Billionaire's Paid Companion

4

Faith walked into the apartment, still in a daze. Nikko looked at her with sleepy eyes, and stopped in his tracks. He rubbed his eyes with the back of his hands, wondering if he was still sleeping or imagining things maybe. He woke up a few moments ago and was walking towards the kitchen to get himself a glass of water, when he noticed Faith walking in through the main door of their shared apartment and locking it behind her.

He surely wasn’t imagining this, and his roommate was actually back home. All of a sudden, his sleepy eyes opened wide and he was fully awake now.

Nikko crossed his arms and said, "Hey!! I thought you'd be back tomorrow morning.” He tilted his head and looked at her with carefully scanning eyes. She was back, which meant nothing happened with Mr. Wealthy, as she had described him over the phone. But, then again, his roommate had tousled hair, her cosmetic-clad face was returning to its original pretty look. Nearly.

The make-up on her face was wiped, but not in a clean way. So, it cannot be a cotton swab doing the job, instead, had to be… uh, tongue, maybe. And she looked okay. Pale, but not sad, at least, or maybe she was disappointed.

Perhaps, Mr. Wealthy, wasn’t up to the mark? Yeah! Definitely, that! Because he swore that wasn’t even a single mark or evidence visible on her body that she’d had a naughty night. Poor Faith!

Curiosity was literally killing him. So, before Nikko actually dies, he wanted to know all the juicy details of the night with a stranger and the name of the stranger himself. Whether he was worth it or not can be discussed later. Tomorrow or the day after? Or maybe never.

“Anyway,” Nikko drawled lazily, straightened up, and walked up to where Faith stood, “Spill..” He whispered curiously as he prodded, “I kid you not, if you miss out a single detail, I'm going to be so upset.” He lovingly warned. And forced her to sit down on the floor itself.

Faith turned to look at her roommate, “Nik! I’m still trying to wrap my head around it! So, can I take that much needed bath that I’m desperate for? Then we can talk all night? Or.. whatever hours are left for this night to end.” she said.

Begrudgingly, Nikko let her go into the bathroom to shower, but not before he let out a huff, then rolled his eyes and said, “Fine!” In a very reluctant and disappointed tone and dramatically threw his hands in the air.

Faith took her time in the shower. Her mind ran wild with thousands and thousands of thoughts in it. That was one helluva night, but it ended—like a snap of her finger.

When Faith stepped out of the shower, Nikko was standing right there, with his perfectly arched eyebrows. He wasn’t letting her go, without telling him everything that happened in detail. Faith let out an exhausted breath, walked towards her dressing table where her glasses were lying like a neglected child and put them on.

Nikko sighed and walked towards her. He stepped closer to her and put his hands on her shoulders, “Was it that bad, Fe?” She was silent, maybe even lost in her thoughts. “If it’s not worth remembering, then let’s just forget it. Okay, baby?” Nikko kissed the back of her head.

He was about to walk away, when Faith said, “It’s not what you’re thinking, Nik. I’m just—confused—or maybe I simply don’t know what happened or what to make of it.” Nikko drawled, “Hmm!” he paused. Then said, “Okay, quickly. Give me one word that comes to your mind to describe this night.”

Without wasting a breath, Faith replied, “Exhilarating awesome.” A smile tugged her lips from one side to the other. “If..” she added, “that even makes sense to you.” Her voice was a dreamy whisper.

“Hmm! Two words,” Nikko went again, “Fe! You know right, you missed my show tonight? To be with Mr. Wealthy, with whom you spent a few quality hours, and had an ‘Exhilarating Awesome’ time too. And now you are acting as if you just came back after catching your boyfriend cheating on you.” He paused for a breath again, before adding, “What the heck do you mean, you don’t know and can’t wrap your head around it or whatever else that is going on in your stupid mind?”

Faith opened her mouth to say something, but then clamped it shut. “You owe me an effin explanation, Fe!” Nikko said, and waved his hands dramatically, “Spill every juicy detail. I mean, everything. We have all night and I’m all ears.” He grinned.

Faith began telling him about how she was just about to cross the signal, but changed her mind and went to have a look at where the screeching sound came from and grunted, cursed at those people who were gathering around to enjoy the distress of the woman who was lying there in pain, instead of lending her a helping hand.

Faith made a punching gesture when she said, “I knocked on the window and called him, ‘Mr. Billion Dollar,’ and told him to come out. But I had no idea that the moment this guy stepped out, he’d knock my wind out.” She sighed. “He is so handsome, that I stood rooted to my place for the longest time, before I could say the next word.”

