The Fall of Antoine
By Raven

Disclaimer:  I do not own the character of Antoine LaConte.  There was no copy write infringement intended.  I do however own the other characters in the story.  This story takes place approximately two years after the movie.

Comments:  I wrote this story to show a softer side of Antoine as well as the temper that had previously been portrayed.  Call it a look into his mind to show you why he ticks the way he does.  If you’re not into romantic endings and mush I suggest you move on.  I welcome your comments at raven8913@hotmail.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Josey had heard about her neighbor for weeks before she moved in.  Many of the people in the building were under the impression that he had drug ties and such.  Josey however heard he was in fact a gigolo.  She had yet to see her neighbor but heard movement in his apartment earlier in the day. 

She busied herself unpacking her clothes and getting settled into a new home.  She had lived in a small town her entire life and was now getting out to spread her wings.  All her life she had been too shy to step out on her own.  It took everything she had to move across country.  She had taken a job with an Internet magazine her friends J.C. and Stacy had started.  They were offering to her pay her well and it was a chance to see California. 

It was also a chance to get away from her mother.  Since the death of her father on a year ago, her mother had changed.  She had become increasingly cold towards Josey and her two sisters.  She was always critical of Josey growing up her dress and her appearance but lately she had become just plan cruel.  Leaving her two younger sisters to deal with it was the hardest decision she had ever made.

She had always been close to them and she knew know that she was gone her mother would turn her attention to them.  She hoped that her sisters could stand up under the pressure her mother was putting on all of them.  Josey missed her father at times like this; his soft voice and tender touch always chased her fears away.  She being the oldest was his little Princess, his precious blossom.  She missed hearing him call her that.

Josey was pulled from her thoughts when a rumble came up from her tummy.  She stopped for a while and ordered pizza for dinner.  She was just paying the delivery guy when her neighbor arrived home.  She looked at him as he walked past her with a rather well stacked blonde-haired woman on his arm. 

He was wearing a fancy gray suit and Italian shoes.  He had long dark almost black hair that seemed to fall wildly around his dark features.  He had dark brown eyes that looked like they could burn through anything.  She couldn’t help notice the fullness of his lower lip, which was edged with a neatly trimmed beard.  He was tall, with lean build hidden under his rather baggy suit.

As he got to the door, he turned to her and looked her up and down.  Josey’s face grew hot as he did.  She saw a smile touch his lips as if amused by her reaction to him.  She tore her eyes away from his and stepped back into her apartment.  She closed the door and locked it.  She let out a deep sigh before she walked back to the kitchen to find herself a plate.  As she looked out the window, she could see into her neighbor’s apartment.  She observed that their kitchens seemed to face each other.

She saw him move past the window to get a bottle of wine but he didn’t get very far.  The blonde-haired woman attacked him and he soon carried the young woman off to the bedroom.  As Josey sat and ate her, pizza she soon heard moans coming from next door.  The woman was especially loud and it made Josey increasingly uncomfortable.  She was grateful when it seemed to be over.

As she washed her plate, she thought about him.  She had gotten so flustered by him, when he looked at her before. He was good looking she would give him that.  His brown eyes and long curly hair were very attractive.  His high cheeks bones, with his full lips, and well-trimmed beard was a winning combination.  She shook her head. 

“What are you thinking?” she asked herself, “He sells his body, for God’s sake,”

Soon she heard the moaning start again.  She let out a sigh as she went into the living room and sat down.  She turned on the TV for a moment and tried to drown him out.  It didn’t work so she went into the bathroom to shower.  She turned on the water and stripped her clothes away.  She stepped into the shower and let the hot water slid over her body relaxing her.  When she closed her eyes she could still see his face, that hint of a smile and it made her blood boil.  “How arrogant,” she thought.

When she was done, she stepped out and dried off.  It was quiet and Josey decided to enjoy it.  She slipped into a long silk nightgown and brushed out her hair.  She put her robe on and just then, the phone rang.  She picked it up.

“Hello,” she said.

“Hey Josey,” said Stacy, “What’s going on?”

"Not much”

“Well I just thought I’d let you know I’m e-mailing you your new assignments.”

“Thanks,” said Josey stepping outside, “What a day.”

“What happened?” asked Stacy.

“I saw my neighbor,” she said.

“The gigolo?”

“Yes, and I think he really is gigolo.”

“What makes you think that?”

"I saw him in the hall when the kid delivered my pizza.  He came home with a big breasted, blonde, bimbo.  God he had her screaming like a banshee over there.  Twice, that I heard anyway.  I couldn’t take it anymore so I got in the shower to drown it out,” said Josey.

“God,” said Stacy, “We’ve got to find out who this guy is.  He’d be a great story,”

“Not for me,” said Josey, “It’s bad enough I have to live next to this guy.  I do not want to be his friend, or anything else for that matter,”

“It’s just sex,” said Stacy.

"I don’t care.  He’s breaking the law,”

"You gonna turn him in?”

“No,” said Josey, “I’m not going to turn him in if he can just tone it down a bit.  I don’t want to hear that all night when I’m working on a deadline or something,”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” she said, “I’ll talk to you tomorrow,”

Josey hung up the phone and looked off her balcony.  She took in a deep breath and sighed.  She had never seen the ocean before and the smell was wonderful.  She hated the feeling that washed over her when sex was brought up.  She hated Doug for what he had done to her.  She fought back a tear as she looked at the water again.  She didn’t know she was being watched.

From inside his apartment he sat in the dark looking out.  He had seen her go outside and heard part of her conversation.  He hadn’t meant to disturb her evening.  He took a slow sip of his drink and felt a twinge in the corner of his mouth.  The woman he had been with that night was not a woman he was particularly fond of being with.  She was loud and aggressive, not the type of woman he enjoyed but she was a good client.

He looked at his new neighbor as she stood at the railing looking out at the ocean.  The breeze blew at her silk robe and caused her light brown hair to dance around head.  He had noticed her blue eyes and the perfect fullness of her lips.  She was a striking young thing; she looked almost angelic, not at all, like what he had grown accustomed too over the years.  He watched as she answered her phone again and could hear her part of the conversation.

“Hello?” she answered, “Hi mom,” she said rolling her eyes, “Yes I’m fine mom, all moved in,” she said.  Antoine watched as she dug in her robe pocket.  She pulled out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter, “Work’s fine mom.  I’ll have my next assignment in a few minutes,” 

Antoine watched as she pulled a cigarette from the slender box and lit it up.  He could see that the phone call was making her instantly agitated.  He watched as she took a long drag off the cigarette holding it in and rolling her eyes at her mother on the other end of the line.  He knew how she felt, for his mother caused him the same grief from time to time.  She blew the smoke out with a deep sigh as she now paced her deck.

“Mom for God’s sake I just moved here,” said Josey, “I haven’t had time to meet anyone all right,” she said in a near hiss, “I gotta go, all right,” there was a silence, “Yes mom, goodbye,” she hung up the phone and pretended to throw it into the ocean, “Thousands of miles away and that woman can still piss me off in less then five seconds, damn her,” She tossed the phone onto the lawn chair, “Please never let me turn into a cold heartless, bitch.”

Antoine watched quietly as she stood there finishing her cigarette.  She seemed to slowly relax as she looked out at the ocean.  She had this lost look on her face, a sort of sadness in her eyes.  He found her very intriguing and desirable at that moment.  He definitely wanted to get to know her better.

~*~*~

The next day Josey was out on her balcony with her laptop resting on her knees.  She had her headset plugged in and was busy working on her next article for Stacy.  She looked up just in time to see her neighbor come out onto his balcony.  He was wearing a light blue silk robe his wild mane of hair hanging loose around his dark face.  He reached up and pulled it back into a ponytail.  He slipped his robe off and was wearing a pair of loose swim trunks underneath it.

