Page 46 of Unchained
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Once again, I met Veronica at the end of the boat. She’d changed into a different black dress and heels. She had a purse over her shoulder and a cigarette in her hand.
From the boat, I could see the city hopping, could hear music thumping. People celebrated for as far as I could see. And, to be honest, I’d completely lost track of what day it was.
A black Mercedes awaited us as we stepped from the boat, the driver a young woman who barely wore any clothing. I wondered if she were another of Veronica’s pets.
“You seem a little nervous.”
I shook my head as I watched the scenery through the window. “A few days ago, I was sitting in my office contemplating if I’d made the right decision about leaving my job. Now here I am in the early morning hours riding through Rio De Janerio, heading toward what appears to be a rougher side of the city.?
“As long as you are with me, nothing will happen to you. I give you my word.”
“There are seven million people in this city. There’s no way you own them all.” We passed a sign for Copacabana. She might have owned everyone in Copacabana, however.
“This where we’re going to find your friends?”
“Possibly. I will need to make some calls when we get to my club.”
“You have a club here? Impressive.”
We pulled out onto Ave. Atlantica and headed south, passing hotels and clubs that were hopping with people. A mile later, we took a right onto R. Miguel Lemos, passing more hotels, small shops and eateries, and then the young woman pulled to the curb. Prostitutes walked the streets, tourists following behind them, taking pictures, some hoping for a blowjob or sex.
“Looks like you have red light escapees,” I said.
Veronica handed something to the young woman and then said something in Portuguese. The woman smiled, got out, opened our door, and closed the door once we were on the sidewalk.
Almost immediately, whores started toward us, Veronica waving them off as if she owned the streets. She led us between two buildings, music growing louder. We passed dozen of people along the way, some just drinking and talking, others groping and kissing.
We entered a club and snaked our way to the back, Veronica ignoring those around us. She opened a doorway and then closed it behind me, shutting off the noise.
“Should I be afraid of losing my kidneys?”
Veronica frowned. “You watch too many movies.”
“Where are we going?”
We stopped at an elevator, and the doors opened as soon as she pushed the button. She stepped on, but I hesitated. “What is it exactly you think I’m going to do with your friends?”
Veronica stuck her hand out when the door started to close. “The same things you did with me.” She gave me a look that said get the hell on the elevator. “It’s your last stop, Deacon.”
I stepped onto the elevator, and it began a slow ascent.
I leaned against one side of the elevator while Veronica watched me from the other side. Despite what she was, her legs were beautiful, her breasts delicious, her face beautiful. Everything about her drew a man in.
“I enjoy the way you look at me,” she said.
Fuck. I was losing my mind. “What if I had not done the things you have asked?”
“There was no backup plan, Deacon. I’m confident in my abilities of coercion. I also know men like you enjoy women like me. You just don’t realize it until it happens. Peel back that alpha male persona, and you are all alike. In the dining room, why did that happen? I didn’t ask you to do it.”
“That’s a good fucking question. You’re fucking attractive regardless of what you have between your legs. Any man would love to be with you. I do think most would stop when they found a dick between your legs.”
“But, you didn’t.”
“No, I didn’t. You’re fucking hard to resist. Guess I’m weak.”
“Or maybe you just really enjoyed it.” She smiled.