Nikko chuckled, “Oh.. my.. god! He must be some pretty boy to get you to react like that.”

Faith ignored his tease and continued, “Well then, he apologized and offered to help me get the woman to the hospital and let the doctor check her, just in case. I was impressed that he did not throw his money at them and walk away. But, not just that, he looked cute when he was worried about that woman and when the nurse said they needed to keep her under observation for a few hours, to be sure that she was indeed fine, he relaxed. But not before telling them, the doctor must make sure the woman is fine and he will come back again and take her home.”

Nikko whistled and expressed his approval. “Seems like a gentleman to me. So, where is the problem?” He wiggled his eyebrows as he threw that question at Faith. As if he already knew she was the one to mess up or miss this opportunity.

“The problem is.. I told him about my profession.” Faith squeezed her eyes as she confessed, then waited for Nikko to react. Hit her, throw a pillow or something at her. If not that, then at least curse at her. But that never came. Nothing that she was expecting from Nikko happened.

Faith opened one of her eyes and peered. Nikko had his brows knitted, but he still did not react to what she had said. Not even a word he uttered. “I had to tell him, Nik. He- He is not just some random rich effin d-head, but a good guy,” She insisted. “Did he say anything insulting to you?” Nikko was quick to ask.

“What?” Faith was confused and startled by his question. “No. Not exactly.” Nikko squinted his eyes and glared at her, “Um-hmm?”

Faith facepalmed herself and rubbed her face, “So.. it went like this. I—um, Stone had let me go because that client was a douchebag. And said he would lie to the client that I suddenly felt sick or had an accident, so I had to be sent back home. Then, this accident happened and I saw a perfect opportunity to prove that I literally got into an accident. I know—I know, damnit. That was foolish of me. But, I did what I could think of.”

Nikko rolled his eyes, “Stupid woman!” and sighed. “What happened then?” he asked. “Ban—tering,” she hesitant-awkwardly replied. If Nikko noticed her expression and the hesitation in her voice, he said nothing. Instead, he waited for her to continue.

Faith went on to narrate how the night unfolded, after she last spoke to Nikko over the phone while waiting for the doctor to have a thorough check on the woman’s injury.

As Faith disconnected the call with her roommate, Nikko, and entered the waiting area, she noticed a nurse approaching Ricky. She had completely forgotten or rather missed telling Ricky why she had given her name as the patient, instead of the woman who was lying on the bed. Not that she knew what that woman’s name was.

That woman must have misplaced her bag, purse or whatever she had been carrying with her, when she got into the accident. And in that chaotic haste, both Ricky and Faith did not think of looking for that woman’s belongings that might have her identity. So, it was not completely Faith’s fault either.

However, Faith couldn’t help but shudder when the nurse told Ricky what the patient’s name was and the flash of confusion that crossed over Ricky’s handsome face. Even more so, when he smirked at Faith, after the nurse left and asked if she wanted to grab a coffee. Faith knew he wanted to know the truth and God, did she not want to grab that effin coffee with Mr. Sexy Burns?

Though, apart from his name, Faith knew nothing about him. But, she wanted that coffee and many more coffees, if possible. But, for that, she had to start by telling him the truth. So she did. Faith told him and was very upfront about her work and clearly asked him if her line of work bothered him. Yet, Ricky did not stop or turn away or ask her to leave.

Ricky’s smirk turned into a small smile, but he did not say a word about Faith’s line of work. Nah! No comment, nothing at all. Instead, he took her to that coffee shop, not far from the hospital. He even ordered coffee for Faith and brought her favorite muffin. He looked at her with those sharp grey eyes.

It was obvious that he had questions on his mind, but, why wasn’t he asking her anything? She had no idea. If Ricky had a problem with what work Faith did for a living or it made him uncomfortable, or if he was even a least bit concerned about Faith’s line of work—why did he bring her to this coffee shop? Was it because Ricky thought he must at least buy her a coffee, sending her home? Like she was some dirty homeless kid who hadn't eaten for days?

Faith had to confess that thought severely disappointed her and stabbed at her hope of spending a few hours with this man. Even if it was just to wait for that woman to wake up, or the doctors to clear her and let her go, Faith was perfectly fine with it. All she wanted was to sit down and maybe chat a little. They don’t need to discuss their life plans and their work, definitely not politics. But, maybe the weather? Or… the storm that she could see in his eyes?

