Page 17 of Worthy

Tate winked at me. “I lift.” She raised her arm to showcase a bulging bicep. “It’s nice to meet you, roomie. I’m sure we’ll have a lot of fun together.”

“I’m bringing her to my office for more paperwork. Go and get settled, dinner’s soon,” Gina said.

“Yes, ma’am. See you later, unicorn!” Tate skipped past us toward our room.

“Tate’s been downstairs setting up the equipment. She’s one of the Doms,” Gina explained as we resumed our trip down the hall.

I blinked at her. “I’m sorry?”

“One of our dominatrixes,” Gina explained. When I looked befuddled, she patted me on the shoulder. “It’s okay—you’ll see her in action tomorrow night. You’ll understand then. You have enough going on at the moment.”

When we reached her office, Gina pulled out a sheet of paper. “I need you to review this, then sign.” She placed it in front of me, along with a pen. I read the document, which said I agreed to immediately turn over my cell phone and was only allowed to check my messages once per day. Phone calls were only in case of emergencies.

The Madam held out her hand. “I’m going to need your phone, Faith. I’ll put it in my safe—no one will have access to it except for me.”

I stared up at her, aghast. “I can’t give you my phone.” I felt like she was asking for the heart from my chest. “My brother needs me. What if there’s some sort of emergency? He has to be able to get in touch with me?—”

“I understand you’re in a tough position, and I’m so sorry about that,” Gina interrupted smoothly. “But this directive is from Mr. Blackwood himself. All the girls have to sign it. Your personal life can’t complicate your duties here. I know how much you love your brother. Remember that you’re taking care of him by doing your job here.”

“I understand what you’re saying.” My eyes filled with tears. I texted with Lucas several times a day; I usually called him at least twice. “But my brother’s all alone, Gina. He doesn’t have anybody but me. I’m his lifeline.”

“I promise that you can check your messages every morning, and if there’s an emergency, I’ll find you right away,” Gina said, voice firm. “But this is non-negotiable. In order to stay, you have to turn over your phone and sign the agreement.”

“Please don’t make me,” I said. Tears burned my eyes. “I couldn’t imagine going twenty-four hours without hearing from my baby brother. He wouldn’t understand my silence. “My mom already abandoned him. He needs me. He’s sick.”

“I know, Faith, and I’m so sorry about that.” Sympathy lit the Madam’s eyes. I could tell she felt bad for me. “But I’m afraid there are no exceptions.”

I stared at the document. The words swam in front of my eyes as the tears threatened to spill over. “Can I call Lucas really quick?” I asked. “Just to explain?”

Gina’s shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry, but that’s not possible. Mr. Blackwood wants all personal devices immediately. You need to focus on integrating yourself and preparing for the opening tomorrow night. We don’t want you getting more upset.”

I swallowed hard. If I signed, she was going to take my phone. I wouldn’t be able to call my brother; he would panic. I had to do something—anything. “Can I… Can I ask Mr. Blackwood about this?” I was intimidated by the cold, displeased billionaire, but maybe I could make him understand my plight.

The Madam shook her head. “I don’t think that’s a good?—”

“Ask me what?” interrupted a cold voice.

I turned to find the eldest Mr. Blackwood standing in the doorway.

His icy, disapproving gaze was fixed on me once again.

CHAPTER NINE

agreements

CASSIUS

The girl, Faith, was sitting in the Madam’s office, tears in her eyes.

“I asked you a question,” I reminded her sternly.

She looked at me miserably. “I wanted to ask you for a favor, Sir.”

I turned to the Madam. “Is there some sort of problem?”

“Not at all, Sir,” Gina said quickly. “We were just discussing the final agreement.”

My gaze flicked back to Faith. “Come with me,” I instructed.

---