Bane

A slight downward motion in her lips was barely perceptible along with the dullness in her eyes. “Sometimes life deals you a shitty hand. I’m okay. I promise.”

Truer words were never spoken. Without another word, Maren grabbed a Coke from the counter and left. There was a lot more to this woman’s story. From the way she looked, I wasn’t sure if she actually wanted to be on the backside of this business, but that she was being forced. I was intrigued and that was a bad-fucking-thing.

Glancing at my watch, I saw it was time to meet with Jewel. Maren wasn’t anywhere to be found in the hallway that led to my desk. My mind only wanted to think about her and not this joke of a security system. I am almost done with this job.

As I rounded the corner, Jewel was at the desk, waiting. This felt awkward as she provocatively leaned against the wall. She was trying too hard and that felt off. “So, what do you think of the system?”

I took another sip of coffee as I watched Jewel’s movements closely to see if I could pinpoint what was off. I looked at my notes on the black shiny desk. “I think you need to ask for your money back. It’s substandard software. The firewall provides no real barrier and the encryption for all your secured files is not complicated. I’d suggest upgrading to actual secure software. It’s top of the line.”

She groaned and licked her lips. “I knew they were lying. How fast do you think you could get it installed?”

“I’ll call his office and have a quote sent to you. If you agree, they’ll put you on the schedule.”

Jewel stepped closer to me and her tits brushed against my arm. “So, would you be installing it?”

I stepped back. There was no interest. No way was I going there with her. “I’m not part of the installation team. They’re good. Hampton only hires the best.”

Her tone turned more seductive. “Thank you, Bane. If you’re ever looking for some company, I hope you keep Discrete Encounters in mind. I bet I could find you the perfect person.”

Without thinking, I blurted the woman’s name she’d told me in the break room. “Do you have a Candy on staff?”

Fuck. Where had that come from? I never spoke before thinking.

“The new girl?” Jewel quirked her eyebrow as she watched me. I’d already messed up. Might as well see where it goes. Hated feeling like my balls were in a vice when I exposed my thoughts.

I stayed straight-faced and took another sip. “Yes, I want to book an evening with her.”

“When?” Jewel look affronted.

“When is she available?”

Business mode took over as she looked at her phone, before speaking. “Tomorrow. You’ll have to pass the initial screenings. There is an extra fee for expediting.”

I wanted to see Maren again. Plus, I’d get to make sure she wasn’t being forced into something she didn’t’ want to do. “That’s fine. If I pass, I’ll take tomorrow. I want to reserve the rest of the month too, in case tomorrow works out.”

What the hell? The whole month.

Jewel’s expression became shocked as she cocked her head. “There’s a fifty percent non-refundable deposit. Candy’s rate is three-thousand a night. Nothing is guaranteed. It’s up to the girl. And all this is assuming you meet our requirements.”

Pulling out my credit card, I handed it over. “That’s fine.”

“We’ll also need the place you plan to meet her for our approval.”

I had no idea where I was going to meet her. First, I needed to think about everything I’d done before I committed to anything else. “I’ll send over the location later.”

Taking my credit card, a pleased smile came across her face like something had been won. Maybe the awkward behavior was about enticing a new client. I said, “I’ll send over the particulars in an hour.”

“Okay. Come with me and we’ll start the paperwork.”

Something with Maren wasn’t adding up, and I wanted to figure her out. What the fuck had I gotten myself into?

COMING OUT OF the lush five-star hotel’s bathroom, I tried to create a safe haven in my mind. I was about to become someone’s whore. What was I doing? Abruptly, I changed my direction from the bed to the door, wanting to leave … escape. Then, I stopped in my tracks, remembering why I was here in the first place.

Frankie, my older brother, was the reason.

“Gah!” I screamed and went back to the bed, sitting in a huff.

There was still five minu