Seeking Justice (4 page)

“Thanks, but I need to keep my wits about me.”

“Okay,” Holly says. “Let’s take you around for the rest of the tour.”

I call Valerie as soon as I return home, right after I pour a glass of wine.

“I’m in. Did you know they’d require me to sign an NDA?” I ask as soon as she answers.

“I knew they would hire you and yes, I imagined they would require you to sign an NDA. Don’t worry about it, Caitlyn.”

I snort softly.

“Did you meet Liam Justice?”

“Yes. You didn’t tell me he was so young.” Or so unbelievably beautiful. “He offers quite an employee benefits package.”

“What do you think about the Justice House, Caitlyn?”

“The place is gorgeous and reeks of money. Did you know they have over two thousand members?”

“No, Caitlyn, I don’t have privy to that type of information. That’s why I have you there.”

I roll my eyes. “Well, that figures out to a lot of kinky people.”

“That figures out to a lot of zeros,” Valerie adds. “Any idea where they keep their files?”

“Oh, yeah. It won’t be easy getting a look, though. I noticed cameras in every room. Discreet, but there.”

“You’ll figure something out,” Valerie says.

“I
will
have access to the member’s directory which is supposed to have photos and specifics. Maybe there will be enough information in the directory.”

“We’ll see.”

I take a sip of wine. “I wish you’d tell me who I’m looking for.” She doesn’t say anything for a moment.

“Just familiarize yourself with the members and find me some info on Justice.”

“Valerie, you do know they have private investigators for this type of thing.”

“Yes, but why pay someone else when I have a perfectly good investigative reporter who’s happy to do it. Just think of the great byline. Keep in touch,” she says before hanging up.

Valerie Sharp gave me a job when no one else would even interview me. I never have figured that one out. I’m not a great reporter, but I am a good investigator. I’m tenacious, and I’ve even surprised myself at how resourceful I can be at getting the information I want. Now, Paul is a great reporter, an excellent writer. He can tell a story in a way that touches readers. We’ve been lucky that Valerie lets us work together, and some of our articles have been good. I owe Valerie, she and I both know it.

But I also know that Liam Justice is not why she has me at Justice House.

I eat a light supper and then call Paul to give him the lowdown.

“So how are things in the BDSM community?” he asks.

“I have no idea, and maybe you should be doing this story since you seem to know so much about the lifestyle.”

He laughs. “Did you get the position?”

“Yes, and after talking to Val earlier, I now know there was never any doubt.”

I hear Paul grunt. “What the hell’s going on with this, Cait?”

“I don’t know yet, but I do know it’s not only about Liam Justice. How the hell did she get me hired?”

“She must have someone on the inside.”

Holly?

“Holly Phillip’s interviewed me, and I have a feeling it’s because of her I was hired, and from the way Justice acted earlier, it wasn’t with his blessing.”

“Well, there you go.”

“No, she said they’ve known each other a long time, and I’m sure they’re from the same place, same southern accent.”

“Well, I’m keeping an eye out at the office.”

“Sounds good. Tell Julie I said hello. I’m going to bed.”

“You be careful, and don’t forget we’re going out to dinner Thursday night.”

“Okay, love you. Good night.”

It’s not so easy falling asleep; I toss and turn a bit. Why does Liam Justice think I won’t last two weeks? And why does just thinking about him cause my libido to kick in? No man has ever caused a reaction in me as he does, and honestly, it’s a little unsettling. He definitely intimidates me. He’s so—naughty. I blush at my own thoughts of just how naughty Mr. Liam Justice could be. The man owns a sex club, I bet…
Forget it Cait!
I roll over and punch my pillow before settling back down. He’s not my type.

A little voice deep down says,
Yeah, but he’s the type you’ve always wanted.

I fall asleep recalling the smile he gave me that almost melted my panties.

“Do I make you nervous, Miss Shaw?”

His warm breath caresses my ear as one large hand splays across my belly holding me tightly against his front. His other hand, wrapped around my throat, tips my head so it rests back against his chest. His hard erection presses against my lower back.

“Answer me!” he says sharply.

“No,” I breathe.

His laugh is faintly sinister.

My knees nearly buckle when he brings his mouth to my neck, sucking and biting at my tender flesh.

“I want to do bad things to you,” he murmurs, his voice raspy against my ear. I whimper in response.

He spins me around to face him, and I look up to see his eyes glowing with an unnatural blue brilliance. Delving his hands into my hair on either side of my head, he holds me in place as his mouth lowers to mine. He nips and sucks at my lips as his tongue makes its way in, skillfully exploring my mouth.

I gasp when he lifts me to the tabletop, setting me on the edge. “Back you go,” he says as he pushes on my chest until I’m lying with my back resting on the table.

