Page 48 of Unstitch

No worries

Have fun!

I can guarantee I won’t, but my fellow division heads will definitely wonder why I’m smiling in a budgetary meeting

*Bats lashes*

Did you need me for something?

I was wondering if you’d like to come and watch me dance this week?

At the club?

Yes

It’s not a matter of liking. I’d like to, very much. But I’m not a member and I’m not sure it’s a good idea…

You’re the owner’s brother-in-law

It wouldn’t be a problem

And it’s a GREAT idea

Anyway

Max said he’ll sign you in as his guest

Did he, now?

Yup

Still hanging around, is he?

Very much so

The head of the Investment Banking Division just asked me what was wrong because I sighed so loudly

So come and have some fun

Wednesday???

I promise I’ll put on a good show…

That’s what I’m afraid of.

33

DEX

If my little sister was brave enough to put her virginity in the hands of this club, then I can handle a single evening here.

That’s what I tell myself, anyway, as the strikingly attractive brunette on the front desk signs me in. She hands me a clipboard to which is clipped a longwinded waiver. A quick scan of it tells me I’m signing a comprehensive NDA and an acknowledgement that I understand the code of conduct here at Alchemy and that any breach of those rules could jeopardise the member whose guest I am tonight.

Max Hunter has already signed it.

I sign with a flourish and head down the wide, elegant corridor like a sacrificial lamb to the slaughter, because it’s eight-fifty on a Wednesday night and I have a five-thirty alarm call. I should be at the gym, or catching up on some of the giant equity research reports mocking me from my kitchen table.

I categorically should not be going to see some alluring woman whose scent still haunts my olfactory system and whose kind-of boyfriend has sponsored me tonight in a move that surely has kink or power games at its core.

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