Antoine was fully aware that she was watching and that’s what he wanted.  He usually used his hot tub naked but if he was going to win this one over he knew he had to be a little subtler.  He stepped into the hot tub and sank slowly into the water.  He leaned back and closed his brown eyes.

Josey couldn’t take her eyes off him as he disrobed in front of her.  He had strong arms, and legs, his chest was smooth and muscular as was his stomach.  She had never used the word beautiful to describe a man but for him it fit.  She tried to go back to her work but seeing him there in the hot tub was a definite distraction. 

He stayed there for a long time before deciding to get out.  He was thinking of her, sitting there in her little white shorts, and pink tank top.  She was not wearing a bra; he had noticed it right away.  She had a full natural bosom which aroused him just thinking about it.  Seeing her nipples throw the light material had triggered a stir and now it had triggered his erection.  

Josey found herself watching him again as he rose from the water.  His trunks now wet cling to his body and she quickly took notice of the large bulge between his thighs.  He was aroused and she felt herself staring at him.  She brought her eyes up and was shocked to find him looking at her.  He gave her a soft smile and watched as she instantly blushed and looked away.

“A shy one,” he thought, “Either a virgin or never been properly pleasured,” 

He took up his towel and went back inside.  He had to get ready for his next client.  He hated the idea of going out with yet another brainless bimbo.  Antoine used to enjoy being a gigolo, where else could you be paid to do something you liked so much and did so well.  Lately though he had felt there was definitely something missing. 

Antoine had no problem fulfilling his obligations to his clients; he had never failed to perform.  What was starting to bother him was that it had been a long time since he had truly desired a woman.  The women he pleasured were attractive and such but he didn’t connect with them.  They weren’t anything special they were just warm bodies to meet his lustful needs.

Now this stranger living next to him was drawing his attention.  For the first time he thought of pursuing someone not as a client but simply as a woman.  She was attractive, with her light brown hair and piercing blue eyes.  She seemed to be fairly well built from what he had seen.  It was the thought of her watching him that had aroused him in the hot tub.  “Damn her for not wearing a bra,” he thought.

He shook his head as he went to his closet.  He knew he had to pull himself together and get through another night.  He changed his clothes and was soon off for another “Date”.

Josey had indeed been embarrassed to be caught staring at him.  She couldn’t help herself there was something about him.  It was more then curiosity about the man her neighbors called “The Gigolo”.  There was something she saw in his eyes that lead her to believe that there was more to the man the met the eye. 

Stacy arrived on her doorstep that night with a bottle of wine for a house-warming present.  Josey welcomed her in and they opened the wine quickly.  She was eager to relax and let the wine do it’s job.

“I found out his name,” said Stacy.

“Who?”

“You’re neighbor,” she said, “I actually found a woman who was a client and willing to talk about him,”

“You’re kidding,” said Josey.

“Nope, his name is Antoine LaConte,” said Stacy, “His father is Italian his mother is French.  He moved here when he was eighteen.  I don’t when he started prostituting but he’s been doing it for a while at least.  Get this, he charges thirty five hundred and from what I’ve been told he’s worth every penny,”

“Thirty-five hundred dollars?” said Josey, “What does he have a golden shalong,”

“No, but from what I’ve heard he’s very well endowed and quite skilled,” smiled Stacy.

“Well he still needs to keep it down,” she said, “The noise that is,” she said blushing.

~*~*~

That night Josey was lying in bed when she heard Antoine come home.  More to the point, she heard a woman groaning in ecstasy, as Antoine no doubt earned every penny of his thirty five hundred.  After two rounds, Josey was fed up and pulled on her robe.  She went over and knocked on his door.  She heard movement and soon the door was yanked open.  He was only wearing black silk boxers.

Antoine stood there for a moment taking in the sight of her.  She was wearing a pale blue silk robe, and it gave a breathtaking contrast to her suntanned skin.  Her sun kissed hair fell in wild deep waves over her shoulders.  He met her gaze as her deep blue eyes burned into his own.

“What?” he asked rather rudely.  He instantly regretted his tone.

“You may not realize this but I live next door to you.  I have had to endure your little passion fest over here late into the night and I’ve had it.  If you can’t keep your companions reasonably quiet then I suggest you get a muzzle,” she said looking past him at the blonde stumbling out of his room, “My God,” she muttered.

“Who the hell are you?” asked the blonde-haired woman.

“Shut up and go back to the bedroom,” he said, not taking his eyes off Josey.

“But,”

“Go put your clothes on!” he shouted making even Josey jump. 

“Mr. LaConte, I am not someone to tell you how to live your life but I would think you would know how to be a bit more discreet in your “affairs”.  I would appreciate it if you could get your “friends” to be a little more thoughtful of those who live around you,” she said, I would hate to have to call the authorities on you,”

She stood looking at him waiting for a response. He was almost amused by how brazen she was.  Only one woman had spoken to him in that tone of voice, his mother.  She stood there, her eyes locked on him and he knew she would not leave until she was satisfied.

“You are right,” he said softening his look on her, “I am afraid that some of my “friends” get a bit carried away when they are over.  I apologize if I have disrupted your evening, Miss?” Josey stood for a moment dumbstruck by the tenderness in his voice.

“Winters,” she said finally, feeling her heart race in her chest, “Josephine Winters,”

“Josephine,” he repeated softly and held his hand out to her, “It is a pleasure to meet you,” she took his hand and without breaking his gaze he brought it to his lips and kissed it.  It sent chills through her, “You have my deepest apologies.  I assure you I will try to contain the noise in the future.”

“Thank you,” she said, withdrawing her hand.

She turned and walked back to her own door.  As she walked, she could feel his eyes on her.  She opened her door without looking back at him and stepped inside quickly closing the door.  She slumped against the door and let out a deep sigh.  It was the first time she had heard him speak and she thought she would go weak in the knees when he said her name.  She heard voices outside her door.

“You son of a bitch!” yelled the woman, “This is the last time I call you.”

“What are you complaining about?  You got your money’s worth,” he said.

“Says you.  You just wait Antoine; I’ll get you back for this.  No one treats me this way,” she said storming off towards the gate.

“Obviously,” he said closing the door.  Josey couldn’t help but smile.

~*~*~

The months passed and Antoine kept his word.  He took his louder clients to a hotel instead of back to his place.  He saw Josey from time to time but she didn’t speak to him very often.  He had caught her gaze several times while she was in her kitchen making coffee and such.  Occasionally she smiled at him in an effort to keep a peace between them.

One night while she was having a sleepless night Josey sat in the darkness of her living room looking out at the ocean.  She heard voices coming from next door.  It wasn’t long before Antoine appeared on the balcony with a red haired woman.  He was in a robe as was she. 

Josey watched as they were soon dropping their robes and grabbing each other.  Josey watched as Antoine practically attacked the woman.  He ravaged her breasts with his mouth as his large hands roamed over her body.  Josey felt seriously aroused as Antoine touched the woman’s body.  He moved and Josey suddenly got a look at Antoine’s naked body.  He was fully aroused and Josey stifled a gasp.  He was much larger then any man she had ever seen.  Now she knew why the women were crying out so.

He took the woman there on a lawn chair as Josey watched.  She could feel the heat building between her own legs, and a dull throbbing start.  She couldn’t take her eyes off him.  His buttocks was rock hard as he thrusted into the woman, the muscles in his back and legs straining.  She stepped back when she heard it end and she pressed herself against the wall.  She would just die if he saw her looking at them.  She soon heard them go inside and she quickly went to her room and closed the door.

