"And if he ups the amount?" she snapped, holding the cover she had maintained since the assignment began. "I'm a legal secretary, for God's sake. I don't have that kind of money."
"Hmm. That's too bad," he commented. "His money isn't better than yours", but it is a bit more than entrance fee per year, cher"
"No kidding," she breathed, furious. Damn Clint.
"Of course, you could be sponsored." The subtle offer had her staring back at him silently. "There are several of the full-membership Dominants and Dominatrices willing to sponsor you for a period of time under their tutelage. You could train to be either a Dominatrix or a sub, your choice."
"This means?"
He leaned forward slowly, bracing his elbows on the desk as his gaze sharpened. "It means, for a contracted period, cher, you would become the lover to one of them. You would rescind your rights to your sexual dependence, and would instead leave the choice of your sexuality up to the Dom sponsoring you. A very simple business arrangement. The question is, is your fondness for the club serious, or merely an amusement? Amusements can be found elsewhere."
Morganna stared back at him quietly. This could be the break the team had been waiting for. If she took this offer to her commander, it could ensure that she remained on the team.
"I've noticed over the past two years that you haven't requested a private room, and from all appearances your visits to Mr. Tyler's have not been productive," Masters pointed out. "You're an exquisite young woman, Morganna. You have fire and passion. The perfect student for whichever level your Dom places you within. Whichever, you would learn exactly what you need to know to excel within it."
What the hell was this? School for the perverted?
"It's your choice." He shrugged negligently as he leaned back in his seat and watched her closely.
"Do I choose my Dom?" she asked.
"You do." He nodded. "But if the relationship doesn't work out for whatever reason, then he can place your contract up for bidding if you cannot buy it back within a specified amount of time. In other words, my dear, you go to auction."
"That's illegal. There's no way to enforce it."
"You haven't seen my contracts. Nor have you seen the men who will uphold them should you decide to sue. Have no doubt, cher, I have covered my ass well."
"Clint would know about this?" His knowledge would definitely cause an explosion.
"Of course, he has full membership."
She shook her head and smiled cynically. "You don't know Clint; he would never allow it. And even if he did, he'd tattle straight to my brother and bring hell down on me."
"His contract forbids it. Trust me, McIntyre won't want to lose his membership by doing such a thing. I won't cover just my ass, Morganna, but yours as well."
Morganna stared back at him in surprise. "Meaning?"
"I wouldn't be opposed to sponsoring you myself." His gaze roved over her again, the mossy color darkening in sexual awareness. "But it's your choice."
Interesting. Morganna sat back in her chair, forcing herself to hide the nervousness moving through her. There was enough of it to power a city if it were electrical.
If Clint was considered a prime catch by the women in the clubs, then Drage Masters was considered the ultimate goal. So ultimate that he was rarely reflected upon simply because he never seemed interested.
And the lower levels of the club were only reflected upon. Even Joe wasn't certain what went on there, because so far, no one had even admitted they were there. They were like an urban legend all their own.
"So I can finance my own in-"
"You can finance your application," he amended. "Though honestly, no one is admitted without sponsorship of some sort. And for you, it would demand sexual sponsorship."
"Because I'm a woman?"
He inclined his head in agreement. "Not politically correct, I'm aware, but..." A sensual, carnal smile tipped his lips. "A fact nonetheless."
"Sexist," she' muttered before biting her lip and cursing her tongue.
Her response was met with a bark of laughter. "Directing all that energy would be a pleasure, Morganna," he said moments later. "Learning to harness all that sexual energy could come in handy for you. It helps balance the rest of your life, helps you to focus."
Oh, she just bet it did.