Masked Desires

The city pulsed with a restless energy, its neon lights reflecting in the black sheen of a sedan. Ethan Lockwood's luxury sedan slid through the ever-bustling street.

Ethan gazed out of the tinted window, watching the late-night bustle of downtown life, feeling the weight of another long day. It wasn't just the fatigue of work but his personal life. His marriage, once the picture of stability was now crumbling in front of him into a bitter divorce. Peace was now a distant dream and all he wanted was silence.

It wasn't love lost and perhaps that should have been a consolation. Amanda had fallen out of love with him years ago and their relationship had boiled down to cold exchanges and silence. The divorce was impending but he never expected her to have fallen in love with someone else and for him to walk onto the sight of her cheating

As he mulled over this for the thousandth time, his fingers drummed lightly on his thigh, an unconscious tick.

Sitting in the back of the car was slowly starting to suffocate him and he needed out.

"Here." He spoke up and Henry, his personal driver, raised his brow.

"Here sir?" He asked, slightly confused.

"Yes..." he walked out and breathed in the fresh night air, almost feeling liberated.

"I'm going for a walk, leave the car with me and take a cab." He instructed Henry who did as he was told immediately.

The dimly lit street was a stark contrast to the bustle of the city. If Ethan wasn't mistaken, this was the Avenue. An area where women could be obtained for a night of fun.

It didn't matter much to Ethan who looked around the street as he walked. Women leaned against walls looking at passing cars with calculated gazes.

"You lost?" A calm voice asked with a trace of sarcasm.

A girl stood leaning against a light post, her raven hair cascading over her shoulders. She wore a short, form-fitting dress that hugged her curves and a sleek leather jacket that added an edge to her look. A lace black masquerade mask hid half her face but her intelligent eyes stared at him with curiosity and her red lips had a hint of a smile on them.

The glow of the streetlights cast a warm halo around her while her piercing gaze was almost magnetic.

Ethan paused, a hint of intrigue in his voice, "I am not...I... well yea, maybe I am lost." He admitted, not sure why he was saying this to a random girl who he knew wanted nothing but his money.

"Aren't we all?" she asked.

He tilted his head slightly, "what's your name?"

"Depends on who's asking." She smiled softly, almost seeming warm, "I don't tell my name for free..."

Ethan found himself intrigued, more so by the guardedness in her voice than in her appearance. She wasn't just selling herself; she was protecting herself.

"What if I pay for your time?" he asked softly, barely believing the words that came out of his mouth. Was he really doing this?

"And what will you be paying for?" She asked, her eyes narrowing in intrigue. He barely seemed like the kind of man who would pick up a girl from a back street. A tall man in a tailored suit who looked groomed and put together. His dark hair was styled neatly but tousled. His chiselled face was handsome but the deep-set blue eyes held an intensity that was often mistaken for aloofness.

But his handsome face wasn't the only thing that caught her eye. It was the fatigue behind his face and the subtle stress etched into him. He was a man who was tired, not just physically but emotionally. What did he want from her that he couldn't get from any woman he wanted?

"Time... that's all." He was nearly whispering now.

The girl nodded and waited as he brought his car around. There was a second of hesitation on his side as he watched her get into the car.

Truly, what was he doing?! He knew he didn't want any sexual favors from her... so why was he doing this.

As soon as she slid into the passenger seat, the atmosphere shifted, charged with an electric tension. The moment she settled into the plush leather seat, her scent enveloped the space mingling with the faint aroma of the luxurious interior. As the woody undertones of sandalwood flooded his car, Ethan knew he would go ahead with his crazy thought.

"Where are we off to?" She asked.

"I own a home close by, it was being used by a friend but he left yesterday. No one will notice." He replied, his eyes scanning the road as he drove.

"So a rich mysterious man in a beautiful car. Is the name a mystery too?" Sara asked, leaning her head as she looked at the beautiful night city.

"You haven't told me yours..." he chuckled still not believing that a prostitute sitting in his car.

"Haven't been paid yet." She grinned, "I'm kidding, my name is Ruby. Now, your turn."

"Ethan..." he replied, perhaps he should have been giving out his fake name but he did not have the mental strength to

"How's the divorce treating you?" She asked softly. Ethan frowned, immediately shocked that she knew.

"I-"

"Relax." She placed a hand on his thigh, "There's a mark on your finger from where your ring used to be. Most men come to me when Love leaves them. "

"I... guess. Have you been doing this for long, Ruby? You stand there every day?" he asked, not very subtly changing the topic.

