He cocks his head. “And Rouge allows you to leave the club, wander the city unattended?”
“From time to time.”
He presses his lips together. “But surely The Gilded Rose is a bit luxurious for a waiter’s salary. I’ve run the place for years, and I’ve never seen a card here. Especially one who just started, who isn’t yet taking”—he brushes a finger over my cheek—“clients.”
“I came into a little money and treated my girlfriend to a weekend away,” I say.
“But isn’t Aces open on weekends?” Rose asks. “You’ll be busy every evening while you’re here.”
Fuck.
I’m not thinking straight.
Time to nip this in the fucking bud.
“Can we speak in your office, Mr. Rose?” I ask. “I don’t think Rouge would like to find out a patron of hers was speaking of the club so publicly.”
He lifts his eyebrows. “I’ve known Rouge for years, Ace. I know far more about her than you.”
Damn it.
Think fast, Harrison. Think fast.
I have one more ace to play—pun intended.
I steel myself and then run a finger over Rose’s chest. “I really would prefer to meet somewhere private, Mr. Rose. If you get my drift.”
He furrows his brow. “You’re offering the services you denied me Tuesday night?”
“Think of it as an olive branch, sir.” I bow my head, hoping Rose doesn’t see how clenched my jaw is.
He glances toward the elevator. “And you’re here with your girlfriend…”
“I swing both ways, sir.”
“I’m not offering any money.”
“Of course not. I want”—I grip his shoulders tightly—“I want you. No charge…this time.”
Rose grins. “All right then. Right this way.”
Into the lion’s den I go.
I’m not going to have sex with Rose. But once I’m in his office, maybe I can talk my way out of this.
As Rose walks ahead, I grab my phone out of my pocket and start a voice memo. Maybe I can get Rose to say something I can use against him as leverage.
He opens the door. “After you, Ace.”
“Right, sir.” I walk inside.
Rose’s office is decorated in the same colors as the suite Bianca and I are staying in. Green wallpaper, sparkling pink tiles on the floor. A dark wooden desk anchors the office’s center, with two computer monitors, a large calendar, and a marble bust of a man I’m guessing is his father.
“I’m ready.” He unbuttons his pants and displays his droopy dick and balls. “Get on your fucking knees and suck my cock.”
Fuck. Why did I think this was a good idea?
I slink across the room, hoping inspiration will strike me before I find another man’s penis in my mouth.