A short time later, she heard yelling from the next door.  She bolted from her bed grabbing her robe when she heard glass break.  Just as she stepped out the front door Antoine’s door came open and the woman came flying out.  She sprawled out on the ground.  Josey turned to see Antoine in the doorway blood was flowing down his face and anger burned in his brown eyes.

“What the hell is wrong with you, you crazy bitch?” he said, “Get the hell out of here before I break your neck.”

“Fuck you Antoine,” she spat, “You’re not the only whore in the world.”

The woman scrambled to her feet and staggered away from them.  Josey watched after her and when she was gone, she looked back at Antoine.  He lifted his hand to his temple and could feel the blood.  He also saw Josey looking at him.  She found her voice and spoke.

“Are…are you all right?” she asked.

“Yes!” he snapped making her jump back.  She started to turn, “Wait,” he said softening his voice, “I am sorry,” she turned back to him.

“Do you need help?” she asked.

“No,” he said starting to turn.  He suddenly felt a bit light headed and he leaned against the doorframe.  She went over to him.

“Here,” she said placing his arm around her shoulder, “Let me help you.”

She helped Antoine inside and through the darkness, she found his sofa.  She set him down and went to the kitchen.  She soon came back with a wet cloth.  She wiped the blood from his face and then moved to clean the wound.  He winced when she touched him and shot her a look.

“I’m sorry,” she said, trying to be gentle, “It doesn’t look too bad.  You’ll need a big band-aid,” she said, “What did she clock you with?”  Antoine pointed to the broken vase on the floor, “What did you do to her?”  He glared at her.

“So it’s automatically my fault,” he said.

“I’m sorry,” she said lowering her eyes.  It confused him she had been so strong earlier and now she seemed so submissive.  He softened his tone.

“She got mad at me because I refused to be her lap dog,” he said.

“Oh,” she said, “I should get going.  Are you going to be all right?”

"Yes, I will be fine,” he said in a cold tone.  He silently chided himself for being short with her, “Thank you,” he said softer, “For helping me.”

“You’re welcome,” she said, “Sweet dreams.”

Antoine watched as she left his condo.  His head was throbbing a bit from the blow he took.  He managed to get to his feet and then to his bed.  He laid back and closed his eyes thinking of Josey.  She had a tender touch, and a soothing voice.  His eyes felt heavy and he soon welcomed the sleep but he would not have the sweet dreams she wished him.

~*~*~

Antoine woke with a start, his chest heaving, and sweat covering his body.  His eyes focused slowly and he realized he was safe in his home.  He flung his leg off the bed and set up.  His head throbbed at the quick movement and he cradled his head in his hands.  It had been years since he had thought about her.  Why now would she come to haunt his dreams?

"Bethany?” he said softly.

Antoine remembered it like yesterday now, the young girl that had stolen his heart.  She had come to Italy on a vacation with her family.  They had met at the local market and Antoine was instantly taken with her.  She had light hair and light features unlike the women of his country.  She was sweet, and gentle.  Antoine had wanted to marry her but her family left abruptly.           

Antoine took what money he had and was determined to follow her to America against his family’s wishes.  He had worked every odd job he could to earn the money.  Then he met a man who said he could get Antoine to America if her was willing to sell himself.  His love for Bethany had blinded him so much he said yes.     

By the time, he arrived in America and found Bethany she was with another man.  She had played Antoine for a fool and returned to marry a rich boyfriend.  Antoine’s heart was broken, his life shattered.  Instead of returning to Italy and face his family he stayed in America.

That was when he had met Madam Stonewood.  When he had seen Bethany in the arms of another man he took off running.  He ran until he couldn’t any more and collapsed in the street.  She took Antoine in fed him, clothed him, put a roof over his head.  She was the one who had taught Antoine how to please a woman, how to dress, how to act.  The one thing she always had a problem with was his temper.  Antoine was a passionate man, and all too quick to anger.  She knew his anger stemmed from the betrayal of his love.  She had also hoped that someday a woman would come along that would calm the storm in the young man’s heart.

It was years ago now, as Antoine looked around him.  She had taught him well and now he lived comfortably.  He took the money from the rich foolish women.  He treated them like dirt, and they seemed to like it.  They had husbands and families and were willing to risk it all to share his company.  He felt they deserved whatever they got; he was just doing his job.

Antoine’s breathing had returned to normal now and he could sense how calm the night was.  He laid back in his bed and closed his eyes trying to push the memories back down into the depths of his soul.  He soon felt the sleep coming again and welcomed it.

~*~*~

The next morning Stacy came by and the two of them sat outside talking.  Antoine was working out and could hear their conversation. 

“You need to get laid,” said Stacy.

“Please,” sighed Josey, “If that’s all I wanted I could easily pick a guy up.”

“Personally I think you need to put away your battery operated friend, march next door and take the bull by the horns, so to speak.”

“First of all, I don’t have thirty-five hundred dollars, and secondly he’s too rough for my taste.”

"How do you know?” asked Stacy.

“I saw him,” said Josey calmly.

“No!  When?”

“Last night, he was banging some red head on his balcony,” 

“Wow,” said Stacy, “Did you get a look at his…”

“Stacy!”

“I was just wondering if the rumors were true,” she smiled.

“Yes, he’s hung. He’s hung like a horse, happy?  It’s still not the point.”

“So what is?”

“You know I’ve been out of the game for a while.  Doug was my first and only so far.  Doug was rough like Antoine was last night.  He always seemed to be rushing.  The only time I’ve had an orgasm is by myself,” said Josey.

“You’re kidding.”

“I wish,” said Josey, “I want someone who can be tender and take his time.  I just want to really make love to someone and not just a quick bang.”

“You’re right.  There’s a time when you want that intense sexual desire to sweep you away, and other times you just want to savor it,” said Stacy.

“I want a chance to savor,” said Josey, “And with someone else in the room,” Stacy laughed.

“So you’re sure that Antoine can’t be tender,” she said.

“Not from what I’ve seen and heard,” said Josey, “Well except when I helped him last night.”

“What?”

“The girl he was with smashed him in the head with a vase,” said Josey, “I helped him back inside and cleaned him up.  For a moment he did have this tenderness in his voice, but with someone like him how can you tell if it’s an act?”

“Maybe he’ll prove you wrong,” smiled Stacy.

Antoine smiled.  “So she wants tender,” he thought.  He set his weights down and rested his hands on his strong hips.  A smile came to his soft lips as an idea came into his head.  He went to the phone and made a phone call.

~*~*~

That night Josey was sitting outside on her balcony when Antoine returned to his home.  She saw the woman he was with that night.  She wasn’t a bleach blonde Barbie like the other girls she had seen him with.  The woman was more petite with light brown hair and dark eyes.  She was closer to Josey’s own body type except Josey was taller.

Even though Antoine dimmed the lights Josey could still see them on the couch.  Antoine slipped his coat off and joined her on the couch.  She watched as he reached out and gently caressed the woman’s cheek before kissing her lips.  He pressed her against the couch as she slipped his arms around her waist.  He slipped his hands up to her back and found her zipper.

He kissed her skin gently as he lowered the straps on her gown revealing her black lace bra.  Josey watched as he gently kissed and caressed the woman’s skin.  She saw him toss the bra aside and press against the woman.  He moved down her body undressing her, caressing her, and kissing her.  She was soon naked and Antoine removed his clothes as well.

