8. Trouble
Macy,my self-declared new best friend and fellow virgin, flopped onto my bed. Her caramel-colored skin was radiant, her cheekbones were high and defined, and she had both long legs and curves for days.
“Can you believe how hot those brothers were?” Macy asked.
I’d only met Macy a few hours ago, but I already liked her. She seemed fearless. The fact that she’d met the billionaire brothers, received a V-for-Virgin necklace, toured the sex club, and hadn’t batted an eye had already earned my respect.
I scowled at her. “Hot? The oldest one who put on my necklace already hates me. Did you see the way he looked at me when I forgot to call him ‘Sir’?”
“I saw it, all right.” Macy grinned at me from beneath her cascade of brown ringlets. “He looked like a panther about to eat a juicy steak. He thinks you’re yummy!”
“Um, I don’t think so. He thinks I’m an idiot. I’m probably going to get fired by him.”
Macy snorted. “You’re probably going to get banged by him. He couldn’t keep his eyes off you!”
I shook my head, not believing her. The handsome billionaire had seemed appalled by my behavior. I couldn’t get Cassius Blackwood out of my head, how his icy gaze raked over me, his glare when I forgot to call him Sir, the feel of his cool skin against mine as he secured my necklace. Not to mention the way he filled out his custom suit. The billionaire was tall and strapping, with a square jaw and to-die-for blue eyes. He was also older than me, richer than me, wildly more sophisticated than me, and seemed a little mean.
“You’re wrong.” I sighed. “But I appreciate it. I can’t get fired—I need this job.”
“You’re not getting fired. You’re one of five virgins—you’re special. They need us,” Macy said. “I’m so excited that I saved my V-card for these hot billionaires! And I’m going to get paid twomillion dollars when one of them cashes it!”
I laughed as she fist-pumped. “You aren’t freaked out by any of this?” I asked.
She shrugged. “The way I see it, I can earn tons of cash living in a mansion, having kinky sex with hot billionaires, or I could still be working at Taco Bell. Far as I’m concerned, it’s a no-brainer.”
“Huh.” Maybe I should take a page from Macy’s playbook. Instead of having an existential crisis about losing my virginity to an imposing billionaire stranger, I could view it as a get-out-of-poverty-free card. “Maybe it’s not so bad.”
“Not so bad?” Macy looked at me like I had three heads. “We’re going to be multi-millionaires by the end of the year, we get to swim in an infinity pool all summer, wear designer clothes every day, and eat for free. And I know the Blackwood brothers were intimidating, but like I said, they’re hot as hell. Hopefully, all the billionaire members will be that good-looking. And sexy. And have all sorts of muscles going on underneath their custom-made suits.” She waggled her eyebrows at me.
“I hope so,” I said noncommittally.
“Faith, give it a chance. This is going to make us rich,” Macy said encouragingly. “Trust me—it beats the hell out of Taco Bell and Tinder.”
“Did someone say Taco Bell?” Gina poked her face into the room. “There’s no eating fast food around here. The club patrons like their virgins on a healthy diet,” she said, her tone teasing.
“I like fast food, but I’ll go full-on vegan-paleo-whatever for two million dollars.” Macy sat up on the bed and grinned. “Hi, Gina.”
“Hi.” The Madam swept inside and smiled at us. “What did you two think of the Blackwood brothers?”
“They’re super hot.” Macy raised her hand. “I volunteer as virgin tribute!”
Gina laughed. “I love it. Your enthusiasm is infectious, Macy. The patrons are going to adore you.”
The Madam turned to me. “And you, Faith? What did you think?”
“Um…” I twisted my hands together nervously. “They were nice. I mean, the younger two seemed nice. The oldest one was a little intense.”
“Mm-hmm, Mr. Blackwood certainly can be intense.” Gina’s gaze flicked over me. “You’re on his radar now. You should definitely pay attention to how you speak to him at all times, okay?”
“I will, Gina. I promise.”
She reached out and patted my arm. “You’re going to do fine. I know this is overwhelming.”
“Thank you.” The Madam’s calm demeanor had a soothing effect on me. “I’ll make sure that I act appropriately around Mr. Blackwood—and all the members, of course.”
Cassius Blackwood intimidated the hell out of me, and so did his brothers. The idea of meeting the rest of the patrons—all billionaires—as early as tomorrow night was absolutely overwhelming, but it was inevitable. I’d signed a contract; my brother was getting the help he needed because of my earnings. I was signed, sealed, and had been delivered to Club 444.
“Once each of you are chosen by platinum members, and that big check hits your bank accounts, you’ll understand that this was worth it,” Gina said.
“Absolutely,” I said. The fact that I’d be earning another two million dollars was incredible. “I’ll be able to take care of my brother for the rest of his life.”
