Winter's Gift by Alix Nichols

Author:Alix Nichols [Nichols, Alix]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-04-13T05:00:00+00:00

When my breathing slows back to normal, and my muscles regain a measure of strength, I glance at Anton. He’s facing me, his head resting on his folded arm. I smile. He stretches his free arm and pulls me into him.

I snuggle as close as I can, touching my lips to his chest.

He strokes my hair. “Annushka.”

The name is an exquisite caress that envelops me and makes me feel all warm and gooey inside. Until I realize that he’s doing it again—crossing the boundaries.

He can’t. He shouldn’t.

I need to break the spell before it’s too late, so I ask the first question that comes to mind. “How come you haven’t remarried when you can have your pick among the country’s crème de la crème?”

“Let’s say I have trust issues.”

“Aaand?” I prompt.

“And that’s it.”

“Very informative.”

He quirks an eyebrow. “You haven’t been extremely forthcoming with details either.”

Good point. “How is your daughter doing? You saw her last week, no?”

“She’s fine, except for a sprained ankle. She’s a terrible skier in spite of all the practice she’s had since she was little… Do you have children?”

“No,” I say a little too quickly and look away.

Christ. After all these years, why can’t I sound natural when answering that question? And why, why do I always fail to add, Never wanted one—they’re such a nuisance?

Fortunately, Anton doesn’t seem to have noticed my clumsy reaction. His brow is furrowed, and he appears to be debating something or looking for the right words.

“How much have you made since you started your night job?”

I’m totally unprepared for his question and I stare at him. I name a figure.

“I’ll double it. No, I’ll triple it to be your only client for the next month.”

I swallow. “Wow. That’s a high price for exclusivity.”

He says nothing, his expression stern.

“You’d be paying above the market price.” I make an attempt at a smile. “How can the businessman in you let it happen?”

“The businessman in me is perfectly satisfied, Anna.” He refuses to smile back. “This is an excellent deal for both of us.”

“I need to think about it.”

“I have all night. Think.”

OK, Anna the Almost-Machine, think.

If I go with Anton’s proposition, I’ll shave off two months of escorting. This means—provided my income remains stable after the return to non-exclusivity—that I may be able to quit altogether before Christmas.

What about my other clients? They may not appreciate my break and find a replacement. But that’s OK. Because they are just as easy to replace as I am.

All in all, Anton’s proposition does seem to be an excellent deal for me.

Then why I am not jumping on the bed, clapping my hands, and shouting Yes, let’s do it?

Because there’s an elephant in this room, that’s why.

Because this enticing proposition doesn’t come from a client like any other. Because I know what a month of exclusivity with Anton would be like: crossing boundaries, blurring the prescribed roles, ignoring the customary codes, and treating me as if I were his legitimate girlfriend.

But I’m a call girl, and no amount of blurring can obliterate that fact.

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