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“So far,” he said. “I was able to offer bonuses.”
“Were your funds restored?”
He chuckled under his breath. “I have various sources of income and bank accounts in several offshore locations. While the main fund for the project is still being held, I planned ahead. We have as many corrupt politicians as you do in your country.”
“Wise thinking. Let me guess. You purposely chose this location to issue a warning of your own.”
Dumas leaned forward. “You’re not the only man with secure, substantiated data on those who might cause trouble. My father taught me that information is the key to survival, one of the few aspects of my childhood that I still use today.”
“A wise man. What can I do to provide assistance?” I kept my hand on Alexandra’s leg, stroking her skin. While she attempted to keep her concentration on the meeting, I sensed her increasing nervousness. The scenes were out in the open, some more brutal than others. While there was nothing more I wanted than to enjoy spending time introducing her to additional acts of kink, I sensed an entirely different level of reservations. Whatever she was keeping locked away in her past prevented her from letting go entirely. Maybe a change in plans was necessary.
“Take a look around you, Mr. Stark. We have people watching us as we speak. It is entirely possible that prior to you returning to the States, we’ll know who is behind the obvious attempt at derailing everything I’ve worked for. I don’t take being threatened kindly.”
“When were you threatened?” This I didn’t know.
“The day I won the auction for the land. And before you ask, it came in the form of an anonymous source.”
“But you suspect who it is,” Alexandra piped.
“Yes,cherie, I do, although I can’t prove it.”
I had the distinct feeling he wasn’t going to share with us who he believed was behind the threats. “It may be necessary to talk with the French officials on your behalf.”
“Trust me. You don’t want to do that. They will only dig in deeper. However, if information is discovered, I know the right people to talk with in order to make this problem disappear.”
I studied Dumas for a few seconds before leaning back in my chair, tapping my fingers on the table. “I think it’s prudent to have a meeting with the officials. However, take the evening to see if you can make connections. Then we talk in the morning. I’ll need to return to Miami as soon as possible so this incident must be solved.”
He dragged his gaze toward Alexandra and for the first time, I noticed real emotion on his face. He’d been stoic, cold for almost every meeting.
“Very well, Jameson. I need this club to work. It’s the only thing that is truly mine and I won’t let it go down in flames. Now, may I suggest you enjoy some of what Club Noir has to offer. I should make a few phone calls. Whatever you would like will be taken care of. It’s the least I can do for dragging you to Paris.”
“It’s always enjoyable to come to this vibrant city.” I lifted my glass in recognition, noticing we’d drawn more attention. There were several men at another table watching us intently. I could only imagine what they were concluding.
He took another gulp of his wine then moved back from the table. “Alexandra, you are a true beauty in a sea of loneliness. I hope you find my beloved city to your liking.”
“Very much so,” she said. “Thank you.”
Dumas smiled, giving me another nod before moving away from the table.
Alexandra settled into her seat, turning toward me. “Are we staying?” Her question was hopeful but laced with uncertainty.
“I was originally planning on indulging your fantasies, but I have a better idea.”
* * *
Alexandra
The powerful man was full of surprises.
He’d made a phone call once outside the club, refusing to allow me to hear what was being said. I was excited and nervous, wondering what he had in mind. The look on his face gave me goosebumps, as if we were entering into another realm of our kinky relationship.
The word seemed strange, as if I was living another life. I’d been a sheltered girl, not allowed to go wild like my friends. I’d told myself I’d fall in love with a nice boy, live on a small ranch, and have three kids and a dog, along with the picket fence. I’d learned the hard way that typical fantasies weren’t in my future.
Maybe that’s why I’d gravitated toward Jameson, longing to be taken care of, treated like a princess.
He said nothing as he drove away from the club, keeping his hand firmly planted on my knee. My thoughts drifted to the scene with the bullwhip. While the look on the girl’s face as every lash was cracked against her naked body indicated the highest form of pleasure, I remained sick to my stomach. In truth, I was glad that we’d left the club.
“How much further?”
