“No. Why would it upset me? I was just curious. If you choose to spend the rest of your life going from woman to woman, that’s your decision.”

“I’m not sure I like the way you just said that.” He arched his eyebrow at me. “You’re making me out to be a man-whore. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. There’s no perfect balance between a healthy relationship and a career. The career always comes first.”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

There was the answer I was desperately seeking. Straight from the horse’s mouth. He didn’t want to be tied down.

“So, then, it’s just about sex?” I asked, not knowing if I wanted to know the answer.

“Men and women have needs. Why complicate things with the rules of a relationship? It should be about two people having fun without the strings attached.”

Visions of G were running through my head. “I once wouldn’t have believed that. But since Brendon, I couldn’t agree more.” I smiled.

“I’m glad to know we’re on the same page.” He held up his glass to mine. “Cheers.”

“Cheers.” Our glasses clanked together, symbolizing our agreement that we were only using each other for sex and nothing else. But the real question was: was I capable of playing along?

****

As soon as we got back to the room, Simon took a phone call.

“I have to meet a colleague of mine for drinks down at the bar. Will you be okay here by yourself?”

Seriously? He was just going to leave me sitting in the room? Typical fucking rich man.

“I’ll be fine. I’m used to being by myself.”

“Gabrielle,” he said as he put his arms around my waist. With his lips dangerously close to mine, he whispered, “I won’t be long and then we’ll have the whole night together. And I promise it will be well worth it.”

“Okay, but I’m not staying in this room. I’m going down to the casino.”

“To play some slots?” he asked.

“Sure.” I smiled.

“Do you need some money?”

“I have my own money, Mr. Young.” I tenderly kissed his lips and then walked away.

“I’m not sure you should be going down there alone.”

“You don’t think your own hotel is safe?” I asked.

“It’s the people, Gabrielle, not the hotel.”

“Don’t you have security walking around?”

“Of course.”

“Then why are you worried? I’ll be fine. I can take care of myself. I’ve done so for the past twenty-four years.”

“Don’t leave this hotel. Do you understand me?” His tone was authoritative.

“Yes, master.” I winked as I walked out the door.