The Carrero Contract 1: Selling Your Soul

The opera is not my idea of a good night, and as we arrived only minutes before it began, I must suffer it before I am supposed to seduce this so-called future Mayor of the city. We are in a private box above the theatre, and I feel a little like ‘Pretty Woman’ up here—it’s practically a remake if I was setting the scene, although Alexi outshines Richard Gere hands down in his sexy black tux.

The box is private, dark and comfy, with a red curtain draped to one side should we want more privacy. The dark red velvet seats are like posh dining chairs with extra oomph and padding and are weirdly very formal. It’s a V.I.P. box as we are the only ones in here, and it seems we have a prime view of the stage below us, with complimentary binoculars, a balcony and a curtained entrance to our rear that leads to an outer corridor.

My strapless dress is red too, seeing as he said it was my colour; it is long, fitted, and has ultimate cleavage-boosting abilities under a glittering faux diamond necklace that draws your eye to my assets. It’s figure-hugging but kicks out to a fuller skirt past my knees and trails the ground when I walk.

Alexi totally digs it, even if he refused to comment or admit it; I caught him trailing his eyes up my curves more than once when we were getting in here, and I wonder if maybe he is a cleavage guy when the right outfit frames them. This dress makes the most of my girls, and his hands on my waist when guiding me in here was a tad on the possessive side when other men strayed a little too close with a wandering gaze.

Alexi gave me the once-over with a nod when I emerged from my bedroom, and his appreciative glances implied he was satisfied with my efforts. It’s probably painful for him to admit I look smoking, as much as it pains me that I had to obey him on every aspect of how I look. As much as I hated following his orders, my hair is up after spending an hour in a salon making it perfect, and my makeup is naturally flawless with a bold lip.

I guess I can live with it occasionally when his approval is the reward. It makes for a less hostile environment, and if the music were a little less ear-aching, I would probably be enjoying myself in his company.

He isn’t too bad as a date. However, he is a man of very few words. Even now, sitting side by side, I keep catching the little looks as he casts another quick scope over my figure in this dress. He only paid forty-six hundred dollars for it, so I assume he thinks it’s worth it. I did make him pay through the nose to look this good, but he would have the nerve to tell me how to dress, and I wanted him to suffer for the privilege. He didn’t react when I told him I maxed out the credit card he gave me today. Instead, he took it and pushed it back into his wallet with zero conversation, glance, or emotion.

I was expecting an outburst at least, seeing as the hair salon was two hundred bucks alone for the updo, then there was my nails, shoes, clutch bag and jewellery, facial, makeup, massage …… I guess money is not one of the things he is hung up on when it comes to this kind of thing. That suggests he has enough to consider a few grand as pocket change. He probably doesn’t know what it’s like to scrape by and have to make a few dollars last you a few days when surviving on the streets, hungry and cold. He has no concept of that kind of life, another reminder of how far apart we are in reality.

The high-pitched singing gives me a headache, and as I glance his way, I cannot tell if he’s enjoying it. He’s watching intensely, looking at all the characters on stage, completely engrossed. With his skill at complete inexpressiveness, he could be having the time of his life for all I know. I still have not perfected any art in reading him and judging by his cousin's frustrated digs occasionally. I do not think there is a human alive who can read that face, no matter how well you know him.

I’m not stupid, though; I know he’s probably scanning the room simultaneously for faces and people and generally keeping a watch on his entire surroundings. What with his constant flank of men standing behind us in the shadows and behind the curtains, I feel uncomfortable with the duo’s presence.

I get that he takes an entourage everywhere he goes, but I think he could have at least left them standing outside his private box and not almost right behind me, where one of them keeps leaning forward to look down my cleavage. It’s one of his younger escorts, and he has not learned where his eyes should stay regarding Alexi’s possessions. He’s lucky Alexi hasn’t caught him yet, or his eyeballs would be yanked out of his face.

Alexi leans close to me as the curtain starts to fall and turns his face my way. Clean-shaven and smelling like my idea of a good time with his sexy aftershave and masculine scent, he hits me with those almost clear eyes that always knock me sideways, no matter how often I see them. They are his best feature, which is saying something, as his face as a whole is pretty near perfect, in my opinion.

He can give me butterflies even now, and I hate that my body jumps to attention whenever his eyes meet mine. For a sadistic arsehole, he was blessed with a face that comes straight out of female fantasies.

