Chapter One - A long day.
(A/N—Please note that this book is slow-burning, but please don't let that put you off. It will be worth it.)
Everly
I eagerly gather my things, ready to leave the office. My workday has ended, and I don’t have a lot of time before my second job. I cannot afford to squander any time. Right as I’m turning to walk away, something stops me.
“Come here, Everly.”
I can’t help but roll my eyes when I hear my boss’s voice. With a forced smile, I take a deep breath and make my way to his office. I despise him. He’s not a fan of mine, but I’m unconcerned. He won’t fire me because he knows how good I am at the job, and I won’t quit because I cannot manage financially. It’s not the worst job I’ve had. I enjoy everything about it, except for him.
“Yes, Mr Maddox?” I ask sweetly.
I am far from sweet, but I don’t want to clash with him tonight. I’m not in the mood.
Glaring at me, he crosses his arms over his chest. “Did I permit you to leave?”
“I am leaving. I am not obligated to stay any longer. My work hours are done.”
He despises it when I stand up to him because nobody ever does. His position as my boss doesn’t stop me from standing my ground. I refuse to be treated like a doormat. If others confronted him, he might not be so arrogant and cruel.
His face fills with irritation as he rises from his seat, pressing his hands firmly against the desk. He overreacts and makes a big deal out of things. “If I need you to stay, you need to do as I tell you.”
My jaw clenches while I scoff. He has a unique talent for getting on my nerves like no one else. He knows how to push my buttons, but I do the same to him.
“No, I don’t, because my shift has ended. I don’t need to listen to you. I have better things to do, whatever it is, do it yourself or it can wait until tomorrow.”
His eyes flicker with anger. He is trying hard not to yell at me. He despises it when I tell him no. The man thinks he is some God who everyone should worship and listen to.
“Do you want me to fire you?” he hisses.
My head falls back as I burst into laughter. He has warned me with the same threat over and over. “I dare you to try. It wouldn’t stick. Now, if you excuse me, it is time for me to leave. Goodnight, Mr Maddox.”
I storm off, not allowing him the opportunity to respond. He calls after me, but I ignore him. He can lecture me tomorrow. I sigh and head towards the car. I take a moment to sit, knowing it’s my only one tonight. My second job will have me working until about one and then I am back up at six to head back to the office. I eagerly await Sunday, a much-needed day off after two long months. I am drained, but a girl has to do what a girl has to do. My debt won’t pay itself off. It is not all my debt, but that is a story for another day.
I reluctantly start my car and head for home. My apartment isn’t too far away. I only have time to grab a quick shower and change before leaving again. Tonight won’t be too terrible as we’ll have dinner and enjoy expensive champagne. Things could be worse. I have set out my outfit for tonight.
I arrive outside of the luxury hotel where I am meeting my client. The place costs around twelve grand per night, but it’s his preference. I prefer places like this to meet clients, not because I like expensive things, but there is less chance of people seeing me and working out that I am an office worker by day and a call girl by night. If Mr Maddox ever found out I was moonlighting, especially in this line of work, he would fire me without a second thought.
Never did I imagine doing such a job, but desperation pushed me to it. I’ve done this for nearly a year, but the pay is great. It’s not just about sexual encounters for all of my clients; some of them want companionship. Jonah, who I am meeting tonight, is one of them. I see him every couple of months when he is in town. He pays me three thousand for the night. It has made a dent in my student loan debt.
As I smooth out my black dress, I head inside and look around for him. He is sitting at the bar, nesting a scotch. Jonah is one of my favourites. Not only is he nice, but he is also respectful toward me. We get along well, even with the twenty-year age gap. There has been nothing sexual between us. He likes my company because he doesn’t have anyone. He travels frequently and lost his wife five years ago. Jonah insists he can never be with anyone else, intimately or romantically, as she was his true love, and it wouldn’t feel right. He is one of the good guys. He’s not the type to think he can do anything he wants because he’s paying for a service.
“Jonah,” I greet as I approach.
His attention falls on me, and he beams, “Hello, beautiful.”
He stands, greeting me with a hug. I hug back. Not once has he ever made me feel uncomfortable or like shit because of my choice of work. He offered to pay off some of my debt for me, but I refused. I wouldn’t take advantage of him, even though he’s rich.
“It is good to see you again.”
We part from the hug. “It’s nice to see you, too, Emily. You look beautiful, as always.”
I use Emily with my clients because I don’t want to share my real name, even with the ones I trust. I must create a separation between them.
“Thank you.”
He finishes his drink, places his hand on the small of my back, and guides me to the table he had reserved. He pulls the chair out, letting me sit first before taking his seat. Jonah is a gentleman. We will have dinner and drinks, then I will go to his room and spend time with him there, chatting and catching up. I wish all my clients were alike, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. Everyone is different.
“Champagne, and you can update me on what has been happening since we last met two months ago.”
“It sounds perfect. You can update me on all things business.” I laugh.
He chuckles and nods, ordering a bottle of champagne for the table. He has taught me a great deal about business. Normally, I find conversations about these topics dull, but not with Jonah. I don’t mind listening to him. He is an intelligent man. A pleasant night awaits, much needed after my day.