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“I have a medical team on staff. Dr. Parks heads it up. He was Alfie’s personal doctor. I liked him so much, I offered him a job.”

“Oh.” Mallory had nothing else to offer.

“You need to know something,” Colleen said, pouring them both more whiskey. “What I’m going to tell you cannot leave this room. Couture is not what you think it is.”

Mallory went back to the whiskey and tried to emulate her sister’s eyebrow.

“Do you have to sneeze?” Colleen pushed a box of tissues her way.

“This isn’t … you’re not doing the escort service thing again, are you?”

Colleen smiled. “Not exactly.”

“That’s not a no.”

“None of my clients pay for sex.”

“Oh,” Mallory breathed out. “That’s a relief.”

“Some of them pay for sex instruction.”

“What? The sign says Couture, not Coitus!”

“Couture is many things to many people. To the movers and shakers in Paris, Milan, and of course New York, I’ve built a resort that’s a perpetual fashion convention, complete with a spa and nightlife. I am working on a line, but I’m just dabbling in it right now. My friend Anya just flew in to help me with it. She’s a model, but she really has an eye for fashion. Truthfully, I’d rather wear the clothes than design them.”

Mallory nodded.

“But the true purpose of Couture is catering to an exclusive client list that comes here to relax and rejuvenate their sex lives. Some come to explore new experiences that they’ve read about or have always dreamed about. We offer them hands-on workshops and demonstrations with professionals in the business. And yes, also a spa and nightlife.”

“How hands-on? What type of pros?”

“It depends on the instructor. My clients are carefully screened and vetted before they’re accepted onto Couture’s very private list.”

“Why hide it? Why not say ‘Sex Instructor: First Lesson Free’ or something?”

“If I wanted my marketing to sound like a T-shirt slogan, I would have a man with facial hair walk around with signs that say ‘Free Mustache Rides.’ ” Colleen rolled her eyes. “Look, no one pickets an organization devoted to haute couture and the fashion industry. Like our website says, we’re a creative outlet and a think tank for everyone from the budding fashion designer all the way up to the giants of Fashion Week.”

“So where does the kinky stuff come in?”

“That’s what I really wanted to do. But if I opened an educational society that caters to fulfilling fantasies and learning how to better your sex life? Well, my little blue-law-loving neighbors don’t want that kind of element in their area. But if I front a
Project Runway
wet dream with exclusive events where celebrities go to mix and mingle? Everyone wants that.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“What’s to say? Consenting adults are paying me money to show them a good time. And it’s all perfectly legal, Polly Prissy Pants.”

“I’m not …” Mallory drained her drink. “I’m not judging.”
Leave it to Colleen to get my mind off David
.

“But you want to,” Colleen said in a singsong voice.

“If the sexy part is so private, why do you have penis bushes on your front lawn?”

“What?”

Mallory got up and went to the window. She pointed. “Hah!”

“That’s a dolphin, you pervert.”

“What?” Mallory cocked her head. “It looks like …”

“A cigar?”

“Up yours, Freud. I know a penis when I see one.”

“Apparently not, because that’s a dolphin.”

“Why do you have a dolphin on your front lawn?” Mallory looked up and saw Colleen’s smile. “You’re putting me on.”

“I’m a Miami Dolphins fan.”

“Didn’t that idiot Chase play for them?”

Colleen frowned. “I don’t remember. I just remember the parties.”

“You live a crazy life. You always have. After that shit-heel dumped you for those football whores, I worried that you’d go too far.”

Colleen looked at her nails. “For the record,
I
dumped
him
.”

“Yeah, well, when you married Alfie, I thought, ‘Finally, she found a nice, mature man to settle down with.’ ”

“That’s kind. Everyone else thought I was a gold digger.”

“I met him. I saw how crazy he was for you. And you loved him too in your own way.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Colleen said, putting her hands on her hips.

“It means he wasn’t the love of your life.”

“Oh, and David was the love of yours?”

“Until he started shooting his paycheck in his arm. Until he thought it was okay for me to be a punching bag.” Mallory’s throat closed and she shut her eyes. “Can I stay here or what?”

“Do you still want to? Now that you know people are having orgasms all around you?”

Mallory opened her eyes. “How many orgasms?”

