Page 12 of Royal Pain

“Is that why you originally came here?”

She laughed. “Not me and I didn’t choose this location. Heidi’s family has more money than God. I guess her dad has a membership.”

I knew my eyebrows had lifted and this time when she laughed, the sound was entirely different. “I know. When she told me I think my mouth dropped open for like fifteen minutes. However, my mother had once told me to never judge a book by its cover. That what happened behind closed doors of anyone’s residence could be completely different than the way they portray themselves.”

“That is very true.”

“If only I’d heeded my mother’s advice of being very observant so I wouldn’t place myself in harm’s way. If only.”

The slight drop-off in her tone was a clear indication I’d been right before. “Then what do you think about the place?”

“I’m not the best judge of character, but you and your brothers did an amazing job of making this resort relaxing, the food inviting, the bartenders friendly, and the thought of being in a private space nicer than I would have imagined. So no one can get on or off the island without your permission?”

“That is correct. We take our privacy very seriously. So do our clients. This is their private space and time. They are allowed to live out their fantasies. If they did so in public, some would likely be crucified.”

She laughed again, wrinkling her nose. “I don’t think I want to know.”

“Probably not but just remember, everything is safe, sane, and consensual. We also take the safety and health of our clientsseriously, which is why we hire the best and most trained people in the business.”

“Wow. I had no idea you could receive training to what, wield a whip?”

I leaned in, drinking in her incredible perfume. It was more floral than I liked but I had a feeling the choice had been more island driven. “The acts are considered a form of art. From wielding the various implements so as to not physically harm someone to the artwork and skill involved with Shibari, rope play, if someone doesn’t know what they are doing, they could either rob their submissive of the sheer joy of letting go or even permanently hurt or disfigure them.”

At least it would seem I’d impressed her for a change.

“Well, then I stand corrected. I honestly had no idea, not that I have a lot of time to surf the internet on BDSM clubs and methods.” Her smile was more genuine, more relaxed.

I did prefer her warm smile to the snarl. Whatever was going on in her life had wound her up tight, so much so she was jaded, not just guarded when it came to men.

Why was it I felt possessive and protective of a woman I’d just met?

And one who likely still hated me?

CHAPTER 4

Evangeline

I was rarely surprised any longer, but Gage wasn’t exactly what I’d thought he’d be. The truth was, other than being around my besties’ parents from time to time, I knew no other rich people up close and personal. And I had no doubt when I searched further the man would be considered one of the wealthiest in the country if not the world.

Yet for all the money and toys I was certain he had, there was a slight sadness about him. Maybe there was truth to the adage money didn’t buy happiness. I couldn’t lie. It would be nice to try to find out for a little while.

But we’d chatted, had a second drink together, and he’d allowed me to ask him questions that meant nothing in the scheme of life. What color was his favorite. Food. Drink. The answers always gave me a decent insight into the person. The funny thing was that he seemed hesitant to answer simple questions when I had a feeling I could grill him about what sexual proclivities were mostly catered at the club and the answer would comeeasily. With excitement in his voice. He didn’t like talking about himself. I guess I was the same.

“So, my caustic lady,” Gage teased. “What do you do when you’re not risking your life saving someone else’s?”

I’d chosen a long time ago never to fully explain what I did for a living. It always seemed foreign, their curiosity about how I could make money generally becoming overbearing. Plus, I loathed drawing attention to myself. “I work mostly on the internet helping advertise for various companies, including travel corporations. Which is funny since I almost never go anywhere.”

“Well, you are always welcome here,” he said in a perfectly sultry voice that was far too arousing. Even the way he was looking at me was too tempting. Wanting him was easy.

Fearing the closeness was as well.

As we stared into each other’s eyes, I gathered with a single nod I could easily be in his bed. My throbbing pussy and rock-hard nipples wanted to let go. But my mind was determined to win out. “It’s late, Gage. We have a full day of being girls, including an early massage. Somehow, I think Heidi is going to need the relaxation.”

We both laughed. He stood up first. “Mark, make certain Evangeline’s drinks are on my tab.”

“Aye aye, Captain,” he said as he winked.

“You didn’t need to, Captain. I do have some money.”

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