Page 2 of Worthy

I called Gina, the prospective Madam.

“We’ve found a property for the club,” I said, in lieu of a greeting. “We’re proceeding with our plans. We intend to open as soon as possible.”

“That’s wonderful news, Mr. Blackwood,” Gina said.

“I need you to begin the hiring process immediately.”

“Excellent,” Gina said. “We should discuss your particular needs.”

“That’s easy,” I said. “We want the most beautiful women money can buy. More specifically, we want virgins. Scorching-hot virgins—as many as you can find. Our compensation package will be undeniably attractive.”

“Of course,” Gina said. “I’ll start our search. How soon do you need the staff ready?”

“As soon as possible. We’re going to close on this property by the end of the month and start the renovations.” I paused for a moment. “Everyone you hire needs to be immaculate. Clean bills of health, no criminal records, and no drama.”

“Understood,” Gina confidently said. “I won’t let you down, Mr. Blackwood.”

I hung up, as there was nothing further to discuss. We wanted the most beautiful women for our club; we would have them. We wanted virgins for our inner sanctum; we would have them.

Club 444 was going to make all my dreams come true.

I would finally have the refuge I’d always wanted, away from the prying eyes of the public. Being the eldest Blackwood and running our multi-billion dollar empire was all-consuming. I longed for an outlet, a private place to let my guard down and relax.

With the proper contracts in place, Club 444 would be my sanctuary. I could do what I wanted, with whom I wanted, whenever I wanted. There would be no strings attached. No messy emotional ties. I would be utterly in control.

The arrangement would be strictly business—my business.

That was all I’d ever wanted.

And after everything that had happened in my life, it was what I absofuckinglutely deserved.

CHAPTER ONE

an offer you can’t refuse

FAITH

“I promise I’ll have the money to you by the end of the week,” I lied. My breath was coming out in little fluffy white puffs; it was fucking freezing on the Boston sidewalk.

“Faith, honey, I know you’re doing your best. But this is the fourth time in four weeks we’re having this conversation. You can’t afford this program—I’m sorry.” The clinical manager sighed. “But you know your brother can apply for assistance. We can revisit his application after that.”

“Please don’t kick him out. Please, just give me one last chance. He’s been getting better,” I pleaded. My head was throbbing; I felt close to tears. “If he gets released, he’ll get sick again. It’ll take weeks to get an assistance application in. The doctor said he can’t handle much more before it’s too late.”

“Like I said, I’m so sorry. But there’s nothing I can do,” she said. “There’s a waitlist to get into this program, Faith. It’s filled with very sick people who can privately pay for the treatment.”

“But that’s not fair!” My eyes welled up—I cried when I got mad. “Just because someone’s rich doesn’t mean they should get help before my brother!”

“I know,” she said. “But we need money in order to keep the trials going. I hate to turn your brother or anyone else away, but I have to keep my eye on the big picture. We’re trying to save people’s lives.”

“I get it. Just give me until the end of the week, please. I’ll get the money to you. I’ll pay the whole ten thousand dollars,” I babbled. There was no way in hell I’d be able to come up with that much cash by Friday, but I had to say something. If my brother got discharged, his health would relapse, and I’d lose him.

And I’d lost enough, thank you very much.

“I can give you until Friday, but that’s it,” the manager said. “And I mean it, Faith. If you don’t come up with the money, we’ll have to discharge him. I’m so sorry.” She hung up.

I clutched my phone, shivering in my thin jacket. The freezing, gray weather mirrored my mood. Ten thousand dollars by Friday. It might as well have been a million; that’s how farfetched the amount was. But Lucas was my brother. He was fourteen. He was too young to die.

“What am I going to do?” I asked the empty sidewalk. I looked up at the clouds, praying I’d find an answer in the sky.

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