Alluring Attraction: Book 1 of Illicit Illusions Series

by A. F. Zoelle

  “See?” Derrick goaded Jake. “He totally understood what I was saying. You’re the idiot who missed the point.”

  “I’m going to kick your ass, Derrick!” Jake threatened, still completely incensed.

  “Go ahead,” Derrick challenged with a smirk. “I’ll just have to go find your sister and have her kiss it and make it better when you’re done! Maybe I’ll make her dress up like a nurse, too!”

  “Oh, that’s it!” Jake yelled, chasing after Derrick when he began to run away. “You are so dead for that! Yeah, you better run, asshole!”

  Ryder watched as Jake chased Derrick, but he made no attempt to catch up with the arguing duo. Instead he continued to walk at a leisurely pace, grateful for the reprieve in an unwanted conversation and hoping it would last.

  After leaving the classroom suite to return to his personal room for some rest before his next client arrived, Hunter got rid of his erection in the least pleasurable way: with a quick, cold shower. Thoughts of Jake curbed his hormonal desires and replaced them with rage. As much as Hunter hated the thought of being protected by Ryder, the thought of being on his knees for Jake was worse. It was all too easy to picture himself on all fours as Jake thrust into him from behind while cruelly demanding, “Who’s the loser dog now, huh? Let’s see you call me ‘mutt’ after this, asshole!” It revolted Hunter in more ways than one and he felt more disgusted by that possibility than by any other patron he had ever been forced to endure over the past seven years of working at the brothel.

  Recognizing that his thoughts were heading down a dangerous path, Hunter curtailed them and flopped onto his bed with a heavy sigh. His only consolation was that it could never happen because Jake couldn’t afford him. He tried to put it out of his mind, focusing instead on Ryder’s shy gaze right before he left and the weird warmth that started to stir inside Hunter in response.

  The situation with Ryder was starting to become complicated, but Hunter couldn’t bring himself to stop. There was something so sinfully addictive about his rival. He was starting to want more, starting to need more, but the brothel was too dangerous a location to allow anything serious to develop—and doing anything outside of it would undoubtedly be disastrous. Hunter couldn’t risk Christophe Cole, his adoptive father, taking an interest in Ryder, let alone all the other repercussions of his disobedience. And yet, there was still something so irresistible about tempting Ryder.

  Before Hunter’s thoughts could detour any further, a quiet knock on the door gave him a perfect opportunity for distraction. “Enter,” Hunter called out, making no attempt to cover his nudity.

  Ishi entered silently with a polite bow, before approaching Hunter on the bed. No words were exchanged between them until he mumbled into his pillow, “I shouldn’t have snapped at you earlier.”

  Knowing that admission was the closest thing to an apology she was going to get, Ishi gracefully accepted it as she reassured him, “It’s fine, Hunter. Is there anything I can do for you?”

  “Make it two o’clock so I can go home?” Hunter sarcastically muttered, feeling tired despite the early hour and the slow pace of the evening.

  Wanly smiling down at him, she replied, “I would if I could, sir.”

  “I know you would, Ishi,” Hunter said with a sigh as he glanced over at her. “Is everything okay out front?”

  “There are no incidents to report,” she replied, “although your guest did apologize to me for delaying my duties.”

  Unable to hold back a chuckle, Hunter muttered, “He would.”

  “He’s a rather intriguing individual,” she thoughtfully commented as she sat in the chair next to his bed. She was curious as to why someone like Ryder would visit a brothel.

  “That’s one way of putting it,” Hunter replied with a snort, but the lack of scorn in his voice surprised Ishi.

  She was about to comment further when the door to the room suddenly opened. Ishi quickly stood up to bow to the man who entered, although Hunter only sat up to face Christophe. He had nothing but hatred and contempt for the man standing at the foot of the bed, who had adopted him and his younger brother after their parents had died in a car crash when they were young children, and had ultimately forced Hunter into working at Cole Corporation.

