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No matter who she spoke to, Lady Katrina’s voice commanded respect and elicited fear in those around her. Her cackle raised the hairs on the back of one’s neck, even Dylan’s, after five years of spending time around her. It didn’t surprise her when Ari’s hand took hold of hers, seeking refuge from the intimidating woman. It also meant Ari trusted her at least enough to protect her from other women.
The interruption annoyed Maxi, which was easy to do. “Well, since your presence seems to have attracted attention, let’s meet this Ariel Delgado you’ve spoken so highly about. Come on. Up.”
Dylan nudged her forward and released her hand, allowing Ari to make her way to the stage per Maxi’s request. That hadn’t been the plan. She wanted to tuck Ari into the arena next to the other new hires and let her blend in. Instead, Maxi made a spectacle by having Ari join her on stage and circle around as if she were modeling an outfit. Dylan waited off to the side, watching and sensing Ari’s uneasiness. She had her own apprehension because the plan wasn’t as solid as she hoped it would be.
“Very nice, Miss Delgado. I can see why you came so highly recommended,” Maxi stated. As Ari took a step back toward the stairs, Maxi grabbed her hand and held it tight. “As I was saying, Fridays and Saturdays are our busiest nights. Lady Katrina performs for us here on the La Prizonye stage. Our clients love her. She handpicks her captive submissive at the start of each show. If you are lucky enough to be chosen, you will receive a nice little bonus on top of what she will give you during the performance. If you conduct yourself respectfully and are familiar with your duties, your work experience here will be both enjoyable and financially rewarding.”
Maxi winked at her, their hands still joined, then leaned in. She whispered something in her ear that might not have sat well because Ari’s head tilted downward before casting a playful glance toward Dylan as she blushed. Maxi also tossed her stare at Dylan, who swallowed hard. The dryness caused a scratch at the back of her throat as she wondered what Maxi had said.
Jealousy wasn’t something Dylan had ever felt; she never longed for someone that someone else had. The way Ari had giggled at Maxi’s words left her feeling strange. She wanted Ari for herself, but Dylan knew that was unrealistic. At some point, she would have to release her to the clutches of the club, even to Maxi, as the boss always sampled the merchandise. And as Maxi squeezed Ari’s hand like they shared an intimate secret, Dylan regretted hiring her for all the wrong reasons.
As soon as the meeting ended, Ari rejoined Dylan with a little skip in her step. It was bad manners to ask Ari what Maxi had whispered in her ear. “Looks like Maxi approved of my decision to hire you. Let’s continue with the tour.”
“She said you have good taste,” Ari grinned as she gave a little nudge of her shoulder at Dylan, still bashful at the compliment.
The sentiment gave a boost to her ego, though it also meant that Maxi had plans of her own with Ari. If Dylan could just have a week alone with her, that was all she needed. One week to claim her. One week to woo Ari. Then she believed no matter who else sullied her, Ari would be hers.
Back in the hallway, Dylan pointed out the private quarters. To escape the prying eyes of the main ballroom, guests could book a premium room. They were the only rooms Dylan didn’t have cameras in. Maxi insisted that if a member could afford the substantial cost of a private room, they should grant them privacy. The management didn't disclose that information to the ladies; instead, they assured safety and security in every corner of Adytum.
Dylan and Ari peeked inside one of them. It was a circus of wonder, a playground in which members had access to everything their heart could imagine. They outfitted the rooms for every scenario, from contraptions to benches, suspension to iron chains, and everything in between. When someone requested something special, they brought it in.
“Wow. There are six of these special rooms? All monitored?”
Every new hire asked the same question. The response was always the same. “Yes. There isn’t a place in Adytum that doesn’t have a camera. We might tell the members there are none, but trust me, we know what’s going on.”
“So, what is your role at the club?”
Dylan closed the door and led Ari off the floor to the employee area. “Head of security. That’s why I can say we’re watching out for the girls. And well, I’m now your teacher.”
They made their way to the employees’ den, which is what they called their break room. “Every Wednesday, they update this board with shifts for the upcoming week. If there are any extras, you can find those here too.”
Along the back wall of the den was a row of metal school lockers, most of which contained padlocks or combination locks. There were a few not in use.
Dylan opened one of them, removed a sealed plastic bag, and handed it to Ari. “Here is where you will change before you start your shift. Every night, there will be a new outfit in your locker based on the theme of the evening. This is tonight’s attire. If you come in and there is nothing inside, that means you will be nude. Why don’t you change and meet me back at the bar. You remember your way?”
“Yes, Boss.”
Boosted by the idea of being in charge of something or someone, Dylan’s chest swelled with pride as Ari mastered the commands she liked to hear. With renewed confidence, Dylan exited the den and returned to the bar, where Cooper stood and waited with a glint of anger in her eyes.
“What?” Dylan couldn’t hide the petulance in her voice.
Cooper shook her head. “This is not gonna end well. I have a gut feeling about this. You better know what the hell you’re doing.”
“I do, so you can let it go. I don’t need you and your condescending looks causing me issues.”
Just then, Maxi’s heels struck the marble floor, becoming louder with each step. As she stepped up to the bar, she noticed the thick tension between Dylan and Cooper. “Why are my children in moods tonight?”
Dylan's dominant gaze with narrowed eyes signaled Cooper to keep her trap shut. She did just that. “It’s nothing. We were arguing about the Thunderbirds game last night.”
"Pretend like you're members of the management team. It’s nearly showtime,” Maxi said before she strolled away.
“Yes, Dylan. It’s showtime and your girl better be ready, or else Maxi will have her head ... and yours.”
She scoffed at Cooper’s comment, leaving the area so she didn’t have to hear any more from her before the night began. Dylan shuffled down the hall to see what was keeping Ari. Just as she reached her office, Ari came out from the den toward her. It took everything in her power not to lick her lips. Dylan wanted her here and now. She opened the door to her office and motioned Ari inside, then closed the door behind them.
“Turn around. I want to see you in tonight’s attire.”
Ari did just that, spinning around in the black dress made of mesh up top and a black-and-white striped fabric around the hips. Dylan had deliberately left out a detail about undergarments from the wardrobe conversation. If the company did not provide them, they prohibited them. Dylan could see her panty line, which wasn’t acceptable.
