Page 29 of Dangerous Games (Tempting SEALs 2)

"I'm very curious." She shrugged her shoulders, all too aware now of the brevity of the half corset and the way the leather cupped her breasts. "But I've done nothing wrong, so I can't exactly be in trouble."

He leaned back in his chair, steepling his hands in front of him. "I've been asked to revoke your membership for a time." The announcement was delivered with an edge of amusement as she stiffened in response. "I was curious why."

Her lips opened as she breathed in roughly, then licked over her dry lips as she fought to keep her temper under control.

"McIntyre?" she finally asked, clenching her teeth over his name.

Drage's brows arched. "Indeed. He came to me this evening before the club opened. I thought it very odd that he would make such a request, but I rarely question requests from members of his stature. Until now."

Morganna pressed her lips together, glaring back at him. "Am I banned then?" Anger was burning hotter than the whiskey in her belly now.

"I'm not entirely certain," he answered, his amusement obvious. "I'm still trying to figure out why one of my best-paying members would request the barring of one of my favorite members."

Now that one was a surprise.

"One of your favorites?" she questioned. "Since when?"

He glanced at the monitors thoughtfully. "I spend quite a bit of time here alone. You're a delightful addition to any night. You cause no trouble, until last night-"

"I didn't do anything last night," she retorted. "He did."

"You went to the private room with him, angering your Dom-"

"If you watch as you say you do, then you know Craig isn't my Dom; he just likes to think he is."

Drage's gaze swung back to her. "What the hell are you up to in my clubs, Morganna?"

She blinked back in surprise, her eyes widening at the dangerous, rough rasp of his voice.

"Mr. Masters." She kept her voice carefully apologetic. This was not a man she wanted to get on the wrong side of. "Whatever Clint is pissed over, it's personal. I'm sorry if he doesn't want to conduct his sexual exploits with me around, but that's all there is to it."

"His sister married your brother; is she aware of his membership here?"

"It wouldn't matter," Morganna gritted out. "But / didn't even know until last night. I assure you, her brother's sex life isn't something we discuss anyway. Besides, it's not exactly a crime and it's rather late to hide the information from me. Banning me won't change that."

"Then tell me why he wants you banned," Drage demanded smoothly. "'Otherwise, as of this moment you leave my establishment tonight, you will be unwelcome in all three clubs."

Damn Clint and his high-handed arrogance.

She pushed herself angrily to her feet. "You do what you have to, Masters, but Clint's using you to do his dirty work. He doesn't approve of my being here. It's that simple. But since his money is better than mine ..."

"He does pay more," Drage murmured, his gaze considering. "The yearly reserve on the private rooms alone is rather high."

"How high?" She propped her hands on her hips, glaring back at him.

His gaze dropped to her bare midriff. At least they had gone farther than her breasts. Finally, those forest eyes lifted and his eyes narrowed.

"Twenty thousand for the yearly room reserve. Twenty-five for downstairs membership. Forty thousand a year for all of it if you're accepted."

Good God, that was a lot of money. How the hell did Clint afford it?

She sat down in shock. "What's downstairs?" She had only heard rumors of the private club that existed there; she had yet to have them substantiated by any of the club's members.

"A very special club." He was watching her too closely. "A very private Dominants' club."

"I'm not a Domme," she pointed out.

Masters shrugged. "Let's just say, I like you. Forty thousand for full membership, fifteen up front. If I lose a member because of the other, I'd at least like to replace the income."

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