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“What do you mean?”
“Do you really believe Sabrina took me under her wing and expected nothing in return?”
I can see the moment Jane realizes what I’m saying.
“No.”
“Oh, yes. For years, even after you and I were together.”
“You bastard.”
“No, you don’t get to blame this on me. I was a fucking child when your mother preyed on me. I’ve done some research. I wasn’t the first, nor was I the last victim of the Sea Witch.”
She says nothing, which is wise.
“Jane, you and I both know our relationship has been over for a long time. Even if you hadn’t been lying to me the entire time about many things, I’m also aware of Harold Tarsin.”
“Harold means nothing to me.”
But her words lack conviction.
“You’ve been seeing him on the side for years, ever since you took that trip to Africa.” I soften my tone. “I don’t blame you, Jane, not for loving someone else.”
She looks at the table. “My mother would have never approved of him. She would have said he was uncultured and barbaric.”
“Your mother is no longer here to judge. And neither am I.” I reach out, taking her hand. “We both deserve to be happy.”
“People are going to talk.”
“Then I suggest you take a trip to Africa. Spend some time with Harold in his own country.” My grip on her hand tightens. “I’m willing to overlook all the things you’ve lied about, but don’t make the mistake of thinking you can stay and continue as things were before. Understand?”
If she’s as smart as I know she is, then she’ll know I’m talking about the money, too. Her free ride ends now. I’ve made sure of it. No more skimming from my funds without my knowledge. In fact, if she were to check her bank account, she’d find that she doesn’t even have enough to pay for her meal tonight.
“I understand.”
“Good.” I stand. “Goodbye, Jane.”
“Goodbye, Kieran.”
I walk away, feeling lighter than I have in years. Tomorrow, phase two begins.
24
Kieran
The club is always busy on Thursdays. People like to get their weekends started early, and we’re here to cater to them. I walk around the main floor, chatting with employees. Even though it’s only noon, most of the tables are full. There’s even a line at the bar, though the floor will thin out soon. Some of these people are only here to have a quick romp on their lunch breaks. The dark colors of the room make people forget what time it is. Here, they can get lost in the fantasy, and that’s how I make money.
One hostess stops. “Mr. Greystoke is here.”
“Show him up to my table in the VIP area. I’ll be right over.”
I plan to make Clayton wait, so instead of going to the table, I head to my office on the third floor where I watch the security feeds. The club is fairly simple. The main floor is where people mingle, connect, and have a drink or two. A vault door from an old bank leads the way to the first-floor playrooms. Each room is dedicated to a different kink. I study what’s trending and change the rooms as needed. For example, right now Shibari, or rope bondage, is very popular. And some rooms, like the voyeur room, never go out of style.
The second floor holds the VIP area and private rooms that my members own. There, they can explore whatever kink they want, within reason. Even here there are rules. No underaged patrons. Period. I don’t give a shit if they’re hours away from turning eighteen. They aren’t allowed. No bestiality. And no necrophilia.
Flipping through the feeds, I find the camera pointed at Clayton. He’s leaning over the railing, watching the strip performance on stage. Clayton has tried to get a membership here for years and has always been denied. For one, he failed the background check. Turns out he beat a classmate up when he was attending Oxford. His father’s money saved him from going to jail, but he wasn’t able to stop it from going on his record. Besides, people like to talk, and most don’t have a good thing to say about the prick. My jaw tics. And I let him be around Ari. Fuck. What was I thinking?
A knock on the door brings me out of my thoughts. Seb enters and snorts when he sees who I’m watching.
