Chapter 8
I finished my whiskey, savoring the last drop as it burned pleasantly down my throat. Leonardo signaled to the server again, but 1 shook my head.
“This is sufficient for now, thank you.” I placed my hand over the glass. Any more,
His Bips quirked. “Fair enough. Shall we discuss terms, then?”
“Terms,” I repeated, the word feeling strange in my mouth.
I’ll make decisions I might regret.”
“I believe in being direct, Hannah.” Leonardo leaned forward, lowering his voice. “I propose an arrangement for three months initially. If we’re both satisfied, we can extend to a year.”
“And what would this arrangement entail exactly?”
“You would accompany me to business dinners, social events, and occasional weekend trips. I require someone intelligent, beautiful, and discreet.” His eyes traveled down my body in a slow, deliberate assessment. “You fit all three criteria admirably.
“And in return?” I managed to ask.
“Ten thousand dollars monthly, plus expenses. Clothing, transportation, accommodations – all covered.” He stated the figure so casually as if he were discussing the weather rather than an amount that could change my entire life.
Ten thousand?” I repeated, doing quick mental math. Vincent wanted fifteen thousand within the month. I’d still be short.
“Is that insufficient? Leonardo asked, reading my expression.
I hesitated, calculating quickly. “Actually, I was hoping for a bit more. I need some extra cash for a personal matter this month.”
“How much more?”
Another five thousand would help tremendously, I said, trying to sound casual while asking for a sum that could change my life.
Leonardo studied me for a long moment, his fingers tapping rhythmically against his glass. The silence stretched between us until I was certain he would refuse.
Twenty thousand for the first month, then ten thousand monthly thereafter, he finally said, “Consider it a signing bonus.”
Relief washed over me. Twenty thousand would cover Vincent’s fifteen and leave me with breathing room. Thank you. That’s very generous.”
‘I’m not being generous, Hannah. I’m making an investment. His voice took on a harder edge. “Let me be clear about something. This is a business arrangement, not a relationship. I don’t do love or emotional entanglements”
“That’s fine with me,” I said quickly. “I’m not looking for romance either.”
He leaned forward, his eyes intense. “Good. Because I’ve had sugar babies in the past who developed… misconceptions about our arrangement. Women who thought they were brilliant enough to manipulate me or take advantage.” A cold smile touched his lips. 1 dealt with them in equally brilliant ways.”
A chill ran down my spine, “What does that mean exactly?”
“It means I reward loyalty and punish deception. Quite simple.” He took a sip of his whiskey. “You’d be surprised how many women think they can
outsmart me.”
“I don’t plan to outsmart anyone, I assured him “Just fulfill my end of the arrangement.”
“Smart answer. His expression softened marginally, “You know, I had two meetings before you today. Neither woman possessed half your beauty or intelligence.
The compliment sent an unexpected flutter through me. “So you do this often?”
“I’ve had arrangements for the past two years. I find it efficient.” He shrugged. “Why waste time on conventional dating when this serves my purposes better?
Chapter 8
“Can’t you just find a girlfriend?” The question slipped out before I could stop it.
Leonardo’s laugh was short and humorless. “A girlfriend wants love, commitment, a future. I want companionship without complications. Sex without strings. Someone beautiful on my arm who understands the boundaries.”
I took a moment to process his words. His bluntness was jarring but also refreshing in its honesty–no games, no pretenses.