Damn! Those eyes. They were making her feel—something. Made her lick her lips, butterflies flap their wings in her stomach and so on and so forth. She barely took control over herself and asked, “Why aren’t you asking me anything about my job?” Ricky chuckled, “I had already made a guess, that you would be working somewhere around those lines of business, looking at the way you dressed.”

Faith gulped. She was comfortable in her skin and was used to wearing such clothes, which is why she hadn’t remembered what impression her chosen outfit must have given him. “But, I appreciate that you chose to be direct and told me the truth. That means you cared what people would think if they saw me with you,” Ricky quickly added. “And I am glad you are thoughtful. But, just so you know, I don’t care about them.”

Faith found a blush wash over her face and her heart pounded, really hard, as if protesting against being caged inside the rib. This man didn’t care what others thought if they were spending time together, despite the outfit she was wearing or her colorful made-up face. Which means they can spend an hour or so together and he won’t be sending her on her way as soon as she finishes her drink. Relief poured through her and she smiled and sighed with relief too.

Ricky leaned forward and whispered in his deep rumbling voice, “So, Faith!” That made her breath hitch and forced her to squeeze her thighs. There was a long pause after that and Faith totally forgot that she was supposed to reply after he called her name. No matter how seductive it sounded.

“Tell me how interesting is this job of yours?” He asked, a little smile on his face. “When was the last time you met with your—um, should I call them clients?” he arched one of his eyebrows, but the smile still remained. But then he leaned back, and smirked, “How satisfied did he look?”

Faith stiffened and blinked at that question. She was so lost in the trance of his voice and how his eyes looked at her and gazed at every inch of her face, down to the steep cowl neck of the dress, that she nearly missed that question. In fact, Faith still believed she may have heard the question wrong. “Pardon me?” Faith squinted her eyes at him.

“You heard me,” Ricky still had the smirk on his face, and was leaning on his back—relaxed. As if he had not just asked her that obnoxious question. Faith did not mind people asking her questions about her job. But, she hated it when they made their own assumptions, without getting their facts right.

But, then again, she was used to people asking her such audacious questions and Ricky—Mr. Million-Dollars, was no different. Yet, it felt different—to Faith. Ricky still, did not seem like those ridiculously distasteful rich people she met at her job.

Forcing herself to remain calm, Faith smiled, “Yes sir! I am an escort. But it doesn’t mean I have to sleep with them. I am just a companion to go to whatever gatherings they are attending and would need my company for.” Faith tried not to glare at him, snap or snarl. But Ricky chuckled, mockingly.

This time it was Faith who smirked, “You assume things right of the bat, Mr. Burns. As you know, I have my own experience associating with affluent people. I know some of their deepest secrets, fantasies and some other amazing things that may leave you dumbfounded. Yet, I am not judging you.” She calmly picked up her coffee and took a sip of it.

Ricky did not utter a word and it was getting on her nerves. Even more so, because Faith couldn’t understand why she was explaining herself to this guy. A son of some wealthy father, who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. How would he know what she was going through, what depth of debt feels like? Fighting her inner thoughts, she wanted to get up and leave. Yet again, she did the same thing she was telling herself not to.

“True! I am an escort but I don’t turn tricks,” she explained derisively. “Not that desperate to stoop so low to earn money.” Ricky was still watching her, his eyes were intense and roaming over her face and neck and further down, as if he was fixated on her. Faith tried her best not to gnaw on her bottom lips, or squirm under his gaze. She did wiggle a little, pretending that she was casually adjusting her sitting position.

“Don’t get me wrong. But, given your line of work, how can I be assured 'THAT' never happened?” He tilted his head, his back still resting, and eyes unblinkingly trained on her. Whether it was the case with Ricky or not, Faith surely felt an air of tension lingering between them, and it was only growing by each minute—seconds, “If you are scared, Mr. Burns. Then leave right now or shove your prejudice up your—“ she paused, “.. keep it in your pocket or leave it at home and then we'll have this conversation.”

A smile appeared on his lips, and he blinked. Oh, finally he blinked and Faith found herself relaxing. She had been sitting stiffly under his wandering heated gaze and even holding her breath, and she hadn’t even realized it until she heaved a sigh, right when Ricky’s gaze left her—even if it was only for a few seconds. “What if I don’t want to leave?” Goddamnit! He smirked and Faith barely breathed.

“I’ve never slept with my clients and never will. Be rest assured” she whispered. It sounded more like letting out a breathy moan along with those words. What was this guy up to? What in the effin hell did he want from her? She was more confused than ever. Faith picked up her coffee mug, to pretend that she was calm as a cucumber, even if she was freaking out—feeling hot all over.