I’m naked, and I see my breasts quiver with every struggling breath I take.

He leans over me, and I want to touch his face but discover my hands tied, stretched across the table above my head.

“Now for your legs,” he growls. “I’m going to spread them, open you wide and see how much of me you can take.”

I sit straight up in bed, my heart pounding, my body slick with sweat.

A sex dream with Liam Justice?

“Fuck!”

I fall straight back onto the mattress.

Chapter Three

I
’ve swatted the snooze button one time too many by the time I pull myself out of bed, and I have to hurry so I won’t be late.

I rush to the shower, and now I’m studying my reflection in the full-length mirror that sits in my bedroom. My eyes are a deep chocolate brown, and I’ve been told they are very expressive. Right now, they just look tired, and it feels as if there is sand under my lids. My waist length hair is that dark brown that looks almost black, and I’m lucky that it’s always looked thick and healthy, but of course today of all days, it just looks unruly. I finally decide to put it in a side braid hanging down over my shoulder.

Holly said Liam preferred his hostesses to wear dresses, so out of some perverse need to needle him, I’m wearing black slacks and a black V-necked sweater. I apply my makeup, and I’m just slipping into my heels when I hear my cab driver’s horn.

As instructed by Holly, I have the driver let me out at the back entrance. Justice House sits on a large corner lot completely enclosed by a tall wrought iron fence. There’s a large closed gate barring access to the driveway, which circles around the back of the house to allow guests to disembark from their vehicles, under the large columned Porte cochere. The driveway also forks off toward a five-car garage that sits a short distance from the main residence.

I, however, enter through a smaller gate, using the keycard Holly gave me to gain access. I look around as I head toward the back entrance. This view of the imposing estate is just as impressive as the front. I notice there’s no one about as I enter and then hurry to the restaurant. I discover why as soon as I enter the dining room. Dozens of faces turn to look at me and I hesitate, seeing Liam Justice. I haven’t let myself think about my dream, but seeing him now, I blush recalling every detail.

“You’re late, Miss Shaw,” he drawls.

I know I’m not, but I keep silent as I head for the young woman who is standing, waving to me. I smile gratefully, sitting in the chair she’s saved for me.

“Hi, Cait, I’m Tansy,” she whispers.

Lara, sitting at the next table smiles a greeting, and I give a quick look around but don’t see Holly. Several of the men in the room turn to look at me, interest in their eyes. I feel like the new girl in school all over again.

“In case you didn’t meet her yesterday,”—Liam gestures toward me—“Miss Shaw is our new hostess for the restaurant.” Several people smile and nod a greeting to me.

“As I was saying—” Liam flicks a quick look my way. He’s standing a short distance away from the tables where most of the employees sit. He’s dressed in sweats and a sleeveless T-shirt. The T-shirt looks a little damp as if he exercised before the meeting. His hair is sexy-messy, and he has the shadow of scruff on his jaw. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more alluring man. “Next week is upon us, and the rest of this week, I want everyone to pay close attention to what needs to be done. If you see something out of place—put it where it goes. If you see anything that needs attention—act on it. If you can’t fix the problem tell me, Holly or Mike.”

Liam nods toward the muscular guy he spoke to yesterday in the bar. The big guy stands leaning against the wall near the hallway that leads to the kitchen. The chef, who I also met yesterday, stands beside him. I glance over and catch the eye of Leon, who leans against the bar counter. He grins, and I give him a smile. I quickly look back to see Liam frowning at me.

Why?

He looks away, sending his gaze around the room, before continuing. “Y’all may be asked to do something outside of your normal duties, but it will only be for a short time.”

A slim, dark-skinned man sitting across from me calls out. “So, if I’m asked to clean the toilet, does that mean I get extra pay?”

“No, it means you don’t get fired,” Liam shoots right back.

Everyone laughs. Liam smiles, and I think I hear the sigh of every woman in that dining room. That smile is truly devastating.

“Y’all know I give quarterly bonuses, you will get your recompense then.”

Tansy looks at me and wiggles her eyebrows.

So Liam Justice gives bonuses, cares enough to give excellent employee benefits, and if this meeting is any indication, his employees like him. I look around the room and observe how everyone is relaxed and seems happy to be here. I shift uncomfortably. I don’t like this feeling that I’m experiencing like I’m a sneak doing something wrong.

“Okay.” Liam claps his hands together. “We do our best, and our guests next week will receive the best possible experience the Justice House has to offer.”

“Not any different than any other day at the Justice,” Tansy whispers.