Josey blushed and almost ran inside when she saw him lower himself in front of the woman.  He spread her legs open to give her oral pleasure.  Josey could feel her own wetness as she watched.  The woman moaned gently under his caress.  The throbbing between Josey’s own legs intensified as she watched him please the woman.  Soon he moved to enter her and Josey felt herself gasp.  He slipped on a condom and kissed the woman gently.

He didn’t just thrust into her as he had the night before with the red head.  He eased his way in and took his time.  Soon he was thrusting fast into the woman as she clung to his hard body crying out for more.  Josey was hypnotized as he continued to drive into the woman until she climaxed.

When it was over she saw Antoine rise and leave the room briefly.  He soon came back and covered them both with a blanket.  They cuddled for a while and Josey quickly ducked inside.  Her face was hot and the throbbing was still there.  She decided to jump into the shower and find her own relief. 

~*~*~

Days passed and that night haunted Josey, literally.  She had begun to dream of Antoine envisioning herself on that couch with him.  She would wake up still feeling his burning kisses on her skin.  She pushed the thoughts aside and tried to force herself to work.

It was October now and she was dreading the holidays.  She hated the thought of going home and wished there was a way to avoid the whole thing.  She had a class reunion, a wedding, Thanksgiving, a family Christmas, and New Year’s Eve coming.  The idea of going alone made her sick inside.

“You should hire Antoine,” she heard Stacy saying.

“Maybe, she found herself saying, “I wonder what he would charge just to be an escort?  There’s only one way to find out?”

~*~*~

It took two days for Josey to build up the courage to go over and talk to him.  Now she stood in front of his door frozen in fear.  She raised her trembling hand and finally knocked on the door.  She waited patiently trying to steady herself as she heard him moving inside.  He finally answered the door.

He looked gorgeous as he stood before her.  He was wearing black jeans and a tight black t-shirt.  He looked at her and a slight smile crossed his lips.  It was an unexpected surprise to see her.  She was wearing a black pleated skirt with black nylons and high-heeled boots.  Her blouse was white silk and was wrapped around her full bosom. 

“Miss Winters.  To what do I owe this pleasure?” he said, “Have I disturbed you?”

“No, I was hoping I could speak to you, in private,” she said.

“Of course,” he said.  He stepped back opening the door to her.  She walked past him and stood inside.  He looked at her, “Would you mind removing your shoes?  It’s a very expensive carpet.

“Oh course,” she smiled.  She removed her boots and followed him inside.  She gasped when she saw the weapons on the wall, “Wow,” his apartment had been so dark that night she helped him she hadn’t seen them.

“You like them?” he asked.

“They’re exquisite.  I personally have affection for swords.  Even use to fence in school,” she said, “I did an interview with a man who still makes pieces of authentic armor as well as swords.  You have a nice collection, some very rare pieces.  You have a good eye,” she turned and laid eyes on the crossbow, “My god, is that Hungarian?”

“Yes it is,” he said.

“Mr. LaConte, you have a very good eye.  These are extremely rare.  I’ve never seen one in such excellent condition,” she said.

“Thank you,” he said, “Come.”

She followed him to the living room and saw the massive fish tank on display.  She walked over to it and gently placed her hand on the glass.  He watched as her eyes followed the fish around the tank and smiled danced across her lips.

“You boys have a good home,” she said, “Hello gorgeous,” she said looking at the big fish, “Chinese Tailbar Lion Fish.”

“I always forget his name,” said Antoine going over to her, “He’s an expensive fellow.”

“He’s beautiful,” she said, “Nice tank.”

“Yeah it’s my third one,” he said.  She looked at him puzzled,  “It is a long story, would you like something to drink?” he asked.

“Water would be just fine,” she said.

Antoine went over and got water for her.  He came back and handed the glass to her.  He made his way to the sofa and she followed him.  They sat together and he looked at her.

“So what did you wish to talk about?” he asked.

“Well,” she said blushing, “I wasn’t sure how to approach this.”

“Just say it,” he said.

“I understand that you provide a certain service to women,” she said, “That you are a gigolo.”

“Yes,” he said, “I am.”

“I was wondering if you provide other services besides sex,” she said.

“Such as?” Josey sighed.  He was not going to make it easy on her.

“I have several events coming up and I was wondering if you could be an escort,” she said.

“I see,” he smiled.

“No sex involved.  I just hate going to all this functions alone.  I thought maybe you could pretend to be my boyfriend,” she said, “I just didn’t know if you charge the same for that or what.”

“Do you have the dates?” he asked.  She pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket and handed it to him.  He took it and looked it over.  There were a few dates that he had made arrangements for but it was nothing he couldn’t reschedule, “I’ll do it if you agree to my conditions.”

“Let’s hear them,” she said.

“If we are to appear as a couple then we should share quarters where permissible,” he said, “You will need to provide a background for me to follow.  A job, how we met, and details about yourself that only a boyfriend would know.”

“Of course,” she said, “And your fee?”

“Simply pay my expenses and we will call it even,” he said.

“Expenses?” she asked.

“Hotel room, airfare, meals and the like,” he said.

“That’s all?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said, “Do these things and I will be at your beck and call.”

“Thank you, Mr. LaConte,” she said.

“You must call me Antoine,” he said reaching for her hand.  She jumped and he shook his head, “We have to work on this.  If we are to convince people that we are an intimate couple it will not look right if you jump at my touch.”

“You’re right,” she blushed, “I’m sorry, this is all new to me.”

“It is all right,” he said moving closer, “We may work on this now if you have time.”

“Uh, yeah,” she said softly.

She practically held her breath as Antoine reached out and caressed her cheek.  He could feel her trembling and he fought the urge to smile.  He ran his thumb over her soft lips as he gazed into her blue eyes.  For the first time he realized what a brilliant blue they were.  He leaned in and she could feel his breath as he looked at her.  His lips brushed hers and he felt her take a sharp breath.

He pressed his lips to hers and felt her tense slightly.  He took his tongue and softly caressed her lips.  She let out a small gasp that caused her lips to part slightly.  He gently took advantage and slipped his tongue into her mouth causing her to tense again.  He brought his hand up to her back and gently stroked her.  He soon felt her relax against him as he deepened the kiss.

He moved his hand up and found her silken hair.  She moaned slightly as his skillful tongue probed her mouth.  He felt her kissing back now and she soon wrapped her arms around his strong shoulders.  She pressed against him as he held her tight.  He was beginning to get aroused and gently backed out of the kiss.  She opened her eyes and looked at him.

“That is better,” he said, “I need you to trust me.  I will not harm you.  You need to be relaxed with me or people will know we are not what we seem.”

“Of course,” she said, “I should go.”

“Of course,” he smiled standing up, “I will see you soon then.”

Josey left and returned to her home.  She sat down and started to make arrangements for her first trip.  She had her fifteen-year class reunion and she was not looking forward to it.  She had been terribly overweight in school and hadn’t had to many friends.  Of course, the idea of showing up thin, with a guy like Antoine on her arm suddenly put a smile on her face.

She booked the hotel room and the two tickets back to Wisconsin.  She then came up with a background story for Antoine.  He was now an independently wealthy businessman who made a fortune on the stock market.  They had met when she was doing research on an article.  They had been dating three months and it was serious.

She took the information to him as well as details about herself.  Antoine smiled as he looked at her list.  Her favorite color ~ sapphire blue, nickname ~ Josey, she liked Frank Sinatra, her favorite food ~ gyros, loves red wine, favorite soda ~ Mountain Dew Code Red, favorite drink ~ Amaretto and coke, favorite animal ~ Huskies, favorite scent ~ White Shoulders, favorite song ~ “Night and Day” favorite holiday song ~ “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve”, favorite hobby ~ dancing.  He studied the paper with a smile.  He had everything he needed, or so he thought.

