Freshly showered, Luce reappeared a half hour later to find Addison sound asleep. Quietly opening the top drawer of the dresser, Luce placed the toys inside, and turning around, she leaned against the chest and stared at the sleeping industrialist.

Luce wasn’t stupid. While it had taken her a few more years than most to get a degree, that had to do with the lack of money, not the lack of brains. Something was off about Addison and Luce knew it. Tonight, Addison had tried too hard.

Like a child in need of Ritalin, Addison had been amped up all night, and her approach to sex had taken on an almost adolescent enthusiasm. She had long ago proven to Luce she was an accomplished lover who knew how to please, but tonight Addison seemed almost frenzied in her approach. No sooner would an orgasm be had when Addison would change positions and start again, and when she became bored with straddling, scissoring, grinding, fingering, and tonguing, out came the toys.

It had been an almost non-stop onslaught of everything sexual. As always, Luce had been willing to receive all Addison wanted to give, but every time she caught a glimpse of Addison’s icy eyes, they were distant and devoid of emotion as if instead of being a participant, Addison had become a bystander.

After spending a few more minutes replaying the night’s events in her mind, Luce took a deep breath, gathered her things, shut off the lights, and went home.

***

Twice in as many days, Luce exited the lift and headed to one of three penthouse suites atop the glorious Langham hotel. She had visited the life of the opulent many times in various hotels across the continent, but while others could marvel at the dining areas, bars, and upscale shops meant to impress, Luce could not. Her admiration was limited to the suites of her clients and the hallways leading up to them.

Her steps quieted by an intricately designed hall runner, Luce meandered down the corridor. She couldn’t help herself from again appreciating the artwork adorning the walls, each of which was surrounded by old-world styled frames covered in gold leaf. When she reached a small sitting area, she stopped long enough to scoop a mint out of a crystal bowl sitting on the table, and then continued on her way. Reaching her destination, Luce rapped lightly on the door, and a minute later, she rapped again. About to reach into her bag for the key card she rarely used, she jumped when the door flung open.

“You’re late!”