Chapter 19 #2
Kendrick chuckled. “By one of your members as you well know. Given we used to roam in the same circles many years ago, he was well aware of my tastes. As you obviously already know, I frequented many clubs in New York, but after a while, their offerings no longer allowed for the scintillation I needed. After learning of my proposed move, he suggested I consider something more to my tastes.” He took the opportunity to pull me closer, stroking me as if just another one of the pets in the room.
“Which member was that again?” Lucifer asked, the spark in his eyes easy to see even in the dim lighting. They were trying to trip Kendrick.
Kendrick wasn’t buying it. “While I completely understand your concerns for your exclusivity, I’m no longer interested in playing word or name games.
Catcher is a man I consider trustworthy, which is the only reason I’m here.
” As he continued brushing his fingers down my neck, I shuddered from his touch, which caught Lucifer’s eye.
Lucifer’s watchful gaze continued. “As I mentioned, Hunter is not a game player and I believe we can respect that. You’ve all had ample opportunity to cast your doubts and double-check our guest’s credentials. He has my vote. What say you?”
“I believe he’ll be an excellent fit.”
One by one they voted, except for the man who’d just entered the room.
“About time for you to join us. We have one more necessary vote. Catcher, I’m certain you’ll want to play catchup with your old buddy. No pun intended, of course. Your vote very much counts.”
Catcher took a deep breath as he approached, studying me first and for a few seconds too long.
With his Phantom of the Opera mask, most of his face was hidden, the shadows keeping the rest in a dark silhouette.
“Drake. I’m very happy you took me up on my suggestion.
Welcome to our group.” He held out his hand and for a split second, I sensed Kendrick tensing.
But he didn’t miss a beat, accepting the handshake. “Yes, well, I must admit, the introductions to the club have been… annoying.”
Everyone laughed and Catcher returned his attention in my direction. The look he was giving me was unnerving.
The heat of the man’s gaze made my skin crawl, especially since he was remaining in the shadows. Catcher was the inside man who’d provided Raven Intel with information through Maverick. An informant.
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Catcher laughed.
God. His voice. I knew his voice. From where?
When he stepped into the light, his eyes immediately fell down the length of my body. While they were the eyes of a hungry man, a typical response for the repulsive men who believed they owned every woman they beckoned with their little finger, there was much more to the moment that struck me hard.
So hard my legs began to shake.
I knew the chin, the position of the dimple and the strong jaw. I knew the scar underneath his bottom lip caused by him running through a patio door as a little boy. And I knew the intensity of his ice blue eyes.
I also knew every inch of his body under the expensive suit.
The strong muscles and single tattoo, covering the scar from being accidentally shot with an arrow by his own brother.
Everything.
The first man I’d ever fallen hard for.
The first man who’d told me he loved me.
The first man who’d touched me even when I hadn’t wanted to be touched.
The man who’d taken my virginity.
A man who’d used the art of seduction to get what he’d wanted then had walked away.
And a man who’d been close to my father for as long as I could remember.
Franklin Duffries.
Powerful. Influential. And a family man.
My God. My thoughts drifted to my father, wondering if they’d remained friends. And if they had, would that mean… That my father was involved with the men of the Privileged?
No. There wasn’t a chance. He loved my mother dearly. My thoughts continued to drift, thinking about the difficulties my parents had gone through during the first two years I’d been in college.
As they all shook hands, I held my breath, uncertain what was happening. But at least I had a name and a face to one man.
And a determination to bring him down.
In those few seconds, I couldn’t stand what was happening, the memories of trusting him. A young girl who’d been infatuated with a monster. Lightheaded, I gripped Kendrick’s arm, touching the collar at the same time. The picture might be worthless, but I would continue doing my part.
Suddenly, I could feel Kendrick’s concerned eyes on me, although the closeness of his body was oppressive.
With Franklin’s gaze knowing, he dared me to say a single word or expose him in any way, shifting his attention to Kendrick when I remained quiet. When he held out his hand, Kendrick seemed surprised, accepting the gesture with a short laugh.
Was the bastard doing nothing more than playing a dangerous game?
“I think Hunter will make an excellent addition to our family. Welcome. I’m certain you’ll find your membership beneficial to every aspect of your company.
