Living in Sin (The Escort Series)

by Lucero, Isabel

  Unsure of where I should go, I walk to the middle of the room, then turn to face him. He closes the door to the office before taking a seat on the edge of his desk. There’s a few moments of silence while we study each other.

  “Who was that?” he asks. His face still hard as stone.

  I hesitate for a minute. “Liam. My ex-boyfriend.”

  His expression changes to one of surprise and confusion. “Your ex?”

  I only nod in response.

  “And you like him again? I thought you hated him for what he did to you.”

  He runs a hand over his head and I can tell he’s getting angrier. His eyes narrow at me and his jaw clenches.

  “I was just giving him a chance to say what he wanted to say.” As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I know I’ve made a mistake.

  Jace tilts his head at me, his face screwed up in disbelief. He looks away from me momentarily before pinning me with a glare that shows not only his anger, but his disappointment.

  “Are you kidding me, Adrienne? You let that fucking guy explain himself and yet you ignore me when that’s all I want to do? I’ve been going crazy waiting on you to give me a chance to talk to you, and you’re here in my club with your ex-boyfriend having a nice little reunion?”

  He walks to the other side of the office, his back to me.

  “Jace, I was going to give you the chance to talk to me. I realize I’m bad at not letting people tell their side of the story once they’ve pissed me off. I’m giving you the chance now. What do you want to say to me?”

  He turns and faces me but stays on the other end of the office. His face softens a little, but I can tell he’s still angry.

  “Adrienne, I was going to tell you. I had planned on telling you the night you found out.”

  “You didn’t think that was something you should have told me before then?”

  “Of course I knew, but I also knew you’d disappear on me and I’d never see you again.”

  “You don’t know that for sure,” I murmur.

  “Really? So if I told you that I went on dates with other women, and occasionally fucked them too, you would have been okay with that?” he responds bluntly.

  I blanch, but don’t respond.

  “Exactly,” he says. “Look, I was honest when I told you I have been with lots of women. That’s true. I just didn’t tell you that I got paid for it. I know that might make a difference to you, but what if I didn’t get paid? Would you be okay with me just having dated and slept with tons of women? Is it the fact that I got paid to do it that bothers you?”

  “I knew you said there have been a lot of women, but being an escort for years means it’s probably a hell of a lot more than I ever would have imagined.”

  “You’re probably right,” he deadpans.

  “Why did you choose to be an escort? Why this life?”

  He exhales a long breath. “I told you a little about my family, something I’ve never done before by the way, so you know I didn’t have an easy childhood. My father was never around, and my mom did the best she could. My brother and I had dreams of moving away and making a better life for ourselves. We saw how much mom struggled, and knew that was something we never wanted to do. My brother was a good kid; he never got in trouble at school and always did what he was told. He was very unlike me, but all three of us were close, and we helped mom around the house when she was at work. After working double shifts she’d come home with a smile on her face when she saw that we cleaned up.

  “One day we decided we wanted to make dinner for her, but we were missing a few things. Drew walked down to the corner store to get what we needed.”

  He pauses and takes a deep breath. “Someone shot and killed him as he was coming home. Obviously it was a hard time. He was my best friend, the only friend I had sometimes. My mom couldn’t handle it. She cried every day and would continuously call in to work. It became such a regular thing that they fired her. I was just a teenager and had to find little jobs to do to make sure we had money for electricity and some food. To make matters worse, my mom developed a drinking problem, and it was almost like I lost my mom, too.

  “One night, a couple friends of mine were talking about how they overheard some guy on the street trying to convince women to be escorts and split the money with him. He was probably some druggie or drunk just talking crazy, but that sparked a conversation about escorts and what the job actually entails. I went to the library that day and did some research. I contacted some companies and when I heard back from one, I knew that as soon as I could leave, I would. I was able to get away from the life I had been living, away from the home that held terrible memories, and knew I’d never have to worry about money again.

  “When I got my first check, I sent most of it to my mom. I wanted to make sure she was taken care of, and I still make sure of that. Over time I started getting paid more and I had all this money to spend on whatever I wanted. It was new and exciting. I didn’t want to give that up. I didn’t want to worry about never having money again. So yes, it may be something people look down on as a job, but when it comes down to it I’d rather do what I did and have money, than eat sandwiches in the dark because I didn’t have power. Being an escort made me a lot of money; it put me through school, and made me capable of opening this club. I won’t regret doing it.”

  Trying to absorb all the information he just gave me, I’m frozen in place, staring at him. Once again, I realize he’s much more than I give him credit for. To go through so much at such a young age and make something of yourself is incredible. I never knew poverty. I didn’t know what it was like to struggle like that, and I couldn’t imagine it. So I’m in no place to judge anybody for the decisions they make to better their life.

  “Jace, I…I don’t know what to say. My heart breaks for you, but at the same time I’m so proud of you. I know you’re more than just an escort. I’ve gotten to know the kind, generous and caring man that you are, but I can’t get over the fact that you lied to me and slept with other people after we were together.”

  I watch him as he strolls towards me. The look on his face is unreadable. “What did I lie about?”

