Her Familiar Stranger

Gabby perched on the edge of the bar, her dark hair cascading over one shoulder of her shimmering dress, a playful smile lighting up her face.

She loved the view from this spot in club Voluntas Tua. The sight of people in masquerade masks, sipping wine as they waited for service, filled her with a sense of accomplishment.

She’d never imagined that investing in this kind of business would pay off so well.

The patrons were all impeccably dressed in high-end suits and gowns. It was to be expected; they were all wealthy.

And wealthy people craved sexual release, an escape from their loveless arranged marriages and relationships. That’s why they always ended up here, seeking her discreet and top-notch services.

All her clients registered under pseudonyms, hence the masquerade masks.

Some might label Voluntas Tua as a brothel, but Gabby saw it differently.

This was a place where two strangers could find pleasure in each other’s arms, a prearranged one-night stand.

Of course, she also had her staff on standby; some clients preferred someone experienced and well-trained. Like her most lucrative client, billionaire Liam Chase, known here as Vintage.

It had been a while since his last visit. The tabloids were buzzing with news of Liam’s relationship with socialite Meredith Ewan.

But Gabby knew it wouldn’t last. None of them ever did. He’d be back, and his return would mean more money for her thriving business.

The clinking of glass as Evan mixed cocktails was drowned out by the music. Gabby lost herself in the soft rock tunes, the muted colors of the bottles, and the glimmers of light reflecting off the sequins.

A tap on her shoulder snapped her out of her reverie. Gabby swiveled on her stool to face Emma, one of her girls.

“You have a call in your office,” Emma yelled over the noise, “Vintage is on the line.” A smile spread across Gabby's face. She had been right; he was back.

“Thank you, sweetheart,” Gabby patted the redhead's arm as she stood up.

“Can I ask a favor, Gabby?” Emma asked as they stepped into the private sector, where Gabby’s office and the private rooms were located. The noise from the club faded as the door closed behind them.

“Of course, sweetheart.”

“Can I take Vintage this time?”

“Absolutely,” Gabby was in a good mood; she could grant any favor right now. Plus, Emma was one of her best. Emma squealed with delight before heading back to the club.

Gabby continued down the black-walled corridor, past several doors adorned with artwork, until she reached her office. The room was painted a soothing grey, with a single window overlooking the main road.

On the grey desk sat stacks of papers held down by a turtle-shaped paperweight, a notebook, a laptop, and the office phone. Gabby picked up the phone, and Vintage was still on the line.

“I'm surprised you called. Usually, your assistant handles this.”

There was some background noise on the other end, but Gabby knew Liam heard her. She heard a muffled 'thank you' and then Liam’s attention was all hers.

“I have a special request today, and I didn't want to burden my assistant with the details.”

“What can I do for you, darling?” her voice dripped with seduction.

“I need your services. Tomorrow. But I don't want the VIP treatment. I want the regular experience. I want to be with someone who doesn't know who I am. I'm tired of women pleasuring me because I'm Liam Chase.”

“But my girls are so good at what they do,” she was ready to give them a piece of her mind for disappointing her VIP client. This could mean a significant loss for her.

“That's the problem, Gabby. They know what I like. They respond where expected. I want a real fuck.”

“What about the money?” It always came down to the money.

“Damn, woman, you're going to bleed me dry. I'll pay the usual rate.”

No losses, then. That was a relief. “I'll pair you with someone right away.”