  Tall, with a broad build and graying hair, Christophe was an imposing figure in his three-piece suit, with a jade-green pocket square to match his tie. There was no kindness in his steely eyes, which could send cold dread through even the strongest of hearts. His large hands had perpetrated horrible violence over the years, without consequences. He had a darkly menacing presence, which clearly warned that Christophe was a dangerous man.

  Hunter had to push aside his immediate disgusted reaction, lest his adoptive father figure out how Hunter really felt about him. Hunter still had a role to play, which he would do to perfection for as long as it took to achieve his goals.

  “Welcome back, Master,” Ishi greeted in a mellifluous voice, smiling at him with false admiration and adoration. She had started working for him to pay her way through college, although she didn’t provide the full range of services. Her disdain for her employer had quickly morphed into angry resentment over his treatment of Hunter. “How was your trip to California?”

  “Mostly a waste,” Christophe answered with a scowl. “It seems that California is not ready for Cole Corporation yet.”

  “I am sorry to hear that, sir,” she smoothly replied, sounding sincere despite feeling anything but.

  Gesturing for Ishi to come closer, he commented, “You should really reconsider my offer, girl.”

  “Perhaps after I graduate,” she countered, even though she had no intention of ever serving him or his patrons in any sexual capacity.

  “Very well, you are dismissed,” he stated, waiting for her to leave before addressing Hunter. “Where are your manners, boy?”

  Bowing his head in deference, Hunter formally greeted, “Welcome back, Father. Please forgive my lack of decorum. I was merely surprised by your sudden arrival. I wasn’t expecting your return for another week.”

  “That is no excuse,” Christophe reprimanded, his displeasure evident in his tone, “but I shall forgive you this time.”

  “Your generosity knows no bounds,” Hunter flatly replied, cursing himself for his lapse in judgment.

  Letting the topic go, Christophe casually commented, “It seems that you have a new patron that I should know about.” Although Christophe’s tone was conversational, his eyes were harsh and appraising.

  Hunter started to feel nervous, but he refused to show the slightest discomfort in front of his all too perceptive adoptive father. “What would you like to know?” Hunter questioned, knowing better than to start volunteering information when Christophe had likely already reviewed Ryder’s file.

  “Why one of your classmates started frequenting you during my absence,” Christophe replied as he sat down in the chair Ishi had just vacated, signaling to Hunter that it was going to be a longer conversation than he was comfortable with having.

  “Coincidental curiosity,” Hunter answered with a shrug, doing his best to sound nonchalant about the situation. “It was his friend’s birthday, so they decided to come here to celebrate. Besides, it’s not as if he can’t afford me.”

  Leaning back in the chair and crossing his leg over his knee, Christophe said, “That’s not the issue.”

  “He’s been made aware of the consequences of my identity being revealed,” Hunter told Christophe, even though it was more of a mutual understanding, since they had never explicitly had such a conversation.

  “And yet he brought friends,” Christophe pointed out, watching his adopted son carefully for any sign of betrayal or disobedience.

  “Who are far too stupid to ever make the connection,” Hunter dismissively argued, waving away the concern, “let alone capable of affording to find out for themselves.”

  Although Christophe wasn’t entirely at ease over the situation, it was evident from the finan
cial background checks conducted that the other two men didn’t have the funds to book Hunter for any length of time. His adopted son was available only to the most exclusive of clientele, after all. “Should I be concerned?”

  It felt like a trick question, but Hunter promptly answered, “No.” He felt weird having to trust in Ryder to make sure that he wasn’t wrong.

  “You have that much faith in your patron?” Christophe pressed, still suspicious.

  “It’s not a matter of faith. It is merely a fact,” Hunter confidently predicted, desperately wishing to get off the topic. The whole conversation was making him uncomfortable. The thought of Christophe concerning himself with Ryder made something tighten in Hunter’s chest. He knew firsthand what happened when Christophe took interest in someone, and Hunter felt an uncharacteristic need to shield Ryder from such a fate.

  Narrowing his eyes as he critically studied his adopted son, Christophe stroked his chin, silently assessing Hunter. “Even if Ryder falls for you?” Christophe questioned, somewhat suspicious that that hadn’t already occurred.

