I laughed. “I see. Another test I must pass.”
“As I told you before, we’re very cautious.”
“And so am I.”
“Then come to the party, Drake. Bring your slave of course. Unless you’ve grown bored with her. I’d be happy to take her off your hands.” In fact, he was far too eager to do so.
As if something had changed.
“Not at all, although at some point I might enjoy acquiring a second. I’ll consider the party. Email me the location but know that I’m not in the mood to play clandestine games any longer. Either I’ll show or I won’t. That will be my choice.”
Perhaps I’d irritated the man, but at this point I couldn’t care less, and pushing him was necessary. And I had a feeling he was even more curious about my sudden appearance in the city.
It was time to fulfill his curiosity.
“Very well and I do hope you will consider attending. I’ve spoken with several of the club members who all are in agreement that you would make a perfect fit for our community. So you are aware, we have a certain hierarchy within the organization as any well-run corporation does. Call them my board of directors. Their intuitions and decisions are by far more important than mine and vital to our cause. These patriarchal members are eager to meet you and hopefully, extend a full invitation. And don’t worry, Drake. They are the men I trust the most in my life, a small but powerful group that I believe you will enjoy getting to know. Masks are required this evening, but by all accounts, they won’t be necessary again. Unless we consider vetting new members that is.”
He laughed as if he’d just invited me over to a barbeque to meet his buddies. “Very well. I’ll make a point of dropping by this evening.”
“Excellent. I’m looking forward to a lively discussion.”
“Yes, I am as well.” As soon as I hung up the phone, I allowed a long, slow gaze to fall from her face to the floor.
Why did I have a terrible feeling I’d be walking into an explosive setup? Maybe so, but with an address we’d be ready.
Time to unveil the bastards behind the secret club.
“What just happened?” she asked.
“The beginning of the end.”
CHAPTER 19
Reese
Club Noir.
I pressed my hand against my collar, trying to remember who I was for tonight. Star. A slave eager and ready to please her master.
With the short leash trailing down my back, I could easily be grabbed and held in position when necessary.
Kendrick decided at that moment to tease me, tugging on the thin leather.
“You look beautiful.”
“I look like a whore.”
“Nonsense.” He scanned the sidewalk as we approached, ignoring the line of people vying to gain access. “You are without a doubt the most beautiful woman I’ve seen tonight.”
“You’ve seen two so far. One was a homeless lady we passed on the street.”
He chuckled. “I’ve noticed several others. Look at the women in front of us.”
Unable to help myself, I punched him playfully in the gut even though my stomach was filled with butterflies.
“Ouch,” he growled as he cupped the side of my neck, tugging me closer. “I might need to punish you for that.”
“Only if you catch me.” When I dared break free of his hold, he captured my arm instantly, pulling me against the heat of his body. If only this was a date instead of a stakeout. I wasn’t certain what else to fall it.