Her coffee mug was empty and the muffin was already playing roller-coaster with the butterflies inside her stomach. Noticing her awkwardness, Ricky smiled, amusingly. His expert eyes gliding down to where the cowl neck of her outfit gave an inviting clearance to the view of her valley. “What do you want?” she breathed.

“I was just hoping—if you were up for another coffee, but—” his eyes glistened. Lust evident in his eyes and this time Faith was the one to ask him—questions. “Are you sure I don’t have to get tested after I take you up for that offer?” Faith asked with a perfectly arched eyebrow. “I assure you. That won’t be necessary. I know exactly what I’m doing and I am sure you know too. After all, you are smart enough to save yourself from those rich bastards for god knows how long.”

“Hmm! Let me be clear, Mr. Burns. I’ve had my share of ‘affairs.’ So, I’m not a – this won’t be my first.” Faith said and immediately cursed at herself. Why was she explaining herself to him? This probably means nothing to him at all. “..But, you still don’t have to worry. I just didn’t want you to be surprised.”

‘Shut up, Faith!’ She reprimanded herself, ‘You are blabbering.’

“And.. I’m definitely looking forward to that coffee.” Faith added and almost clamped her mouth shut with her hands, so she could stop talking. If Ricky noticed something on her face, an expression or her lips moving while she cussed or reprimanded herself, then he said nothing.

“Let’s go then.” Ricky said, then got up, and straightened his suit. Faith was neither blind nor a saint. Definitely not. She clearly saw what he was trying to hide and smiled, raised an eyebrow and said “Lead the way, Mr. Burns!” But then she had to bite her lower lips, to stop them from grinning like a giddy teenager.

“Then what happened?” Nikko curiously asked, even nudged her shoulders. Faith shyly grinned at her roommate, “Fireworks!” she giggled like the school girl that she was feeling right now. Nikko chuckled too. He waited for her to continue.. waited and waited. Faith’s giggle finally subsided, but she looked like she didn’t want to give any more detail.

“Hmm!” Nikko let out a breath, “But, you know the rule, right? Don’t you dare to fall for the ‘son of a rich’?” Nikko asked, and Faith begrudgingly nodded. “You must think I’m a fool, right? How easily you had guessed what was on my mind, but I hadn’t even realized it until then.”

Nikko shook his head, “Oh darling, you felt a little something for him and I picked up on it. Now until the day you are clear about the rules, there is nothing to worry about,” He kissed her forehead, said goodnight and went to sleep.

It was a typical Saturday morning. The time on her laptop showed the current time and it was almost noon. Huh! Just a typical day for everyone? Not everyone. It was almost lunch time, but— not for everyone.

Celine was at war with the printer today. Nothing was going as per her wishes. Even the goddamn printer was testing her patience, let alone her boss. The Devil was giving her a hard time and wasn’t letting her even catch her breath. She was burdened with tons of work. So much so that she was called on a weekend and by now her shoulders had begun to slouch. If this went on, her knees would give in too. But.. not before she punched the pretty face of her boss, Celine decided. Even if it meant she would have to face dire consequences for her actions.

Celine had greeted her boss with a warm good morning, but instead of greeting her back, he bit her. Not literally, of course. Growled and complained that she wasn’t doing her job well. ‘That bloody A-ho,’ Celine cursed mentally. As if spoiling her mood and that too, so early in the morning was not enough for her boss, he decided to spoil her entire day. She had plans, but her current situation told her that her plan needed to be cancelled and rescheduled.

She typed in a text on her phone, ‘I may not be able to see you today. The bull is ready with his horn to charge at me and pull my guts out anytime. If I mentioned my plans, he would surely kill me.’

Celine stifled a sigh and then rose from the seat. She had to knock on the door of the devil. Celine had to leave early today. It was a weekend- for heaven’s sake. Celine rose, and she was hobbling to put on her shoes. That was another thing which was not cooperating with her today. ‘Fabulous!’

She knocked on her boss’ door and entered as he ordered her in—his voice low. So, Celine had to knock twice and listen carefully to hear his voice, before he opened the door and chewed her face. Celine plunked down the coffee on the table and sent a glare at him, before leaving his cabin. Because, she dared not to mention -- her plan. And point out that it was a weekend.

Now, just as Celine closed the door of his cabin, the door abruptly opened again and Ricky was about to growl, thinking it was Celine. But then he noticed his friend—best friend, Ronan, standing at the door.

