Page 95 of Cocky Prince
“Gabe Aldridge,” I say, “this is Joseph Blackwell, the mastermind behind Bliss.” I rattle off Gabe’s stats from when he played in the NFL, as well as his current professional accolades. “I was just about to regale Gabe with the virtues of Bliss.”
Blackwell chuckles. “Bliss has many virtues. This magnificent suite, for one, and other intrinsic qualities as well.” He gestures to a group of women sitting on a sofa a few feet away. “Our women are stunning, are they not?”
“Exquisite,” Gabe says.
“They are unlike any you’ve had. They are…how shall I say this…fresh. In fact, a few of them have their virginity intact.” Blackwell says this as though extolling the merits of a fine wine.
I choke on my champagne. “Excuse me,” I mutter, attempting to collect myself.
What the fuck?
“Thatisinteresting.” Gabe glances over, his expression bland.
“I was unaware,” I say, keeping my tone level.
Blackwell looks about the room proudly. “Bliss is elite in luxury and pleasure. It doesn’t get better than this. Anything you want is at your fingertips.”
“For a hefty price,” Gabe says.
“But isn’t that life?” Blackwell asks. “We pay for quality, do we not? And the Bliss suites—the service and women it provides—are of unparalleled quality.”
Gabe swirls his champagne and swallows the last of it. “And the women? They’ve agreed to selling their virginity?”
Blackwell reaches out to a passing server and grabs a fresh glass of Dom, exchanging it for Gabe’s old glass. “Of course. The women are well provided for, with everything they could ever want.”
Except possibly their freedom.
Gabe nods and scans the room as though looking at the women with renewed interest. His gaze stops near the door. “And the burlesque dancers?”
Blackwell and I look in the direction he indicates…andson of a bitch,it’s Hayden. Here.
How the hell?
“The burlesque women can be bought as well,” Blackwell says.
“The brunette near the door appeals to me.”
My fists clench. Goddammit, what is Hayden doing? She was supposed to leave forty minutes ago.
Blackwell’s brow rises. “I can see to it that you have her—”
“Not that one,” I blurt, then blink back my panic. I’m not thinking clearly, and my voice sure as hell isn’t level anymore. “She’s not supposed to be here,” I say, but it comes out tense and angry.
Blackwell’s gaze takes in my features, and I wonder how much I’m giving away. “Oh? How did she end up here?”
I don’t respond.
He stares for another long moment, then snaps his fingers.
Eve glides closer. “Yes?”
“Please bring over the woman in the black wig near the door.”
She smiles. “My pleasure.”
Gabe glances at me. I sense his concern, but I don’t look, afraid I’ll give away more than I already have.
Eve speaks to Hayden and she nods warily. She and William walk over, and William shakes Gabe’s hand after introductions are made.
