Page 93 of Cocky Prince
This time Paul frowns. “It’s more secure.”
“How are beautiful women crossing the casino floor a security risk? I would think they’d be a draw for the casino.”
He shrugs noncommittally. “We wouldn’t want to lose one of them.”
Both of us stare at the crowd for a moment, my unease growing.
I rub my jaw. “Let me ask you something. Were these women brought into the country to fill the escort positions?”
Paul grins, his gaze flicking to mine. “You’re a sharp one, Cade. That’s why we brought you on board. And because you’ve been in the business your entire life, you know how things are run.”
He turns toward me and his expression shifts from charming guest greeter to cold businessman. “Our stable of escorts are”—his head tilts and he glances up unseeing, as though thinking—“exotic, from all over the world. These women wanted to come to the States, and Blackwell’s connections made that possible. The ladies live a couple of blocks away—off-site, just how Blackwell wanted it. They’re provided for and protected twenty-four-seven.” He chuckles. “It’s a damn sorority house, filled with beautiful, sexy women—can you imagine? I have it in mind to make my way over there and inspect the pillow fighting.”
I ignore his attempt at humor, my gut churning with his words.
“Don’t worry,” Paul continues. “We have the best guards looking out for them, thanks to you and Blackwell. All we have to do is call up to the house, and an escort is sent whenever we want.”
I nod slowly, as though this is fine, when it’s the opposite. “Are they paid for their time?”
Paul checks his watch, and I can tell I’m about to lose him. “The guy who brought the women in supplies them with whatever they need, and they work for him. Net-net, they’re ours for two years. If we like some of them, we can keep them longer.” Paul’s eyes narrow at the expression on my face. I might be shooting him a death glare. “Don’t get your panties in a bunch. It happens all the time. These womenwantedto get away from whatever miserable life they had. Think of it as a charity.”
“To be a sex slave?”
Paul laughs outright. “Oh, come on. Let’s not go that far. You know how women are. They likethings. And these women are given designer clothing, introduced to rich, influential men. I wouldn’t be surprised if we lost a few of them to powerful Bliss members who wanted exclusive access.”
The heat of my anger burns the back of my neck. I look away before I hit Paul.
“Look, Cade, I’ve already told you. The boss’s friends aren’t people you want to cross. Stop asking questions.” He waves around. “Just look at these women. They’re ripe and stunning. They’ve saved this venture a ton of money—money that will go back into our pockets at the end of the year. Remember that.”
“As long as the bottom line doesn’t suffer.”
“Exactly,” Paul says, missing my sarcasm. He raises his hand as if to slap me on the shoulder, and drops it at the black look I level at him.
He glances over my shoulder. “The quarterback you brought in at the last minute just arrived. Why don’t you bring him back? Give him a tour. Introduce him to some of the ladies.”
Gabe Aldridge spots me and moves toward the center of the room. He’s a middle-aged retired quarterback with a good reputation in the sports industry. “You’re right. He’d love to meet these women.”
“That’s the spirit.” Paul walks off, and I take a deep breath, peering around the room. I don’t know how I missed it when I first arrived, but I’m seeing it now.
My hands shake with unbanked anger. This is all wrong. It has been from the moment I agreed to play a role in Bliss. Hayden was right. She mistrusted Blackwell from the beginning. Challenged him. I thought he was like my father—power hungry and disinterested, bending a few of the rules to suit himself. But Blackwell is nothing like my father. Ethan Cade would never support unscrupulous or inhumane activities. Like human trafficking.
I’m only thankful I got Hayden out of the casino when I did. I don’t want to be caught up in this mess, but it would be a million times worse if she were here.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Hayden
Iwalkacross the parking garage, my heels clicking against the concrete floor. I can’t believe I’m leaving Blue. It took Mira two hours to do my hair and makeup, and I never got what I came for. But darn Adam, I couldn’t say no with him looking so desperate for me to leave. He truly believed I was in danger by being there. I thought he’d burst a blood vessel if I stayed. That’s the only reason I agreed to go. Doesn’t mean I’m not still furious with him.
I made zero inroads into finding out about the grand opening party the vendor accidentally mentioned to Nessa, and I made sure to chat up everyone at the bar. Not a single person had heard about it. Was it canceled?
Before Adam hauled me out, I’d meant to check on the Bliss suites. I dressed so that no one would recognize me. Technically, I could still go up there. Adam didn’t say anything about staying away from the hotel rooms; he wanted me to leave the club. And okay, I highly doubt he wants me near the suites, given our arguments regarding Bliss, but he’s put me in a bad position. I told Mira I’d check out the suites tonight, and it’s probably the only time I can get away with it.
I stop in the middle of the parking garage and glance back. I’m in a wig and heavy makeup, and an outfit I would never wear. Not even William or Paul recognized me. Adam did, but he has a freakish sense for the shape of my ass.
I know where the Bliss suites are located; I could go there and scope things out before anyone realizes it. The guards wouldn’t recognize me as the human resources director they’ve turned away these last few weeks. And it would put my mind at ease to have checked out the one lead I managed to find.
I turn around and head back in, speed-walking as fast as I can in my platform stilettos across the casino floor. Adam’s afraid for my safety, but I’ve been taking care of myself since I left this town, and I’ll take care of myself tonight too.