  “His feelings are of no consequence to me,” Hunter callously replied, annoyed by the tight feeling in his chest that refused to loosen. He couldn’t shake the feeling that his words would have wounded Ryder on some level, but he couldn’t allow himself to be distracted in front of such a dangerous opponent. “He comes here for the illusion, which implies there is nothing to be had outside of these walls, correct?”

  “He harbors the illusion all the same,” Christophe countered, still unconvinced. “Perhaps because you are too indulgent with him.”

  Immediately becoming suspicious because of the statement, Hunter had a sinking feeling that Christophe must have already reviewed the security tapes that were recording at all times. Hunter swore at himself for being so lax during Christophe’s extended absence and quickly tried to recall if he had said anything potentially damning. “I am merely trying to keep the client satisfied with his chosen game,” Hunter justified, hoping that it sounded casual.

  Leaning forward and taking hold of Hunter’s chin to pull him closer, Christophe murmured, “Then perhaps you are a better actor than I gave you credit for.”

  You have no idea, Hunter venomously thought, but he appeared to graciously accept the compliment. “I do my best,” Hunter said as he demurely looked down, resisting his impulse to jerk away from the contact. There were few things worse than being touched by that bastard.

  “And don’t think that I am unaware of your little ‘reward’ to him,” Christophe warned before releasing his hold on Hunter and leaning back once more.

  “It was payment for his silence,” Hunter lied. Really the extra hour had come from his selfish desire to reward himself with something far more enjoyable than his normal clientele.

  “That almost cost you a visit with your brother this week,” Christophe informed him, “but I’m feeling more gracious than normal, given your patron’s continued silence, as well as your increased profits.”

  Once again bowing his head in deference, Hunter hated the feeling of relief that coursed through him upon realizing that he would still be allowed to see his younger brother and that Ryder would be spared any repercussions as well. It was a good thing that he was not looking his adoptive father in the eye when Christophe mused, “Perhaps there is more use to be had from your new toy.” Hunter paled considerably before his eyes hardened with barely contained rage. “I could think of numerous ways to utilize him.”

  “As an employee?” Hunter guessed, the thought making him feel ill.

  “There is that aspect to consider as well,” Christophe replied with a perverse chuckle, entertaining the idea of Ryder for himself.

  Hunter felt a new level of disgust at the thought of Ryder with Christophe, and something deep inside of him demanded that he protect his rival from the whims of the madman that had adopted him. It was almost shocking, how vehemently that part of Hunter insisted Ryder was his and his alone. The thought of having to share was downright distasteful, but there was nothing that he could say or do about it without alerting Christophe to the fact that there was a deeper connection between them.

  Instead, Hunter maintained his stony silence, keenly aware of his adopted father’s eyes on him. He could tell that Christophe was waiting for a reaction and Hunter refused to play into his hand. The slightest thing could be perceived as weakness and he wasn’t going to let the man have any victory.

  Making a mental note to keep closer tabs on the three classmates, Christophe stood up and looked down at Hunter with a blank expression. He warned, “Do not disappoint me.”

  “I would never dare dream of it, sir,” Hunter muttered, forcing himself to maintain a respectful gaze as he looked up at his adoptive father.

  “Good,” Christophe said with a nod, pleased with the turn of events. “Oh, and prepare yourself for an assessment of my latest acquisition. Consider it your reward for good behavior while I was gone.”

  Feeling his stomach lurch at the order, Hunter betrayed nothing as he asked, “In the Viewing Room?”

  “As always,” Christophe confirmed with a perverse chuckle, pleased with the newest addition to his establishment. “You should sound more enthusiastic. Cesare is a particularly handsome Italian dancer that I found in a club and convinced to come back with me. I think you will find it a most enjoyable experience.”

  Not wanting to think of how exactly Christophe had attempted to convince the man, Hunter merely inquired, “What time?”

  “In ten minutes,” Christophe answered before finally turning to leave. “Depending on how it goes, perhaps I’ll let you see your brother tomorrow.”

