Page 22 of The Upgrade

“Did you have more questions?” Kora asks.

There’s one that’s been tickling my brain for over a week now, but it’s something I’ll ask in this training.

Why can’t I stop thinking about Eve?

It’s silly, I know. I spent one afternoon with her—one amazing, hot-as-sin afternoon and evening—and I can’t get her out of my mind? That’s nuts.

But my one-time fling is the least of my manager’s concerns. By the time I’m done here, I’ll have plenty more flings. Dozens, in fact. Maybe hundreds.

It’s literally my job.

I clear my throat. “The restaurants and spa facilities are open to guests and consorts alike?”

“Correct. Also the beaches, the private boat shuttle to nearby islands, and all of Crystal Bliss’s pools.” Kora looks out the window at one of the shimmering pools overlooking a white sand beach. Palm trees sway on a Caribbean breeze, and a hint of calypso music slips through the closed office door.

On a chaise by the edge of the pool, a bikini-clad blonde takes a slushy blue drink from a shirtless guy holding a tray. Off to the side, a woman sits topless as two muscle-bound men rub her shoulders with sunscreen, their hands drifting lower and lower. I watch as they work to the mounds of her breasts, kneading and teasing as her lips part in a breathlessO.

A third woman sits tucked in a corner by a palm tree, her tanned thighs splayed open on a sun bed. There’s a blonde woman kissing her ankles and calves, moving slowly up her legs. The guest threads her fingers through the blond woman’s curls, tipping her head back in ecstasy.

“Is she a guest or a consort?” I point to the woman on her knees.

“That’s Sybil. She works here.” Kora’s gaze lingers on the pair. “It’s not uncommon for guests to enjoy each other’s company, but in this case?—”

“Sybil’s assigned to fulfill the guest’s fantasy.”

“Correct.” Kora nods. “Many of our guests have exhibitionist desires. Some women wish to explore intimate attention from another woman.”

From the look on her face, the guest enjoys it quite a lot. “And some like to blend bi-curiosity with exhibitionism?”

“Precisely.” Kora’s eyes shift back to the laptop screen. “Any questions about our menu?”

I scan the long list, impressed by the huge range of options. There’s an entire section dedicated to sensual massage. Another category for roleplay fantasies. A whole list for bondage, and one filled with tamer selections. Foot rubs with optional add-ons. Romantic dinners with under-the-table teasing. Even a beachfront brunch with a musical serenade, which isn’t within my wheelhouse of skills.

Before I arrived, I filled out an endless array of forms, checking boxes for services I’m willing to provide. I could also exclude assignments I’m not game for. There weren’t a lot on the won’t-do list. I want the full consort experience, and there’s not much I won’t try when it comes to sex.

“Topher?”

I jump at the name. “Yes?”

“Any further questions?”

“Can you go over how consorts are assigned to each guest?”

“An excellent question.” Kora toggles to the guest-facing portal. “It typically depends on the fantasy she selects.”

“So each guest might be—pleasured—?” I struggle to find the right word.

“Enchanted.” Kora smiles.

“Enchanted.” God help me with this jargon. “Each guest may be enchanted by any number of consorts?”

“Correct. For many guests, variety is the goal of their time at Crystal Bliss.” She gives me a thoughtful head tilt. “Others feel more wired for monogamy, given their circumstances.”

Circumstances.

A broken engagement, which is how most guests wind up here. It makes sense that a woman who was recently prepared to pledge loyalty to one partner might still prefer that, even in a place like this.

“We do have guests who settle on a single consort,” Kora continues. “They find someone they like and request him or her for the duration of their time here. But in most cases, our guests seek a more…variedexperience.”

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