“Corey, he did not take the news that he wasn’t returning here to recover wellat all. Finn explained we wouldn’t make him look bad, all his medical and other expenses would be dealt with, and later, after careful consideration, the future of his relationship with Supernal would be determined.”
“And he wasn’t agreeable?” I could admit to myself that I wasn’t completely shocked. Out of all the men who worked for me, Corey was the one who liked to push the rules the most. He didn’t do it in the charming way Crew did, but it had felt harmless up until now.
“Not at all. He is threatening to go to the press. Said he’d expose secrets of Supernal and clients here.”
Anger seethed through every inch of my body. Every escort signed an NDA; he’d be screwing himself along with all of us if he did that.
“Does he not understand the repercussions of that, more so, that the offer I have laid out before him is generous and won’t get him tossed in jail and blacklisted from ever working in this town again?”
“Again, that was explained, even when he pushed back on Finn, who reiterated the severe consequences. Corey said he’d be fine with it if he knew it meant you’d be suffering right alongside him.”
My fists clenched atop my desk. If Corey stood in front of me right now, I’d likely be unable to control myself.
“Extend an invitation for Corey to come here.”
“He’s still in the hospital.” Dane was clutching his tablet so hard I thought he’d crack it.
“If he’s well enough to make threats, he’s well enough to get his ass in my office. Make it happen, Dane.”
“Yes, sir.”
When Dane left, I got busy reading every inch of Corey’s contract. If he wanted to try and go to war with me, he’d discover quite quickly it was a huge mistake. I’ve already had everything that mattered to me torn from my life, he couldn’t hurt me. But I’d be damned if he hurt my men here.
8
Crew
It was a slightly chilly day, but Tyler invited me to a garden party of sorts. One of his clients was agreeable to let me join in just to see, in person, how the beginning and the end of a date went. I knew this of course, but it was always a good idea to know what was expected of me anywhere I was at.
“Last day.” Tyler shimmied his shoulders, his smile as happy as it always was.
“I can’t thank you enough for showing me the ropes, Tyler. It’s tricky coming into new places and understanding how it all works. You’ve been immensely helpful.”
He brushed off the compliment with a wave of his hand. “Please, you were easy. I once had this guy shadowing me and every five minutes he was trying to fuck me. Mr. Asher didn’t let him stick around.”
“Not surprising.”
Tyler nodded and we walked over to a large gazebo. It was covered in colorful flowers, the names of which I did not know. A table and chairs were there along with an array of foods. A man in a tan suit, a slight receding hairline, and a kind smile greeted us.
“Phil.” Tyler walked up to the man, placed a kiss on his cheek, and remained beside him. “This is Crew, Mr. Asher’s newest gentleman. Crew, this is Phil Kerr.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.” I held my hand out which he took and gave me a hearty handshake.
“No, please call me Phil. It’s wonderful to meet you. You’re one of Tyler’s friends as well, I assume?” He turned to Tyler for confirmation which he got. “An afternoon with two gorgeous men, I feel like I should thank you both.”
The three of us had a truly relaxing day. I laughed so hard my sides hurt and Phil was so kind. When Tyler had said Phil was one of his favorites, it was easy to see why.
For the remainder of the day I was on my own. I didn’t have a date scheduled but I’d received requests. I was eager and surprisingly nervous. Sleep wasn’t easy to come by but eventually it did, and I dreamed of gray eyes and a sardonic grin.
* * *
“Holy crap, Gogo, you are a machine.” He was trying to show me how to pole dance, and while I had moves, I was not a pole dancer. Gogo on the other hand was a fluid dancer on it.
“A lot of practice. I was a stripper before I came here. Worked my ass off. Now I do private dances and don’t smell like stale beer and tobacco by the end of the night.”
Ben really made these guys’ lives so much better. I wondered if he knew that. Gogo and I, our dance lesson over, were walking down the hallway ready to head up to our respective rooms to shower, when we heard shouts. We glanced at each other for a moment before sprinting into action.
We followed the angry voices to Ben’s office.