I nod. “Yes, let’s go.”
I follow Melissa into a hidden elevator at the back of the lobby, and Melissa presses the button for the sixth floor. We step out into a darkly carpeted hallway, with golden sconces lighting the way and a multitude of doors on either side. Melissa opens one on the right, ushering me in.
“Please, Mr. Cathcart. Take a seat,” she says as she settles in a leather chair behind her wooden desk. Her office is business-like but also moderately luxurious, as befits a middle manager in the Sanctum food chain. I note the sleek laptop on her desk, as well as a framed portrait of a beautiful young woman. Is that Melissa during her younger years? I have no idea, and shrug.
“So what did you think of our last event?” she asks, professional as always.
I grin.
“It was excellent. You did a great job.”
She nods.
“Thank you. I appreciate it. Are you looking to repeat the experience?”
I shake my head.
“Actually, no, but I’d like to meet that girl again.”
The hint of a smile forms on Melissa’s face because she knows exactly whom I speaking of. “Ah, yes, Jemima. I thought you’d like her. You know, she almost missed the event because we’ve had such an influx of new women recently. Really, if Alison hadn’t twisted her ankle, then we wouldn’t have had an open spot during the hunt.”
“Well, I guess I’m lucky that Alison injured herself then,” I say in a dry tone. “But yes, Jemima. I’d like to see her again.”
Melissa nods and opens up her laptop, frowning as she reads a document on the screen.
“I believe Jemima just got here from Wyoming,” she muses. “We can certainly arrange a meeting, although I’m not sure how much longer she’ll be in NYC.”
I nod.
“Make it happen. I’m happy to pay the price.”
Melissa lets out a throaty chuckle. “You know that’s not how Sanctum works. We don’t charge for individual set-ups, especially seeing that you’ve already paid a pretty penny for your private hunt.”
I nod.
“Then make it happen.”
Melissa nods but then pushes back from her desk, throwing me a level look. “You know, I should add the girls were quite appreciative of the tips you left for them. Are you sure you wouldn’t like to meet another woman? Or another two women?”
I shake my head.
“No, why?”
Melissa steeples her hands. “Well, because the hunt ended differently from what we expected. From what you expected, I dare say. My understanding was that you’d chase and enjoy as many women as you wanted. They were all ready to spread their legs for you, Mr. Cathcart. You know that.”
Ah, I see. I shrug carelessly.
“Maybe I wanted to do things differently this time.”
Her eyebrows arch.
“Well, in that case, we could have specifically paired you with Jemima, instead of having you shell out all that cash for a private hunt.”
I stare at her, my blue eyes like ice.
“I don’t know what to tell you. I didn’t plan on only having Jemima only. It just sort of happened and once I started, I couldn’t stop. She drew me in with those sexy curves and her sweet, innocent smile. Now, I want to see her again.”
Melissa nods, sensing that I’m done with this conversation.
“Of course, Mr. Cathcart. I’ll schedule a date with Jemima, even tonight if you wish. I believe she mentioned that her flight is either today or tomorrow, but I’ll find a way to make it work with her schedule and yours, of course.”
I stand up and grunt.
“Good. That’s all I ask. Text me the details because I’m fairly available over the next couple days. Actually, next week is better, and I’d like to meet here, at the Sanctum compound. And tell her to dress appropriately.” Then, I stalk out of the office and into the still air of the hallway. Damn, Melissa gets on my nerves sometimes. I understand that she makes for a good madame, but I try to limit my interactions with the creepy woman. There’s something about her that just turns me off.
Meanwhile, I step into the elevator once more before taking it down to the lobby and then heading out into the bustle of New York City. Cars whiz by, taxis honking as irate bikers throw them the middle finger. It’s business as usual, yet how many could guess what just happened? That I basically bought additional time with a charming brunette whose body I crave? I swear, even the most mundane environments camouflage the dirtiest of desires sometimes.
But it’s not my problem. Shoving my hands in my pockets, I stroll down the street, the picture of a bored billionaire businessman at ease. After all, I’m an alpha male who’s getting what he wants … and Jemima is what I desire.
6
Jemima
* * *
I’m in my crazy expensive hotel room with a small duffel bag open on the big mahogany dresser. There’s a small seating area to the left, and a huge palace of a bathroom. The wallpaper is brocade, and filmy white curtains drift in the slight breeze from the open window. They don’t have hotels like this in my hometown, although maybe Cheyenne might have something similar.