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Hunter’s expression didn’t change but anger started to boil inside him. Leigh’s appearance at the club not so long ago hadn’t been a coincidence. He hated deceivers with a passion, and since he had gone out of his way to train Leigh to be ready for the Castle Sin Academy, her running to the press was not only a slap in his face but also endangered the future of his training academy.
“You seem to have been told many things. I would question why you’re telling me this instead of approaching Rothman directly.”
“I’m merely following the path of conception, Master Crow. See, Miss Simms indicated that you’re the one who finds…” She tapped a fingernail against her teeth, “How did she phrase it again?”
Another pause for effect, so perfectly timed, Hunter felt like applauding her for her acting ability.
“Ah, yes, she said you found desperate women with no place to go and forced them to sign their freedom away in exchange for a… different life.”
“Hmm, so, it’s not only Rothman you’re after, you’re after me as well? For offering destitute women a…differentlife?”
“Oh, no. It’s him I want… if there is any truth to her claim of course. I mean, it’s so farfetched to believe that a man like Stone Rothman would need to lock women in a dungeon and turn them into sex slaves, don’t you think?”
Hunter dipped his chin and returned her stare unblinkingly. “You seem to expect a reaction from me, Miss Jackson, or some kind of explosive denial.”
“All I’m after is the truth. Between you and me, I wasn’t interested in chasing the story but when my editor caught wind of it, he chased me here like the bloodhound he is.”
“The truth. Do people like you even know what that looks like?”
“I’m insulted, Master Crow. I am and always have been a chaser of factuality. Unless I have valid proof, I will never publish a story. This, however juicy and farfetched it may sound, included.” She uncrossed her legs and leaned forward. “So, are you going to make this trip short so I can go home and chase the real, hardcore political and criminal assholes out there, or do I really have to go to Key West and pray that I bump into Rothman by chance?” She smirked. “Since, I’m sure you know as well as I do that no one knows where Stone Rothman lays down his head at night.”
“Since you asked so nicely and seeing as you have killer legs, I’ll accommodate you. I’m afraid Leigh Simms is telling tall tales. I’m sure you know what kind of club this is.”
“I do and no, I’m not interested in turning what you do here into front page news. A couple of years ago it would have made waves, but nowadays, it’s only the selected few who still whine about sex clubs. Of course, as long as you do everything in the legal way.”
“Of course. Very well, Miss Jackson, here is the truth. Leigh attended a BDSM 101 class at my academy. She met Stone Rothman at one of the training sessions and blatantly propositioned him, even though it’s against the rules. Obviously, he declined but once she met him, she continued to stalk him. Unfortunately, her actions led to a very uncomfortable situation, and I was forced to ask her to leave the academy. Stone eventually had to obtain a restraining order against her since she would arrive on set where he was filming and make his life hell. He had no interest in her, nor did he offer her any promises. If you ask me, it’s a case of sour grapes.”
“Ah, the classic case of a woman scorned, right?” Peyton frowned, clearly not convinced he was telling her everything. “If this is the case, how do you explain the photos she showed me of her and Mr. Rothman in loving embraces, sharing meals, cooking together in what appeared to be a beach house, and—”
“Miss Jackson, do I look like an idiot to you? Do you honestly believe I’m that gullible to believe the drivel you’re spitting? You have no photos and Stone Rothman was never involved with Leigh Simms. Period. Apart from that, there is nothing more I can tell you.”
His eyebrows lowered as his eyes darkened ominously.
“Since you came to me and lied about having photos, I can only assume it’s because you know she’s spinning a tall tale. In my honest opinion, I would guess she’s after money. I suggest you tread lightly and make sure of what is fact or fiction of what she tells you. Spreading lies like that about a man of Stone Rothman’s stature could destroy careers.”
“You’re right and I apologize for insulting you, but I had to push.” She got up and swung the big tote bag she carried over her shoulder. “I did my due diligence and can now return to New York knowing I have no story to tell. Thank you for your time, Master Crow.”
Hunter watched her go, assessing the taut lines of her body. Peyton Jackson was lying. She wasn’t giving up. He guessed her next stop would be Key West. Picking up his cell phone, he called Matilda again.
“Drop what you’re doing and find me an address for Leigh Simms. I need it in five minutes.”
“On it, Boss but I don’t need to drop anything. I just emailed you all the information on Rocco Butler. I’m afraid you’re not going to like what you see.”
“Thanks, Matilda.” He ended the call and made another to Stone.
“Good thing you called, Hunter. We’re in Seattle for a shoot and wanted to know if you’ll be at the club tonight?” Stone said by way of answering.
“We have a problem, Stone.” He briefly filled him in on the visit he just had. “I already instructed Matilda to find Leigh’s address. That little reporter is a feisty one. She left here intending to find and corner you. We need to nip this in the bud… tonight.”
“I agree. We’re at the Hilton. Send us the coordinates or address as soon as you have it. We’ll meet you there.”
Ending the call, Hunter opened the email from Matilda.
“Fucking bitch!” His curse reverberated through the room. Eyes glued on the picture on the screen promised retribution. A photo of the board of DevelopMate with the two co-owners, CEO, Gustav Prince, and CFO, Lilith Prince, along with a minority shareholder, COO, Rocco Butler, smiling at him.
Lilith Prince, who was none other than Lillian Pringle.
His initial instinct had been correct and now that the connection between Rocco Butler and the Prince twins had been confirmed, he had no doubt their arrival at the club pointed to corporate espionage. DevelopMate was a relatively stable company but was considered a medium-sized company that couldn’t compete with the output or profits Ground Zero generated. Gustav Prince had made a name for himself as someone who didn’t give up, a trait Hunter admired. On the negative side of the coin, his aspirations to rise above the capabilities of the company, cutting corners, and aggravating competitors made him less likable.
