Page 17 of The Lieutenant

I squirmed in my seat, hating my body’s reaction to him. My thong was already damp and that didn’t suit the conservative attire I’d purposely chosen. Why did I have a feeling beneath his slick exterior was a man who enjoyed highlighting his bad boy image when offered the chance?

Maybe I’d been immersed in the world of dark sin and crime for far too long. I was beginning to find his less than scrupulous attitude and behavior as attractive as his sculpted face and chiseled frame.

Even the light stubble covering his jaw was sexy.

Hello, fully aroused nipples. Again.

I ignored his heated gaze and jumped into the interview. “From what I understand, you and your family currently own and run two BDSM clubs. Let’s see.” I flipped through the typed pages I’d brought with me. Why didn’t I have the two names on the tip of my tongue? “Yes, Club Sin and Shame and Club Darkness.”

Just mentioning their names brought subversive thoughts to the forefront of my mind.

“Correct, although the family is currently in negotiations to purchase other sites in Brussels, Paris, Milan, and eventuallyNew York. Although I must say they are not considered BDSM clubs.”

I lifted my gaze and wish I hadn’t. Dark eyes. Dark hair. A very dark demeanor. The man was trouble with a capital T. Tantalizing, but nothing I needed at this point in my career. Not only did I have mid six figures on the line after finishing my series of articles, but my agent had also been approached by two major networks, both interested in the possible development of biopics on the subject.

The giddiness would need to wait. I had two additional families to interview.

“But I understand you cater to very special clients.”

He laughed, the sound far too deep and throaty for a midmorning interview. “First of all, they are dance clubs. Granted, I’m certain many of those who frequent them would consider themselves special, but they are simply clients who enjoy sharing their hunger.”

“Their hunger?” He’d baited me and I’d latched onto it like a fish on a lure. I could see it in his eyes.

“Yes, Kara. Certainly, you feel the same intense need to feast on forbidden proclivities from time to time. Even as adults, we all need the feeling of freedom, the ability to act on our greatest fantasies.”

“I don’t believe fantasies have a place in this report.”

“Everyone has them, Kara. I can tell you prefer hiding your secret desires out of fear of what others will think of you. Within the walls of our world, no one needs to fear being reprimanded. That is why our business is continuing to grow.Our allowance for freedom. That begins with passion. In dance. In conversation. In sharing intimate time with someone. Would you like a taste?”

His tone was dripping with sinful innuendos. The man was testing my resolve. He had no understanding of what I was made of. I certainly didn’t appreciate his attempt at dominating either the conversation or the small part of me he believed he knew.

“There are several types of darkness, but I’m only interested in how you handle those same desires in business. Not between the sheets.”

He gave me a sideways nod as if I’d won a round with him. Did he really think I was a pushover? “To answer your question, both clubs cater to guests who enjoy sharing a night with friends. Dancing. Drinking. Music. We also provide privacy and security for others who enjoy partaking in more carnal desires as well as private spaces used for business meetings and nothing more.”

“Whips and chains?” The question was one I shouldn’t have tossed out and I knew it immediately.

Havros sat back, drumming his fingers on his desk. “Perhaps if this meeting goes well, I’ll provide you with an opportunity to enjoy what our club does offer.”

“I’m not certain that will be necessary.” He was definitely goading me.

“From what I understand, Kara, you’re interested in all aspects of my family’s business. Do I have that wrong?”

“Yes, but…”

“But?”

“Why would a family with a solid business reputation be lured into the world of kink?”

“The more palpable reason would be that it’s simply good business. Our clubs are highly profitable, celebrities and world leaders from all countries appreciating the culture and vibrancy. But that wouldn’t be the entire truth. However, at this time we only provide the space. What our guests do behind closed doors is up to them.”

“And what is the truth?”

“The truth is that we are a family of very passionate men with needs some women would consider far too controlling. We do like to consume what we possess.”

He was leaning forward again and I found myself doing the same. The baiting was beginning to be more fun than I’d thought possible. “I’m certain what you lack in romanticism you make up for in expensive bobbles and gifts. You can buy anyone you want, Havros. That’s easy to read.”

I’d thrown down another line in the sand and just briefly, I could tell he wasn’t appreciative of my comebacks. I had a feeling women kowtowed to him on a regular basis. That left a disgusting taste in my mouth.

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