"A year." She replied, "I do this only on Saturdays."

The car slowed down in front of what she assumed was his house. Nestled behind a curtain of lush greenery, it was a small modern house with metal doors and large windows. It was minimal but stunning.

"How do you trust me?" he asked as he got out of the car and walked over to her side to open her car door.

"You mean how don't I know that you're a murderer?" She asked with a laugh, "You think I don't know who you are?"

Ethan looked at her with a tone of hesitation in his face.

"I don't judge." She got out of the car and followed him to the home, "I'm here to offer my services and that is it."

Ethan led her into the home which was roomy and yet cozy. A plush sectional sofa sat across a modern fireplace. Ethan led her to sit at it while he would pour a bottle of wine.

"So, I guess rates aren't something you care about?" she asked as she looked at the artwork around the house.

"I have deep pockets." He shrugged and brought her a glass of wine.

"And what do you need me to do for you?" she asked with a seductive smile which was a switch from her regular.

"No judgment?" He asked looking at her with a look that conveyed both hope and shame.

"absolutely not." She shook her head, and drew closer to him. Her body was close to his and It was almost intoxicating to him.

"I want to be held. Nothing else. It's been years since I've felt a woman... or anyone hold me and..."

A puzzled expression flitted across her face for a millisecond as she stared at him to understand what exactly he meant.

"I... am tired, Ruby. " he conceded.

"I understand," She said and stood up, offering her hand, "Let me lead you."

Ethan had never been one to let go of control. Whether it came to business or his personal life, he always had control.

But now when Minnie was looking down at him, her dark eyes staring into his very soul, he couldn't help but follow her up the stairs and into the bedroom.

The girl took off her jacket and shoes before taking off the numerous rings that adorned her hands.

"Ruby..." he whispered, assuming that she had misunderstood what he meant.

"Shhh...Come." She signalled before laying on the bed, propped up on her elbow. Ethan took off his suit and shirt, before getting into bed and nestling into her.

The silence that enveloped him was almost foreign. Ruby's soft hand and fingers gently combed through his hair as Ethan's body relaxed and for the first time in forever he felt peace. She did not understand why he would pay so much just for this but she had learned better than to question her clients.

The soft hum of ran on the roof and the gentle breeze of the night accompanied by her soft breathing lulled him into a sleep.

The business tycoon Ethan Lockwood was softly asleep in the arms of a woman he had to pay for. An irony if anyone found out. Yet none of that was important for him. All he cared about was being here, in Ruby's arms.

"where was he last night?" Amanda asked with a raised brow.

"I am not at liberty to discuss Master Ethan or his dealings." Arthur replied as decently as he could even though he did not want to deal with the mean and spiteful woman who was once the wife of Ethan Lockwood. Now, she was just his cheating ex who was staying in the house till alimony and property dividing was decided by the lawyer.

Whipped in the love that Amanda once had for him, Ethan hadn't even thought of a prenup. Boy, did he regret it now.

Even as he walked through his front door, he dreaded coming face to face with her.

"what's for breakfast?" he asked Arthur, his loyal butler who had been with him ever since he was a little boy.

"French toast sir, your favorite." He smiled.

"I don't like it." Amanda spoke up.

"Then it's a blessing I did not have enough made for you." Arthur glared as he walked away.

"Where were you?" She confronted Ethan who was on the way to his room.

"not your business." He replied, trying to get away from her.

"I am not legally divorced yet, so yes, it is my business." She scoffed, following him to his room.

"Well, maybe I was cheating on you with your brother. Oh wait, that was what you did." He offered her a strained smile before returning to a stony expression.

"Oh come on, as if you have never made a mistake!" She exclaimed, "We can still work this out!"

"So you're willing to leave Hunter?" Ethan crossed his arms and leaned on the doors of his closet.

"Maybe we can compromise?" She asked and he scoffed, immediately turning away from her.

"Get out of my room Amanda." He ordered, his voice low and deep. He meant every word and she knew he would use this experience against her in the divorce proceedings if she pushed him.

"Fine." Amanda walked out of his room and he felt at peace again.

He half wished he could still be in the arms of Ruby who had cuddled him through the night. He let her sleep there when he woke and left a wad of money near her. He did not want to be there when she woke up. Something about it was far more vulnerable than he was willing to be.

Ethan did not have time to think of her however, he had work to get to. That was what he told himself. However, all he could think was of Ruby.

