Page 104 of Compelled Obedience

Fabulous. The night was getting better and better.

“Have Kerri come to my office when she’s on break,” I told him.

“Oh, boy. Maybe I’m feeling sick.”

“Don’t you dare. I refuse to handle these assholes. That’s what I pay you for.”

“Not nearly enough money. I need a raise.”

“Uh-huh.”

I heard his laughter as he walked away and sighed before heading to the bar, shocked to see Stephen Canthos with a drink in his hand. I’d heard certain rumblings, rumors that I’d intended on getting out. When crossed, I was a bastard and what Stephen had done with the project’s money had kept me pissed off. He was lucky I hadn’t broken his neck.

“Stephen. To what do I owe this pleasure?” I motioned to Shilo for a drink then slid onto the stool next to him. My bartender grinned, probably because I’d had to pay her double to coerce her into working the event.

He didn’t look at me at first, likely given I’d caught him padding his bank account instead of funding the thousands of earmarked items for the school system. He’d made a tidy sum off donors. I’d given him a choice: resign, or I’d have the justice department dismantling his accounts in a heartbeat, even getting Tristen to pay him a visit.

Then he shoved a large envelope in my direction before tossing back his drink. “You’re getting everything you want, Grant, including my position on the board. They voted you in this afternoon.”

What I wanted was his head on a silver platter.

“That’s not what I wanted and you know it.” I yanked open the flap, pulling out the contents. The board had also endorsed the scholarship program along with accepting his resignation and approving the auditor who’d handle getting the finances in order. I’d agreed to temporarily handle the presidency until the Rise to Vision Project was back on its feet. After that, I had a new life including a family to take care of.

The thought pushed my cock against my trousers.

I was thankful for what the board had decided, eager to share the news. But it had to be special.

“Yeah, well, it’s what was necessary. At least according to you. Incidentally, I’m forfeiting my membership in Carnal Sins.”

“I’m sorry it had to work out this way, Stephen.”

“It’s time for me to retire anyway. I’m heading to Miami.”

I wasn’t going to remind him that we had a sister club in the city. Jameson would kick my ass if I did.

He stood and backed away, holding out his hand. “For what it’s worth, the scholarship program is well thought out. I wish you luck with it.”

I accepted his gesture, making the handshake firm. “Good luck with retirement.” He knew he was lucky he hadn’t been arrested. After what had occurred over the last week, his crimes didn’t rank nearly as high.

He nodded, taking a final look at the club before heading toward the door. I watched him leave then returned my attention to the beautiful woman who’d decided not to wear a lavish costume tonight, just a sexy as hell dress that had my blood pumping. Kerri was a true vision, someone I admired.

As the cages started to drop down from the ceiling, I heard the chime of my phone and sighed. Business never ended. It didn’t matter the time of day. “Grant Wilde.”

“Grant. It’s Karin Lennox from the Los Angeles Philharmonic.”

“Karin. How are you?” She was one of the supporters of the Rise to Vision Project. I had her tapped to help me with getting the program up and running. “Good news in that the Rise to Vision board greenlighted the scholarships.”

“That’s fantastic but not why I’m calling.”

“Then why are you?”

“Well, I happened to catch the clip you sent from the amazing awards event that I’m now sorry I missed. The violinist you mentioned is spectacular. Unfortunately, you didn’t leave me her contact information. I’d definitely like a chance to speak with her.”

Sheer joy tore through me.

I’d held back the information on purpose. The last thing Kerri needed was another disappointment in her life if it didn’t work out. “What did you think of her?”

“I think I need to hear her in person. Now, if I send you the information for the audition date and time, can I count on you to get it to her?”

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