~*~*~

Soon it was time to leave for Wisconsin.  She took her bag and set it by the front door.  She picked up her purse and looked around to make sure she had everything.  Just then, there was a knock at the door.  She opened it and there stood Antoine.  He was wearing a smoke gray turtleneck with dark gray pants and black dress shoes.  He had his jacket slung over his arm.

“Hi,” she smiled as she opened the door to him; “I’m just about ready,” Antoine stepped in and took her suitcase.  He set it with his, “All right,” she said, “Let’s go, let me take your coat,” she said.

Antoine handed her his coat as he took both their bags and walked her towards the entrance of the complex.  She followed him out to the waiting cab.  He handed their bags over and opened the door for her.  She slipped in and he went around the other side and got in next to her.

As they drove, Antoine took time to look her over.  She was wearing a black turtleneck sweater, with blue jeans and black high-heeled boots.  She had a black belt with a silver buckle, and small silver hoop earrings.  Her hair was pulled back from her face in a loose ponytail.  She was quite dazzling in a simple way.

Once at the airport, he took the tickets from her as they checked their bags.  They made it through security and were soon allowed to board the plane.  They were in first class and Josey was ready to sit back and relax.  As soon as they were in the air and on there, way drinks were served. 

“Would you like something to drink?” she asked.

“I’ll take scotch on the rocks,” he said, “Red wine all right darling?” he asked turning to Josey.

“Yes,” she smiled, “Perfect.”

The flight attendant handed him the drinks and moved on.  They drank their drinks and Josey soon relaxed as the wine flowed through her body.  He watched as her eyes grew heavy and he offered his embrace to her.  He moved the divider from between them and slipped an arm around her shoulders.  She instinctively slid over and nuzzled against his strong chest.  He stroked her hair as she slept against him.

There was something very different about her and Antoine could sense it.  Holding her right then he felt a warmness sweep over him that he had never felt before.  He wasn’t sure what it was but he knew he had to be careful.  He didn’t want to hurt her he could tell she was somewhat delicate and he did not want to crush that softness. 

When Josey woke, she was in Antoine’s arms.  She could hear his heart beating as she laid her head against his strong chest.  She moved from his arms and he smiled at her.

“Sorry,” she said.

“It’s all right,” he said, “If you’ll excuse me.”

He moved from his seat and made his way to the bathroom.  Just as he returned they turned on the “Fasten Seatbelt” sign.  He took his seat next to Josey as they landed.

After coming to a stop, he helped her on with her jacket.  He took her hand and they walked up the ramp together.  They got their bags and once outside he flagged a cab for them.  As they drove to the hotel Antoine looked at her carefully.

“So why aren’t you staying with your family?” he asked. 

“I figured this would be easier.  The reunion is at the same hotel we’re staying in and this is stressful enough without seeing my mother.  She would just give you the third degree and I’m not up for that,” she said, “I’m sure she’d find something wrong with you.  She never thinks anyone is good enough for me.  It’s a catch 22; she wants me to be with someone but then no ones good enough for me.  I keep telling her that I can’t be so picky,” he looked at her surprised she had such an opinion of herself.

“I see,” he said softly.

"Tonight’s more casual.  They’re going to have a buffet, kind of a getting reacquainted sort of thing.  They’ll be a DJ.  Tomorrow night will be the formal dinner and dance,” she said.

“Sounds good,” he said.

Once they arrived at the hotel Antoine helped her from the cab as the porter took their bags.  Antione once again paid for the cab.  Josey intended on talking to him about it later.  As they went inside he placed his arm around her waist and she was glad he did.  As they approached the desk Josey heard, someone call her name.

“Josey,” squealed the girl coming at them, Josey is that you?”

“Dear God,” groaned Josey, “Incoming.”

She slipped her arm around Antoine’s waist and forced a smile.  Coming at her was Shannon White.  She had been in Josey’s homeroom in high school.  Shannon was a sweet girl although hyperactive at times and with tendency to say the wrong thing.  Shannon had not changed much with her hair still frizzing out and her out of style glasses.  She was dressed entirely in purple and Josey saw the look on Antoine’s face.

“Josey,” she said hugging her, “You look great.  I almost didn’t recognize you.”

“Thank you,” she smiled.

“And who do we have here?” asked Shannon eyeing Antoine.

“I’m sorry.  Antoine this is Shannon White.  Shannon this is my boyfriend Antoine LaConte.”

“It’s Shannon Miller now,” she said shaking Antoine’s hand.

“A pleasure,” he smiled, “Darling if we are going to shower before dinner we should go check in.”

“Of course, I’ll see you later,” said Josey.

"You bet,” smiled Shannon.

They turned towards the desk and as they stood their checking in Antoine noticed Shannon was still watching them.  He let his hand slip down to Josey’s backside.  She tensed for a moment and quickly recovered.  She let her hand drop to his rear as well.  As they waited, for the key Antoine leaned over and kissed her, neck then moved his lips to her ear.

“You’re doing great,” he whispered.

When they were ready, the bellhop took their luggage and showed them over to the elevators.  There was another couple in the elevator so Antoine decided to test his limits with Josey.  He pulled her close and nipped at her ear with his soft lips.  Josey simply sighed with a slight smile and slipped her arms around him.  They were shown to their room and after he took the bags in Antoine tipped him and he left.

Antoine opened his bag and hung his suit in the closet.  He removed more things from his bag as Josey went into the bathroom.  He was a surprised that there was a king size bed.  He had assumed she would get two doubles.  There was more then enough room to sleep apart in the bed if that’s what she wanted.  He soon had visions of him sleeping on the sofa.  She returned from the bathroom to find Antoine seated on the bed.

“So what time do we need to be downstairs?” he asked.

“We’ve got two hours or so,” she said.

“All right,” he said, “Come here.”

Josey walked over to the bed and sat next to him.  He moved behind her and she soon felt him place his large hands on her shoulders.  He gently began to knead her shoulders.  As he massaged her back and neck he watched her let her head hang.  The tension was slowly slipping from her body.   He spoke gently to her causing her to tremble.

“Why are you so tense Josephine?” he asked.

“High school wasn’t a good time for me,” she said with heavy sigh, “I was overweight in school.  I didn’t date until after school and I was teased a lot.  Bullies humiliated me in public, threatened me, they made my life a living hell.  I haven’t seen most of these people since graduation.  Plus Doug will be here.”

“Who is Doug?” he asked.

“Doug and I went to school together.  He wasn’t exactly popular either but he was sweet.  We started dating after graduation.  He was my first love,” she said, “He was my first everything.  We dated for a long time before it got serious.  He promised me he was going to marry me and then after we started having sex it all fell apart.  He started to pull away and I found out he was seeing someone else.  I was humiliated after that.  I finally decided to do something about my weight.  I went to a “Fat Farm” and learned how to eat right and exercise.  I skipped my ten-year reunion because I wasn’t happy with my weight yet.  I still feel insecure about how I look and I wasn’t sure I was going to come at all.  I asked you to come with me because I thought I could make Doug jealous.  I wanted to make these people eat crow a bit.”

“I understand,” he said, “This weekend I will do whatever I can to help you.  I am at your command.”

“Thank you,” she said, “I should get ready.”

She rose from the bed, gathered her things and slipped into the bathroom.  Antoine couldn’t believe anyone would think she was anything less then beautiful now.  He was going to go out of his way to make sure this was one weekend she would never forget.

When she came out Antoine was waiting for her.  He was wearing black dress slacks with a sapphire blue silk shirt.  It was unbuttoned slightly showing his chest.  He had black boots with silver buckles that matched his belt.  His hair fell neatly around his dark face.  He slipped on his leather coat and looked at her.

