Page 68 of When Sinners Dare

“Make that two.”

Andy fixes the drinks, and because it’s still early, the place is still quiet. I lead us over to a small sectional area near the pole.

“Okay then, Chance. You have my attention. What’s your proposal?”

He raises his glass in front of me, and I oblige, toasting with his. “Cheers.” He knocks his back like he’s not had a drink all day.

“Chance?” I press.

“What would you say to expanding this place?” He moves closer to me on the seat and drapes his arm behind the back, careful not to touch me.

“I’d say that we’ve just opened, and I have my own plans. I don’t need you to expand.” I’m a little affronted. He knows our family, so he should know that money is no real barrier when it comes to business.

“I don’t mean in terms of expanding the space.” He smiles at me, but his eyes aren’t fixed on mine. They wander far too freely for my liking. “I mean the type of services you offer. Here. Or, if you do expand your premises, another arm to your services.”

“We offer plenty for our clients. May I ask how familiar you are with my brother’s side of the business?”

“Are you referring to the auctions? Selling girls into prostitution, or do you have another business in mind?”

He’s starting to piss me off. “Well, if you know this, why do you think you can offer us anything?” I lean in and narrow my glare, making sure he hears the gravity of mywords.

He laughs, “I apologise. I meant no offence, Mariana. But maybe I should be having this conversation with Abel.”

I stand abruptly. I may tolerate my brothers playing games, but not from a stranger. “You came here to offer me something. All you’ve done is dance around a proposal. You also seem to be operating under the illusion that I need my brother's blessing. Apartment B is mine, and I choose what goes on here. Now, if we’re done?”

He catches my wrist as I turn to leave and doesn’t let go. Instead, his thumb brushes up the inside of my wrist.

“You’re spirited. I like that. You asked me how you could please me when I first visited. From what I can tell, there isn’t anything here that would cater for my particular tastes. I have a more extreme craving when it comes to the opposite sex. My proposal would ensure that clients like myself could be accommodated.”

“Where do you currently go to procure such services?” I ask, before removing my arm from his grasp and stepping back. Sasha’s in my peripheral vision, and I can see she’s watching us.

“I don’t. I have a business venture that does very well. Exclusive clients. High ticket costs, but also, very much behind closed doors. My proposal would bridge the gap between our two worlds, so to speak.”

My mind is running riot with what he may or may not be suggesting. But I’m also working out how this could benefit the business. What I have now is fine, but for how long?

“I think it’s time to talk plainly, Chance. Enough suggestion.”

“As you wish. Come. Now. I’ll show you what I’m talking about, and you can decide if there’s room for me in your expansion plans.” He tugs on his lapels before giving me a wicked look.

Red flags set off in the back of my mind, but all I can think of is this is an opportunity to prove myself again to Abel. To Knox. They seem to see fit to discuss the next move for my business or dismiss my actions to seek revenge on our family. Maybe having a partner like Chance backing me will turn the tide for them.

“How far?” I ask.

“A short car ride. I’ll have you back here before it gets too busy. I promise.” I know he’s a dangerous man, but what he’s saying intrigues me enough to see what he’s talking about. He cocks his arm to the side, ready to escort me out.

I take it and check my phone’s still tucked into the side zip of my dress.

As we pass her, Sasha’s face is filled with concern. “I’ll be back soon, right, Chance?”

“Of course.”

I give Sasha a reassuring smile and leave with Chance.

Out of the club, I feel overdressed and exposed. Usually, I can have fun in an outfit like this, but I think I recognise the predator in Chance.

My brothers are always asking me to step up, well, here I am. Again. Besides, Chance knows them. That should be a threat in itself and keep the balance of power between us level.

He’s true to his word, and the drive is short. We pull up to what looks like an abandoned warehouse, and he parks.

---