Ruby or Minnie, which was her real name, on the other hand was not thinking of him at all. In fact all she could think of was how to make him come back to her. He was a vulnerable rich man who needed a girl for comfort and she was a girl who needed money. She had hit the jackpot!

As a struggling law student, she needed the money more than anything and a single night with him was more than enough to make sure she paid half her semester fees.

"Stand in the same place and wait for him to come to you." Her roommate, Ellie advised.

"And what if he doesn't show up. What if this was just a one-night thing?" Minnie looked at the remaining money in her hand, "Oh man. I wish he shows up."

"That's all that you can do." Ellie shrugged, "but damn, thousands of dollars just for cuddling? Are you sure he didn't drug you and take advantage of you?"

"He didn't. " Minnie smiled at the recollection of the night, "he was perfect. A perfect gentleman...he didn't even try to look at me with lust. But when he hugged me..."

"he groped you...?"

"no, he-"

"He made lewd comments?"

"No! God, let me finish. He melted into me. Like he had never been hugged before and had been craving it."

"Poor guy..." Ellie mumbled, "Drain him of his money."

Minnie laughed out loud, "You're so rotten."

"Come on, now let's take the rest of his money and go eat a nice dinner! Fine dining is just a step away." Ellie bounced on the bed in excitement.

"Absolutely not. I need groceries. I'll cook." Minnie got up and walked out, bidding goodbye to her roommate.

She may not want to admit it to Ellie but she enjoyed the night as well. The past few years had gone by in a blur of tears, stress and begging people for handouts. Where a few years ago she had a loving family who had put her in college, now she had a drunk mom and an estranged sister who did not even know if she was alive or dead. Her college was expensive and she had sold everything she had had. It was a blessing that Ellie was well off and generous. She had covered the rent many times but Minnie knew she couldn't take advantage of that. She had slept hungry so many nights that sleeping with a full stomach had become uncomfortable.

When she hugged Ethan and they sank into each other's arms, he wasn't the only one feeling peace for the first time in a long time.

The soft smell of woody amber from his cologne, the smooth skin on his chest, the way his strong arms encompassed her and the way he breathed. Soft and slow. At peace with just her in his arms. It was the best sleep that she had had.

Shaking her head, she put the thought of him out of her head. She had classes to go to... paid ones. The thought alone made her happy.

"He isn't coming. I should accept another client." Minnie thought to herself as she cursed her heels for being so high. She had been standing at the street corner from the past hour. It had been the same time that she had met Ethan the week before. It was so obvious that he wasn't coming. What were the chances that he even remembered her? He probably had many girls that he hired.

As an aging and balding man approached her, she decided to accept his offer and smiled at him.

"Hey sugar. What's a man gotta do to get some company around here?" He asked, his hand touching her hip.

Steeling herself from the stench of alcohol that dripped from him, she smiled brighter, "I'm good company... for a price." Her voice was higher than normal and she tried seeming as feminine and attractive as she could.

"I got a full wallet and an empty bed if you say so." He said and before she could even respond he began leading her to his car by her hand.

"Oh... yeah..." She mumbled, listlessly following him. Another night pleasuring a strange man... she did not know how she did it but she would switch the conscious part of her brain off and simply push through as if it were second nature.

"Ruby?" Ethan's voice burst through the daze she was in and her head snapped back to see him pull up in his Audi.

"Oh. Sorry sir. This is a prepaid session." She laughed nervously as she wrangled her hand away from the man and made her way towards Ethan. The man called her colorful names as he approached another woman who stood close-by.

"I'm sorry if I disturbed you-" He began but was cut off by the girl.

"Please don't. He smelled like he lived in a whisky factory. So... Two days in a row. You gotta be careful honey, you're gonna get addicted to me." She smiled, her charm coming back to her now.

Ethan chuckled, his dimple showing up and making him look even more handsome which she didn't think was possible.

"I just... uhm. Enjoyed last night. So, are you free?" He asked grinned as she nodded.

The car door was opened for her and the girl got in, happy to have lucked out. If it was to be anything like the night before, she would make bank!

"We are doing something a little different today. If you don't mind." He said as the car pulled away. Ruby's heart beat a tad faster. Was he about to ask her to do something for him? Well, why did it matter. She was a prostitute. She knew men only hired her for one thing.

"Whatever you need." She combed her hair back and turned to him.

"Dinner." He replied.

"Dinner?" She asked, confused.

"I haven't eaten."

"I... I am in a mask, if we go anywhere, people will know I am a sex worker. I... am not taking this mask off." She said, a note of nervousness in her voice that was immediately picked up by her.