She was wearing a simple black dress.  It hugged her curves, was sleeveless and fell just above her knees.  She turned her back to him revealing a silver clasp at the neck and a scoop back line revealing her beautiful back.  He also took notice of the slight slit in the back of her dress.  She still wore her silver hoops and bracelet.

“What do you think?” she asked turning to him, “Sling back pumps, or suede boots.”

“The boots,” he said.

Josey sat on the edge of the bed and slipped the black suede boots on.  They came up to her knees and Antoine liked the way they hugged her calves.  She stood up and looked at him.

“Well?” she asked turning around.

“You’re missing something,” he said.

He walked over to his bag and removed a small box.  He opened it and pulled out a simple silver chain that held a round cut diamond set in silver.  He showed it to her and smiled.

“May I?” he asked.

“Yes,” she said.

Antoine moved behind her and slipped the necklace around her neck as she held her hair.  She let her hair fall back as he walked around to face her.  She was surprised as he reached out and brushed her hair back a bit before caressing her cheek.

“Perfect,” he said, “Shall we?”

Josey picked up her wrap and purse before taking Antoine’s arm.  He escorted her to the elevator and they rode down.  He could tell she was getting nervous.  He pulled her close and kissed her cheek.  When the elevator doors opened, they could see the people mulling around the lobby.  They made their way to the ballroom and the check in table.  She told them her name and got her nametag.  They had to make one for Antoine.

“What’s the name?” asked the girl.

“Antoine LaConte,” said Josey, “A~N~T~O~I~N~E, Big L, little a, Big C, o~n~t~e,” Antoine smiled at how quickly she had spelled his name.  The girl handed him the nametag and he stuck it on his shirt.

He escorted Josey inside and they found a table to sit at.  He removed his coat and went to get her a drink.  When he returned to the table Josey was talking to a red haired woman.  He walked over and handed the glass of wine to Josey.

“Antoine, this is Kayla Worth,” said Josey, “We were in the same homeroom.  She was my only true friend in High school,” Josey continued, “We walked together for the graduation ceremony.  Kayla this is my boyfriend, Antoine LaConte.”

“Nice to meet you,” said Kayla.

“Likewise,” said Antoine joining them.

Several other women joined them before the buffet started.  Kayla had married a man in the service and after giving birth to their second child they divorced.  Another friend Cindy Wilson had a “partner” name Alex.  They were going through the process of having their first child.  Yet, another woman named Elissa Wright was joined by her husband Ethan Douglas.  They had been married five years and had two kids.  Then of course Shannon joined them.  Her husband Bruce Miller was a sales clerk and was on the road.  They had been married six years and hadn’t started a family yet.

Antoine felt Josey tense as a blonde haired man approached the table.  He had a tall leggy blonde-haired woman on his arm that looked like she had been under the knife more then once.  He placed his hand on Josey’s shoulder as the couple approached and knew it had to be Doug.

“Hello Josey,” he said, “It’s nice to see you again.  It’s been a long time.  Ladies,” he said addressing the rest of the table.

“You’re just in time Doug,” said Shannon, “Antoine was just going to tell us how he and Josey met.”

“Really?” he smiled, “This I’ve got to hear.”

“Well it’s a rather simple story,” said Antoine, “Josephine was doing research on an article she was doing, “How to Become Independently Wealthy”. She had heard of how I made my fortune playing the stock market and such.  She sought me out for an interview and I am very grateful she did,” he said smiling at her, “When I heard the interview was for an internet magazine I was expecting this child, a generation X type.  Imagine my surprise when this stunning beauty came sashaying into my office.  I still remember what you were wearing.  You had on that black pleated skirt with the white wrap around blouse.  She sat down in front of me and crossed her legs.  That was all I needed,” he said as Josey blushed, “I asked her out to dinner and we’ve been inseparable ever since.”

“Plus you were so charming,” said Josey, “I could tell that it would have been useless to turn him down.  He wasn’t about to take no for an answer, so I’m glad I didn’t try.  Best decision I ever made.”

She looked into Antoine’s eyes and for a moment, she thought she saw something.  She reached out and caressed his cheek.  He turned to her touch and kissed her palm.  He leaned in and gently kissed her lips as her friends looked on.  He then smiled at her.  Doug just stared in disbelief. 

Soon they announced that the buffet was ready.  They all filed through the line and went back to the table.  They ate and made chit chat as they sat around.  Antoine focused his attention on Josey as he feed her and whispered sweetly into her ear. 

It was burning Doug to see her like that.  Doug dropped his napkin and froze as he looked under the table.  Josey had her legs crossed towards Antoine.  He saw Antoine’s large hand on her right thigh.  He was stroking his hand back and forth over her skin and nylons.  She in return had her left hand on Antoine’s right thigh making circles on it and rubbing it as they sat.

When dinner was over the music started but Josey didn’t feel much like dancing at first.  She excused herself from the table and left Antoine sitting there.  After a few moments, he sensed something was wrong and went to find her.  He soon found her in a corridor leaning against the wall.  He walked over to her and she looked at him.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

“Yeah,” she said, “I guess, I’m not sure,” she said, “I couldn’t breath in there.”

“You can talk to me,” he said, stepping closer to her.

“It’s just seeing Doug after all this time,” she said, “It’s a bit frustrating.  I can’t talk about this.”

She started to walk away only to have Antoine gently grab her arms and pull her to him.  Even in the dim light, he could see her eyes sparkling like Sapphires.  He could feel her chest heave as he closed the distance between them.  Her soft moist lips looked so inviting as they trembled slightly.

“Tell me what you need,” he said softly to her, “Tell me what you want of me.”

“Kiss me,” she said in a near whisper.

Antoine pressed his lips to hers and was surprised by her eagerness.  He quickly parted her lips hearing her moan as his tongue swept through her mouth.  He pressed her gently against the wall as she wrapped her arms around his strong shoulders.  He felt her press her body to his and he was quickly becoming aroused.  She was the first woman he had wanted in a long time.  The desire he was feeling was starting to overwhelm him.  He soon tore his mouth from hers and trailed kisses up her neck to her ear. 

She let out a gasp as he touched her.  She could feel him becoming aroused as he pressed his hips to her.  He then pressed his lips to her ear.  She ached for him but was scared of getting that close.  Then he broke the silence.

“I could show you pleasure like you’ve never known,” he whispered to her, “I would give you anything you desired, all you have to do is ask.”

With that, he stepped back from her and walked away.  Josey stood trembling against the wall his words echoing in her ears.  His kiss was like a drug and she was left wanting more.  His kiss awoke feelings that Josey had tried to bury long ago.  She had convinced herself that she didn’t need that in her life after Doug had broken her heart.  Moving in next to Antoine had changed everything.  For the first time she was feeling lust, and desire yet, she had no idea how to deal with it.

She wanted Antoine very much but she couldn’t bring herself to give in.  He was a gigolo and it was his job to make women feel that way.  She had no way of knowing if he was being true or playing a game with her.  As much as she was tempted by his offer, she couldn’t accept it.  She wasn’t ready.

Soon Josey was ready to leave and Antoine had no problem with that.  He escorted her back upstairs and could feel that she was unnerved.  He began to think that he had gone to far with his statement and scared her.  When they got back to the room she went into the bathroom leaving Antoine alone.  He soon heard muffled talking and assumed she was on her cell phone.

“I’m in trouble,” said Josey to Stacy as she lit a cigarette.

“What’s going on?” asked Stacy.

Josey told Stacy what happened at the party and how frustrated she was now feeling.  Stacy felt for her friend knowing how much she had been through.

