Page 63 of Savage Ambition

“With pivot tables and everything.” She laughed. “The markup increases to forty-two percent for male clients and drops to eighteen percent for female ones. This proves my theory that it’s not about actual skill but perceived value based on heteronormative power structures and cultural fetishization of male pleasure.”

I snorted. “Is that what they taught you in your fancy MBA program?”

“Among other things.” She took a long sip of her latte, leaving a perfect red lipstick print on the rim.

“Speaking of men thinking with their dicks, how’s Jace treating you?” I asked.

Natalia’s perfectly shaped eyebrows shot up. “How do you know about him?”

I shrugged. “Word gets around.”

“Bullshit. We haven’t worked together this week yet, so I never mentioned my newest enthusiastic pet to you. Try again.”

“I doubt that makes up for his lack of skill.”

Natalia tilted her head, blonde curls cascading over her shoulder. “You’re unusually interested in my client roster today.”

“Not particularly.”

“You’re dancing around something. Spit it out before I force it out of you.” She kicked me under the table to remind me that one of her best skills in the bedroom was being a dominatrix good at dishing out pain to get what she wanted. “Why do you care about Jace?”

“I don’t.”

“You clearly do, or we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

I sighed. “Fine. I know him from high school.”

“Wait, is he an ex of yours?” Her face lit up with delight at the possibilities. “Oh my god, did you fuck him in high school?”

I almost choked on my espresso. “God, no. I have standards, and he’s a huge asshole.”

“Well, duh.” She laughed. “Most men who pay for sex have some asshole tendencies. Comes with the territory.”

I ate the croissant, debating how much to share. “Jace’s different. There’s something wrong with him.”

Natalia propped her chin on her hand. “Ooh, do tell.”

“Jace’s brand of darkness makes him lash out when he feels threatened or inferior, which is his baseline state.”

“If I was scared of darkness, honey, I’d be in another line of work.” She waved dismissively. “I guess that means you were enemies who never reached the lovers portion of romance?”

I wrinkled my nose in distaste. “The man’s a walking trash fire with the personality of infected toenail fungus.”

Natalia nearly spat out her latte, covering her mouth as she laughed. “Damn, tell me how you really feel.”

“He’s a misogynistic, homophobic jackass who gets off on abusing others.” I met her gaze. “How is he really treating you?”

“Aww, are you worried about me? That’s adorable, but I’ve been stomping on men’s balls in six-inch stilettos since you were in elementary school.” She laughed at her own joke. “Trust me, your little high school nemesis is nothing I can’t handle.”

I scowled at her refusal to take my concerns seriously. “He’s dangerous.”

“And I have whips and chains in my drawer to keep him in line.” She shrugged. “He’s sweet in his own way. Like an untrained puppy who keeps peeing on the carpet.”

“More like a rabid dog that needs to be put down.”

“What a rare treat to see you being so dramatic.” She tore off a piece of my croissant to eat. “He’s enthusiastic, if unpolished. It’s cute how he gets so excited he finishes before I even get my bra off.”

I snickered at the confirmation he was a premature ejaculator. “I’m not surprised. He’s inept at everything.”