‘’Interlude. Now we find Demagio and invite him here for the second half. Get your game face on London; you have a future Mayor to impress.’’

It doesn’t take him long to hone in on the man and his very young escort, whom I presume is his daughter, or else he has a taste I cannot fulfil.

Hanging by the glittering bar in one of the plush carpeted lounges, under low lighting and chandeliers, Alexi swoops like a bird of prey and is fast in pushing me and my breasts right under the other man’s nose. He isn’t shy about handling me however he wants, and tonight is no exception in that respect. I am a piece of attractive meat to be dangled in front of a ravenous animal while Alexi is the gamekeeper. Now I see why I was getting the appreciative glances from Alexi as Demagio becomes instantly mesmerised with all that creamy flesh on show and practically salivates between them. Alexi knew he was a boob man, clearly. Another premeditated gameplay on his part, and I honestly feel like nothing he does is ever genuine.

Anger and a sense of hurt pride aching low inside my gut, and I push it away as stupid. He brought me as a pawn, and I shouldn’t be upset to be treated as such. This is who he is.

‘’Alexi! What a pleasure running into you here tonight; I wasn’t sure you still came to the opera. It’s been a while.’’ Demagio cannot tear those watered-green eyeballs off my derriere as he talks. Even though I am used to this, I find it increasingly uncomfortable as his young date eyes me warily with a distasteful look. At most, she looks thirteen and has an arrogance reserved for spoiled brats of wealthy people. I ignore her completely, but it’s hard when a teen gives you the mother of all death glares.

Young, short, mousy brown, chubby and dressed in a mother-approved gown better suited on a pensioner. I can see why this red-painted woman is a source of disgust, and her mother must be a joy. Now I know why it is a sexless marriage. I am guessing this offspring marked the last of their bedroom romps.

Demagio is a round, red-faced and balding specimen that reminds me of an overinflated tyre about to pop out of his trim-fitted tuxedo. He seems like a man who should be eternally greasy in a vest and scratching his balls on some swampy back porch somewhere.

‘’I’m a busy man, and Camilla insisted on this little outing to show off her new dress, didn’t you, sweetheart? Camilla, this is Marcus Demagio … Marcus, Camilla Walters.’’ Alexi throws me a fake look of adoration and gently presses his hand into the base of my spine so I am thrust back into the fold of the two men, with my boobs right up under Demagio’s chin once again. I wasn’t aware I had been backstepping to get away until this moment, and I paste an equally fake smile back at him, at his lame pet name and manhandling. Standing my ground, so he can’t get me any closer.

I sure as hell do not need any prompts on seduction from him. I can handle this on my own. There is more skill in this than waving my breasts at the man, and Alexi does not comprehend how to subtly work a man into a sweat. He is all about the full offensive, which is not how I play.

‘’Charmed Dahling.’’ I shake Demagio’s outstretched hand and smile sweetly as he practically melts at my feet. ‘’He likes to keep me hidden in little dark places away from any human contact, as though I am some ugly leper, don’t you, baby? Anyone would think he is ashamed of me.’’ I flutter my lashes adoringly Alexi’s way and almost grin at the hint of annoyance that flickers fleetingly by. Demagio bursts into an overdramatic laugh and brings our attention back to him. He is one of those enthusiastic types who over-laugh at women’s attempts at humour because he thinks it might get him laid.

In your dreams, creep! You couldn’t even pay me to let you at me.

‘’How delightful, you’re a Brit? I love your accent. How very royal. So completely charming and funny too, you are divine!’’ He swoops up my hand in his for a second time and attacks it with sloppy wet kisses that get an Alexi eyebrow raise before he looks away and smoothes down his jacket, fixing his bow tie a little aggressively.

Demagio is a little more hands-on than Alexi would seem to tolerate, but as he’s trying to sweeten him, he is letting it slide. I try not to pull my hand back and wipe it down Alexi’s sleeve, even though I get the impression that he didn’t like that little move. I learned quickly that you do not touch Alexi’s toys; he is not a sharing player, even when it’s a ruse in his favour.

Demagio makes my skin crawl, but as requested, I am all smiles and charm with little subtle touches to encourage the flirtatious play as I slide an arm in his. Giving him the complete Camilla spotlight treatment assures men I am entirely smitten with them.

