She was charming and funny and an absolute natural at this.

Zuri led us into the final topic we’d discussed ahead of time that was intended to paint a more nuanced picture of Elena. “You have an interesting background, Lady Elena, don’t you?”

“I’ve got a master’s in Clinical Psychology, if you’d call that interesting.”

“So do you consider being a dominatrix a form of therapy then?”

“I definitely would even if it falls outside of the norms of what’s clinically acceptable. But I would argue all sex work is a form of therapy. Humans looking for pleasure, connection, release, or companionship shouldn’t be shamed for their needs.”

“Definitely something to think about,” Zuri said, earnestly. “We’ll let you and your arm candy get back to work on the film we’re all eagerly anticipating—”

I interrupted playfully. “Zuri, my feelings are hurt…you drag me out here and I didn’t even need to talk. What’s the deal?”

“You’re decorative, dear. If you want us to pay more attention to you, find a less interesting girlfriend.”

We all had a final good laugh, then they cued up the paparazzi video set to Zane’s song one more time. Elena and I stood up and waved to the audience while they cheered us off. On a whim, I scooped Elena up into my arms, mimicking the video, and strode offstage with her.

She was flushed and amped up on adrenaline when we got back to the dressing room.

“That wasn’t terrible, right?” She paced the small space.

I blocked her path and pulled her in for a kiss. “You were brilliant.”

“Just don’t ever make me do that again. No more TV for me. And that answers whether I want to pursue a TV show. Forget all this pressure to perform for an audience. Not my thing.”

“Are you kidding me? You’re a natural!”

“Natural or not, I want no part of it. I’ll leave the performing to my decorative half. It’s completely different from trying to connect with a client one-on-one.”

“Let’s pack up and get out of here. We’ve been out of bed and clothed for way too long and this client is more than ready to connect one-on-one.”

We pulled our mics off and started getting ready to leave. Through the wall, we heard, “I shit you not! They just confirmed it when they were recording their segment. He’s basically dating a hooker. Which like, why bother dating her? He can do so much better. Like hello, I’m right here. She looks like some kind of ugly witch. If you’re going to fuck a hooker at least make it a hot hooker, right? Surely he can afford someone with a smaller nose and better body. She’s gross.”

Elena covered her mouth and laughed silently into her hand, completely unbothered by what was being said.

I headed for the door, not sure what I was going to do yet, but I felt the need to defend Elena.

She pulled me back to her. “Down boy. It’s not worth it. I’ve heard worse. No harm done.” She smiled, letting me know she was fine. “This gross hooker witch is ready to go. Take me home, Alex Chase.”