Total pages in book: 214
Estimated words: 202638 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1013(@200wpm)___ 811(@250wpm)___ 675(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 202638 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1013(@200wpm)___ 811(@250wpm)___ 675(@300wpm)
He brings his palm up to my forehead and pushes back until the back of my head rests on his shoulder. ‘Someone is very nosey, considering they hate the place.’ He kisses my cheek.
I shrug casually in a gesture that suggests I couldn’t care less whether he told me or not, but I’m surprisingly interested. It’s made him a very rich man, even if it is thanks to Uncle Carmichael. ‘I’m not nosey.’
He laughs lightly. ‘At the last count, I think Sarah said fifteen hundred-ish, but they’re not all active at the moment. Some we don’t see from one month to the next, some of them meet people and start a relationship and others take a break from the whole scene.’
Holy shit!
I do a quick mental calculation in my head and come up with a whole lot of millions. ‘Is the restaurant and bar included?’
‘No!’ he says shocked. I don’t know why. For forty five thousand pounds a year I would want more than an open invitation to have sex with anyone and everyone. ‘The bar and restaurant are a separate entity. Some members eat breakfast, lunch and dinner here four or five times a week. I wouldn’t be making much money if I included all meals and drinks in with their memberships. They have accounts they settle on a monthly basis. Turn around, I need to see you.’ He nudges me to get up and positions me between his thighs. He brushes my hair over my shoulder and straightens my diamond before taking my hands in his. ‘Would you like to see upstairs?’ he asks, and then commences chomping his lip.
I withdraw slightly. I know he doesn’t mean the suites, I’ve seen them, or I’ve seen one of them. He means the communal room and I’ve seen that too, but it was empty and being cleaned when I stumbled across it. Do I want to see it?
Fucking hell!
I bloody do as well. I don’t know if it’s Mario’s Most Marvelous giving me a bit of spunk, or if it is just pure curiosity, but I really want to be in the know. ‘Okay.’ I utter the word quietly before I talk my way out of it, and he nods ever so slightly, almost thoughtfully.
He stands and I let him lead me into the entrance hall and to the bottom of the stairs. I gaze up to the massive gallery landing, hearing the comings and goings of people in and out of rooms. I let Jesse slowly tug me up the stairs. I know he’s taking it leisurely to give me time to retract my decision, and I want to tell him to hurry up before I do. We reach the top and start circling the landing until we arrive at the stain glass window. There are people milling around everywhere, all fully dressed, some outside rooms, some just chatting. It’s bizarre.
‘We need to get cracking on those next week.’ Jesse says, pointing through the archway to the extension. I can see now why he needs to. ‘Ready?’ he asks.
He turns into me and I know he’s watching me as I stare up at the double doors that lead into the communal room. My eyes are pulled to his like the magnets they absolutely are and his deep green pierces me. He knows everything about this place makes me immensely uncomfortable. Why wouldn’t he? I’ve given him no reason to suggest otherwise, but he doesn’t seem pissed off that I clearly find his establishment sleazy and dark. He’s not offended. It’s like he almost approves of my reaction and aversion.
He moves closer, preserving the eye connection until we are stood chest to chest. ‘You’re curious.’ he murmurs.
‘Yes.’ I confess without hesitation. I am.
‘You don’t have to be so apprehensive. I’ll be with you, guiding you through. If you want to leave, say the word and you’re out of there.’ His attempt at reassuring me is weirdly working. He squeezes my hand and I’m calmer, more comfortable and at ease, as he gives me a gentle tug towards the stairs. I kick my feet into gear and let him lead me up the stairs, my heart jumping a little harder as we get closer.
‘There will be various acts in progression. Some will be mild, some not so much. It’s important for you to remember that everything transpiring is because all parties have agreed. Just by being in this room doesn’t necessary show your desire to participate in any of the acts.’ He looks down and grins. ‘Not that you ever will. I’m making it my mission objective to ensure that every man knows what the consequences will be if they approach you.’ He returns his eyes forward. ‘I might send a memo out.’ he muses.
A small laugh escapes my mouth. He probably would as well. He flicks me mischievous eyes and a soft smile and my love for him intensifies further.