“Multiple!”

The two sisters grinned at each other and burst into laughter.

“Yes, I want to stay. But I don’t want to see you in a dominatrix outfit.”

“Honey, you couldn’t afford it.”

Colleen led her to a room in what she called the vanilla wing. Somehow, Mallory didn’t think she was talking about the ice-cream flavor. Still, the room was tastefully decorated and if she didn’t know better, she would have thought it was an upscale hotel room. In fact, the only thing that was a little off was the bedside table with a package of flavored condoms and a new, unopened, vibrator.

I guess the fashion side of Couture gets a little kinky too
.

After she unpacked what little she’d managed to stuff in her duffel bag, Mallory fidgeted around the room. There were so many things she’d left behind. She couldn’t find her doctor’s bag, and that bothered her because of the prescription drugs in it. It was a locked case, but if someone—oh, say David—wanted to get in there it wouldn’t stop him for long. Plus she didn’t have her phone. She couldn’t take work calls or field David’s calls.

He’d probably pawn her jewelry. That gorgeous emerald necklace Colleen had bought her for graduating med school was probably in a pawnbroker’s window right now. The Cartier watch that her parents got her was fair game too. Mallory clenched her teeth. Maybe she could call him to meet her at a restaurant and then while he was there waiting for her to show up, she could sneak into the apartment and out again.

She turned on the television to settle her nerves and found another way the room differed from one in a normal hotel. The porn channels were free. She watched for a few moments and eyed the vibrator before shutting off the TV. It all seemed like too much work. After two months of hiding and feeling lower than dirt, Mallory couldn’t see herself getting lost in passion. Although she’d like to. She picked up the vibrator box and looked at it. Man, she couldn’t even remember the last time she’d let go. Laughing with Colleen this afternoon was the first time in a long while that she’d felt normal. It gave her a little hope that maybe the old Mallory would replace this new Mallory that was beaten down and afraid of her own shadow.

The knock on her door made her bobble the vibrator.
So much for that thought
. Her nerves were shot. Maybe she’d go hunt down that bottle of blue label and take the vibrator out for a spin after all. Putting it back on the night table, she walked over to the door. After peering through the peephole, she opened the door for her sister.

“How are you settling in?” Colleen pushed her way inside, followed by a dreamboat of a man. He was tall and powerfully built, filling out a pair of jeans and a Couture T-shirt quite nicely. His black hair was slicked back into a ponytail and he had a goatee. Mallory had always
hated goatees until she saw Robert Downey Jr. in
Iron Man
, and then she became a fan. This guy made Iron Man look like a weakling. He had dark, kind eyes and he was looking at her appreciatively.

“Good,” Mallory said, clenching her hands so she wouldn’t bite her nails. She was hyperaware of the condoms and vibrator just sitting there on the table. What was her sister up to now?

“This is Max Spencer. He’s my martial arts trainer.”

Mallory tried to think of something witty to say, but nothing came to mind. So she shook his hand and tried not to wonder if he was her sister’s lover.

“Max is going to show you around the place.”

“What!” Mallory said, and then lowered the volume when they both winced. “I mean, I’m not here for the sex. That is, I’m not a prude,” she said to Max.

“Yes, she is.” Colleen laid her hand on Max’s bulging bicep and gave him a knowing look.

“I am not.” Mallory refused to stamp her foot, so she glared daggers at her sister and her smug expression.

“Say ‘dildo.’ ”

“What?” Mallory adjusted her tone again. “Why would I need to say that?”

“See,” Colleen said. “She can’t do it.”

“Yes, I can. I’m just choosing not to.” Mallory considered smacking Colleen upside her perfectly styled head.

“Do you even hear what you sound like?”

“Ladies,” Max said, stepping between them. He had a voice that sounded like a Harley’s engine and her insides quivered at the bass. “This isn’t necessary.”

“I can say it,” Mallory spat, but she shrank back at the full force of Max’s hazel eyes. He smelled good, too. Part of her wanted to bury her nose in his T-shirt and breathe him in. Too bad he probably thought she was an idiot the way she was acting. When he turned away to look at Colleen, Mallory mouthed “dildo” at her sister.

