Lyam:
Shit. I totally forgot. I meant to tell you I booked them.
Me:
Who?
Lyam:
New slaves to apply as willing servants.
I blow out a breath. Willing servants are women who consensually agree to frequent our club unattached. If chosen, they become available for single members of our clubs for hire. I knew he was behind this.
Me:
Can you handle this, please?
Lyam:
I can’t, I won’t be there until two.
Me:
Fabien’s gone. What about Mario?
Lyam:
Needed back in the U.S.
Me:
Gwen?
Lyam:
Day off. Want me to reschedule?
Me:
No. They’re arriving soon. I’ll do it. Thanks
I don’t want to take Savannah with me to interview potential new hires, but I’m not comfortable leaving her unattended. I wasn’t supposed to have any engagements this morning.
My phone buzzes with another text from Fabien, informing me that he and Nicolette have left and checking in on Savannah, then another message from someone at home asking about the security detail for Maman. I reply to an inquiry about our new building manager, and scan through a detailed update from our head of security. I’m so fixated on catching up on business I’ve neglected, I finally look up.
I blink and stare. Savannah’s long hair pools on the floor around her like discarded ribbons. In front of me sits another woman.
I’d forgotten how Cosette’s a magician with a pair of scissors. When Savannah turns to me, I’m transfixed with the soft pink of her cheeks, the perfection of her pursed lips, her bright eyes somehow enhanced by a shorter cut. “We’ll need to dye it, sir,” Cosette begins. “But the cut for now will make it easier for her to wear a wig. The dye job will take several hours. When should we begin?”
“Tonight. We’ll have time then.”
Savannah blinks in surprise. “We?”
“Of course. I’m not going to leave you to do this alone. I know it’s a big change.”
While Cosette puts away her things, Savannah’s eyes are fixed on me. “Thank you.”
I swallow and nod. Of course I can’t leave her to do this alone, but I didn’t know it meant so much to her.
