Club X-Dare (Siren Publishing Allure) (2 page)

“I’m getting the impression that I will never be able to explain this to you. You are getting married and will have a dog and two point five children. I think that is wonderful for you. I don’t want that, I never have. I don’t do dates well, I suck at small talk, and I lose interest quickly. I don’t want that scene. I was ten when my mother died of a broken heart. Before my father died, I had the perfect family, and then it was gone. My mother was so wrapped up in her grief that I no longer existed. My love wasn’t good enough to keep her alive. My uncle was nice, and so were his wife and four children, but I was an outsider. I don’t want any part of anything that is going to consume my life like my parents’ love for each other. I learned to depend on myself, and that is who I have become. I enjoy sex and being in control. I’m good at it, and when I choose to get laid, I do. Nothing more and nothing less. Pure simple lust.”

“Are you going to tell me that you never long to sleep in a man’s arms and wake up to his kisses?”

“I’ve even been known to be served breakfast in bed. It’s nice for a change of pace.”

“Sam, when did you get so bitter and cynical?”

“I’m not cynical. I just don’t have much faith in love. While I’m here, I have a job to do. Did you find out anything about the fire?”

Caroline’s expression flashed with anger as she looked out the window behind Sam’s head. “I don’t believe you. I don’t suppose that I’m going to be able to talk you out of this?”

“No, you’re not. I’m using my vacation to go check things out. If I’m going to quit, I’ll have time to train a replacement. I might even train you if you’re interested. It’s more money, and you would be good in my place.”

“I’ll miss you, Sam.”

“Yeah, well, nothing lasts forever. I’ll miss you, too. Now give me the information, I have a client who should be here any moment.”

Caroline flipped open her file. “The police found evidence of a fire that was started with a bottle full of gas. There was broken glass at the point of origin, and there were the distinct signs of a high-heat gasoline fire. I checked out his alibi, and when I mentioned to his girlfriend that she could be indicted as an accessory, she said that he didn’t show up at her house until almost twelve. I have two eyewitnesses that happened to be sitting out on their front porch the night the fire started. They say that they saw a man running from behind the house who was balding and wearing thick glasses. The police found a footprint in a pile of dog excrement. The bottom design was from a pair of men’s shoes that can only be purchased from one shop in this area. They are especially made for a person with a club foot, and Mr. Grestan has purchased four pairs in the last year. The police now have a warrant out for his arrest and are probably waiting outside for him. I don’t think we have to worry much about paying on his claim.”

“Like I said, Caroline, you would be a great replacement. He was my last appointment, and I really want to go home.” She got up and walked past Caroline. “Linda, please make a note that if anyone needs me next week I won’t be here. I’m going to Disney World for my vacation.”

“I’m so glad to hear that. Have a good time. Will you be in tomorrow?”

“I don’t know. Maybe I’ll start my week early. If there are any problems, ask Caroline.”

Caroline stared at her and frowned. “I can’t run this place. I thought Devon was coming in to take over for you.”

“He is, but you can do it better than him. Good night,” she said as she walked back into her office and grabbed her coat. The sun was shining, and it was a beautiful day to be outside in the fresh air. She was also really intrigued with the idea of seeing Condor again. Maybe he would take her out to dinner, and she could get a better idea of his personal interest. To have sex with her intended boss was probably a really bad idea, but he was an amazing specimen of a man, and she had never been one for following the rules.

The phone rang as Sam was paying for her latest shipment of capes. She flipped it open, glancing at the caller ID. “Hello, Condor.”

“A limousine will pick you up at your home at five. Wear something classy and sexy.” The phone went dead.

“Yes, sir,” she said with a cocky waggle of her head. “Nothing like giving me time to answer. Son of a bitch. This boy needs an attitude adjustment if he wants me to work for him.”

Sam smiled as she walked to her car. Condor was legendary, a man of power who built and ran the most successful X-Dare in the country. She supposed that he didn’t get where he was by allowing people to walk over him. It was going to be interesting staying with a man who was her equal.

She took a short walk in the park and then headed home to take a shower. By 5:00 p.m. she was a statement of refined and sexy. A low-slung black dress was offset with a cape and short spiked heels that laced up her calf. Her hair was done in a twist, her makeup accenting her cheekbones and eyes. Sam gave herself a final inspection in the mirror and then grabbed her purse, heading out to the waiting limousine. She had no idea if Condor was inside or not, but when the driver opened the door, she was rewarded with his offered hand.

“Thank you,” she said, taking a seat beside him and adjusting her dress downward over her thighs.

“You’re welcome. You look exceptional. Have you considered my offer? I would prefer to get business out of the way before we begin the evening.”

“I thought the evening was to discuss business.”

“No, the evening is to discuss us. I want to get to know you and make sure that you can handle the position. It’s not a job that is suited to most people. So tell me what a guide does.”

“A guide is the all-around little helper. They are also bouncer, whistle-blower, and the one who makes the final call in a dispute. They keep track of who has a contract and what they are into while at the club. They remind people to only proposition within their color charms and make sure that newlings don’t get in over their heads. When the request is made, a guide can be present to assist and teach a couple or group seeking information on something new. They make recommendations and give advice without physically getting involved. They are unlicensed counselors and sexual liaisons. They also make sure that the chambers are cleaned properly and keep track of the reservation list. The only one above a guide is the owner of the club. You.”

“I am impressed. You seem to have a real grasp on the requirements of the position. Scarab warned me that your pretty packaging was deceptive. He described you as an intensely intelligent and almost compulsively thorough woman. I gather that you leave no stone unturned until your curiosity is sated. He said that you did research not only on what he was teaching you, but every aspect of the club. Did you?”