Inwardly I am recoiling at the overpowering stench of his old man aftershave and the clammy, sweaty feel of his suit as he pushes against me a little possessively. Luckily, I am a practised hand at convincing ugly men that I want them naked, sweating all over me, and it’s as easy as breathing.

‘’I may steal you as my date.’’ I squeeze his arm and nestle closer in a very demonstrative gesture, smiling adoringly. ‘‘Seeing as you appreciate my finer qualities. Alexi likes to tease my English-ness mercilessly, don’t you, Muffin?’’ I flutter his way sweetly, seeing that cool mask of indifference envelop his face as he tries not to stare directly at my arm in another man's. He has taken on the unreadable manner that usually means he is not a ‘‘Happy Chappy’’ while reaching for a glass from a passing tray.

I sigh inwardly and wonder if all men revert to children when it comes to sharing. As Mr Boss as he is sometimes, he gets a faint stroppy look in his eyes that screams of a man-child and now is no exception. My insides sink a little. I am still wary of Carrero, even if he does make for a good night out.

‘‘How dreadful, you surely cannot resist this accent or that dress. It’s simply alluring, and I bet she’s a vixen in the sack, right? These English girls normally are.’’ His dirty laugh, inappropriate comment and shifty look at my tits for the umpteenth time make me wholly uncomfortable as I am fully aware his kid is standing two feet away, her face reddening at his remark. Obviously, he has had a few drinks and lost his inhibitions, and Alexi seems almost to exude a rapid change in the atmosphere.

I know this type of sleazeball and can handle him a thousand times over if I was not under the scrutiny and command of one intimidating Carrero with an ulterior motive. Alexi is making me just as uncomfortable with his weirdness over a task he wanted me to carry out. I’m simply at a loss with how to respond except giggle and playfully nudge Demagio coyly as though he is insanely funny. The flirt mode is still intact. Pander to the man and make him think he amuses me. Brush that ego.

‘’She’s surely something alright.’’ Alexi grits through a smile with an edgy undertone yet captures my upper arm and pulls me towards him, so I’m dragged free from the other man and positioned right beside my seemingly jealous date, who hauls me in against his side with a strong arm and a no-nonsense look plastered on his face. I can feel the slight tense sizzle in the air, and Demagio looks a little perplexed suddenly.

Alexi doesn’t like me playing over there with another man, even though it’s what he brought me here to do, and Demagio is getting a strong hint that I am Alexi’s girl in all aspects. I hate having to second-guess this man. With his attention ripped from my body, he seems to realise who he is fucking with. It was subtle, but he got the message loud and clear. On the other hand, I cannot tell if this is part of the act or if he is genuinely pissed. I try to ignore it and stick to what I am supposed to do, my stomach tightening in knots and getting a little uptight with his change.

He really is a mind fuck! He is making me tense.

‘’Where are you seated tonight? We have a great box over on the left side.’’ I ask demurely, knowing Alexi wants to coax him back to our box, and even if he is acting weird, I know that is tonight’s goal. Sweetness and smiles ooze from every pore, and I try to blank out the fast-growing stiff and uncharming attitude on Carrero. I am playing my part like he wanted, schmoozing and smiling the future Mayor's way with a seasoned player's skill. He cannot be mad at me for obeying him.

‘’Is that an invitation, Miss England?’’ Leaning into me suggestively and getting a little too close for my liking. Demagio seems to have forgotten he was scalded and goes back to a full sleazy offensive, fuelled by alcohol and eyeballing my boobs again.

Alexi looks around the room yet keeps a firm hold on me, as he seems preoccupied with other guests smiling his way. However, his grip hints at something more going on in his head; he is tuned into Demagio for sure and not about to let me cuddle up with the man any time soon.

‘Walters. Miss Walters!’’ He snaps back into the conversation abruptly, with a tight smile pasted on his face, unamused, that Demagio seems to miss and corrects him. I guess he is reminding Demagio of his authority, and the man is too drunk and too hormone fuelled to notice, too busy undressing me with his eyes and fighting to keep his tongue in his head. I'm not too fond of the vibes, but I carry on.

I have no doubt I am already starring in a porno in that filthy brain of his.