  “Vivian. You said you didn’t know her.”

  “I don’t know her. That’s not a lie. I didn’t know her name either. Not until you told me what it was.”

  I back up a few steps, trying to get some space. My brows furrow at his statement. “I’m confused.”

  “She hired me, her and two other girls. I never knew their names and they didn’t know mine. We had sex, Adrienne. That doesn’t mean I know her.”

  “I hate that you had sex with her,” I grumble.

  “I hate it, too. I can’t change it though. It was my job.”

  “So you only had sex with her once and that was when you were an escort?”

  He nods. “Only once.”

  “So what was up with you two being in the bathroom together at the club?”

  “She followed me in there. As soon as I walked in, she was behind me. She pushed herself on me, and I told her I wasn’t interested. She thought because I was with her before that I would want to be with her again. A lot of clients get that way. They think if you’re with them once, they can convince you to be with them without them having to pay you.”

  “How many people were you with after me?”

  “I had dates with a few, but I only had sex with one.” When I wince, he continues. “You and I had only been together once. You ran off and I had no idea if I’d ever see you again. That date had already been secured, I couldn’t back out. I never had sex with anyone after I knew I wanted to get to know you more. Even after you ran away from me, you were always in the back of my mind.”

  The door to Jace’s office bursts open, and Troy and Emilie are standing there.

  “Oh thank God!” Emilie exclaims dramatically.

  “Your girl here was having a meltdown when she couldn’t find you downstairs,” Troy tells me, looking amused.

&
nbsp; “You could have just called or texted me,” I say.

  “I lost my phone,” she says with a pout.

  I look to Troy and he signals that she’s had more to drink.

  “Sorry to interrupt. I just figured you’d be up here. I can keep an eye on her while you guys finish up.”

  Emilie walks up to Jace with the most ridiculous mad face I’ve ever seen. I can tell she’s trying to be intimidating, but it’s not working.

  “Do you remember what I said I’d do if you weren’t nice to her?” she asks.

  He glances at me before looking down at her again. “Maybe.”

  “Oh, you remember. I don’t care how cute you are, with your stupid blue eyes. You don’t get to fuck over my friend and get away with it.”

  I look over at Troy who’s trying to keep from laughing. Jace looks just as amused, and when Em lifts her finger and points up at him, ready to say something else, I burst out laughing. Soon after, the guys join in, because Emilie looks so small compared to Jace, and with her wagging her finger at him, she looks like an old lady scolding their grandchild.

  Em turns around with a scowl on her face. “What’s so funny? I’m serious. I’ll chop it off!”

  I continue laughing. “I know, Em.”

  She narrows her eyes at me. “No need?” she asks in what she thinks is a whisper voice, but everybody can hear her.

  Jace looks at me, waiting for my answer. “Come on, Em. Let’s get back downstairs.”

  “Want another shot?” she asks excitedly.

  “Uhh. We’ll see,” I say, knowing she doesn’t need any more alcohol.

  She links her arm in mine and we make our way to the door. Before I get to threshold, I feel a hand at my elbow. Jace tugs on my arm, causing me to turn around.

  “I’m not letting you walk away from me so easy. You’ll hear from me again.”

  He speaks with finality and I know I’ll hear from him very soon. I gulp and nod in response. I turn and give Troy a small smile as we walk out.

  “You’ll hear from me again, too, Troy!” Emilie calls out through her laughter.

  “You’re such a drunk ass,” I tell her as we walk back into the club.

  “Am not!”

  I laugh. “Right. So what did you and Troy talk about?”

  “Probably the same thing you and Jace talked about. Their lifestyle choices.”

  “Is Troy planning on quitting?”

  “I doubt it.”

  We get to the bar and she slams her hand down on the bar. “Waiter. Give me a shot.”

  The bartender, not waiter, looks at me and makes a face. “Let me get them, Em,” I say, pushing her away from the bar.

  “Hi, can you give me some water in a shot glass? She won’t know at this point.”

  He shrugs and fills two shot glasses with water.

  “Here you go,” I say, handing Em a shot glass.

  “What’s this?” she asks, looking disgusted. “There’s no color to it.”

  “It’s a new drink. It’ll be fine. Drink up.”

  We both drink our waters and I watch her face to see if she’ll say anything. She looks at the glass, licking her lips. “Let’s not get that again. It’s weak.”

  I smile at her. “Okay.”

  Emilie sits on one of the barstools and dances in her seat, her eyes closed and arms in the air. She almost reminds me of those inflatable air dancer guys that are outside of businesses. I laugh to myself as I watch her. When I look up, I see Troy strolling towards us. The way he walks reminds me of a runway model; one hand in his pocket, the other hand swinging at his side. The all-white suit he’s wearing makes him stand out amongst the crowd. He smirks as he passes Emilie. Her eyes are still closed and she doesn’t know he’s there.

  “I called you a cab for her. She’s about to be passing out soon.”

  We both glance back at her. “I agree. Thank you.”

