofa.

"Well h.e.l.lo." He murmured, raising his eyebrows. I moved my legs slightly apart, allowing him to position himself comfortably between them. With one hand resting on the floor, he used to other to tilt my neck. He leaned down and kissed me. My toes curled in antic.i.p.ation as his lips brushed mine. I gently stroked his back as he worked his kisses up and down my neck.

"You're so beautiful, Kait." He whispered, staring at me as if I were some rare beautiful flower he'd never seen before. I loved the feelings he stirred up inside me. "So f.u.c.king s.e.xy." He rested his head on my chest, every now and then his tongue would circle my nipple. I'd giggle, and he'd grin up at me.

"You are one h.e.l.l of a guy." I said, kissing his head. "I can't imagine why you haven't been snapped up by some pretty girl yet." I joked. Devon smiled at me. Something in his eyes made me wonder. What, I wasn't exactly sure. I couldn't explain or describe what I was suddenly feeling. It was almost as if he was holding something back. I brushed it off, convinced I was being paranoid.

"I had better get back to work." Lifting his weight off me, he towered over me, admiring his view. "Though I could stay like this for a little longer." He grinned, glancing down at his erection. I laughed, worming my way out from under him.

"I have to pick the kids up soon." I smiled, biting my lip to hide my grin.

He got to his feet, shaking his head, amus.e.m.e.nt in his eyes. "I think I'll need a shower before I go back to work."

"Help yourself. The bathroom is through there." I said, standing up. I pointed down the hall.

"You sure you don't want to give me a hand?" I raised my eyebrows at his c.o.c.ky smile as he eyed my naked form suggestively. I laughed, not believing he was ready for more. Talk about stamina!

"Considering the kids will be home soon, I don't think that's a good idea." I replied dryly. "Coffee?"

Devon nodded. "I guess I'll take a coffee instead, then."

I watched him disappear out of the kitchen. After pouring the now cold coffee Devon had brought with him down the sink, I put the coffee pot on. While it boiled, I dashed down and grabbed my robe. I couldn't resist a quick peek into the bathroom. My pulse quickened at the sight of him, naked, in the shower, lathered in soap.

"The offer's still there for you to join me." I jumped, giggling, not realizing I'd been found out. Dashing out of the room, I ran back to the kitchen, still giggling to myself.

I filled the two cups with coffee.

Did that really just happen?

I couldn't hide the smile from my face. It had been so long I'd almost forgotten how good s.e.x was, and s.e.x with Devon was on a whole other scale.

I set the cups on the coffee table, and pulled my hair up into a ponytail. I twirled it into a bun, tying it in place with the band. It was just short enough that stray bits of hair found themselves unravelling.

"Coffee." Devon nodded appreciatively, as he wandered into the living room, only a towel wrapped around his waist. I bit my lip to stop my jaw from hitting the floor. Devon in only a towel...well let's just say I was ready for round two.

"Aren't you a good hostess?" He reached for a cookie, brushing away the crumbs that fell over his tanned, chiseled, smooth chest. Sitting beside me, he pulled my leg onto his lap, the hem of my robe falling open in the process. Thank G.o.d I'd shaved my legs yesterday. I imagined my hairy legs would have been somewhat of a turn off.

"Just so you know, I don't do this often." The unexpectedness of his comment made me laugh. I suppose it was good that he didn't make a habit of sleeping with people related to his cases.

"Often?" I repeated, raising my eyebrows. I'd have preferred *never'.

"You know what I mean." He slapped my leg gently, rolling his eyes. "I'm not in the habit of sleeping with random women, especially when they are connected to a case."

"So now I'm some random chick." I smiled as he rolled his eyes again. "Some random chick who finds you incredibly s.e.xy." I whispered, nibbling on his ear. G.o.d, even his ears were s.e.xy. Who has s.e.xy ears?

"Really." He chuckled, pulling me over until I sat on top of him. His hands gripped my a.s.s. I could feel his hardness pressing against my entrance. I leaned down and kissed him, strands of hair that had escaped from the bun caressing his face.

"Don't you have to get back to work now?" I teased sweetly, while gently rocking myself back and forth against his erection. "Catching criminals and all that?"

"Don't you have to pick your kids up?" He retorted. I groaned and pulled myself off him.

"Way to kill my mood." I grumbled, picking up my discarded jeans and worming my way into them. "Oh, you find this amusing, do you?" I glowered at him as he laughed loudly.

"I guess you could say this is kind of how I felt last night." He mused, reaching for his own pants. He stood up and buckled his belt. "Not that I'm into revenge. An eye for an eye. That's not me." He grinned. Without warning, he grabbed hold of my arm, and spun me into his arms. My nipples hardened as they brushed against his naked skin. My finger traced his tattooed arm.

I waited for him to kiss me again, my lips aching to be caressed by his. My heart pounded as his soft, sweet lips enclosing over mine. I felt like I could kiss him forever.

"My G.o.d you're a good kisser." I smiled, stealing another kiss as he smiled at me.

"Kait. This was great. You are great. I've had so much fun with you." He hesitated.

"But..." I pushed, sensing his reluctance to continue his thought.

"But you're also part of my major case. This can't happen again." I shrugged, as if I didn't care.

Only I did. Deep inside, I felt used and hurt. He may as well have slapped me across the face. It would have been less shocking. The worst thing was that the last thing I needed right now was a relationship, but I couldn't deny I had feelings for this guy that ran deeper than just s.e.xual gratification.

Devon winced, as if replaying his words in his mind. "No, that came out totally wrong. What I meant was-."

"I get it. It's cool. You're investigating my mother's disappearance. Conflict of interest and all that." I pulled away from him, trying to act all nonchalant. The truth was I couldn't think clearly when I was up against him, skin to skin. I could barely think properly when he was in the same room as me.

"Um, you better go. I really have to pick the kids up." I refused to let him see how hurt I was. I was five minutes away from tears. I needed him gone. Now.

"Kait..." He stared at me helplessly.

"It's fine." I repeated, this time with a small smile. I walked to the door, hoping he would follow. He did. He stood for a moment, not speaking, before finally walking out.

"I'm sorry, Kait." I smiled again and shut the door in his face. By now I felt angrier than I did upset.

Could he not have told me all that before we'd had s.e.x?