Page 3 of Black Velvet

"Hello," I greet, my voice subconsciously laced with caution.

"Mr. Graves, Belinda Barry here," a female voice pipes at the other end. "Calling from Violent Delights."

"Of course, Miss Barry," I answer. "What an unexpected pleasure."

"Don't worry, Mr. Graves, I'm not calling with bad news,” she responds with a defensive edge in her voice.

"Why would I think that?"

"Well, you wouldn't be the first," she says, and even without seeing her, it's easy for me to imagine the face she's making. It's been a while since the madam and I have met face to face, but Belinda Barry is a character to remember. "Most clients seem to anticipate bad news when I call."

So, I'm not the first one she's calling today about whatever this might concern.

"I'm simply surprised. We haven't spoken since—"

"Since you first signed the contract. Yes, I'm aware," she says briskly, finishing my sentence. "And I promised you back then that we'd only contact you outside of commissions if there was an urgent matter to discuss."

"Correct," I agree, downing the last of the scotch in my glass in one full swig as I wait for her to continue.

"I don't know ifurgentis the correct word for this," she goes on. "But I was wondering if I could steal a few minutes of your time to discuss an opportunity that I'm sure you'd be interested in."

"An opportunity?" I inquire, surprised. "What kind of opportunity might that be?"

"An opportunity to enhance both your pleasure and business portfolio."

The taste of scotch heats my tongue as I wait impatiently for her to expand. Her vague tone agitates me, to say the least.

"Care to elaborate?"

"Of course," she enthuses. "But if you don't mind, I think it's best to discuss this in private. Here."

"You want me to come to the agency for this?"

"You won't regret it."

"If this is just about introducing me to a new girl, you could just—"

"No, it's nothing like that," she interrupts. "Mr. Graves, I would never consider inconveniencing you if I didn't believe you'd benefit from it."

I suppress a tired sigh, turning my back to the window. Heading in the direction of the seating area in my living room, I pass by the upholstered furniture and aim directly for the bar. One more drink tonight should be fine.

"Can you come by tomorrow? Around noon?" Miss Barry asks. "I won't take up much of your time, and I promise—"

"Noon, sharp." It’s my turn to cut her off. "I'll be there."

Chapter 3

Elene

She doesn't look happy to see me. Miss Barry gestures toward the chair with a dismissive wave, her every motion emitting her obvious impatience.

She looks immaculate as always. The black pantsuit hugs her figure tightly, emphasizing her feminine curves, and her hair is styled in a tight bun, leaving not a single strand out of place. I admire her chic, professional look every time I see her. Everything is so perfect, so pristine and flawless. Even her makeup looks as if it were freshly applied, even though it's almost noon and I know she had an early start to her day today. She told me when I called that she'd be at the agency all day starting at nine o’clock, which seemed unusually early. The majority of this business is conducted in the evening, after all; no one, not even the madam, has a reason to be at work this early in the morning. I'm curious what—or who—is responsible for today's early start.

Regardless of how much effort I put into my appearance, I always feel inferior next to Miss Barry. I'm wearing one of my Valentino ensembles, a navy skirt with a matching blazer that features a playful ribbon at the waist. The dark color stands in stark contrast to my long pastel-colored hair that I've swept up in a loose bun, sitting low on my neck. The basic white blouse under the blazer is far less upscale, because unlike the skirt and blazer, it was not a present from one of my clients.

"I don't have much time," she informs me as I sit down opposite her, her massive office desk separating us.

I cross my legs at the ankles in an attempt to curb my fidgeting. I pay special attention to my posture, sitting unnaturally straight to convey a confidence that typically escapes me when I'm in Miss Barry’s presence. My confidence is especially taking a beating today because I come with bad news, and she looks stressed out already.

---