I never thought it would come from someone I paid to spend time with. But it had, and I hadn’t even fucked him. I was glad I’d made the choice to hire an escort for the first time instead of going to the trouble of finding someone to keep me company. It was on my terms and with someone who knew I wasn’t looking at dating them.

That went to hell when West walked in and his nerves got the best of him, causing him to ramble. I never thought I would find it endearing. But I had. What helped was the attraction I felt for the younger man. He wore a suit and even when he seemed uncomfortable in it, he still looked appealing.

He was not much shorter than me, smaller in body, and cuter than I would usually go for. But I liked it. Him. A lot.

It worried me I wanted to spend more time with him. He had walked into my home and charmed me like I had never been before. His looks, his personality, his generosity, everything about him had captured me from the first moment.

“Adrik?”

“If you spent time with him, you would see. He is smart, caring, hardworking….” I shrugged. “Everything about him appeals to me like no other.”

Dimitri whistled. “Sounds like love.” I rolled my eyes. Dimitri went on. “Why do you not chase him then? Why not date him?”

Facing him, I glared. “You know why.”

Dimitri sighed, and as I looked back out the window, his hand dropped to my shoulder. “Your father is in Russia. His associates are there also. I am sure he would want you to be happy. No matter who it is with. I know you also fear that the one you love will only want you for your money and connections, but I do not see that from West.”

I did not either. Still, I said nothing, because I could not find the words. My father loved me. This I knew. As did my mother. But the world around them was complicated. I left because I wanted out. That life did not interest me. The business side of things had, which was why I had my own away from my father and the family name, Mikhaillova. Before I left Russia, I changed my last name to Hail. I could not have people connect me to my father’s business. I never would be a part of the mafiya. That was my father. He was the one in control of the mafia in Russia.

Dimitri groaned. His hand dropped, and he said, “You are just as stubborn as he is. Tell your parents when they visit who you are. You will see, they will still love you.” He made his way toward the door.

Fuck. He had to remind me of their visit. I did want to see them, but my mood had soured ever since that phone call.

“Dimitri—”