Page 14 of Arran's Obsession

The new applicant was shown out.

“Alisha,” I said, a warning in my tone.

She’d forgotten something.

Alisha hurried after Natasha, picking up the photo of a child from the shelf on the way. Down the corridor, she raised it and asked my question. Natasha squinted.

Like every time, I held my breath.

As always happened, the newcomer shrugged and my disappointment cut deep.

I sank in my chair, letting the wave of frustration pass over me.

“One day, someone will say yes,” Shade offered. He’d shifted back to his usual position at the back.

I didn’t answer. That child would be eleven or twelve years old now. A decade older than the sole picture I had. With every year that passed, my hope grew slimmer.

“She was a fucking knockout,” Convict commented from my other side. “The fights she’s going to cause. Someone’s going to split her in two.”

I rolled an unimpressed but tolerant look his way. “That isn’t what it’s about.”

Even though my thoughts had gone the same way.

“I know, but it’ll be a fucking riot to watch.”

My crew were never, ever allowed to participate, but we always had watchers. They acted as judges, and couldn’t help if they got off on what they saw. They were needed as arbitrators after, too, should the need arise. I rarely monitored the game myself. Other matters occupied my time.

Alisha returned. “We’ve got two walk-ins. Both showed up in the last few minutes.”

“What’s the ask?” I queried.

“The first wants in on the game as well. The second said she wants a job. As anything.”

I didn’t like thatanythingcomment. It smacked of desperation. The women, and fewer men, who worked here generally came in knowing exactly what their limits were. Someonly wanted to strip. Others never danced and worked the level above, earning their living on their backs. Or fronts. Or knees. Upside down. Whatever the cash they took demanded.

I sighed, and Alisha opened the door. The applicant stepped inside with a confidence the last woman had been lacking. Curvy as hell, and in a sparkling silver dress that wouldn’t be out of place at an award ceremony, she touched her gaze on each of us masked men in turn, not in fear, like the person before her, but as if seeking out something.

“I’m here for the game,” she announced.

“No,” an answer came from behind.

Shade had spoken, low, dark, and deadly certain. It wasn’t usual for him to offer a judgement like that. We all had our roles, and I led the way, but if he was cutting her off, I’d back him.

I cleared my throat. “Not this time. We’re booked up.”

The woman swept her long, brunette hair over her shoulder. “From what I heard, you’re always needing women. There are more than enough men. You can take me as well. I filled out all your forms.”

Shade made a sound almost like a growl.

“Sorry, but the answer is no,” I stated, completely flat.

“Then I’ll come back next time.”

The woman pursed her lips in annoyance, but Alisha took her arms and towed her away.

“Stamp your little foot and run back to daddy,” Shade groused under his breath.

She was shown out, Alisha taking a moment to show the picture, and my disappointment inevitably following.

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