Page 21 of Of Socialites and Prizefights

“I have a number of high-profile events and parties to attend in the coming weeks.” He didn’t sound overly pleased by the prospect. “I don't particularly enjoy social outings. They bore me, and I’m aware I don’t make pleasant or interesting company. Join me at enough of them to convince people we’re involved.”

“Romantically, or sexually?”

“Both,” he replied, with neither shame nor hesitation. “Though I have no interest in pursuing either option with you in actuality.” His gaze remained as cool and dispassionate as it had been from the start, and her suspicion of the situation solidified into confidence.

“I think we understand each other,” she said with a smile. “Men have propositioned me for such things before, of course. I can be as convincing as I am discreet.”

He dipped his head in a short nod, stone-faced. “Naturally, your time will be well compensated.”

“Make me an offer,” she said, camouflaging her challenge as a suggestion.

He studied her for a moment. “Ten pounds for every appearance we make together.”

He did have good money, then.

“I accept, on one condition. These outings must be during daylight hours only. Once night falls, I have other commitments that I cannot neglect for any amount of money.”

“I have little appetite for such nightlife anyway.”

Holding out his hand, he clasped hers in a firmly polite, no-nonsense shake to seal their agreement. It was a refreshing difference from the way in which her endless suitors touched her, always fawning or grasping, neither of which endeared them to her. She appreciated a business partner, and, at a first impression, Appleton seemed a decent investment of her time.

“When is the first of these outings, then?” she asked, as he moved to the curtain, sweeping it open to let her out.

“A few days’ time. How shall I get in touch with you? I’ll need an address to pick you up.”

“Find me at The Songbird. You know the club?”

His expression informed her that he certainly did not. No matter.

Drawing her notebook and a pen from her purse, she scribbled down The Songbird’s address and telephone number, tearing the page and folding it neatly for him. “Give me a call when it's time, and I’ll be at your disposal. Of course, if our first outing proves unsatisfactory for either of us, I trust it will be a simple thing for me to bow out of any future events?”

“Of course. It's not as if our conversation this evening is contractually binding. If you find the arrangement unappealing, or if your company doesn't yield the results I require, we shall go our separate ways without argument.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Although I assure you, I will get you those results.”

Rejoining the party, she led him to the bar, swimming between throngs of revellers, drunk and dancing despite the early hour.

“I have some time left of my evening,” she told him, leaning one elbow against the bar and angling the rest of her body towards him in a way that indicated to every onlooker that her attention was on him and him alone. “Would you like to put my company to the test right now?”

Most men would jump at the chance to spend time with her, and Appleton certainly wasn’t rude about it, but his attitude suggested that he regarded it as more duty than pleasure. Still, he joined her, ordering them each a drink.

“Tell me,” he said, “how many dresses do you own with enchantments like that? Don't worry,” he added when she blinked in surprise at being called out so directly. He took a sip of his drink when it was brought to him. “Glamours and illusions are rather my specialty. I doubt anyone else would pick up on them at all.”

“I have a number of outfits for special occasions,” Deepa said, smoothing one hand down her beaded front as she took up herglass with the other. “Would you like me to wear them when we go out?”

“They’re designed to attract attention, yes? Then they should serve my purpose nicely.”

“The seamstress who does them for me, I can ask her to work her magic on something of yours as well, if you like. A necktie, or a pocket square?”

Appleton shook his head. “I’m doing this out of necessity,” he said dryly. “If I must go out and draw attention to myself, I would prefer if most of it were deflected onto you.”

“As you like,” she said lightly. “If glamours are your specialty, pulling attention is mine. I shall make us the most talked-about couple in the city.”

“Forgive me for prying,” he began, though he didn't sound apologetic. “But should I expect any jealous partners to emerge from the shadows as a result of our little charade?”

“I’m neither married nor engaged. You might inspire jealousy, but I assure you, it will be quite groundless.”

“Groundless or not, I’d like to be prepared if you expect it to be an issue.”

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