” Lucifer’s reactions were unreadable, but there was a strange look in his eyes as he watched every detail of both Catcher’s and Kendrick’s reactions.
“How so?” Kendrick asked.
Lucifer glanced toward the others and at least two of them nodded. “We help each other, Hunter. While I didn’t mention this and I do apologize, our selection method includes determining how and if your business can provide us with any opportunities as a whole.”
While I was listening intently, I could still feel Franklin’s eyes crawling all over me.
“How so?” Kendrick repeated.
The group shared another look, the oldest of the men taking the lead.
“Security both with the employees who keep us safe and with various internet needs. Real estate. Building. Communications. Shipping conglomerates. For example. We move our main facilities at least once every six months for security purposes, of course. That requires a knowledgeable base of employees to help make the shift in location seamless. Our members require certain standards and a break in providing for their needs and wants isn’t acceptable. ”
Kendrick nodded, lifting his glass. “In other words. You believe I can provide a perfect location for a future playground.”
Lucifer grinned. “Exactly. We plan at least a year in advance, everything in order. It’s not something we will spring on you, but as part of your membership, you are required to provide us with either your expertise or something more substantial. Do you have a problem with that?”
“Not at all. As long as I’m provided with advance notice. I do have clients who also plan in advance.”
“Yes, of course. Let’s drink to our new member and a long friendship. Plus, a check for three million dollars. Our entrance fee.”
They laughed and my skin continued to crawl, a wash of heat running through every muscle and tendon.
This was my chance to try to discover at least one additional identity.
I could do this. I would do this. I took a step closer to Lucifer.
Then another. As calculated as possible, I lost my balance, pitching myself forward.
I accomplished two objectives before falling on my ass. I knocked off two glasses, one belonging to Lucifer and one to another club member. And my fingers raked across Lucifer’s mask, knocking it down to his neck.
As soon as I fell, he crouched down while I rolled over. Touching my collar.
Gotcha, freak.
“Jesus,” Franklin hissed in the background.
“Allow me,” Kendrick grumbled, bending down and forcing Lucifer to step away. “My clumsy little slave. Did you hurt yourself?”
“Uh… No. No, sir.” My acting skills were becoming much better, only the fear in my voice wasn’t a product of my dramatic reaction, but one of true terror. The danger was crushing down on me, the anger and anxiety of never seeing Briana again.
In a move I prayed no one noticed, I shifted my gaze to my hand, giving him a slight imploring look.
Kendrick realized what I was doing right away, cupping my hand.
In a clean handoff, he took the piece of broken glass, slipping it into his pocket.
There was no way of knowing if there was a fingerprint, but it was worth a try.
As well as any humiliation or punishment Kendrick would be required to provide.
Kendrick helped me to my feet, cupping my face with his fingers digging into my skin.
“Don’t embarrass me again or I’ll punish you right here.
Do you understand me?” The mask was unable to hide his obvious look of concern.
Tonight needed to go according to plans.
I had a terrible feeling we were working on borrowed time.
I wasn’t faking trembling in his arms or the single tear slipping past my lashes. His voice was hypnotic, his eyes full of cold darkness. Even now my nipples ached from his dominating tone.
“Yes, sir.”
Kendrick rubbed his jaw. “Go clean yourself up. You look like shit.”
“Restrooms are on the right down the hall,” Lucifer said.
Kendrick eyed me, knowing instantly that something was wrong. “And you will come right back, Star. I am not in the mood for your insolence. Do not require me to find you, my lovely slave. You know what happens when you disobey me.”
“Yes, sir. I know.” The others were watching far too closely. I needed air, a little space to try to regroup.
“It took me almost two months to train my main slave,” Franklin stated even before I had a chance to move. His eyes bored into mine, as cold and calculated as I’d ever seen them.
I rushed from the room, bile forming in my throat. How in God’s name had this happened? It wasn’t possible that seeing Franklin was a coincidence. Did he lure my sister into slavery? I tried to piece together the last conversations I’d had with Briana.
What had she said about the modeling? Had she found the site on TikTok herself? My brain couldn’t remember all the details. Too fractured.