Page 3 of Royal Flush

As my resort and island manager, he had a tall order to fill. While the private setting was lush, full of luxurious designs and some of the best beaches in the world, he remained on duty twenty-four/seven as a live-in employee. Of course, the highly respected man was paid extremely well, provided with extensive vacation days and other benefits as well as a stunning island chalet of his own. I’d learned through the years guests were much more entitled than I’d originally believed.

That meant our selective clients hunted him down for the most ridiculous needs.

Chuckling, I threw him a look as we headed for the main casino. Yes, my reputation as a playboy was widely known, whether on the mainland in my hometown of San Diego or on one of two small islands owned by my two brothers and myself. Hell, according to the recent article on the Royal brothers in People magazine, we were truly arrogant bastards.

We had every right to be.

I’d enjoyed the perks of developing a billion-plus-dollar corporation that included two opulent locations catering to the rich and influential.

And their darkest kinky needs.

Doing so soothed the sadistic beast dwelling inside of me. Plus, I was a control freak, something I’d never denied.

I was also considered a very dangerous man, unpredictable, which suited me just fine. Given my position in life, I could get away with being a bit unhinged.

But I still had rules of my own that I did my best never to break.

“You know I never partake in the feminine wiles of any of our guests. That’s against the rules,” I chided him. He knew the rules better than almost any one of us. That didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy the visions that came with owning tropical, very warm surroundings. Oh, I could be a very bad boy if let loose.

“And you never bring anyone here. That surprises me.”

As we walked into the oversized, opulent casino, I took a deep breath. There was nothing quite like the scent of people gambling away their money. The guests came here to fulfill many proclivities from world class chefs and one of the finest wine and cigar collections to satisfying their more carnal needs. There was no pressure, and those without partners were provided with a dominant master or submissive, every aspect of our guests’ privacy kept in mind.

Because of the exclusivity and safe location, they paid extremely well for the service. But the membership had perks, including the most opulent villas and rooms, access to every dungeon, and a private kink room.

“I’ll let you in on a little secret,” I told him. “I’ve yet to find a single woman who can handle my needs.”

He laughed heartedly. “I was hoping you’d be the one to make the quarterly visit.”

His words surprised me. “And why is that?”

“Because you’re amusing, not an asshole.”

The Royal brothers had prided themselves in being astute businessmen, but often Gage and Valerio were a little crusty under the surface. At least Valerio had been until finding the woman of his dreams. Perhaps I was just a better actor.

“Amusing. I’m uncertain if I should take that as a compliment.” There were two casinos in this particular facility along with a half dozen restaurants and bars, entertainment including a jazzy piano bar and a dance club that would rival the old Studio 54. The main resort included over two hundred spacious rooms and suites, but we were widely known for our private cottages, some positioned directly in the Caribbean turquoise water.

Case in point. When one of my wealthy guests lumbered in our direction upon seeing us striding through the corridor, I had a feeling my evening was about ready to turn to shit.

“What’s his deal?” Steve Plunkett was well known on both islands, his proclivities mild in comparison to several of my more clandestine guests. However, he was a pain in my ass and had been since being allowed membership into the Elite Club, our highest level purchased. It required a net worth of at least ten million, a solid financial background, and no criminal record.

Not that most politicians I’d come into contact with weren’t shady, but he was a low-level player trying to make his way with the big boys.

“His regular submissive wasn’t available,” Travis admitted with more than just a hint of amusement in his tone.

“Why?” We continued walking, forcing Steve to try to keep up with us just to be able to make headway in speaking with me.

“She’s on vacation. We do allow them off their chains from time to time.” At least Travis could be candid with me, unlike so many who were terrified of what I could do.

“The different girl?”

“I quote,” he started. “‘She’s mundane in every way, including in her oral skills. And she hates pain.’”

“Interesting. True?”

“Sabrina is a good girl, but usually a domme. He insisted, and finally offered enough of a bonus she accepted.”

“Ah.”