A Taste of Utopia Read Free

to pay for all of those and much more with the money from our company? Dude, His Secret is taking off. We’re about to dominate the international market. No small feat, my friend.”
    “When we get there, I’ll consider leaving Tailored. ”
    “Why don’t I believe you? Oh, yes, because you don’t sound convincing.”
    “I enjoy what I do. I enjoy fucking women. What can I say? Sue me!” I shrug.
    “Yeah, yeah. You do. And it’s easy to hide behind sex.”
    “Here we go again.” I raise my hands up. When I drop them, they hit the counter with more force than I anticipated.
    “I’m not sugar coating, S. You seriously need to reassess your life. And while you’re at it, you should consider reevaluating your values.”
    “I have plenty of uncomplicated sex with gorgeous women. Tell me what’s to evaluate about that.”
    “Sex. What about satisfaction?”
    “Get as much as I give, bro.”
    “Intimacy. Spooning. Arguments. I just read an article claiming that arguing with your partner decreases the chance of Alzheimer’s. It stimulates the brain, challenges you.”
    “I get all I want from my arrangements.”
    “I’m talking relationships, Seth. Real dates. Fights. Romance.”
    “Did I tell you about the stamina of my last client?” I rub the overnight growth on my cheeks. “I got to fuck a gorgeous woman senseless. Did I also mention she was starving for attention and requested multiple orgasms? She woke me up with a blow job most mornings. Need I continue?”
    “She paid you for the attention and the orgasms. I’m talking about intimacy, bonding, and companionship.”
    “You’re redundantly pleading your case.”
    “You need friends. A social life.”
    “Hey, I thought you and I were friends, Dr. Phil.” I cock my head.
    “My point exactly. I’m your sole friend, yes? That’s not much to write home about.”
    “Good thing I don’t have anyone to write home to.” I wanted to sound playful, but it came out bitter.
    “Fatigue makes you grumpy. Why don’t you drink your wheatgrass and go ahead and take a nap?”
    Right, I haven’t slept for over twenty-four hours. My body is in a dire need of rest. “Nah, I have to work out.”
    “C’mon. Your temple,”—he waves a hand over my body—“can wait for worship. You need the rest. Adriana said the new client is young, wealthy, and inexperienced. You’ll need your strength and endurance.” He wiggles his brows.
    “Fucking hell, some spoiled patrician. Hate those.”
    “Well, hazards of the job.” He lets out a mirthful laughter. “Can’t always have the older women.”
    “Yeah, damn shame.” I put the empty mug in the sink and head for my room.
     

     
    TWO HOURS LATER, I dial Adriana’s number.
    “Hey, Querido, how’s the best city in the world?” Adriana asks, her Brazilian accent dragging more than usual.
    “Diverse and noisy as ever.” I lounge on my bed. “Are you okay? You sound stuffy.”
    “I’m just getting over a cold.” She sniffs and coughs.
    “So, what do you have for me?”
    “Did you get your beauty sleep, yet?”
    “Nah, just finished my workout, grabbed something to eat, and thought I’d call you.”
    “So you’re in for tonight?”
    “When have I ever let you down?
    “Well, after a week with the nymphomaniac I feared you’d need a break.”
    “Nah, I’m good. But tell me about tonight. Zach said she’s a new client and a young chick?”
    “Yeah, sorry about that. I tried my best to push Mario or James, but after seeing your picture she was adamant that you’d be perfect for her friend.”
    I settle in a chair to hear the details for tonight. Well, I guess life could be worse than being paid to fuck some spoiled brat.

 
     
     
    Lottie
     
     
    “BE STILL!” CHLOE reprimands me for the umpteenth time.
    “Why did you blow-dry my hair straight if you were going to curl it?” I rub my burning ear.
    “My goodness, if you don’t sit still, I’m turning into Maleficent.” Chloe fancies