Shifted

“Are you suggesting we blackmail Harry Strickland?”

“Blackmail is an understatement. It’s a downright shakedown.” Kelly inched closer to Durbo and pressed the side of her leg to his thigh. “Sir.” Kelly put a hand on him. He tensed, starting to sweat. “I’m thirty-two years old. Many actresses in my industry would have already left the business years ago. Somehow, people love my films, and I must keep making them until they get bored with me. Strickland will never let me out of the contract until I can no longer make money for him. I have boyfriends who love me very, very much, and we’re planning on starting a new life together once Strickland lets me go free. And it looks like it ain’t going to happen unless I do something about it.”

Kelly forced herself to inch closer, whispering in a seductive tone, “Please, help me. I’m at the end of my rope. Kelly said you’re the only person who could help me.”

Durbo swallowed hard, mesmerised by her plea. “Well,” he finally decided. “I’ll help you, Miss Ev

ers.”

Darn, I’m good. Kelly pulled out a wide smile. “Thank you, Mr Durbo. I can’t express how much I really appreciate your help.”

“How did you find out Strickland’s secrets? Did you get a hold of them?”

“Oh, I know them, but I haven’t got a hold on them physically. Yet.” Kelly twirled a finger. “You’re going to get them for me, Mr Durbo.”

“Excuse me?”

“Kelly told me you used to work for the Security and Exchange Agency?”

“Yes, but I don’t—”

“SEA controlled Romana’s off-shore banking traffic as well as imposing regulations on the market.”

“Correct. Where are you going with—?”

“Even though SEA is closely monitored by the other government agencies, the SEA itself is also corrupt. Some commissioners have taken advantages of the system’s loopholes to make it possible for a scumbag like Strickland to make tons of money with his money laundering business. You’ve worked there before, Mr Durbo. You know people who can get you access to the files I need.”

Durbo looked at her, amused.

“Look, I’m not asking you to save the world, Mr Durbo. Just me. I want leverage so Strickland will set me free. You’re a man who strikes me as someone who loves to play to win. What could be better than taking down a devil-hearted man who thinks he’s invincible? I’m sure you’ve heard that the governor of Romana has filed multiple lawsuits against Strickland for hate crimes, tax evasion, et cetera. So far, no one has been able to touch him. Wouldn’t it be swell if you’re the first man who could take down the omnipotent Harry J Strickland?”

He didn’t make a comment against her rhetoric, but Kelly saw he liked the idea very much. Durbo was a competitive individual. She knew he wouldn’t be able to pass on such an opportunity to take down a mogul like Strickland. Durbo loved playing dirty games.

“You’re an intriguing woman, Miss Evers.”

Kelly gave a silky laugh. “I know.”

Chapter Eight

“Is this really necessary?” Andrew felt his velvet blindfold. “I can’t see a damn thing.”

“That’s the idea, Daddy Bear. You don’t want to ruin the surprise, do you? Careful, watch your step.” Nicolla held his hand and told him to stop as they arrived at the front door of the Club Arcana. The motion sensor activated the building AI, letting the owner know they had visitors. A minute later, Nicolla heard someone pad towards the door.

“Where are we?” Andrew was curious. Nicolla had blindfolded him all the way from home as part of his surprise. He was under the impression that Nicolla would take him to their favourite restaurant for dinner. But she had a far more wicked surprise up her sleeve.

“Welcome to Club Arcana. You must be Andrew White.” A tall man clad in leather greeted them. He turned to Nicolla, nodding. “And you must be Kelly.”

“You’re Diego Luca?” Nicolla pretended not to know him personally, when in reality she knew Diego like the back of her hand. He was a very good friend of hers—he owned the Arcana, a BDSM club in the District that she, Tyler and Gunnar often visited when they were in the mood for something naughty.

“The one and only.” Diego stepped aside. “Please come in. I have arranged a private lounge for your party. You may remove your blindfold, Mr White.”

Andrew murmured something like, “Thank God.” Then he became speechless when he realised where they were. “Kelly, you didn’t…”

The main floor of the club was empty at this hour since they didn’t open until eleven, but the sight of a few scantily-clad associates preparing the place for guests seemed to make him realise they were in a sex club.

“Surprise!” Nicolla spread her arms. “Happy almost anniversary, babe.”

Andrew looked uncomfortable. “I’m not sure this is a good idea. We’re just—”