‘’Sure is, and we would love to have you both sit with us and keep me cosy. Alexi isn’t much of a small talker, and I get so lonesome over there while he’s intent on watching his opera.’’ I joke and give Alexi a nudge to remind him why we are here, a raised brow and a subtle ‘’get with the plan’’ in the look I give him. It seems to register somewhere. His face softens slightly, and I sigh with relief as his grip on me loosens.

I wonder if he thinks I may find Demagio attractive and am too convincing at what he asked me to do; he is not a man who likes his playthings to give anyone else the attention he demands anyway.

Wasn’t that why he asked me to come here, though, because I am good at doing precisely this?

If he weren’t being so weird, I would be on seduction overkill and finding my comfy zone, but Alexi makes this whole thing completely unworkable. I don’t feel comfortable flirting with another man under his gaze, even if I excel at it. He is killing my mojo, and how I usually operate is nothing like this. I am all about sussing a person out first and using subtle wiles, body language and my smart mouth to reel them in and get them eating out of my hand. Enticing and leading a man by the nose gets you much further when he thinks there are hints of sexual possibility. Alexi, however, has pushed me in like a paid whore, all tits and smiles and flaunting my sex brazenly. Putting my victim's brain on nothing but fucking me mercilessly.

Once a man’s brain is fully engaged in that horny mess, you lose some of your ability to entice and sweeten, and he’s like a dog with a bone that zones everything out.

Amateur Alexi … I mean, really? It’s obvious Alexi is more apt at seducing women.

‘’We have plenty of room for a couple more, and you two are more than welcome. I have some business you may be interested in.’’ Alexi finally gets with the program, and smooth charmer is back in place as he gets over himself finally. I don’t know what that was, but Jesus, the man knows how to make me antsy. It’s not like I want to bed this old chubby pervert. Demagio isn’t attractive by any standard, and his beer gut makes him look ready to drop a child at any moment.

His daughter glares at him with a filthy look of hatred and tugs his arm to make it clear she doesn’t want to go with us, but he ignores her completely.

Alexi is distracted by more greetings and smiles aimed his way, and I guess it is the first time I have noticed that everyone here seems to know him. We are in the fold of the rich and the powerful, and he appears to be some celebrity among them. Looking around briefly, I can see he is getting a lot of attention from various sets of eyes, nods, and subtle smiles. It’s a bit weird to be the centre of attention in this way, and it adds to the pressure I feel to perform.

‘’Lead the way and bring a fresh bottle of champagne for my new charming lady friend,’’ Demagio commands, surprisingly dominant as he slides his arm in mine this time. I try not to react as Alexi’s manner stiffens in a millisecond, hostility churning up like a tornado. It’s obvious he is very much a guy who doesn’t like people touching his things or being told what to do. Even if I am a human thing and have my own mind, I know he is all about appearances, and I can only guess he sees this as a display of disrespect by Demagio when surrounded by peers watching him.

I can feel the pissed mood coming off him in swathes, even if his face gives nothing away. Demagio should be glad that Alexi wants something from him, as it’s probably the only reason he has not handed him his arse yet. Taking my hand possessively, he pulls me again free of my new admirer, so we walk ahead and move further with some speed. Without any more small talk, Alexi orders a new bottle to be served to his box by a passing waiter with a snappy tone and leads the way. It’s a power play to regain what is his, and the other man falls behind in step with his young daughter, enough of a gap to let Alexi turn to me quietly. He smiles softly and seems utterly unfazed despite all of that, lacing my fingers in his warm, strong hand snugly, and I am distracted by how familiar he feels.

‘’Are you okay?’’ I nudge him warily, testing the waters and wondering what he would do to me if I ever truly pissed him off. He has mellowed almost instantly now we are walking ahead of Demagio, and I am starting to wonder at his mood change. For a guy who barely tolerates me at work, he seems to be a tad overprotective now we are here. I don’t understand the mechanics of all this gameplaying and etiquette in his world, but I am guessing people are always watching for things like this; chinks in his armour. I don’t know how to read his face, but he gives off enough static to hint at mood changes, and he has had about five since he introduced me to the other man.

‘’Completely fine; you’re setting him up perfectly.’’ That quick look and half-smile give me absolutely nothing about what is happening in his head, and he seems completely normal once more.

Boy, are you confusing and challenging to read?

This is new for me, and I am entirely out of my depth with this one. I am not even going to try and dissect the psychology of it. He thinks he knows what he is doing, and I honestly do not have the energy to figure Alexi out.