Page 68 of Mayfair Madame
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you were never going to stick around. You’ve never been a homebody. I didn’t want to say anything at the time, but you and Kate wouldn’t have worked. She wanted that life and you didn’t. But don’t apologise for that. You followed your dream.”
I sipped the coffee, my hands wrapped around the mug. Biscuits slept peacefully, her body gently rising and falling. If only life were that easy.
“I left you to look after everything, and when Dad died….”
“When Dad died, you were here for us both. You may live miles away, but we could feel your strength.” She smiled ruefully, nodoubt remembering Dad. “What’s going on with you, though? There’s something different, and I don’t mean the gaunt look, which you will explain to me at some point, by the way.”
Lucy and I always told each other everything. We’d always been close, so it was easy enough to tell her about Naomi.
“I’ve met someone.”
“This from the woman who said she’d never date again after Kate. Who is she? She must be something special to put that look on your face.”
I smiled. “You could say that. I’ve known her for a few weeks. It feels so fucking right, Lucy. I can’t even explain it.”
“If she makes you smile, then I say go for it. Or are we in the honeymoon phase? Lots of sex can do that. I remember when Henry and I first met.”
“You don’t have to tell me. I walked in on you going at it more than once. Didn’t you ever learn to lock the door?”
“I’ll never forget your face the first time.” She put a bacon sandwich in front of me and sat down. “I swear that put you off men for good.”
I laughed, remembering it clearly. The sight of Henry’s hairy arse had plagued my dreams for weeks after. He had been as mortified as I.
“I was never into men, Lucy. We both know that.”
“Well, come on. Tell me about her. What does she do? Where does she live? What does she look like?”
I pictured her in my mind. Her elegance and beauty, her body that enticed me even in my fragile state. Her kisses, her touch, the scent of her. Lucy’s touch startled me out of my thoughts.
“If that’s not an answer, I don’t know what is,” she said fondly.
“She’s exquisite. Taller than me. A body to die for.”
“I don’t need all the details. Jeez, Ellie.” But her smile told a different story. “Where did you meet?”
“Now that’s a long story, but the short of it is I met her while Iwas investigating a sexual assault. Some bastard thought he could get away with hurting her.”
“Isn’t that frowned upon? Dating a victim?”
“Normally, yes, but charges were dropped by both sides.” It still rankled, and I was determined to understand that.
“What does she do? I want to know everything about the woman who has my sister so besotted.”
I took a bite of my sandwich and chewed slowly. Few would understand what she did and why.
“She’s a madame,” I whispered.
“What, like a prostitute thing?” she said loudly.
“Shhh, keep your voice down, and yes, she runs a high-class escort agency.” It sounded terrible, but I didn’t care. Naomi knew this.
Lucy furrowed her brow. “And you’re okay with her having sex with other people. Fuck, Ellie. What have you got yourself mixed up in?”
Of all the people I knew, I’d hoped Lucy would understand, but now I thought about it, I could understand her concern.
“She doesn’t do that anymore.” Biscuits stood, turned around, and plonked herself back down on my lap. “She gave it up a long time ago.”
“Even so, Ellie. A prostitute?”
