Page 92 of Lesson In Forgiveness

Strolling through Serenity with the massive Dom beside him, Grit admitted he was impressed with the progress they’d achieved during his prolonged absence in Phoenix.

The residential cabins were completed, just waiting to be furnished. The landscaping team was busy adding the finishing touches—rockeries, flower beds, planting shrubbery and trees for additional privacy.

The photographer’s studio—built to the specifications of a friend of Evander’s looking to relocate—was in the last stages of being fitted out. The nursery—what Grit considered to be the ultimate playground for Littles—smelled of fresh paint and varnish.

They’d visited the area Evander dubbed The Zoo, which was basically one long cabin split off into kennels, a cattery, stables, a socialization area, and a veterinary clinic for those into pet play with a medical twist.

Puppies and kittens could curl up in their individual heated pens, play to their heart’s content with any number of toys and gadgets, or frolic in the communal area while their owners observed from the raised dais in the center.

The medical play building was state of the art. Still in the process of being kitted out, the few pieces of equipment already installed were top of the line. No shortcuts, no cheap substitutes, just health and safety of the client at the forefront all the way.

“When I came here under the guise of working for you, I couldn’t envisage this. In my mind’s eye,” he added when Evander sent him a questioning look. “I mean, yeah, your original blueprints had to change because of the structural damage to the existing buildings, but to demolish ninety percent of it and rebuild something like this in its place… kudos, Evander.”

Ever a modest man, the giant blond gave him a rueful smile. “Can’t take much of the credit. It would’ve been a dream without weight if Eli and Callie hadn’t been willing to support me; Eli took charge of the day-to-day business as that’s what my husband does best.” The pride in his voice when he said husband was rich and effusive. “The crews are working their asses off, beating deadlines and passing every inspection. Serenity isn’t a one man-achievement, not by a long shot.”

Coming from a man who single-handedly built one of the most successful construction companies in the United States, turning himself into a multi-millionaire, it was high praise for his spouses, and the men and women on his crews who were more loyal to Evander than a Labrador was to its family.

Evander was no stranger to money—he’d grown up knowing one day his father’s fortune would be his; not just millions, but billions in chocolate-flavored inheritance.

“How long until the grand opening?” Grit queried.

“Going off calculations of our current schedule, everything but the landscaping should be done and signed off on within a month. Six weeks should see the resort ready to go.” Pursing his lips, he turned in a slow circle, nodding to himself. “Elias is handling staff interviews, with Callie’s help.”

Oh, that should be a joy, Grit thought in amusement. Callie was the poster girl for Littles; she and Alicia could bring in a healthy income broadcasting their daily antics on a podcast. Interviewing people for positions in a kink club?

Elias was a brave man.

“Levi’s already hired, obviously,” Evander continued, referring to his erotic photographer friend. “We decided to build him some living quarters in his studio, with his approval. “Fordham Dewitt will be joining us as well, and of course, Liam and Sierra are going to become part of the Serenity family for however long they want.”

“Juggling a lot of security balls there,” Grit pointed out.

“Not really. Levi and Ford are old friends. I know they’ll fit in here without an issue. Liam is somewhat of a lesser known entity, but Braun and Atticus vouched for him without hesitation.” Dark eyes focused on Grit. “Anyone who steps foot on the property will have to sign an NDA. No exceptions, staff or clientele. Handpicking Dominants to not only monitor but teach is going to be hard, but general staff selection shouldn’t be too complicated. Excellent rates of pay, good working conditions, additional benefits… treat your employees well, Grit, and they repay you in kind.”

“Is that a subtle lure?”

“Well, you haven’t given me an answer yet. I figure some gentle nudges won’t go amiss.” Evander turned and began to walk toward the cabins. “I also thought now might be a good time to give you a firm, persuasive shove in our direction.”

“Oh really? Color me intrigued.”

“Your skills and experience are invaluable to us,” his friend told him without preamble. “I believe we told you that when we made the offer. Unfortunately, time is ticking past and the matter of club security is quickly becoming less of a future issue and more of an imminent one.”

Grit studied the stone-flagged path leading up to a single-story cabin. Sunlight glinted off the new windows and the spray of water firing in an arch across the newly laid turf lawn. “Before we left Phoenix, I spoke with Jasper and Atticus about my plans for the future. Not just within the company, but my life outside it as well.”

“And?”

“Needless to say neither of them are happy I’m considering your offer, but they understand the allure of it. My years as a merc are limited; every mission has the potential to be my last. My priority now is…” Grit trailed off, wondering if he’d jinx everything if he finished the sentence.

“A young blonde who likes to play with knives?”

“Yeah.” As if she could be summed up into such a simple combination of words.

“But you haven’t discussed this with her yet?”

“Is it that obvious?” He sighed and shook his head. “Discussing it with Tabby means laying it all out for her—how I feel, what I want, how I see the next year, two, five, ten. Where I want to be by the time I’m fifty.”

“With her, I’m guessing?” Evander nodded when Grit gave him an exasperated confirmation. “I don’t know you well enough to psychoanalyze you, but I’ll go out on a limb. Love equals marriage, kids, the promise of a lifetime together. You’re at the in-love stage of things and Tabitha… she’s either not quite there yet, or she is and doesn’t know how to deal with it?”

“Her parents didn’t teach her how to feel. An emotionless puppet is easier to control. Love is a myth to her, as farfetched as faeries and dragons. If I don’t say the words, nothing’s going to change much.” Aside from the fact he’d die a little every now and then from not telling her how he felt. “If I do… she might stay for a while, try and pretend to feel the same, or she’ll run halfway around the world and disappear.”

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