Car. Ha!
This wasn’t just a car, it was an Aston Martin AM-RB 001.
Despite my father’s ridiculous wealth, I had never ridden in a car such as this one. The damn thing cost four million dollars and they’d only made one hundred fifty of them, yet Trent drove it around town like it was the overly popular Ford Mustang. I was still in awe as I climbed back in.
Trent started the engine and we were heading back out of the fortress known as Devotion.
“Just out of curiosity,” I said, “why is this club all locked down?”
“It’s not open to the public.”
“Oh.” Well, that made sense. “Is Dichotomy?”
“No.”
Hmm. “Are any BDSM clubs?”
Trent’s eyes cut to me before going back to the road. “There’re some, yeah. Mine isn’t. Like Devotion, we vet every member and hand select those we want.”
“So members pay fees?”
“Hefty ones,” he said as though that was only natural.
“Is that the case for all clubs?”
“No.”
Interesting. “What exactly goes on at these BDSM clubs?”
The corner of his lip quirked, and I could tell I likely provided him with hours of entertainment at my own expense. “I’ll let it be a surprise.” He glanced at me again. “Do you watch porn, boy?”
The question startled me, but it didn’t embarrass me. “Of course.” Who didn’t?
“Well, if you watch porn and you can answer me with a straight face, then I’d say you’ll do just fine at Dichotomy.”
“Are there people…?” I didn’t know what the right word was. Screwing? Fucking? Fornicating?
“Naked?” he filled in.
“Sure. Let’s go with that.”
Trent chuckled. “Yeah. There are plenty of naked people.”
“Well, there you go. I’m sure I’ll do just fine.”
His chuckle turned to a full-blown laugh, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“I like you, Troy.”
“Well, I like you, too, Trent.”
His gaze cut to me quickly and I was almost positive I saw a wicked glint staring back at me. “We’ll have to see if you still feel that way after your first trip to Dichotomy.”
“I don’t scare easily,” I admitted.
His eyes darted over and lingered on my face for a few seconds. “Is that a warning? Or a suggestion?”
Both. Neither? I didn’t even know at this point.
He nodded toward the folder in my lap. “Fill it out and then let me know if you feel the same. Some of that stuff is…” He smirked.
“Scary?”
“Intimidating.”
Hmm. That sounded intriguing.
“Besides fill out this list, is there anything you need me to do tonight?” Since he had canceled his immediate plans for the week, I assumed he had something important to do.
“I’ll need you to make sure Ransom—your bodyguard—gets settled in. He’ll be at your side twenty-four seven going forward.”
“Should I have a room prepared for him?”
“Yes. And ensure he’ll have an apartment in Chicago. Floor below ours if possible. Two bedrooms.”
“Will do.”
“I’m inviting Clarissa to dinner tomorrow night.”
“Do you need me to make reservations?”
“Not necessary. We’ll be eating at home.” His eyes remained focused on the road. “I’ll also need you to nail down all the details of our trip to Chicago Wednesday morning.”
“Sure thing.”
“I need you to send a car for Clarissa and Zeke that morning. Have them brought directly to the airport. They’re going with us to Chicago.”
“Of course, boss. I’ll make sure the jet’s fueled and ready to go by…?”
“Eight.”
“Got it.”
“The flight’s only two and a half hours, but I intend for the three of us to have breakfast on the plane.” He glanced over at me.
“I can do that. Anything specific?”
“Let Brax know he’ll be going with us. And ensure he’s ready to prepare anything I request.”
That could easily be arranged. Trent had more than one chef on his payroll, but Braxton McBride was his personal chef, who generally went wherever Trent went.
“Case will also be going with us. I’ve set up a meeting for him and Brax while we’re there. They won’t be coming back with us, though.”
Wow. That was going to be a full flight. At least on the way there.
“And for dinner tomorrow tonight?” I asked while I was thinking about it.
Trent’s head turned my way. “I’ll let you decide. You can order in.” His attention returned to the road. “As for our tentative plans on Friday … I’ve decided we will be going to Dichotomy.”
Not relying on my memory, I pulled out the iPad and started taking notes.
Then his words hit me. “We?”
Trent’s smirk disappeared. “Are you having a hard time understanding me, Troy?”
“No, boss.” I grinned. “Actually, yes. I keep hearing we and I want to ensure I know who you’re referring to.”
“You, me, and Clarissa. From now on, that’s who I’m referring to when I say we.”
Okay, so this was taking a turn I hadn’t expected. “Understood. So … uh … should I be ordering dinner for three?” I didn’t want to assume anything.
“Unless you’re opposed to the idea.”
I wasn’t even sure what the idea was but I couldn’t argue with my employer. “Of course not. Dinner tomorrow night. Breakfast on the plane Wednesday, Chicago during the day, the fundraiser on Thursday, Dichotomy on Friday. Do I need to make travel arrangements for next week?”
