Chapter 38

Time had flown by, VIP was everywhere, and I do mean absolutely everywhere. Ysabelle brought in tons of business; I was actually turning clients away because she was always booked. Men and women loved her; I even started charging more money for her. She always let me handle the financial and booking details for her, she could have taken it over, but she wanted it to be my responsibility. She said it made it easier for her.

That only proved to me that Ysabelle wanted to be taken care of, and I didn’t mind doing it.

It all happened so fast and I wish that I had seen it coming; I wish I could tell you that I felt it or something, but I would be lying. I haven’t lied to you yet, so I’m not going to start now. I didn’t ever think that it would happen, not one fucking bit of it.

I was ecstatic when he finally called.

Sebastian Vanwell was one of the biggest power players in Miami. He was the top rated yacht dealer all over, and devastatingly handsome. I was thrilled when I heard he got a card for Ysabelle- see, that’s who she was. That’s just the type of people she brought in.

Only the best.

I always knew he was married. Did I care? What do you think?

Just in case…I didn’t give a shit about him being married. Here’s what threw me off though. He was happily married- and by happily, I mean he was head over heels in love with his wife and child- and we didn’t get a lot of those. That’s just the magnetic pull that my girl has…I honestly didn’t think he was going to call; it was like a silent test for Ysabelle. A test she passed with flying colors. I was the one that failed, not her.

“Mr. Vanwell, so nice of you to finally call, darling,” I proclaimed.

“Oh…wait– I think you have me confused with someone else. You don’t know me,” he explained.

I learned a long time ago how to work a man, you stroke his ego.

“Oh no? You’re not Sebastian Vanwell, Alejandro’s friend? I apologize if I have mistaken you for someone else,” I said and he laughed nervously.

“I do know Alejandro. I don’t think I would call him my friend. I didn’t know he would speak of me to you. I’m caught a little off guard by that.”

As he should be, I wouldn’t want my acquaintances talking about me either. Appearances were the only thing that mattered in this town. I needed to reassure him that I meant no harm and that he could trust me. Fuck, all he had to believe was that I was his new best friend.

“Mr. Vanwell, there is nothing to worry about. My business tailors to clientele through referrals. All clients know this, and they also know not to refer unless they know the person can keep the upmost anonymity. Alejandro just let me know that he gave you a business card.”

“Right. Listen…I don’t even know why I’m calling. I’m sorry I wasted your time,” he said as he was about to hang up. I would never let him get away that easily.

“Sebastian…may I call you Sebastian?” I asked.

“Umm…yes.”

“Great. Sebastian, I can sense your nervousness over the phone. You’re not doing anything wrong, darling. Just relax. We’re two consenting adults talking. Now let me begin by telling you how excited I am that you called. I heard you were quite taken by my Ysabelle. She is a beautiful thing isn’t she?”

“Yes,” he whispered as I chuckled.

“Ysabelle is my prized possession, Sebastian; she is very special to me. Do you understand that?”

“I do. Can I speak freely?”

“Of course.”

“I’m not quite sure what you mean. She belongs to you? I don’t understand.”

“Oh yes…I have gotten a bit ahead of myself, haven’t I? Please excuse my carelessness. Ysabelle works for me, Sebastian. She’s my girl, she’s an escort.”

He didn’t speak for several seconds, but I heard his breathing so I knew he was still there. I needed to reel him back in. I didn’t for once second believe he didn’t know what Ysabelle was, that piqued my interest that much more.

“Are you there?”

“I’m sorry to have wasted your time. I had no idea. I’m a happily married man. I just thought…I– I don’t know what I thought,” he stuttered.

“It’s all right, darling. I keep my business discrete for several reasons. You have nothing to be ashamed of, Sebastian, you haven’t done anything wrong. Ysabelle provides several different forms of companionship. This isn’t what you think it is. My girls are not prostitutes, they are prized jewels and not just any man can be with them.”

“With all due respect, I am fully aware of what an escort entails, Madam,” he addressed with a tone I didn’t approve of.

“Really? Well then, Sebastian, why don’t you put your money where your mouth is? You’re obviously taken with my Ysabelle, or else you wouldn’t be calling a month and a half later. You could have Ysabelle for an evening and you could do with her as you please. I promise you won’t regret it.”

“There would be no need for sex?” he hesitated.

“Sex is not a need, it’s a want. Unless you want it, then no; you can talk, and just enjoy one another’s company. There is no harm in that, now is there?”

“How much?”

Got him.

“My girls aren’t rented by the hour, Sebastian. Since I can feel your hesitation, I will allow it this time. How about $5,000 for two hours?”

“$2,500 an hour to talk to someone?” he blurted.

“I never said my girls were cheap, Sebastian. My girls are ladies and expect to be treated as so.”

“Whatever. When can I see her?”

“Well…that’s up to you. How fast can you come in to see me?”

“I don’t follow.”

“I know you’re not planning on being intimate with Ysabelle, however, there is still a process that needs to take place before you can have her.”

“Which is?”

“You would need to come in and have a physical, and be tested for any discrepancies. Also, I would need your social and fingerprints to run a background check. I also need to keep a card on file. I protect what’s mine, Sebastian, I’m sure you can understand that,” I proclaimed.

“I understand. I can come in tomorrow afternoon, let’s say around noon.”

“Perfect, it won’t take long for the results. If everything clears, you could see her this Friday. Her appointment for that night canceled. His loss is your gain. I can tell her once everything comes back, and put you on the schedule. Now where would you like to arrange to meet her?”

“I’m not quite sure. I’m married and I don’t think my wife would appreciate what the hell I’m even doing; this will be a one-time thing, I just need to see her this once and I will be done. I won’t need more time with her.”

“Of course.” I smiled; this was not going to be the last time. It never was when it came to Ysabelle.

“Well, may I suggest a hotel room? There’s privacy and the discretion that you need.”

“Have her meet me at The W at 6 pm, I will confirm the room number as soon as it’s booked,” he replied, trying not to sound uncertain.

“Have a great evening, goodbye.” I hung up before he had a chance to change his mind. Not that I thought he was going to.

I had no clue what the future would hold. Nothing could have prepared me for what was to come. It was the first time in my life that I understood what my mother felt like when she wasn’t in control.

I really was my mother’s daughter, and that scared me more than anything.