“Yes, I did. I wanted to know what I was getting into before I joined. I’m not in the habit of throwing away five grand on a whim. I spent quite a bit of time talking with the guides, bartenders, and the leads. I can answer just about any question that I am asked.”

“Well then, answer my question.”

“I would like to come down and check it out. The offer really interests me.”

“Good, sixty-five thousand to start, and I don’t care if you have your period or a headache, you come to work. Get in the habit of always calling me Condor. I prefer the nickname. Oh, are you planning on getting pregnant in the near future?”

“No. Why?”

“Because I don’t want to have to replace you if you do. Any health problems that are not listed on your club application?”

“No.”

“I don’t condone drugs, and you will take an AIDS test every three months.”

“Fine with me. I don’t do drugs, and I only drink occasionally. Oh, and while we are establishing guidelines, I have always treated my coworkers with respect, and I expect the same. Your call was rude, and you assumed that I would do as I was told. I humored you, but don’t expect it to happen again. At least give me time to reply. I don’t like bossy, arrogant people. I don’t like men who treat women like objects. If I am to be a guide, then the shift is mine. If you have a problem with something I’m doing, please speak to me about it in private. It is degrading to have your boss verbally thrash you in front of others. I will never lie to you, and I expect the same. I’m a big girl, and I can handle constructive criticism. If you feel the need to be critical just for the sake of doing so, then don’t expect me to continue working for you. With my credentials I can get a job in any state as an insurance adjustor or supervisor.”

A thin smile touched his lips. “Scarab said that you were honestly blunt. I like that. I’m flying back on Saturday morning. Do you want to fly with me or would you prefer to come later?”

“Saturday is fine. I have some things to finish up tomorrow. Just let me know the time of the flight, and I’ll be there. Why did you fly all the way up from Florida? Couldn’t you find someone in your own state for this job?”

“I suppose that I could have, but I didn’t look. There is a list of people that would make good guides if you have the proper authorization to get into the site. There are a few people in my area, but none of them were quite what I was looking for. I wanted a female, and I wanted one who had a dominant personality. I was looking for someone who had charms that were low priority. I liked the fact that one of your charms was green which means you don’t usually engage in sex. I don’t need a guide who is tempted to get into the action. Your look is very distinctive. The color of your hair and the softness of the wispy strands that curl into your cheeks give you a welcoming appearance. Your hair is light enough to be noticeable, but the odd shade of light copper will make it easy for people to spot you in the crowd. Is the color natural?”

“Yes, my father’s hair was this color.”

“Was?”

“My parents died fifteen years ago.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Any other major attachments that might cause you to take time off?”

“No. I don’t do well with attachments. I was an only child, and the uncle who raised me died last year. I haven’t kept in touch with his children.”

“Anyway,” he said, not caring for the sudden darkness that seemed to shadow her oddly light-brown, almost amber eyes. “When I started to do some research on you, I was impressed. After speaking with Peter and then Scarab, I decided it was worth the trip up here to meet you. I have yet to make a final decision, but I think you are exactly what I’m looking for. I need an employee who is not easily intimidated.”

She chuckled. “That I am not. Is your interest strictly business? I seem to get the feel of some underlying personal curiosity.”

He seemed to hesitate with a reply, and Sam smiled. She had seen the interest in his eyes when she had gotten into the car, although he had tried to hide it well. He was attractive, if not slightly thin, with a well-accentuated build that was obvious under the expensively tailored sport suit he wore. She noted again that his hair was dramatic, a constant flash of subtle amber waves accented with streaks of multitoned blond. His eyebrows were slightly darker, and long lashes accented very dark greenish-blue eyes. Condor ran his tongue over his full, almost ruby lips, making them shimmer as he smiled. “Are you having fun?”

“Excuse me?” she replied with a tilt of her head.

“I asked, are you having fun scrutinizing me?”

“I actually was. Did someone break your nose?”

“When I was twelve. I could have it fixed, but I have grown used to the slight thickness of the bridge. I think if the center of my nose were thinner, then the tip would appear too big. Do you dislike it?”

“No, I think it fits well with your face. You have extremely well-defined jawbones. They give you a very commanding appearance. The color of your eyes is unusual.”

“My father had blue eyes and my mother green. I ended up with a combination of the two. Is your scrutiny one of interest, where I can weasel a compliment out of you, or do you find me repulsive?”

She chuckled at his comment. “You owe me an answer first.”

“There is personal interest, but it is not always wise to mix business with emotion.”

“I suppose that is normally true, but I’m not one to get emotionally involved. I appreciate relationships for the pure sensual quality of sex and enjoyment of two people being together. I find you very attractive, and I would really like to kiss you.”

The car came to a stop, and they both heard the driver get out. Condor grinned as the door opened, breaking the mood of challenging silence. He stepped outside, offering Sam his hand and watching her as she slid from the car. She locked eyes with him for a moment and then broke the visual embrace as she glanced at the restaurant. “Caliar, nice choice. Their food is excellent.”

“So I was told. Shall we, Fire?” he asked, offering his upturned palm to her.

Sam placed her hand daintily into his. “I prefer to be called Sam outside the walls of the club. Samantha is acceptable, but it is also very formal.”

“I don’t think Sam fits you, but I will honor your wishes.”

They walked into the restaurant and were instantly escorted to seats. Caliar was by reservation only, and they never kept their patrons waiting. The menu was small, and the prices exorbitant, but Sam didn’t hesitate to order. “I will have the venison in burgundy sauce, steamed squash sautéed in garlic, with no butter, wild-greens-with-pecan salad, and a large glass of sparkling water with lime. Please go sparingly on the ice.”