The look she gives me after that could kill.
That night, Annelise wears a silver sequined gown with a slit that goes all the way up to her thigh. It’s backless and reveals her bare skin from the nape of her neck to just above her ass.
“No bra tonight?” I ask her as we make our way to the bar in the main room. Two drinks are set in front of us, and she smiles, though I know she isn’t feeling it.
“I figured I’d make things easier on you. You know since the last time we were together, you ripped apart several grand worth of clothes in a territorial tantrum.”
It’s a comment that would normally earn her a punishment, but tonight I feel like I have it coming. She’s clearly upset with me, though I’m not really sure why. It’s not like she didn’t enjoy herself.
“You have to smile,” I remind her as we watch the dancers, sipping on our drinks.
“Yes, sir,” she says and plasters a small smirk on her lips. Something about knowing it’s not real makes the mood of this night that much worse.
“Is there a reason you’re upset with me?” I ask. Not that I care. Despite being a man who takes what he wants when he wants it, I’m not going to force this woman to give me a stress relieving orgasm, even though I easily could.
“Who said I am upset with you?” she asks, and I just stare at her. Then she takes a sip of her drink. “I know this is all part of the job. And that’s fine. I actually enjoy coming here, but the last minute notice is a bit difficult for me.”
“May I ask why?”
Her eyes widen a little. “I know family isn’t important to you, Damien, but it’s everything to me.”
I open my mouth to say something when suddenly her face flushes completely. “What? What is it?”
“I…” she shakes her head. “It’s nothing.”
But it can’t be nothing. Not with the way her face just went white. And definitely not with the way she is suddenly clinging to me.
“I just thought I saw someone I knew, is all.”
I look around and then back at her. “Well, how about we go into the lounge then? I doubt you’ll see anyone you know there.”
Annelise nods, but the look on her face tells me she’s still not so sure. Whatever is bothering her is slightly concerning, and I don’t like her being on edge. I take her hand and place it in the crook of my elbow and lead her into the Velvet Lounge. She’s sipping her drink quickly as we walk, and we head towards the back. As fun as last time’s little exhibition display was, tonight’s mood calls for something more private.
We stop in front of the curtain, and I notice her eyes still darting around. Whoever she saw, or thought she saw, really has her worried. “How about another drink?” I ask her. After a hesitant moment, she nods. I take her empty glass and cup her cheek in my hand. “You head into the room here, and I’ll be right back.”
“But that’s further than an arm’s reach,” she says. I can’t tell if she is being snarky or if she is actually concerned.
“I’m just going to that bar right there,” I say, pointing at the mini bar less than twenty feet away. “You get comfortable.”
After a moment, Annelise nods. I make my way to the bar with our empty glasses in hand. “Two more,” I tell the bartender. “But make them doubles.”
“Yes, sir,” she nods, and I let out a breath. An hour ago I was ready to ravage her. But with the way she’s been acting today,I’m not so sure, though I’m hoping the booze will help. For a moment, I question whether I am being too demanding with the night shifts. The problem is, I don’t always know when I’m going to be in the mood for our outings. It’s kind of a spontaneous thing.
“Here you go, Mr. Graves,” the bartender says as she sets the drinks in front of me. I nod in response and grab the glasses. Just as I am about to walk back towards the room, I stop. Headed towards me with a redheaded girl in blue is none other than Dylan fucking Decker. A scowl deepens on my brow as we make eye contact, and I stalk over to him.
“What the fuck are you doing here?”
“Good evening to you too, Graves,” he says, and this joker actually has the audacity to grin at me. “Nice club you got here.”
“How did you get in?” I ask.
Dylan looks around to see who is watching. And while everyone has the sense not to stare, I am sure they’re listening, but I don’t really care.
“This is more or less a public establishment, isn’t it?” he asks. “Anyone with enough money or the right connections is allowed to be here, am I wrong?”
“As the proprietor, I have the right to have anyone I want removed,” I remind him. “But I’m sure you know that, seeing as how you own a hotel now.”
“I do, and I’m well on my way to owning a club too. That’s why I thought I’d stop by. Check out the local competition.”
