Page 19 of Corporate Bondage

Prince grinned at me which transformed his face. He was an attractive enough guy. “Six feet eight inches,” he remarked. “I like to get that out of the way at all times before I begin.”

I found myself grinning back at him. I hadn’t grinned at anyone meaningful for a very long time. “I admit I wondered.”

“Most people do. I walk down the street and they stare at the freak of nature.”

“We’re all freaks of nature in one way or another,” I replied, my grin fading. “How long have you been involved in this line of work?”

“I was Army Intel for five years,” he answered. “I got injured on the job and while recovering I decided to retire. I opened up my own agency two years ago, and I must say it’s been going well.”

“Hmm. Any referees for recommendations?”

“Sure.”

I took down the names and numbers he gave me for referees just to check that he was who he claimed to be. Regardless, I was pretty sure I would use this guy. He was likable, and I wasn’t about to go trying one PI after another to help Gio’s cause.

“I’ve someone I want you to follow,” I told him, printing a picture of Byran from my computer and handing the sheet of paper to him. “He’s an ex, and I want a detailed report of where he goes, who he meets, and whatever other important information you can glean.”

He examined the photo and frowned at me. “You’re not hiring me to learn information that will result in the death or harm of this individual, are you?”

At the mention of death, a shiver ran down my spine. “Of course not. I want him very much alive. He’s dating someone new and I want to know how serious it is or if I can win him back.” Not so long ago these words would have been sincere but not anymore.

“I’ll need you to sign a contract on that.”

“Sure, no problem.

“Good. I’ll need his basic information.”

We spent the rest of the time discussing the case, his work hours and his fees. When he left, he promised to fax me the contract I needed to sign to exonerate him from any illegal activities that might result in any information he provided.

By the time he was gone, I was feeling much better. The plans were underway. Now I had a very good reason to see Gio and report what was about to happen. I was keeping my part of our bargain, and he needed to put out. If not all at once then at least a little.

I reached for the card he had left behind and took in the name of the restaurant. I typed the name in my browser to check out what they offered and get a better view of where he worked. I’d never eaten at this restaurant before. Maybe tonight would be a good night to visit. My palate suddenly had a hankering for something different. His website boasted of the original sauces made by the owner. They had also won a local award for desserts.

I was about to click off the site when I checked the last tab about the origin of the restaurant. Gio’s smiling face stared back at me from the computer. He wasn’t dressed in chef’s gear as I imagined him wearing at the restaurant. He was wearing a dark blue business suit with his arms folded. I scanned through the reading material by his image and was stunned. Gio had misled me into thinking he was nothing but a chef. Why hadn’t he stated he owned the restaurant? He was far more successful than he wanted me to think.

By nature, I was a competitive guy. I didn’t like anyone pissing on my tree. I competed against the top dogs in this industry because I desired to be the best. One of the reasons I had always been more attracted to the twink type of guys was because of their generally submissive demeanor. For this reason, my attraction to Gio puzzled me. He was not only physically powerful but he was a successful business owner. Finding this out should have watered down my appetite for him, but it had the opposite effect. His achievements only made me want him more.

Getting to my feet, I strolled to the door and threw the office door open. Carlo glanced up at me in surprise and rose.

“Is something wrong, Mr. Eardley?”

“Everything couldn’t have been better Carlo,” I answered. “Do you own a dinner suit?”

“Me?”

I decided I didn’t care if he did, I wanted him to get a new one. I took out my wallet and fished out several hundred dollar bills. I dropped it onto his desk.

“During lunch, go by yourself something to wear to dinner tonight.”

I didn’t wait for him to respond but walked by to my office. At the door, I turned to him. He was staring after me as though he didn’t understand.

“You have no objections, do you, Carlo?” I asked him.

He shook his head vigorously and swiped the money from the table. “No, sir. You’ve got yourself a dinner companion.”

I nodded and closed the door. Hopefully, I would also have a companion to share my bed tonight, and I wasn’t referring to Carlo either. He was nothing but man bait.

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