  “Yes, Father,” Hunter replied, watching as Christophe walked out of the room without another word.

  More aware of the cameras than ever, Hunter didn’t show the disgust he felt as he stood up and went to his bathroom to ready himself to obey the order, despite the self-loathing it stirred. He couldn’t afford to let himself think about the task at hand or the fact that Christophe and a panel of select VIPs would be watching his performance with the newest employee. Hunter had a job to do and a person to protect, so he would do whatever it took to make sure that his adoptive father never forced his younger brother, Grayson, into working at Cole Corporation. There also was a tiny part of Hunter that was starting to worry about guarding Ryder from Christophe’s interests as well.

  Pushing all of his thoughts aside, Hunter entered his shower and focused on what he had to do. Absolutely no distractions could be allowed. Hunter tried to console himself that maybe if he got lucky, there would be some pleasure to be found in new recruit.

  The Viewing Room was a plain space with only a king-size bed with white sheets and a sole nightstand in it, where Cole Corporation employees could perform for the pleasure of VIPs who were hidden behind the two-way mirrored glass. Hunter had performed in that room countless times, while patrons jerked off to the show.

  As Hunter entered the Viewing Room, wearing a midnight-blue silk robe that made his eyes even more vibrant, he was immediately struck by how incredibly handsome the man waiting on the bed was. Cesare wore tight jeans and a black shirt that clung to his defined physique in an aesthetically pleasing way. His delicate features were breathtakingly beautiful, making Hunter wonder why someone that gorgeous was interested in working at Cole Corporation. The man’s dark hair fell in long layers around his face, giving him an almost angelic appearance. However, there was a tempting invitation to sin in those golden hazel eyes, which were bright with desire as they traced over Hunter’s body in approving appraisal. Cesare’s full lips curled into a seductive smile that immediately made Hunter’s cock stir with interest.

  Perhaps this will be a reward after all, Hunter mused to himself as he walked closer to Cesare.

  As he moved from the bed, Cesare’s eyes continued tracing over Hunter with appreciation. Standing in front of him, Cesare reached out and took Hunter’s hand in his, placing a kiss on the back of it whi
le looking up at him through lowered lashes. In a lilting Italian accent, Cesare playfully greeted him, “Buonasera, handsome.”

  The corner of Hunter’s mouth turned up in a slight smile as he continued enjoying looking at the devastatingly good-looking man. “I suppose you think that’s charming,” Hunter said in an amused tone.

  Smiling at the comment, Cesare replied with a laugh, “I’m Italian—of course I’m charming.”

  “Why don’t you show me just how charming you really are?” Hunter invited him, knowing there was someone behind the glass waiting for them to get started.

  “How can I resist an invitation like that?” Cesare teased as he pressed his body against Hunter’s. He reached up and guided Hunter’s head down to engage in a sensuous kiss. Cesare took his time exploring Hunter’s mouth, their tongues teasing each other, stoking their desires.

  Hunter tangled his fingers in Cesare’s lush hair, deepening the kiss as he angled his head for another taste. Kissing Cesare was more enjoyable than Hunter had been expecting, so he allowed himself to continue indulging in the wet warmth, which was making him ache with need.

  He became aware of the smell of Cesare, some kind of dark spice with the faintest hint of vanilla, which aroused Hunter like nothing else he had ever experienced. It caused him to start trailing kisses down Cesare’s neck, moaning when he licked along the sinewy curve of it for his first taste. The tantalizing flavor exploded on Hunter’s tongue, filling him with lust. It made Hunter rock-hard as he moaned against Cesare’s neck, “What the fuck kind of cologne are you wearing?”

  Smirking at the question, fully aware of the effect his cologne had on people, Cesare replied, “The kind that will bring you to your knees begging for another taste of me.”

  “Sweet merciful fuck,” Hunter moaned, once again licking along Cesare’s neck, before sucking on it where the scent was the strongest. It made Hunter feel almost heady as fire burned in his veins—a desire he had never experienced from the mere taste of someone before.