Page 114 of Savage Ambition

Shaw looked conflicted. “I don’t know. I hate thinking about you being trapped there and hating every moment while people use you for their pleasure. But thinking about you enjoying being with other people hurts, too.” He ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “I’m sorry, that sounds selfish.”

“It sounds human,” I corrected gently. “The truth is complicated. Most clients are meaningless transactions to me. Some are worse than others. There are plenty who are tolerable.”

“But tolerable doesn’t mean you enjoy it. It only means you don’t suffer quite as much.”

“There are times when I’m with someone who gives as much as they take.” It was easier to say that than explain the comfort I found in being with Natalia and the complex confusion Renato stirred within me.

Shaw nodded, accepting the deflection, though questions still brewed behind his eyes. He bit his lip, then asked hesitantly, “When people book threesomes at the brothel, do they bring their own third person or choose another employee?”

I ignored the dangerous spike of sudden hope. “It works both ways. Some clients bring their partners to split the costs. It makes the experience more affordable when you’re each only paying half-price for one professional.”

Shaw’s expression remained guarded. “And the others?”

“They book a second employee from Gennaro Corporation. It’s quite common, actually.”

“Do the clients choose who joins, or do you get to pick?”

I forced myself to maintain a neutral expression. Hope was a luxury I couldn’t afford in my line of work, especially when it involved Shaw. “Most clients have specific preferences. They request someone by name or describe the kink they’re looking to indulge, and a specialist is assigned to them. Others ask for recommendations.”

“Do you always recommend the same people when it’s up to you?” His question was too pointed to be casual curiosity.

I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. “I select whoever I think will best satisfy the client’s sexual desires. It’s about compatibility and knowing what will push the right buttons for that particular client.”

“But you have favorites you like to work with,” Shaw pressed, his gaze finally meeting mine.

“Like any job, there are colleagues I get along with better than others,” I admitted. “And yes, some are more sexually compatible with me since their skills are near my level.”

Shaw’s mouth quirked up. “Near your level? Not at it?”

“I’m the top earner for a reason,” I replied with a chuckle. “No one is better than me.” Although Renato came pretty damn close.

He shook his head, amusement flickering across his face. “Your humility is astounding.”

“False modesty is boring,” I countered.

His mouth opened, then closed, the question dying before it reached his lips.

“What were you going to ask?” I prompted gently, watching uncertainty play across his features.

He shook his head. “Nothing. It’s stupid.”

I watched him carefully before asking, “Are you thinking about booking a threesome with me and someone else?”

The blush that spread across his cheeks was answer enough, but he only shrugged. “Trent brought it up the other day. It made me curious, that’s all.”

“Curious enough to try it?” I pressed.

Shaw shrugged without saying anything.

I placed my hand over his, giving it a gentle squeeze. “They can be incredibly enjoyable with the right partners. The sensation of having the undivided attention of two devoted lovers is an incredible experience.”

His breathing quickened. “Do you have someone specific you would want to share me with?”

Images of us in bed with Renato flashed through my mind, flooding me with lust. The Italian was the only one I’d consider allowing near Shaw. It would be my best dream come true, to have the two of them in bed together, to satisfy my need for both men.

Clearing my throat, I chose my words carefully. “I wouldn’t trust you with just anyone. It would have to be someone who understands the value of what they’re being given.”

Shaw’s eyes widened slightly, reading between the lines. “So that’s a yes.”