Page 187 of Roberto

“He propositioned me.”

“Oh?” Lau said, as though mildly surprised.

“Yes. I told him I wasn’t interested. He didn’t take it so well.”

“I see.”

Lau stood up from his chair and walked around the desk towards me.

My stomach immediately lurched.

Launevercame out from behind his desk.

Not unless it wasreallybad.

He perched on the edge of his desk and gazed down at me with that fake grandfatherly smile of his. In this new position, he towered above me.

“Thatlaowaiwas one of my primary investors,” he said.

My stomach plummeted.

“…oh,” I said meekly.

Lau’s smile disappeared.

“Yes –‘oh,’”he sneered mockingly.

“I had no idea,” I protested. “He didn’t mention anything about you – ”

“He was with Mr. Han. That should have been a clue.”

“Han brings all sorts of scuzzylaowaito the club,” I said, a bit more boldly than was prudent.

Lau scowled. “Well, thislaowaiis different. If he returns to De Sade, you are to keep him happy. You are to acquiesce toanythinghe wants. Do you understand?”

I wanted to snarl,Even if he wants to fuck me like a prostitute?

However, I kept my voice calm and measured. “I really don’t think – ”

“I also heard you told thelaowaiyou own De Sade,” Lau interrupted. “Imagine how surprised I was to hearthat.”

My stomach felt like it had dropped out of my body and was somewhere ten floors below me.

“Sir,” I said, my voice trembling, “I – ”

“It would be a pity if I had to remind you of youractualposition within our little pecking order. Say, if I had to demonstrate it in front of your staff. Wouldn’t you agree?”

A chill went down my spine as I imagined him humiliating me in front of all my employees.

He would do it. I knew he would – without a doubt.

“…yes, sir,” I said meekly.

Lau stared down at me for another 10 seconds without saying a thing.

I knew better than to speak or even look at him.

I just stared straight ahead in silence.

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