The Auction (Club Indulgence Duet, #1)(9)

My gut dives. I stay quiet, not even wanting to speak the words.

"I need to know what I'm looking for," he asserts.

My pulse pounds harder in my neck. I confess, "He's stealing funds from the firm. My accountant said the money's going to some offshore accounts. I need the account details and the ability to get into them and move the money."

Jones whistles, then mutters, "Sorry, man."

"How long do you think it'll take?" I ask.

He scratches his head, then answers, "Not sure. It depends on how encrypted everything is, and the banks will take more time. But once you have access, you need to be smart. If you move that money, make sure it disappears."

"That's why I have you," I declare.

He sits back in his chair and crosses his arms over his chest. His eyes turn to slits.

"Is there a problem?" I ask.

"You're talking about money laundering."

"So? Since when do you do anything on the up-and-up?"

He clenches his jaw.

I push, "What's the issue?"

"It's a bigger risk for me," he claims.

"But you can do it, right?" I challenge.

He nods. "Sure. But if I'm going to take a bigger risk, the fees are going to double."

"Jones, I don't care what you charge me. I need to know that you can get this done and it'll be a priority on your list. The clock's ticking," I state.

He picks up a clipboard, flips through a few pages, then tosses it back on the desk. He declares, "I can start tomorrow. I've got several projects I need to wrap up."

"Then you'll focus exclusively on this? Right?"

"Yeah."

Relief fills me. "Great." I rise.

Jones points to the chair. "We aren't done."

I take a seat. "What else is there?"

He turns to his computer. "I need to know information on him. The more I have to go on, the quicker it'll be."

It's close to one when I finish answering all his questions. Then I get back into my Porsche and head toward Malibu. The traffic is just as bad, and I'm at a complete standstill when I get a text.

Club Indulgence: Charity auction tonight. Monthly terms. New subs on the list. Starts at 2 A.M.





For the first time all day, I grin. This is just what I need after the shit I've discovered today. Lately, I've had a hard time feeling satisfied at the club. It's the same faces, and I'm bored.

A new woman, preferably one I get to break in, is exactly what I need to get my mind off this situation. It'll help relieve my stress, and since it's an auction, I'll have all month to train her accordingly.

It won't be the first time I've participated in an auction. The club has them a few times a year. Both parties agree to terms. Then the sub gets to choose a charity and the Dom writes the check. I could give a shit about the charity, but the prospect of developing a newbie sub heats my blood so hot, I veer off the exit and head toward my condo in the city.

I spend a bit more time stewing over all the deceit, then change my focus on what's ahead of me tonight.

Patience is a virtue I've worked on over the last decade. I lacked it as a child but learned to embrace it as a businessman. Until Jones gets me the information I need, there's nothing I can do about Hugh. So while I'm waiting, I'll see to my other needs. And there's nothing more perfect than a fresh face to be at my mercy—especially for an extended timeframe.





3





Blakely





It's a busy night at Cheeks. I've not stopped moving since I stepped on the floor. As soon as one table clears, more men fill it.

"Blakely, Snake wants to see you," Cindy informs me.

I glance toward the front door. "Why?"

She shrugs. "I don't know. Ugh! What does Savannah want now," she whines, running off.

I roll my eyes. Since Cindy called off the previous night, Savannah's been all over her. I'm glad I've never done anything to get on her bad side.

I push through the crowd and step into the small corridor the club uses to charge the cover fee. Snake, one of the newer security guys, grasps my elbow and leads me outside.

"What's going on?" I question, and the muggy night air hits my skin.

He leans down and says, "Don't worry, Savannah approved."

"Approved what?"

"For you to talk to my friend. He's an agent and heard you sing at the Lizard Lounge."

Shock and excitement fill me. "Really?"

He chuckles. "Yep. But he doesn't want to talk inside. He'd rather speak with you out here."

"Okay. But... I should change!" I fret, glancing down at my leather thong and blingy black bra.

"Nah, you're fine," Snake says and guides me around the corner, and I freeze.

Baldy and Salt-and-Pepper from the other night stand outside of their SUV.

"What the hell!" I exclaim, trying to get out of Snake's grasp, but it's too tight.

Baldy opens the back door, Salt-and-Pepper reaches for my other arm, and before I know it, they shove me into the backseat.

I scream, but no one's around. Within seconds, Baldy's next to me, and the SUV takes off. Baldy puts a silk scarf around my eyes and more panic fills me.