Chapter 38: Just to Talk

Elian froze, confusion flashing across his face. This was new. In all his years at the Velvet Moon House, he had never encountered a patron who wasn't interested in what he had to offer.

Doubt began to creep in. Had he done something wrong? Was he not desirable enough for this man? The thoughts swirled in his mind, threatening to undermine the confidence he had carefully cultivated over the years.

Elian blinked, as his carefully crafted composure faltered for the briefest second. "You're… not here for that?" he echoed, confusion lacing his tone. This was unheard of. Every man who had ever won the bid for him had come for one reason and one reason only. The fact that this man didn't… it left Elian feeling off-balance.

"No," the man replied, taking a step closer, his presence filling the room in a way that made Elian's heart race. "All I want is a drink… and a conversation."