“And I’ll be able to buy my own house, get a tiny dog that fits in a purse, and fund my retirement.” Macy couldn’t keep the smile off her face. “This is a win-win.”
“It is, I agree.” Gina smiled again. “Okay, I’m going to need each of you to come to my office to sign some paperwork. Faith, you’re up first. Bring your identification and your cell phone, okay?”
“Okay,” I said, but I suddenly had a fluttery feeling in my stomach. “I thought I already signed everything…?”
“It’s just an additional document,” Gina said easily. “Macy, I’ll come back for you.”
The Madam waited while I gathered my things and followed her down the hall. A willowy blonde was running up the stairs as we passed, and Gina stopped as the girl reached us. She was quite tall, over six feet, with large brown eyes. She wore no makeup, a plain white T-shirt with jeans, and her hair was back in French braids. She was absolutely drop-dead gorgeous.
“Tate, is everything ready to go?” Gina asked her.
“Yes, we’re all set up and ready for tomorrow night.” Tate’s gaze flicked to me, down to my necklace. “Ah, you must be one of the virgins.”
I fingered the V of the pendant, then smiled sheepishly. “Yep, that’s me. One of the virgins.”
“You’re like, a unicorn.” Tate arched an eyebrow. “I never thought I’d meet one in person!”
“Tate, this virgin-unicorn has a name—it’s Faith,” Gina said, laughing. “Faith, this is your roommate, Tate.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” I stuck out my hand and was surprised at her vice-like grip. “Wow, you shake hands like Thor.”
Tate winked at me. “I lift.” She raised her arm to showcase a bulging bicep. “It’s nice to meet you, roomie. I’m sure we’ll have a lot of fun together.”
“I’m bringing her to my office for more paperwork. Go and get settled, dinner’s soon,” Gina said.
“Yes, ma’am. See you later, unicorn!” Tate skipped past us toward our room.
“Tate’s been downstairs setting up the equipment. She’s one of the Doms,” Gina explained as we resumed our trip down the hall.
I blinked at her. “I’m sorry?”
“One of our dominatrixes,” Gina explained. When I looked befuddled, she patted me on the shoulder. “It’s okay—you’ll see her in action tomorrow night. You’ll understand then. You have enough going on at the moment.”
When we reached her office, Gina pulled out a sheet of paper. “I need you to review this, then sign.” She placed it in front of me, along with a pen. I read the document, which said I agreed to immediately turn over my cell phone and was only allowed to check my messages once per day. Phone calls were only in case of emergencies.
The Madam held out her hand. “I’m going to need your phone, Faith. I’ll put it in my safe—no one will have access to it except for me.”
I stared up at her, aghast. “I can’t give you my phone.” I felt like she was asking for the heart from my chest. “My brother needs me. What if there’s some sort of emergency? He has to be able to get in touch with me?—”
“I understand you’re in a tough position, and I’m so sorry about that,” Gina interrupted smoothly. “But this directive is from Mr. Blackwood himself. All the girls have to sign it. Your personal life can’t complicate your duties here. I know how much you love your brother. Remember that you’re taking care of him by doing your job here.”
“I understand what you’re saying.” My eyes filled with tears. I texted with Lucas several times a day; I usually called him at least twice. “But my brother’s all alone, Gina. He doesn’t have anybody but me. I’m his lifeline.”
“I promise that you can check your messages every morning, and if there’s an emergency, I’ll find you right away,” Gina said, voice firm. “But this is non-negotiable. In order to stay, you have to turn over your phone and sign the agreement.”
“Please don’t make me,” I said. Tears burned my eyes. “I couldn’t imagine going twenty-four hours without hearing from my baby brother. He wouldn’t understand my silence. “My mom already abandoned him. He needs me. He’s sick.”
“I know, Faith, and I’m so sorry about that.” Sympathy lit the Madam’s eyes. I could tell she felt bad for me. “But I’m afraid there are no exceptions.”
I stared at the document. The words swam in front of my eyes as the tears threatened to spill over. “Can I call Lucas really quick?” I asked. “Just to explain?”
Gina’s shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry, but that’s not possible. Mr. Blackwood wants all personal devices immediately. You need to focus on integrating yourself and preparing for the opening tomorrow night. We don’t want you getting more upset.”
I swallowed hard. If I signed, she was going to take my phone. I wouldn’t be able to call my brother; he would panic. I had to do something—anything. “Can I… Can I ask Mr. Blackwood about this?” I was intimidated by the cold, displeased billionaire, but maybe I could make him understand my plight.
The Madam shook her head. “I don’t think that’s a good?—”
“Ask me what?” interrupted a cold voice.
I turned to find the eldest Mr. Blackwood standing in the doorway.
His icy, disapproving gaze was fixed on me once again.