Page 44 of Enthrall Climax

“Of course,” Shay replied, contrition in his tone.

“Five million.” She delivered it with panache.

Shay’s back stiffened. “No way.”

“It is in your contract, Mr. Gardner. Or your membership is rescinded.”

I applauded her Domme spirit. “Look, this is a misunderstanding.”

“Excuse me?” she snapped.

My jaw tightened. “I am a trustworthy source. I understand this community. I won’t divulge the existence of this place. You have my word.”

“Had you been a member, we could have confirmed this with a background check.”

“I need to speak with your director.”

She ignored me. “You had an appointment, Mr. Gardner,” she chastised. “We expect you to keep it.”

“Is this part of the play?” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “It’s kinda hot.” Shay was trying humor, but it wasn’t going to work.

This woman lived the lifestyle and wasn’t about to cave for a new member and his interloping friend.

“Our clientele depend on our rules to protect them,” she said.

“I get it,” I said, moving closer to her. “I’ll pay a fine. However, it’s not going to be anywhere close to the sum you mentioned.”

A knock at the door had us all turning to look at the Somali beauty who’d tried to seduce us in the pool spa. She bowed her head as she approached Galina and handed her a note.

We both got the chance to take another look at the young woman, who avoided our gaze and quickly scurried back to the door. She was right there within reach and it pained me to let her leave. From her appearance I could tell she was barely even close to the age of consent—though it was hard to be certain because she was playing the submissive role so well.

If I asked Galina about her and she became defensive, we could lose the chance to help her.

Galina’s gaze rose from the note to meet mine. “Cameron Cole?”

Shit.There went my anonymity. Her security had researched Shay’s contacts and my name and photo had obviously come up alongside his.

She pointed at me. “What if this man was with the press, Mr. Gardner, and not from Cole Tea, Inc.?” Her smirk carried a threat.

“You have a good point,” Shay agreed. “I’m not comfortable with that fine though.”

Her gaze narrowed. “Compromise then. You keep your appointment and reassure us this will never happen again.”

Shay nodded. “Of course.”

“Mr. Cole will accompany you.” She looked triumphant.

I turned to face Shay to reassure him I had his back.

But Shay gave me a look of intrigue, as though he were trying to let me know he wanted more time here to suss out the place. I didn’t need him to be a hero.

“We have to go now,” I told Galina.

“Oh, the fine still stands.” She was back in that defiant pose.

“I’ll see you back at the office.” Shay gave me a knowing look and then headed out without glancing back.

Stubborn bastard.This had “bad idea” written all over it.