Chapter 15 - Ethan
“How is the hotel launch party planning going?” I ask Lindy, our Portfolio Manager.
We have finally got a hotel opening in France.
Trying to find the right location has been an ongoing nightmare for the past couple of years, but after some pushing of a failing hotel, the owner finally saw sense and sold to us.
I’m not a good man, so I don’t mind admitting to a little underhandedness and blackmail when it comes to getting what I want.
After all, I learned from the best. My father.
The financial business is a ruthless one if you want to be the best, although he would argue that everything he did was legal, always trying to portray he was a good honest man.
All lies, of course. I’m not sure people would stay in my hotels if they knew how I expanded my portfolio, however when it comes to luxury and those with money, they most likely couldn't give a shit.
To celebrate this huge step into the European market, we are holding a party at our New York hotel.
I’ve stipulated that all staff are required to attend and because I’m not a total dick, we are holding a benefit within it to raise money for inner city charities.
Other wealthy fuckers will attend to have their picture taken and to spend some of that hard earned cash while boosting their philanthropic image.
“It’s all going as planned. The hotel has been shut down for that one night purely for the function. All rooms are booked, about ninety percent have RSVP’d so we’re on course for a smooth event,” she says.
“Good. I want you to start searching for planners and designers for the France location as I want work to start as soon as possible. I will need you to advertise for a project manager over there to oversee all the work and to hire the best. I want you to narrow down at least five candidates that I will then interview with Jon,” I say as she makes notes on her pad.
Jon is our purchasing company lawyer. I have known him forever as he used to work for my father too.
One of the few people I have in my inner circle that I trust.
“I will start that today. Anything else?” she asks.
“No. Good job, Lindy. Let me know when you make progress,” I say. She smiles and gathers her notes before retreating from my office.
Getting back to the neverending stream of emails, I’m interrupted by my intercom, “Yes?”
“I have the mailman called Leo here who wants to see you?” Tina asks.
A smile spreads across my face, “Send him in, thank you,” I say as I lean back to watch my gorgeous treat enter the lion’s den.
I’m ravenous. The door opens and standing in the door with a look of defiance on his face is Leo, his uniform does nothing but make me harder.
“Come in, Leo. Take a seat,” I say.
“I won’t be staying. Here,” he says, walking over and dropping the contract onto my desk with more force than was necessary.
I grab it and scan the pages until I see his and Sarah’s signatures on it.
A slideshow of images of how many things I can do to him in a night plays in my dirty mind.
Before I can say anything, Leo keeps talking.
“You got what you wanted. But I’m only doing this for the money. I won’t pretend to enjoy it or that I want to be there,” he says, but it only makes me more giddy. I cannot wait to break that spirit.
“Fair enough, but I don’t think you will need to fake anything. I promise,” I say, unable to resist licking my lips as he winces slightly at my words. Whether it’s disgust or anxiety I’m not sure. But I really don’t give a fuck. He’s mine now, he just doesn’t know it’s for life.
“So, what happens now?” he asks, a little bit of his salty attitude broken by nerves.
“Straight to the point, I see. I can work with that. Fine. I will arrange for a car to bring you to my penthouse this coming Saturday at seven-pm. You will remain with me for a full twelve hours. Your payment will be transferred after the twelve hours before you leave. I will provide everything, so you only need to bring yourself. I suggest you look up how to prepare yourself for me,” I say, trying to hold back a groan as his cheeks flush a pretty shade of red.
Obviously I don’t need to explain what I mean.
I expect attitude or some kind of snarky response, but he just nods and stands there.
Poor fucker doesn’t know what to do with himself as the reality of this happening has started to set in.
Part of me wants to reassure him, which is something I never feel.
I stand and move over towards him and I gently place my hand under his chin.
“We’re going to have so much fun, Leo. I promise you that,” I whisper, hovering over his face.
His eyes flash with surprise, then his pupils dilate and turn dopey, like he has inhaled a drug.
Yes, yes I can work with this. He will be easier to break than I thought.
Pulling away, I walk back to my desk. “I will see you Saturday, Leo,” and with that he turns and hightails out of here like he has caught fire.