“Seriously?”
I nod. “Yeah. Some of them come from impoverished backgrounds, or even war-torn areas. They want out, and working with us is one way to leave their homelands. Plus, the Genoveses have a reputation for being generous, believe it or not. You know I’m not doing it for the money, right? My bars and clubs generate tons of cash, and so the women I place keep most of their earnings. My cut is actually quite small in the grand scheme of things.”
Taylor’s still stunned, with two spots of color on her cheeks.
“But I don’t get it. If they’re coming voluntarily, then why all the secrecy?” she asks in a low voice. “It’s unorthodox, but your business seems like … well it’s not that different from any other headhunting agency.”
I grin. “Not exactly because we’re dealing with curvy female bodies and the men who want to purchase them. But yes, there are some similarities to temp placement agencies. Sometimes we get legitimate visas for our guest workers, but I will admit that we’ve skirted the rules before. Please don’t tell Customs and Immigration because I don’t think they would be too thrilled to find out.”
Taylor nods.
“No of course not. I would never.”
But then, I decide to go for the big kahuna. After all, I’ve already shared so much, so why not let it all out? It’ll be a big weight off my chest, actually, to speak with another human being on this topic.
“Can you keep a secret, sweetheart?”
The pretty brunette nods.
“Of course, Roman. What’s going on?”
I take a deep breath and fix her with my blue gaze.
“Well actually, I’ve started the process of exiting this particular line of business. The Genoveses won’t be trafficking women in the future.”
She stares at me.
“Really? But why? I thought you said trafficking was a big part of your business.”
I shrug. “It is and it isn’t. I don’t make much money from it, so it’s not the cash keeping me in the game. It’s the fact that my male customers expect this particular service, and as a result, I was doing it for them. They want to be pampered, and this is one of the ways in which the Genoveses provide: women. But yeah, I don’t want to be in it anymore. I can feel law enforcement breathing down my neck, and there’s just no need. After all, there’s nothing more pathetic than a seventy year old doing decades in prison.”
“You’re not seventy!” she laughs.
I nod.
“Yeah, but if I get put in the slammer, I’ll be at least seventy before I get out. So yeah, the risk-reward tradeoff just isn’t there anymore. Besides, some other outfit will take my place, I have no doubt. There are a lot of young guns out there who’d love to dip their thumbs in this particular pot of ink.”
Taylor still looks stunned.
“Goodness, I had no idea. Does your son know? Does anyone know of your plans to exit?”
I shrug.
“Some of my top lieutenants, but definitely not Anthony. That idiot would blab it all over the city, and we’re not ready to drop the news yet. That’s why I need you to keep it a secret because I don’t want anyone finding out about this until the time is right.”
The curvy brunette nods.
“Of course. I don’t have anyone I would tell, anyways, and especially not Anthony. He’s sent me a text here and there, but I haven’t even had time to reply.”
“Thank you, sweetheart,” I growl, squeezing her small hand again. “I appreciate your discretion.”
With that, the meal continues with good food, good wine, and good company. I laugh and talk as if everything’s normal, but inside my heart’s going pitter patter because I know this isn’t normal. I just shared my biggest secret with Taylor, a girl whom I only just met. Yet it feels right because there’s a sense of trust and intimacy between us, and I know it’s the right thing to do.
Bemused, I shake my head while taking in her glowing features and lush body. This woman has me under her spell, and the crazy part is that I don’t mind one bit.
10
Taylor