Chapter 6 Hannah For the first twenty minutes , things weren't terrible . Richard ordered an expensive bottle of wine wir about my studies and seeming genuinely interested in my answers . But then the conversation shifted . consulting me , but he was polite , asking " My ex - wife never understood the demands of my position ," he said , swirling his wine . " Twenty - three years of marriage , and she still complained when I missed dinner for client meetings . " And just like that , the floodgates opened . For the next forty minutes , I learned every excruciating detail about his divorce , his ex - wife's spending habits , and how the judge " robbed him blind " in the settlement . I nodded and made sympathetic noises while scanning the restaurant for Emma , who was perched at the bar pretending not to watch us . " Enough about me , " he finally said , reaching across the table to touch my hand . " Let's discuss our arrangement . " My mouth went dry . " Okay . " " I travel frequently for business - New York , London , occasionally Tokyo . I'd want you to accompany me on these trips . You'd have your own room , of course , until we become more comfortable with each other . " I took a large gulp of wine . " And when we're not traveling ? " " Dinner twice a week . Various social functions - charity gales , business dinners , that sort of thing . " His eyes dropped to my cleavage briefly . " And private time afterward . I'm a busy man , Hannah , but I do have needs . " The way he said " needs " made my skin crawl . I imagined those manicured hands on my body and fought a shudder . " In return , " he continued , " I will provide a monthly allowance of five thousand dollars , plus gifts , expenses , and any tuition costs . Based on what you told me about your situation , I will provide an additional ten thousand dollars , which should more than cover your immediate needs . " It would . It would cover everything and then some . I could pay off Vincent and have money left over . But at what cost ? " I understand this is new for you , " Richard said , misreading my hesitation . " You're nervous . That's natural . " I nodded , grateful for the out . " Yes , I'm … this is all very new . I think I need a couple days to think about it . Is that okay ? " His smile was practiced and patient . " Of course . Take your time . I find that the best arrangements come from careful consideration . " He reached out and touched my check " You really are exquisite , Hannah . I hope you'll say yes . " An hour later , I was sitting in a dive bar with Emma , downing a shot of tequila to wash away the memory of Richard's fingers on my skin . " So ? " Emma pressed . " What did you think ? " " I think he's boring as hell , and I'd rather die than sleep with him , " I said bluntly . Emma laughed . " Yeah , he did look kinda … weathered . But in a sexy silver fox way , don't you think ? " " No , I dont think ! He talked about his ex - wife for almost an hour . And when he touched my hand , I wanted to scrub my skin off . " " Okay , so Richard's a no . She pulled out her phone . " But you've got three more matches already . One of them is only thirty - eight and owns a tech company . " I groaned , letting my by head fall onto the sticky bar top . " Is this really what I've come to ? Scrolling through a catalog of rich old dudes who want to buy me ? " " Not buy you , " Emma corrected . " Rent you . Temporarily . Until you get back on your feet . " " That's so much better , " I muttered sarcastically . Emma ignored my tone , her eyes glued to her phone . " Oh ! You just got a new match . " She thrust the screen in my face , nearly spilling my drink . " Thirty - two , he owns some kind of business . His profile just says ' entrepreneur . Chapter & I squinted at the blank profile picture with " VIP " stamped across it . That's not suspicious at all ." " He might be lying about his age . " Emma shrugged , " but we can give it a try . Oh wait , he's messaging you right now ! Her fingers flew across my screen . " He says he's ready to meet tonicht . " " Tonight ? " | blinked . " As in now ? " " Yes ! " Emma bounced in her seat . " He's at a pub called The Lovely Castle . It's literally just down the street . We could walk there in five minutes . " I groaned . " Emma , I can't sit through another boring life story . " " If you pass on this one , you might have to settle for one of those wrinkly old dudes , Emma countered . " This guy is messaging right now . If he finds another sugar baby tonight , you're back to square one . " I glanced at my nearly empty glass , weighing my options . Another evening of mind - numbing conversation versus … what ? Going home to my ⠀ apartment to stress about my bank balance ? " Fine , " I sighed . " But you're coming with me , and if he starts talking about his ex - wife's spending habits , we're leaving- Emma clapped her hands . " Deal ! Let me just pay our tab . " Ten minutes later , we were walking toward The Lovely Castle , a high - end pub that made my wallet cry just looking at it . The exterior was all polished wood and brass fixtures , with a small line of well - dressed people waiting to enter . This place looks expensive , " I whispered to Emma as we approached the entrance . " That's a good sign , " she whispered back ' Means your sugar daddy has cash . " We slipped past the bouncer , who barely glanced at us before waving us through . The interior was dimly lit , all dark wood and leather , with a massive bar dominating one wall Jazz music played at a volume that allowed for conversation without shouting . " So where is he ? " I scanned the crowded room , looking for a man who might be waiting for a sugar baby date. " He said he'd be wearing a blue shirt at the corner table , Emma replied , still scrolling through our conversation . " I don't see I froze mid - step . 5 Sitting at a corner table was the mysterious stranger who had rescued me from the drunk at The Velvet Room . He was even more gorgeous than I remembered , his dark hair perfectly styled , his jaw clean - shaven . He wore a blue button - down shirt with the sleeves rolled up , revealing strong forearms . As if sensing my gaze , he looked up . Recognition flashed in his eyes , and he raised his hand in a casual wave . " Emma , " I hissed , grabbing her arm . " That's him . The one who helped me with the drunk , " Emma's e eyes widened . " No way . What's he doing here ? know , but he just waved at me . My heart was racing . " Maybe he's just being polite ? Where's the sugar daddy supposed to be ? " Before Emma could answer , the stranger stood that night , drawing glances from several women as he passed . up and started walking directly toward us . He moved with the same fluid confidence I'd noticed " Hannah , " he said when he reached us , his voice a deep rumble that sent shivers down my spine . " I was hoping you'd come . " I stared at him , confusion clouding my thoug thoughts . " You were expecting me ? " A small smile played at the corners of his mouth . " To Leo82 on Elite Arrangements . I prefer Leonardo Salvatore in person . " My jaw dropped . " You're … you re the sugar daddy ? " Emma made a strangled noise beside me that sounded suspiciously like suppressed laughter .