“Doesn’t count,” Colleen said. “Anyway, before the flying nun over here had a conniption, I was going to tell her that only VIP members of Couture can access the special classes. Nonmembers or prospective members are only allowed on the main levels. To them, we are exactly what our marketing says we are: a resort retreat for the fashion conscious. We also give kick-ass parties on the weekend that everyone is invited to. So fortunately, you’ll get to mingle. Your cover story …”

“I need a cover story? I’m your sister.”

“Yes, but we don’t want word of that getting out in case David has friends in high
places.”

“I didn’t think of that.” Mallory bit her lip.

“You’re a prospective member enjoying your time with us. In the meantime, Max is going to give you some lessons.”

Mallory was trying not to shriek again, so she cleared her throat instead. “What type of lessons are we talking about?”

“Haven’t you been paying attention?” Colleen said. “He teaches martial arts.”

Mallory’s cheeks scorched her hands when she covered her face. When she peeked out, the first thing she saw was Max’s knowing smile.

“You’re not going to be a black belt anytime soon, but hopefully, you’ll pick up enough moves to feel a little more confident if David gets you alone,” Colleen said.

“Thanks,” Mallory said. “Really, this means so much. Do you think he’ll track me here?”

“You’re safe here. Even if David does pull his head out of his ass, he’s never getting close to this place. My guards have orders to detain him and call the cops. Now, stop worrying and have some fun.” Colleen patted Max’s chest. “I’ll leave you in Max’s capable hands.”

Mallory shot her sister a dirty look as Colleen winked at her and let herself out.

“So, um, this is awkward,” Mallory said.

“Come on, let’s go for a walk. Colleen tells me you’re a doctor—what do you specialize in?” Max gave her an easy smile that took the starch out of her spine.

Mallory was glad to scoot out of the room, away from the flavored condoms. Did they really taste like grape? Rubber grape? David wasn’t very adventurous in the bedroom. His idea of a wild time was her on top. He felt threatened every time she tried to bring up something new, so after a while she just stopped trying. Couture seemed to be all about trying new things and taking chances. Maybe she was in the right place at the right time for once in her life? She realized Max was patiently waiting for an answer and she turned her mind firmly back to her career.

“Yes, I work in the ER.”

“That’s got to be stressful.”

“There’s never a slow night, unfortunately.”

They walked through the hotel-like area. “Do you want to work out?”

“No, not really,” Mallory admitted.

“Want to go get something to eat?”

“Definitely. I could go for a greasy cheeseburger and a plate of fries.”

At his horrified look, Mallory amended her choice. “Or a salad, because that’s what I normally eat.”
When I’m not hungry
.

“If you’re going to be training with me, we probably should work out a nutrition plan.”

“Are you calling me fat?”

“What? No. You’re not fat. How …?” he stuttered. “I just thought to maximize your energy levels, you’d get more protein and less carbs. You’re going to need a lot of fuel to sweat through my workshop, so I wanted to make sure you’re eating right … and I’ll shut up now.”

“I hate to exercise.”

Max clamped his mouth shut.

Mallory waited for him to say something, but he didn’t. “I don’t have a lot of experience in hitting people. I fix them, not break them.”

“I can teach you to disable them and get away. The only time you want to stand and fight is if you don’t have any other choice.”

“I could just get a Taser.”

Max looked relieved. “That’s probably a good idea. I’ll let your sister know in the morning.”

“Have you guys been together long?”

“I was one of her first hires.”

Mallory looked at him out of the corner of her eye when they headed to the restaurant. “So it’s a business relationship?”

“Yeah, she’s my boss. I’m not sleeping with her.”

“Good.” The sign read “Seat yourself,” so Mallory slid into a comfy booth.

She reached for the bread basket, but before her hand could grab a roll, he moved it out of the way. “White bread is empty carbs. No nutritional value.”

“But it’s tasty.” She didn’t tug the basket back, though she wanted to.

He gave her a grin that had her forgetting all about warm dinner rolls slathered in butter. “So what are you going to do with your time at Couture?”

“I was hoping to hole up in my room and read.”

“Sounds exciting,” he deadpanned.

“It’s not like I really fit in.” Mallory caught herself before her nails went into her mouth. She reached for her water glass instead.