“What the hell are you doing sitting in your cabin, on a freaking weekend?” Ronan asked and pulled a chair to put his butt in the comfort of its lush-ness. Ricky’s cabin could be turned into an elegant bedroom. All the furniture in this place was comfortable and the décor was eye-catching. At least, Ronan wouldn’t ever be bored looking at it and spending time too. Perhaps that’s why Ricky spent his day here, even on the weekend.

“What do you want, Ronan?” Ricky asked, without lifting his head from whatever work he was busy doing. “It's a Saturday, my friend. Let’s go out,” Ronan said and huffed, “..and get drunk too.” He was stating the obvious, but for Ricky, weekends meant working until evening and then, go and get laid. But, he had already had a night of—how should he describe it?”

“Holy Fu-, Ricky! You are smiling,” Ronan said, “How long has it been the last time you actually smiled or laughed?” He furrowed his eyebrows and actually began to think. Ronan knew Ricky had been struggling with his feelings— his life, worrying about his mother and, last but not the least, trying to act strong after Bo left him.

Ronan knew Bo wasn’t coming back. She had broken up with Ricky, for good. So, then what made his friend smile? Ronan thought for a while, but nothing came to his mind. Ricky had stopped smiling.. so Ronan leaned closer and put his elbow on the table, then narrowed his eyes at him. For a brief moment, he stayed like that and Ricky was starting to get annoyed.

“How was the girl?” Ronan wiggled his eyebrows at his friend. He knew Ricky had met somebody and she had to be something to make him smile—even a day or two later. Ricky froze for a while and looked at Ronan. His best friend was not a fool, so there was no point lying to him.

“Not worth..” Ricky said, “.. just for the night.” He quickly added. He did not want his friend to get the wrong impression of Faith, if he had to tell Ronan more about his encounter with this amazing woman he accidently met—or met because of an accident. The one who felt like a head-on collision to him. She was-- intriguing.

Not that Ricky had much to say, because if he had to confess the truth, he barely even remembered what they talked about. Only what she had felt like in his arms. The sounds she made and what she looked like when she was in his arms or just sitting opposite to him. Because either way, she was a treat to the eye. He definitely felt a little different when he was with her, and that was scary.

“Who the hell is this girl?" Ronan exclaimed, "What did she taste like?” He asked and pulled Ricky out of his reverie. A smile appeared on his lips again. This time a little broader, as he confessed, “Nightmarish beautiful.”

Faith was something and Ricky had to confess, he thoroughly enjoyed his time-- night with her. Every moment of it. While they were in that coffee shop, Ricky wondered, this one night with the gorgeous woman surely wouldn’t hurt, right? He didn’t think if he used her for one night and went their separate ways, she would mind. Her job was somewhat similar to that, so Faith must be used to it by now. s*x or not?

“Wow!!” Ronan drawled his exclamation, “You must really pour me in with more details.” He said. “She must be worth something to make this dead-faced and sometimes scowling face turn into smiley face. "Shut up and Get lost, Ronan!" Ricky scowled, and it sure looked fake as hell. Ronan finally managed to pull his friend out of his office and take him out to spend the weekend. Much to the relief of his secretary, Celine, who was already having a hard day.

Meanwhile, on the other hand, when Ricky was thinking of using Faith for one night and heading their separate ways, Faith was also thinking about something similar. Faith knew that they both were strangers and she had been with strangers and hung out with them too. Even though nothing happened between her and those strangers. But, with this guy, somehow, she wanted to go ahead with whatever he was offering. She was down for it.

And so, when Ricky suggested another 'coffee', Faith couldn’t say no. Only for him to get dressed and leave, once he was done with Faith. He surely must have gone to the hospital to check on that woman. But, why did Faith feel disappointed? She knew this was how things would end, right from the start. Actually, Ricky had even turned to ask her about how she would get back home and offered to call her a ride. Because after what they had done, going back together would be very awkward.

After a restless night of tossing and turning, touching her aching female part and pinching her cheeks to check if meeting Ricky was a reality or just a dream she’d had, Faith gave up on having a peaceful sleep and got ready for the next day. Last night, once Nikko went back to sleep, Faith had done her research on Ricky Burns and was well aware, that for this guy, she was done and dusted. Not that she did not know this from the start, but still in her hopeful heart, she had begged that things would be different.

But, no. They were strangers and would never see each other again. Well! It was an exhilarating experience to be honest, but she had to put it behind her and get on with her day— life. And Faith was absolutely determined to do just that. Maybe.. a little less than absolutely.