Chapter 37 Competing Desires

• The low lighting of the massage room sent long shadows dancing across the walls, underscoring the sensual atmosphere I lived for. The sweet scent of lavender and sandalwood overwhelmed the space, intertwined with the smooth notes of an instrumental jazz melody. As I smoothed out the last of the sheet wrinkles, my mind started to wander to Ethan, as it did so often. Only, I wasn't here for him. Not today. Today, I had to focus on me, on this new client whose fortune was only rivaled by his secretiveness.
• "Jasmine," his voice cut through my reverie: deep, commanding, and strangely familiar. "Ready when you are.
• I turned to see him already undressed, lying face down on the table, an assurance in his posture that only came from one who had lived a life of power and privilege. He was older, in his fifties maybe, silver streaks woven in his hair, and a body that still spoke volumes of his youth. His name was David-no last name offered, none needed. Clients like him paid for discretion above all else.