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“I’m talking about a sex club, Miss Cuinn. Specifically, a BDSM club.” Samantha watched Rebecca closely. “Do you know what that is?”

Rebecca had never felt so naïve in her life. And completely out of her element. “I—I think Professor Brundt made a mistake. I’m not the right person for this job.” She realized she didn’t answer Samantha’s question, but she already felt foolish. Admitting she had no idea what BDSM was too much for her bruised ego.

“I don’t agree.” Again, Samantha took a dangerous step closer to Rebecca. “I need someone with fresh… eyes. Someone who can be taught.”

Rebecca backed up. “Miss Pryce…”

Samantha smirked. “If you don’t have your own ideas about what to do here, Miss Cuinn, it means we’re working with a clean slate. I don’t have to justify my concepts, just explain them to you. You’re here to help me make this possible monetarily. What’s the harm in learning a little something while you’re at it?” Another step. “It could be the fun you’ve been missing out on. One thing is certain, it won’t be boring.”

Rebecca prided herself on thriving during challenging situations. It was how she survived all these years with the void that was left in her soul. This was merely one more challenge.

“What did you mean by ‘equip them’?” she asked, thankful that her voice was steady given Samantha’s proximity.

“Does that mean you’ll stick around?”

Rebecca nodded. “I’m willing to help if I can.”

Samantha smiled. “I love women who are willing. Each specific room,” she continued as though she didn’t just say something that made Rebecca’s pulse spike, “will be equipped according to experience and comfort levels. For instance, this room will be black.” She opened the door and ushered Rebecca in. “Black will be our top level. Diverse types of whips, flogs, spreaders, clamps, restraints, and so on will be readily available for the dominant to do what they desire to their submissive.”

Why in the hell did Rebecca’s body respond to that? She swallowed hard, wishing she had taken the offer for that drink earlier.

“I, um, don’t think I need all of the intricate details.” Rebecca cringed inwardly at the waver in her voice.

Samantha turned her hard, brown eyes on Rebecca. “I disagree. I think the more you understand what my vision is for this place, the more… diligent you’ll be in writing that proposal. I need it to be brilliant enough to win over every investor you approach.”

“I approach? Ms. Pryce, my understanding was that I’m to write the proposal for you.”

“No,” Samantha interrupted abruptly. “I want you to work closely with me on this. You have the face and knowledge that investors, especially mine, will be extremely receptive to. And, you have the attitude and more that entices me to get to know you better.”

Perhaps it was the way Samantha said the word “more” that made Rebecca sweat. Or, perhaps it was the implication of the words “know you better.” Regardless of how she felt about the enigmatic Samantha Pryce, an opportunity like this would look incredible on Rebecca’s resumé.

“If it helps your decision,” Samantha said through Rebecca’s continued silence. “I will talk to your professor about giving you credit for this in his class. What do you say, Miss Cuinn? Are you ready to learn?”

“Yes.”

“I REFUSE TO work with that… that woman again!”

This was the sentiment of almost everyone Rebecca had spoken to since beginning her work with Samantha Pryce more than two months ago. Her answer was always the same.

“Then work with me. Look, Ronnie, I know Ms. Pryce can be difficult…”

“Difficult? She constantly complains about our markups and she’s abusive to my employees. I will not tolerate that.”

“Which is completely understandable. I know it’s not an excuse, but Samantha is under a lot of pressure with this relaunch. And we couldn’t do it without you. You’re the best liquor distributor in the county.”

Apparently, Rebecca wasn’t above groveling a little to stay on track and on budget. Ronnie wasn’t the best, but Samantha had already depleted most of their options before Rebecca even came on board. If they lost Ronnie, the club and its relaunch were going to fail.

“You pay 20% more markup and I’ll think about it.”

Rebecca closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “You know I can’t do that,” she said calmly. “We keep the current pricing and I guarantee that you and your employees deal with only me as long as I’m here.”

It wasn’t much of a deal, but it was all she had to bargain with. Samantha had given her autonomy and authority, but even in her brief time working with Samantha, Rebecca knew that there were limits. She also knew that Ronnie couldn’t afford to lose their business any more than they could afford to lose his.

“Fine, Rebecca,” Ronnie answered after a pause. “But I won’t be so generous the next time.”

“Understood. Thank you.” She hung up the phone and sat back in her chair with a sigh. It seemed all she had been doing since agreeing to work for Samantha was putting out fires. How the woman stayed in business this long was a mystery. Personally, Rebecca found her to be charismatic, witty, and intelligent. Professionally, she was abrasive, arrogant, and callous.

There was a learning curve working with someone so mercurial. It was a whirlwind of information to take in. Luckily, Rebecca was a fast learner. The most sensitive subject was money. She quickly found that out when examining the books and making suggestions to stop frivolous spending. It seemed an easy decision for Rebecca. The club was swimming in the red, but even minor changes could only help. However, Samantha was repeatedly offended by Rebecca’s advice and would continue spending as though the money was pouring in. Contrarily, when it came to the things they actually needed—like a liquor distributor and licenses—Samantha couldn’t be bothered.