  “It’s no problem.” He pauses and I can tell he’s debating on saying something else. “Adrienne, I know it’s not my place, but I want you to know that Jace is a really good guy. He’s better than me, but don’t tell him I said that,” he says with a smile. “And I know he really cares about you. Jace has never really been a relationship type of guy, so he may not know how to go about everything, but trust me when I say, he’s trying. Please don’t let what we do, or in his case, have done, overshadow the good.”

  “Thanks, Troy,” I say with a smile.

  He smiles in return and looks over at Emilie. “What’s goin’ on there?” I ask, gesturing between him and Em.

  “She deserves better than me,” he sighs. “I was a relationship guy, and because of that relationship I think I’m ruined.”

  “Don’t tell me you’re going to let what someone’s done in the past determine your future,” I respond, giving him some of his own advice.

  With a smirk, he responds. “Touché. However, I think the damage is done. I don’t trust easily anymore, and when you don’t trust someone, it causes problems. And I’ll be honest; I love my job too much to give it up. I told you Jace is a better man than me,” he finishes with a smile.

  “Maybe you just need to find someone to love more than your job.” I put my hand on his shoulder and walk past him to Emilie.

  He doesn’t respond, but gives me a tight smile. I grab Emilie’s arm and we make our way outside. I can’t wait to get home. I have a lot to think about tonight, and a decision to make.

  I decide to let one day go by without contacting her. That’s long enough. She said Sundays are usually her lazy days, and I’m really hoping that’s true and that she’s home. I won’t let her keep hiding from me. I’m going to make her admit to me and herself that she has feelings for me.

  I walk up to her door and knock. With my finger on the peephole, I wait. I hear her footsteps nearing the door.

  “Em, is that you? Why do you cover the damn peephole?”

  I hear the lock turning, and I’m ready to make sure she doesn’t slam the door in my face. The door opens slowly and she’s looking lower, expecting to see Emilie. Her eyes move up and she finds my face. I put my hand on the door, ready to keep it open if she tries to close it.

  “Jace! What are you doing here?” she asks, running her hands through her hair.

  “I’m here to talk to you. I told you you’d hear from me again.”

  “Yeah, well, I expected a heads up first.”

  “If I called, you wouldn’t have answered. Can I come in?”

  She hesitates for just a moment. “Yeah, let me just get decent.”

  “I think you look beautiful,” I say as she lets me in.

  Her dark, curly hair is loose and wild, but she makes it look sexy. She’s wearing a shirt that falls off one shoulder and shows some of her stomach. Her ass is swaying in front of me in tight, black pants.

  “Thanks. Let me just grab a rubber band real quick.”

  She disappears into another room and when she returns her curls are secured on top of her head.

  She gestures towards the couch, so I sit down, and she sits in a chair off to the side of me, with her legs curled underneath her.

  I sigh and lean forward. “Adrienne, you can’t deny that we have a connection. I feel it every time I’m with you, and I know you feel it, too. I joke about being a king, and I may come off as confident and without worry, but right now I’m worried you won’t forgive me. I’m not confident that I’m good enough for you, and you’re the only one who makes me feel like a king. When I’m with you I feel like I can do anything, and you make me want to be better and do better. I’ve never had that before. You know me, Adrienne. The real me. The only other person that knows as much as you do is Troy. I know you’re mad, and I understand, but you being mad at me is proof you care about me. If you didn’t, then you wouldn’t even bother being mad.”

  I see the wheels in her head turning. She’s watching me with her beautiful eyes, they’re brimming with tears. I hold my breath, waiting for her response. If she ch
ooses to kick me out, I won’t be able to say anything else to convince her to give us a try. I’ve said everything that I can, so at this point it’s all up to her. I don’t think you can ever fully explain to someone what they mean to you and how much you truly care about them. They aren’t in your mind, or in your heart, and therefore will never know the emotions you feel when you’re around them or think about them. All you can do is show them with actions, and I hope I get the chance to prove it to her.

  I’m shocked when she jumps out of her chair and rushes me. She throws her arms around my neck and sits sideways on my lap, her legs resting on the cushion next to me. I feel her face buried in my neck and I let out the breath I was holding. My arms wrap around her, and I keep her close to me.

  “Jace, of course I care about you!” she says into my neck. “That’s why I was so hurt.”

  I stroke her back. “I know, baby. I’m sorry.”

  We sit there for a while, no words are necessary. After a few minutes she pulls away from my neck and looks at me. “Wanna start over?” she asks.

  I smile at her. “I think that’s a good idea.”

  “Okay, so we’ll forget about the last three months.”

  “Well, I don’t know about that.” I say.

  “Yes. That means our first date won’t be because you stole my phone and held it for ransom.”

  “I didn’t steal it,” I correct with a grin.

  “Whatever.”

  “That also means no running away from me after sex. It bruises my ego.”

  She laughs. “Oh please.”

  “Okay, get up,” I say, gently guiding her off of me.

  She looks at me with confusion written all over her face. I get up and stand in front of her.

  “Hi, I’m Jace,” I say with a smile as I extend my hand to her.

  The smile she gives me warms my heart. “Hi, Jace. I’m Adrienne,” she says, shaking my hand.