I look back at Liam as he stands with his legs braced apart, arms crossed over his chest. The meeting allows me the freedom to check him out, and I watch as he listens attentively to the big guy Mike and the chef as they discuss a problem. Without warning, as if he senses me watching him, those deep blue eyes connect with mine. I drop my gaze immediately, feeling my cheeks heat. I need to quit drooling over Mr. Gorgeous and pay attention to what’s going on around me.

In a bid to get back on track, I ask Tansy about the muscular Mike holding up the wall.

“Mike Bowen, he’s head of security. He and Mr. Justice went to the same school and started Justice House together,” she says quietly.

That’s interesting. Another childhood friend.

“Okay,” Liam says. “If y’all have nothing else for me, let’s all get to work. I have a meeting.”

“If it’s with one of your toy distributors, I’d be happy to help you out with that.”

Toy distributor?

The whole room erupts in laughter. Heads turn to look toward the back of the room. I look too and see a tall, thin guy with flaming red hair. He’s standing with his hands stuffed in his front pockets and a sheepish grin on his freckled face.

“Well now, Barry, I’d take you up on that offer, but I do believe you’d embarrass me in front of my distributors.” Another ripple of laughter sounds around the room, and Liam smiles good-naturedly. His gaze slides to mine, holding it for a moment before sliding on to his friend Mike. “And my distributors don’t like drool on their samples.”

Mike looks like he chokes, and I almost choke right along with him realizing they are talking about
sex
toys
. The laughter is almost deafening. Liam is laughing, and I sit there like an idiot staring at the handsomest man I have ever seen. My heartbeat quickens, and I swallow with difficulty.

Oh, hell.

“Okay, okay.” Liam, still chuckling, holds up his hands in a bid for silence. “Y’all are going to cause me to make a new house rule,”—there is an immediate chorus of exaggerated groans around the room—“no morning meetings lasting over thirty minutes.” He smiles. “Go to work.”

Everyone seems to rise at once, slowly heading for their duties. I notice a woman stop to talk to Liam, leaning into him. She’s blonde, beautiful and looks like she could be a Victoria Secret’s model. She’s wearing a skintight dress that plainly shows she’s not wearing any underwear.

“That’s Miranda, she’s got the hots for Liam, but it doesn’t do her any good,” Tansy says.

I turn my attention to her. “Why’s that?”

“He doesn’t date employees.”

I look back at the couple. “Oh.”

“Tansy Lewis.” I turn back to the pretty brunette.

“Cait Shaw. Pleased to meet you, Tansy.” I take her proffered hand.

“Would you like to meet the servers?”

“I would.”

As we maneuver around the tables and other employees, a couple of the men stop us to introduce themselves, blatantly checking me out. When we get close to Liam and the blonde, Liam looks up, nailing me with those dark blue eyes.

“Miss Shaw, a moment, please.”

The blonde turns, looking completely annoyed.

Sorry honey, but there’s no need to get your nonexistent panties in a wad.
He’s probably just going to use his “moment” to fire me for being late, even though, I wasn’t.

The blonde flips her head back around, blond hair flying.

“I’ll come back in a few minutes, Cait,” Tansy says.

Liam says something to the blonde, and she flounces off. Then he looks at me and crooks his finger in a come here motion. I take tentative steps toward him.

“Follow me, please.”

I do, and just as we reach the entrance to the restaurant, Mike calls to him.

“Wait here, please.” His eyes flick momentarily to mine before he turns and follows Mike from the room.

Okay.

I glance around and see Leon at the bar. I decide to visit with him while I wait.

“Hi, Leon.” I sit on one of the stools as he looks up from slicing limes.

“Young Cait, how are you this fine day?”

“I’m great. How about yourself?”

He smiles. “I am always good.” He does seem like a happy person, always smiling. He’s a slim man, dark complected, with a head full of shiny black curls. I guesstimate he’s in his late thirties.

“Where are you from, Leon, you have a pleasant accent.”

He beams at me. “I come from a village in Greece called Portaria.”

“Greece! Why are you here?” I blush realizing how rude that sounds. “I’m sorry, that came out wrong.”

Leon laughs. “No worry. I frequently ask myself that question.” He sets the sliced limes aside and wipes the counter. “I came to America with my parents when I was sixteen. I will go home someday but…” He shrugs.

“I would love to visit Greece. It’s number one on my to-do list.”

“I knew there was something special about you.” His grin is infectious.

“How long have you worked here, at Justice House?”

“Almost ten years. Liam is a good boss.”

“How long here in Chicago?”

“Twenty-two years. My parents and I settled, in Greektown.”

“I’ve never been to Greektown.” He looks at me as if I’ve just uttered something sacrilegious. “But I’ve always wanted to go,” I hurriedly add.

“Miss Shaw, do you have a problem with following directions?”

