He clenches his jaw.
I push, "What's the issue?"
"It's a bigger risk for me," he claims.
"But you can do it, right?" I challenge.
He nods. "Sure. But if I'm going to take a bigger risk, the fees are going to double."
"Jones, I don't care what you charge me. I need to know that you can get this done and it'll be a priority on your list. The clock's ticking," I state.
He picks up a clipboard, flips through a few pages, then tosses it back on the desk. He declares, "I can start tomorrow. I've got several projects I need to wrap up."
"Then you'll focus exclusively on this? Right?"
"Yeah."
Relief fills me. "Great." I rise.
Jones points to the chair. "We aren't done."
I take a seat. "What else is there?"
He turns to his computer. "I need to know information on him. The more I have to go on, the quicker it'll be."
It's close to one when I finish answering all his questions. Then I get back into my Porsche and head toward Malibu. The traffic is just as bad, and I'm at a complete standstill when I get a text.
Club Indulgence: Charity auction tonight. Monthly terms. New subs on the list. Starts at 2 A.M.
For the first time all day, I grin. This is just what I need after the shit I've discovered today. Lately, I've had a hard time feeling satisfied at the club. It's the same faces, and I'm bored.
A new woman, preferably one I get to break in, is exactly what I need to get my mind off this situation. It'll help relieve my stress, and since it's an auction, I'll have all month to train her accordingly.
It won't be the first time I've participated in an auction. The club has them a few times a year. Both parties agree to terms. Then the sub gets to choose a charity and the Dom writes the check. I could give a shit about the charity, but the prospect of developing a newbie sub heats my blood so hot, I veer off the exit and head toward my condo in the city.
I spend a bit more time stewing over all the deceit, then change my focus on what's ahead of me tonight.
Patience is a virtue I've worked on over the last decade. I lacked it as a child but learned to embrace it as a businessman. Until Jones gets me the information I need, there's nothing I can do about Hugh. So while I'm waiting, I'll see to my other needs. And there's nothing more perfect than a fresh face to be at my mercy—especially for an extended timeframe.
3
Blakely
It's a busy night at Cheeks. I've not stopped moving since I stepped on the floor. As soon as one table clears, more men fill it.
"Blakely, Snake wants to see you," Cindy informs me.
I glance toward the front door. "Why?"
She shrugs. "I don't know. Ugh! What does Savannah want now," she whines, running off.
I roll my eyes. Since Cindy called off the previous night, Savannah's been all over her. I'm glad I've never done anything to get on her bad side.
I push through the crowd and step into the small corridor the club uses to charge the cover fee. Snake, one of the newer security guys, grasps my elbow and leads me outside.
"What's going on?" I question, and the muggy night air hits my skin.
He leans down and says, "Don't worry, Savannah approved."