"Don't worry. I took care of that." Ethan pulled into what looked like a high-end restaurant, except it seemed to be shut.

"It's closed." Minnie pointed out as he got out of his car and opened her door.

"I know. I shut it down... I don't like eating with a crowd." He explained as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

"Of course." She breathed out. The walk into the restaurant was nerve racking for her but when she walked in, she saw only one table set up with low lights around it and what seemed like two glasses of champagne.

"This almost seems Romantic honey." She chuckled, "Are you sure you're not falling there?"

Ethan watched as the girl took off her coat and sat on the chair, her dress was pure lace and uncomfortably short. She tugged at it as she sat. He took a napkin and placed it on her bare thighs, hoping it would help her. She didn't say a word but the shine in her eyes showed that she appreciated the gesture.

"So why bring me to dinner?" she asked, resting her chin on her fingers.

"You seem to be young. Maybe early twenties and your face is masked meaning you still have a reputation to protect. You're probably a college student putting herself through college. You're stick thin and constantly chewing on gum meaning you're using it to not feel as hungry."

"you're assuming a lot." She frowned, her ego slighted.

"And am I assuming wrong?"

"I don't need your pity." She crossed her arms in defiance.

"I don't pity you. You want something and you're getting it. Kudos to you. All I am doing is giving you dinner. Consider it part of the payment." He replied, staring into her dark eyes.

She stared right back, assessing if he truly had good intentions. However, she was hungry and the only meal she had had was this morning's breakfast. The money he had given her was meant for her education and she had not spent it on herself.

"I am hungry." She replied, almost defeated.

"Me too." He smiled as a waiter walked over and offered them menus.

"So. What do you want from me? Any particular... service?" Minnie touched his hand.

Ethan looked down at her delicate fingers and shook her head, "I haven't had a single dinner where I haven't spoken about stocks or business decisions and I want a conversation, that's it."'

"Great. Personality isn't my strong suit you know." She chuckled, withdrawing her hand.

"I beg to differ." He replied, "So, what do you like to do in your spare time."

"I... wouldn't know what spare time was if it hit me in the face." Joking, she thought back to the last hobby she had, "But I enjoyed horseback riding as a child."

"Horses? Really? Who would have pegged you as a horse girl."

"I am not a horse girl!" She exclaimed with faux indignation, "I just liked them a normal amount!"

"Did you ever sleep next to a horse in its stable?" he raised a brow as if daring her to answer.

Her eyes narrowed before she conceded, "yes I have..."

"Total horse-girl!" he laughed.

The girl giggled and looked at him. Even his laugh was rich!

The evening was the best dinner that she had in a long time... the only dinner, actually.

" will you be going back to work?" He asked as she got into his car.

"I won't... I will be going home." She replied.

"How? A car?"

"I'll walk."

"What?" Ethan turned to her, "It's nearly 3 am... why would you walk home! It's dangerous. I'll drop you"

"I... I can't" She frowned, "I'm sorry. I know you're not a bad person but-"

"But you don't want anyone knowing who you really are. I know Ruby but...I just can't have you being unsafe." His brow furrowed.

"Okay uhm, what if you drop me a block away?" She offered. This wasn't ideal but it was better than the alternative for him.

Ethan agreed to do so and drove her a block away from her home. Before she got out he handed her an envelope and bid her goodnight.

As soon as his car was out of sight, she took her mask off and removed her wig, hoping no one had seen her. Quickly rushing, she made it to her home and knocked. Knowing Ethan he had a lot of cash in the envelope and she did not want to get mugged!

"Coming, coming!" Ellie opened the door, her hello kitty eye mask sitting on her messy head of hair, "What?" She glared through half shut eyes.

"Ethan came back!" Minnie exclaimed and the girl was immediately awake at that.

"Oh my gosh, come in." She squealed excitedly. They rushed over to the couch and opened the envelope. A silence overtook them as Ellie counted the money.

"This....is 50k." Ellie looked up at Minnie who gasped.

"What did you guys do?" she asked but before the girl could reply, she pulled out a note from the envelope.

"Thanks for the night. You are my favorite distraction."

"Oh my God girl." Ellie blushed.

"It's just a "Thank You" note." Minnie insisted as she took the note, "Keep the money with you for a bit, will you? I don't really have a secure place to keep it."

"Sure." Ellie smirked as she noticed Minnie fold up the note and keep it in her diary. She may act like she did not like the note but Ellie knew.