“Mutual friends,” he says flatly.
“How did you start workinghere?”I don’t really even know where here is. I just know Kayne has ‘clients’ and ‘women’ who he keeps captive and strings up for their pleasure.
Jett scoffs. “I don’t work for him. I work with him. Don’t confuse my duties. I may not be the face of the company, but I do my fair share. Actually, I do more.”
“What’s the ‘company’ specifically?” It’s obviously more than just tequila. “What is this place exactly?”
“The less you know the better.” He sidesteps my question.
“Jett, please,” I beg with big puppy dog eyes. Hey, if I am going to be compared to a pet, I might as well use the goods. “Tell me something.”
He groans under his breath, hesitant to talk. Once he finishes painting my pinky finger with the shimmery peach, he looks up at me with an entertained expression.
“I have a feeling you are going to give Kayne a run for his money in more ways than one.” He shoves the brush back into the bottle, and then huffs. “It’s a whore house, Ellie. An upscale brothel. We keep women here for pleasure.”
“How many women?” My eyes widen.
“A good amount. And I’m responsible for their well-being. All of them.”
“Are they all locked up like me?” My voice strains at the image of dozens of women chained to a bed.
Jett looks at me like he’s trying to dance around words. “No. They aren’t locked up like you.”
“They’re not? It’s just me then?”
Jett nods.
“Why?”
“Because you’re special and that’s all you need to know.”
“Because I’m Kayne’s?” I speculate.
“Now you’re learning.”
I frown. This shit’s fucked-up.
Jett rests his hands gently on my shoulders. “I will tell you this one thing about me. I care about each and every one of them. Including you.”
I WAIT OUTSIDE ELLIE’S ROOM.
I don’t know for how long, because time seems to stand still.
I’m leaning against the wall off to the side, so Jett doesn’t notice me immediately when he exits.
“How is she?” I ask as he locks the door. He jumps, snapping his head in my direction.
“Must you lurk?” he scowls.
“Yes. It’s what I do. How is she?” I reiterate.
“A little upset, feeling abused, but she’ll be okay. This is hard for her. She doesn’t understand.”
“We agreed that was the best way.”
“I still believe it is. But if you’re worried, go in and see her.”
“You know I can’t do that. I have to keep my distance. It’s safer for everyone involved.”
