Page 30 of Royal Flush

The vehicle was like thousands of others in the capital city. Between black SUVs and huge black sedans, it would seem all politicians were coddled with drivers as well as bodyguards. When I was certain the car had disappeared, I climbed out, adjusting my sunglasses. With my long hair in a ponytail, wearing jeans and tennis shoes, I doubted anyone would recognize me.

Even though all the controversy had crossed the big pond on several occasions.

Infamous.

There was another word.

The moment I walked into the quaint joint, my mouth watered. We had several chefs at our beck and call, but I was finished with four- or five-course meals consisting of food I couldn’t pronounce.

Of course I could, but contrary to what Braxton had witnessed, I was a down to earth gal preferring American cheeseburgers and fries dipped in ketchup. For me, that was a true delicacy.

Ashton squealed before I’d made it to the table, throwing her arms around me for a huge hug.

“I wasn’t entirely certain I’d ever see you again,” she breathed, squeezing my arms before pulling away. “You look incredible. You’re glowing. You got a job.”

I laughed as we sat down at what we’d considered our favorite diner while attending Georgetown. I ripped off my shades, leaving them on the table. “Not yet but I am working on it.”

“Is that your hot red convertible?” she asked, giving me one of her mischievous looks.

“Yeah, a gift from dear old Daddy. He’s just trying to keep me in line.”

“Way to go, Pops.”

A Bloody Mary was almost immediately placed in front of me and I grinned at the waitress.

“Are you ladies ready to order?” she asked.

“Not yet but can we have a basket of your homemade chips and your famous creamy jalapeno ranch dip?”

“Sure can, sugar. Just let me know when you’re ready to order.”

Ashton was laughing. “I tried calling you a couple days ago, but I had to leave a message.”

“Yeah, I was a little out of pocket.” I hated myself that I couldn’t get Braxton off my mind, but he had a way of tattooing his personality and his scent all over anyone he hungered for. Maybe that was why I was glowing.

“Out of pocket? Your parents allowed that to happen?”

“I forced it. They were too busy settling in their mansion to worry.”

“Well, where did you go? A little vacation?” She took a sip of her drink.

I sat back, tossing my purse further away. I’d already turned off the phone’s ringer. I certainly wasn’t interested in being harangued during lunch. “Something like that.”

“Oh, come on. Spill it.” Ashton pushed my arm.

“Let me ask you a question. Have you ever heard of the Royal Players Club?”

She narrowed her eyes, tilting her head slightly as she thought about my question. “Yeah, it’s a Caribbean island catering to rich people. Right?”

“That’s only half of it. There are two islands, one near St. Thomas and one near St. Martin. They not only cater to the rich who want to get away and be ensured privacy, but the resort also sports high dollar casinos and clubs. Extremely posh. Only accessible by private jet services. The island I was staying at had incredible beaches too. If you’re into that kind of thing.”

“Sounds incredible, but why do I get the feeling there’s more to this?”

The girl knew me far too well. I made certain no one was listening in, even leaning over the table. “Let’s just say the other aspect they cater to is pretty much every dark proclivity and sexual activity you can think of. Imagine debauchery on a silver platter. No worries about reporters or sneaky photographers. Members, who can bring guests, are treated like kings and queens while getting their rocks off.”

She had that look on her face I’d seen far too many times. One where she wasn’t quite certain whether I was joking or not.

I kept a straight face.

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