“How am I going to do this?  I am totally turned on and now I need to sleep in the same bed with him.  Just the thought of laying next to that rock hard body,” she sighed.

“You could just give in to him,” said Stacy.

“I’m not ready to have sex with him.  No one’s touched me since Doug and that was nearly ten years ago.  He’s going to think I’m a freak when he finds out.”

“He will not,” said Stacy, “Doug treated you like shit.  Antoine may act hard nosed from time to time but I believe he’d understand.”

“I don’t know,” said Josey, “I need to think about this.  We have several more occasions coming up.  Maybe later down the line.”

“Just don’t worry about it.  Go out there, get in bed, and turn your back to him and go to sleep.”

Josey took her friends advice.  She snuffed out the cigarette and left the bathroom.  She got her pajamas changed and went out to the bed.  Antoine was all ready under the covers when she came out.  She was wearing a two-piece silk pajama set in silver.  She was glad she picked something that covered so well.  She slipped into the bed and kept her back to Antoine.  She practically clung to the edge of the mattress until she fell asleep.

~*~*~

The next morning when Josey awoke, she could feel weight on her.  She knew instantly that it was Antoine’s arm that was around her.  His hand was resting on her rib cage and his thumb was touching the edge her breast.  He was lying right against her frame and she could feel his breath on her neck. 

If she just wanted to have sex it wouldn’t be a problem but she wanted more then that.  She felt like her first time with Doug was a joke and she wanted to have a chance to do things the right way.  She just didn’t see herself falling in love with a gigolo.  Antoine stirred and rolled away from her.  She was grateful and slipped from the bed.

She got in the shower and tried to push the kiss from her mind.  She couldn’t be falling for such a man.  He made his living seducing women, and she was probably just another conquest.  When she was done, she dried off and got dressed.  Antoine was sitting on the edge of the bed when she came out.

“I ordered breakfast,” he said, “I hope that’s all right.

“That’s fine,” she said.

“I’m going to shower,” he said.

Josey felt stung by the coldness in his voice.  “Did I hurt his feelings?” she thought.  Was it just possible that underneath all his macho toughness he really did have a heart?  She waited for breakfast.  When it arrived she paid for it and soon Antoine came out.  He was wearing jeans and a tee shirt.  He sat across from her and settled in to eat.

“Antoine,” she said softly, “Can we talk?”

“Of course,” he said.

“I feel bad about how a reacted to you last night.  You took me by surprise when you said what you did and I didn’t now how to take it,” she said, “I think you should know that I haven’t been with anyone in a long time.  In fact, I’ve only ever been with one man and it’s been ten years since I’ve been with anyone.”

“That is a long time to be alone,” he said.

“Doug was not what he appeared to be,” she said.

“He hurt you,” said Antoine softly.

“Yes,” she said, “Emotionally, physically,” she stopped.

“I am sorry,” he said.

“It’s not your fault,” she said, “I just didn’t know what to do after Doug and I broke up.  Sex with him was less then pleasant.  Since he was my only real experience I just assumed all men where like him.”

“If you are uncomfortable continuing this arrangement you only have to say so,” he said.

“It’s not that.  It’s just kissing you, being close to you,” she paused, “I haven’t had these feelings before and I’m unprepared to deal with them.  You are obviously experienced and I don’t know how to deal with it.”

“I never meant to make you uncomfortable,” he said.

“I know,” she said, “I’m sure the women you see are use to your form of seduction but this is something new to me.  I’m not aggressive, or experienced, in a lot of ways I feel like a virgin,” she blushed not believing she had said that.

“I’m sure in many ways you are,” he said, “My offer still stands, if you should change your mind.”

“Well thank you,” she said.

The rest of the day was uneventful Josey worked a bit on her article and Antoine returned some phone calls.  Soon it was time to dress for dinner.  When Josey came out of the bathroom Antoine looked at her intensely.  She was wearing a beautiful sapphire blue dress.  It had spaghetti straps and a fitted bodice covered in rhinestones.  It had a full skirt that fell just above her knees.  She had her hair done up with little ringlets hanging down.  She turned her back to him.

“Could you zip me?” she asked.

Antoine walked over and raised the zipper on her dress.  Inside what he really wanted to do was lower it and see her in her nakedness.  She had satin shoes that match her dress with rhinestone buckles.  It was all he could do to control his urge to throw her on the bed and take her at the moment.  He slipped her wrap around her shoulders and escorted her downstairs.

She looked at him in the elevator and he did look handsome.  He was wearing an all black suite with a silk shirt that matched her dress.  No tie of course but he still looked sexy.  He escorted her to the ballroom and there were no nametags that night.

They found their table and Josey flinched when she saw they were seated at the same table as Doug and his girl.  Antoine simply placed his hand on the back of her neck caressing it gently with his thumb.  A chill ran through her as he did.  They made idle chit chat with the other couples as dinner was served.  Antoine paid special attention to Josey keeping her attention focused on him and not on Doug.

After dessert, the band started to play.  Josey and Antoine sat for a while as they watched the other couples dance.  Doug was on the dance floor pressing himself against his date.  Josey felt sick to her stomach and turned away.  Antoine excused himself and went over to the stage.  Josey sat and wait for him to return.  Doug and his date took their seats as the music changed.  She recognized the opening instantly as “Night and Day”.  Antoine walked over to her and held out his hand as they sang.

“I believe that’s our song,” he smiled, “May I have this dance?”

“Of course,” she smiled taking his hand.

She was surprised when Antoine swept her into his strong embrace and danced her around the floor.  She had no idea he knew how to dance so well.  As they moved, he softly sang to her under his breath.  She held tight to him as if she was in a dream.  She didn’t want it to end.  She hadn’t noticed that others had stopped to watch them. 

At the end of the song, Antoine dipped her and slowly brought her up until they kissed.  Josey blushed when everyone clapped for them.  She hugged Antoine and tried to hide a bit.

The band started another song and he simply held her close to dance more.  He felt her hand move up to his neck and play with his long hair.  He didn’t mind it at all; in fact, he welcomed her touch.  He ran a strong hand up her back and held her tight to him.

“You were wonderful,” she whispered to him softly, “Thank you.”

“You are most welcome,” he said.

He pulled back and looked at her for a moment.  He couldn’t help but lean in and kiss her tender lips.  He parted her lips giving her a slow, deep, lingering kiss that made her mind swim.  His full lips and soft tongue made her feel weak in the knees as he probed her mouth.  It was like having hot butter running through her body.  She feared she was falling in love with him.

After the dance, she went to the powder room.  Antoine sat at the table and waited for her.  He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.  She freshened up and then made her way back to the ballroom.  She was stopped by Doug and got a sick feeling as he came towards her.

“Hello Josey,” he said in a near hiss.

“What do you want?” she asked.

“You know I like the new packaging,” he said backing her into the wall, “Maybe I was hasty in letting you go.”

“Get bent Doug,” she said trying to move away.

“Now just where did you get that mouth?” he asked grabbing her arm, “Surely not from your new friend Antoine.”

“Let me go,” she said trying to pull away.

“Looks like someone’s forgotten their manners,” he said slamming her to the wall.  Josey lost her breath for a moment.  He leaned in close to her, “Guess I’ll have to start your lessons again.”

“You don’t need to teach her anything,” came Antoine’s voice, “Let her go.”

“Why don’t you just take a hike,” said Doug.

“I said let her go,” said Antoine stepping closer.

“And what are you going to do about it fancy boy,” Doug hissed.

