Page 71 of Princes of Hollywood

I hand the pen back to Mason and slide the papers across the table to him. He adds them to the bottom of his pile and lifts off another section.

“This is our employment contract. The money we’ll pay you plus the expectations and terminating offenses.”

I take the stack and slowly read through it while eating my cake. The numbers are the same. Everything we’ve discussed is in there. The chores I’ll be expected to complete. My main priority is Aiden and making sure he stays sober. Nothing about sex as an expectation or anything like that.

When I finish, I reach for the pen. This time he lets me take it, and I sign on all the flagged areas. The opportunity to have a nest egg to build a future with is just too irresistible.

I pass the papers to Mason and he adds them to the bottom.

“Before I give you the next document, we need to talk.”

I straighten and push away my empty plate. The others have been quietly eating their cake. Wyatt rises and takes the plates. When I try to help him, he puts his hand on my shoulder and shakes his head.

I return my focus to Mason.

“Tell us your sexual experiences so far.”

Uh. My brain blanks as my mouth drops open.

“She’s had five lovers.” Roarke leans back and gives me a grin. “Obviously, Chad was a dumb fuck who couldn’t give her what she needed.”

My mouth opens and closes. I always figured it was my fault that Chad cheated.

“I’m not that skilled at sex,” I admit softly, looking down at my hands. “I haven’t had the best experiences with it. It usually takes me a while before I’ll even kiss a guy.”

I don’t want to talk about the few guys I’ve been with. Some I’d rather forget entirely. Not all were bad, though.

The guys are quiet. No one touches me. Maybe I’ve finally pushed them away. No one wants a defective doll. They want someone like Zoe (not specifically her) or like Bristol. Open, fun, sexually experienced, and down for anything.

“Greer.” Roarke’s voice is coaxing, and I lift my gaze to his serious eyes.

“Yes?” I won’t break down until I get back to my room. I’ll keep my head up and listen to them tell me they don’t want me. It’s not a big deal. I keep expecting it. Finally it’s over.

“Fuck, poppet. Come here.” His blue eyes soften as he beckons me over.

I rise slowly and walk to stand beside him.

He pats his lap. “Climb on.”

I step back, but he grabs my waist and draws me down to straddle his lap facing him. My back presses against the table.

“It’s just you and me. In the creepy dungeon below your apartment. Only the truth.” He holds my chin in his hand, making me meet his eyes. “I don’t know how to ask this and not sound like an asshole.”

“Then don’t ask it.” I’m afraid of what he’ll ask. I don’t want to lie to him, but what can I say? He could ask me anything or he could ask me the thing I’ve never wanted to admit.

His blue eyes search mine. Whatever he finds makes his lips tighten, but then he leans his forehead against mine. I release the breath I held in.

“Fuck, poppet,” he whispers. He pulls me into his arms and holds me against his heart. “Someday you’ll know you can trust us with your secrets like we’ll trust you with ours.”

The tension leaves my body as I realize he isn’t going to push. A tear slips out, but I rub my face into his shirt.

“I’m not giving up on you, Greer, so don’t give up on me.” Roarke leans back and tips my chin up. “I’m going to ask you questions that are just yes or no about what you’ve done sexually. Only say yes if you consented to the act.”

Tears choke the back of my throat, but I nod to let him know I understand. Relief floods through me.

“You’ve had a dick in your pussy but not your ass. What about your mouth?”

“Yes.” My insides warm.

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