Page 51 of Donovan Blake: Adrenalin

“That’s my escape. I live in a gated community just outside town. You might know it. Sunset Hills.”

“Really? I love Sunset Hills. Dad wanted to move there but it was too far from downtown and the offices.”

“That’s understandable, but Phoebe, we’ve been here almost an hour,” he muttered, glancing at his watch. “I think it’s time to track down our host and have that meeting. Let’s head back to the front. People who like to be fashionably late will be arriving around now and he might be there to greet them.” But as he finished speaking they heard Manny calling.

“Donovan, Phoebe, I’ve been looking for you,” he exclaimed hurrying towards them.

As he turned around, Donovan pressed the button on his tunic to start the camera.

“I’ve been expecting an important guest and I just found out he’s on his way,” Manny continued. “Once he’s here I’ll be tied up for a while. If you still want that meeting we need to do it now.”

“Sure,” Donovan replied, thinking Manny seemed flustered.

As they moved past the security guards and followed him into a wood-paneled office with thickly carpeted floors and an impressive domed ceiling, the party noise disappeared. The only sound came from the ticking of an antique grandfather clock against the wall.

“Let’s sit in the conversation pit,” Manny suggested, gesturing towards a couch and several armchairs in front of a fireplace. “I only like to sit behind my desk when I’m working. I much prefer to speak with people less formally, and after all, this is just a conversation. Right, Donovan?”

“That’s all, Manny, just a conversation,” Donovan repeated. “But you should know Phoebe’s and I are working together.”

“Ah, so you’re joining forces with the Beaumont family,” Manny remarked as they sat down.

“Something like that. We’re planning to open a second LASH location in Soho.”

“Is that right? I am too. I already own a Gentleman’s Club there. A BDSM club nearby is a no-brainer.”

“Ah, but Manny, all you have is an idea. I already have the plans in place and I’ve bought the building.”

“I’m sure we can come to an arrangement.”

“There will be no arrangement,” Donovan said brusquely. “I’ve invested too much time and money to pull out.”

“I don’t think you understand! I’m not happy about the other club you already have. I know there are a few BDSM places around, but not upmarket like yours—and like mine will be. Private membership is the key,” Manny exclaimed, then lowering his voice, he added, “It would be much better for both of us if you were to pick up sticks and move out of Manhattan altogether.”

“Why would I do that? LASH is established and very successful.”

“Didn’t you suffer a fire recently?”

“I did, but we recovered quickly and the press coverage was free advertising. It elevated our presence and we ended up with new members,” Donovan declared, grinning as he spoke. “That has more than paid for the damage we suffered. You could say it was a happy accident—though it wasn’t. An accident I mean. An accelerant was found at the scene.”

Though Manny’s expression didn’t change, Donovan could see the fury in his eyes.

“I’m not an unreasonable man,” Manny said solemnly. “I’d be willing to—hold on,” he muttered as his phone chimed and he lifted it from his pocket. “Talk to me. Okay, I’ll be right there. Sorry, my guest has just pulled up,” he declared, still holding his phone and abruptly standing up. “I have to meet him, but we should talk again. How long will you be in this area?”

“Not too much longer, but it’s open-ended.”

“Where are you staying? I’ll call you.”

“Here’s my card,” Donovan replied, pulling it out of his wallet and dropping it on the table, then helped Phoebe to her feet.

Watching him march to the door and hold it open for them, Donovan knew Manny was rattled.

“Go back the way you came,” he said brusquely, jerking his head towards the guards and red velvet rope. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

As he hurriedly walked away, Phoebe looped her arm through Donovan’s and kissed him on the cheek.

“We need to find out who has him so rattled,” she whispered.

Though he was aware of the burly men waiting for them to leave, he moved his arm around her waist and pressed his lips to her ear.

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