Antoine removed his coat preparing to fight.  Doug laughed and took a swing at Antoine.  Antoine dodged the swing and landed his own knocking Doug to his ass.  He grabbed Josey and pulled her behind him.  Doug put his hand to his mouth and felt the blood.  Antoine stood over him with a menacing look.

“If you ever touch her again, I will kill you,” he hissed to Doug.

Doug stood up and straightened himself.  He walked past them as Josey stood behind Antoine.  As soon as he was gone, Antoine turned his attention to Josey.

“Are you all right?” he asked caressing her cheek, “Did he hurt you?”

“No Antoine, I’m fine,” she said, “He just shook me up a bit.”

“As long as he did not harm you,” he said.

“Not really he just squeezed my arm a bit.  I’ll be fine,” she said, “If you don’t mind I think I’d like to call it a night.”

“Of course,” he said.

Without drawing much attention Antoine collected their things and escorted her to the elevators.  Once inside he saw her begin to shake.  He reached over and gently took her into his arms.  She wrapped her arms around him and started to cry.  He ran his hands up her back and held her close.  He walked her to the room and took her inside.  He had her sit on the bed and he held her in silence.  Finally, he spoke to her.

“It’s all right,” he said softly, “He won’t ever touch you again I promise,” he took his hand and gently raised her face to met his gaze.

“Antoine,” she said softly.

“Yes,” he said, “Tell me what you need, Cara.”

“I need to be touched,” she said, “But I don’t know if I’m ready.”

“There are many ways to give pleasure,” he said quietly, “For now I think I know what you need,” he started to kiss her and she pulled back.

“What about…your fee?” she said.

“Your soft moans of pleasure are all the payment I need,” he said.

He gently pressed his lips to her as she clung to him.  He gently parted her soft lips and she let out a moan.  She kissed him back and he welcomed her exploration and her eagerness.  He gently shifted his weight and pressed her against the bed.  She pushed him away for a moment.

“Is something wrong?” he asked.

“If you don’t mind, I would like to change out of this dress first,” she said, “As lovely as it is it is very uncomfortable.”

“Of course,” he said.

Josey slipped from his arms and went to her bag.  After grabbing a pair of pajamas she turned her back to him.  Before she even spoke, he walked over and unzipped her dress placing a gentle kiss on her shoulder as he did.  She disappeared into the bathroom as he slipped out of his suit and such.

When she came out of the bathroom Antoine was laying on the bed wearing only his black silk boxers.  He sat up as she came out.  She was wearing a light blue fuzzy top, with matching drawstring pants.  She walked over and sat on the bed next to him.

“Did you change your mind?” he asked.

“No,” she said, “I’m just feeling a bit vulnerable here.”

“You have no reason to fear me,” he said caressing her cheek, “I will not harm you.”

“I know,” she said.

He reached out and caressed her cheek softly.  She looked in his deep brown eyes and relaxed a bit.  He leaned in and his lips brushed hers.  She pressed her lips to his and he welcomed it.  He opened his mouth to hers and he felt her gently exploring him.  She was tentative and it was arousing him fast.

He pulled her into his arms and laid her back on the bed.  He deepened the kiss and she let out a soft moan.  He probed her mouth now savoring the sweet taste of her.  He had never been so drawn to someone before; her kiss was intoxicating to him.

As he kissed her, he felt her run her fingers through his thick hair.  He ran his hand up her back and under her top.  Much to his delight, she wasn’t wearing a bra.  Her skin was soft and the warmth made him feel instantly aroused.

His mouth left hers and he kissed up her jaw line to her ear.  He kissed and nipped playfully at her skin as she let out a soft sigh.  When he got to the hollow of her throat, he lingered before kissing up the other side of her neck.

He moved his hand to her waist and inched it up as he claimed her mouth again in mind numbing kiss.  She finally felt him bring a hand up and cup her breast with his large hand.  She moaned into his mouth and pressed against his warm touch.

She moaned again as he took his thumb and caressed her nipple.  He felt it grow hard as he caressed her.  He shifted his weight and pressed his leg between hers.  He continued to fondle both of her breasts as he kissed her.  Soon he lifted her top and revealed her breasts.

He moved down and she let out a gasp as Antoine flicked her nipple with his tongue.  As he took it in his mouth, she let out another soft moan and pressed against him.  She felt as if warm waves were washing over her body as he caressed her.  He brought his hand up to her other breast matching his mouth.  He could feel her arch against him.  As his thigh rested between hers, he could feel her heat.  She began rubbing against him more.

As his mouth concentrated on her breasts, he dropped his hand to her buttocks.  He kneaded them gently as she moaned again.  He soon moved his thigh and she felt him slide his hand between her legs.  He began caressing her through the thin material.  He could feel her wetness as he touched her.  She gasped saying his name and clutching his hair.  He could feel her need.

He untied her drawstring on her pants and slipped his hand inside.  His hand glided over her soft skin and he heard her breath catch as he touched her soft nest of hair.

“Do you want me to stop?” he asked.

“No,” she gasped, “Please don’t.”

He slipped his hand down and began massaging her most intimate spot.  Her breath was coming fast and hard as he moved a bit faster.  He pressed his cheek to hers as she cried out.  Antoine gasped himself as he slipped a long finger inside of her.  She pushed hard against him as he pushed into her.  Antoine couldn’t help but smile to himself.  He could only imagine how it would feel to have her clasping his manhood.  “All in good time,” he thought as he touched her.

He withdrew his finger as she let out a soft whimper.  He pushed in again as she cried out and moved to meet him.  He began to probe and massage her gently as she moaned and moved against him.  He gradually increased the pace as she cried out.  She moaned louder arching her hips to meet him.

“That’s it,” he whispered to her, “Let go, let it happen.”

“Oh yes,” she cried out.

He kissed her again and buried his face in her hair.  He soon felt her tense as she hit her climax.  He felt her nails dig into his shoulder and then she relaxed a bit.  He gently moved his hand and hugged her.  Soon her breathing slowed and she spoke.

“What about you?” she asked.

“Do not worry about me,” he said kissing her forehead.

He moved from the bed and covered her with the blankets.  He went into the bathroom and Josey heard the shower turn on before drifting off to sleep.

Antoine stood in the shower thinking of Josey.  Everything about her turned him on, her smell, her taste, and the way she felt.  Just thinking about how tight she felt on his finger, and her moans still ringing in his ears.  It didn’t take him long to cum. 

After cleaning up and drying off, he slipped his boxers back on.  Antoine went back out into the bedroom and Josey was sound asleep.  He slid into bed and moved closer to her.  He slipped an arm around her and she backed up to be against him.

As he laid there holding her he started to think.  At first, he had looked at Josey as another conquest but now as he held her in his arms he felt different.  Maybe people were right prison had changed him.  At first, it hadn’t bothered him.  After a few months, however his feelings changed.  No one visited him in jail, called or wrote, not even his best clients.

He had even contemplated giving up the whole gigolo lifestyle when he was released.  That had surprised him as well.  Antoine was prepared to spend the next several years in jail.  After nine months it was discovered that there was a snafu in the paperwork and he was ordered released.

Antoine took sometime off and went home to Italy for a while.  It had been years since he had seen his family.  He spent a year getting to know his family again.  He had only just returned to his home when Josey moved in.  For the first time, there was more then just a physical attraction.  Most of the women he saw weren’t interested in conversation they just wanted to have sex.  Not like he could carry on an intelligent conversation with some of his clients anyway.

Josey wasn’t fake like most of the women his had been with in his line of work.  It wasn’t just her body; she had a real personality as well.  She moved in his arms and he loosened his hold allowing her to roll.  She rolled to face him, slipping her arms around him.  He held her close and soon fell asleep.

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The Fall Of Antoine - continued