I turn on my stool to look up into eyes that are as deep a blue as any picture I’ve ever seen of the Mediterranean Sea. “No. I was just—”

“I know what you were doing,” he says tersely. “Let’s go.” He grips my arm, practically pulling me off the stool.

I give a startled glance at Leon. “I’ll talk to you later, Leon.”

Liam releases my arm as we step into the hallway, and I have to walk very quickly to keep up with his long-legged strides.

Damn it, he is going to fire me!

Reaching his office, he opens one of the double doors to allow me to precede him. Before entering, I glance anxiously at Holly’s closed door, curious where she is this morning. Is he using her absence as a chance to get rid of me?

Liam’s office is no different from the rest of Justice House with the décor being Rococo, but this room is decidedly masculine. His ceiling is done in fresco the same as Holly and Lara’s, but where their ceilings are painted patterns, Mr. Justice has angels floating around on fluffy white clouds.

“Miss Shaw.” His deep voice draws my attention from his ceiling. He’s leaning against the front of a massive wooden desk, arms crossed over his chest with his long legs braced apart in front of him. Sexy as hell. His incredible blue eyes are watching me intently, and I nervously lick my lips. “I have a very busy schedule this morning, so I’ll be brief.”

I blink at him. Here it comes, I’m toast; Valarie is going to have a fit.

“You are a very beautiful young woman, Miss Shaw.” My heart rate escalates. He sees me as a woman today whereas yesterday I was just a girl to him
.
His next words crush the exhilarating notion that he finds me attractive. “But I do believe you will be nothing but trouble here.”

“Excuse me?” I bristle at his words.

“I observed you flirting with some of the men after the meeting.” His slow drawl is accusatory.

What?
I huff a breath. “Flirting with some of the men? They introduced themselves to me.”

He gives me a condescending smile, which sets my teeth on edge. “Let’s not ignore the little scene I just witnessed between you and Mr. Kallis.” At my frown, he clarifies. “The head bartender, Leon.”

I’m shocked at his ridiculous accusation. “We were just talking.”

“You weren’t coming on to him, angling for an invite?” His words hold a measure of disbelief.

“No!”

He regards me, his eyes speculative. “The fact is, Miss Shaw, you are a tad too young for this job. I don’t think you have the experience or finesse to deal with our clientele.”

Oh, forever more!

“Mr. Justice—I am fully capable of doing my job.” I feel my body tense with anger, and I take a deep breath to calm myself as he stares impassively at me.

“Sorry, you simply look too young and innocent.”

“Well, I’m not!” I snap. He raises an eyebrow. At my blush, he smirks.

“I’m afraid that some of our members might be tempted to—take advantage of that fact, Miss Shaw. In addition, with what I saw earlier… well, most of our members are wealthy. What you might consider a good catch.”

I stare at him dumbfounded. He’s accusing me of—I cross my arms over my chest, and I watch his eyes slide to my cleavage, which pushes up with my movement. I quickly unfold my arms.

He smirks again as if to say, “See, you won’t be able to deal with the attention male members might give you.”

My eyes narrow at him. I wish he weren’t so good looking.

“One moment you’re accusing me of blatantly flirting, trying to trap me a rich man, and the next moment you’ve decided I’m too young and—innocent. I am not innocent!” I want to stamp my foot, but I manage to refrain myself.

He at once pushes away from his desk, sauntering toward me. I swallow deeply.
Why does he have to be so freaking hot?
His nearness causes all kinds of reaction in my body. My stomach clenches, my breathing becomes hitched, and a tight tingling sensation moves across my skin. When he circles behind me, I bite my lip and squeeze my eyes closed, breathing in his incredible scent. He’s close enough to my back that I can feel the heat of his body, and I’m annoyed when my nipples tighten. Right at my ear, his drawl more pronounced, he softly asks, “Is that in all things, Miss Shaw?”

My eyes fly open, every nerve ending in my body instantly sizzling. I can’t imagine he doesn’t feel it sparking off my body. Taking into consideration what he does for a living, his question takes on a whole new meaning, and I feel my face suffuse with heat.

He chuckles softly and moves to stand in front of me. When he laughs outright, my anger spikes again.

“Are you going to fire me?” I demand. If he’s going to, I want him to get it over with. I’m ready to leave this room and his overwhelming presence.

He tilts his head as if he’s considering my words, and I become increasingly uncomfortable under that stare. He breathes in deeply. “Not yet.” He steps around me, moving to his desk and sits in the chair behind it. Resting an elbow on the chair arm, he strokes his chin with his long
fingers as he stares at me. If he’s not going to fire me then—what? I squirm uncomfortably under his penetrating gaze.