Illicit

“What? Why?”

“You weren’t ready. I pride myself on my ability to gauge a person, and…” She sighed. “ I knew better than to let you go off in search of…” She tilted her head. “Well, would you like to talk about what you saw?”

I licked my lips, then tugged the bottom one between my teeth.

“It’s okay to talk to me about this. In fact, I’d go as far as saying that in this case, it’s probably necessary.” She paused, considering her next words. “I know that I asked you to sign something that says you won’t discuss what happens in my stores or my clubs, and that is in place to protect the privacy of my patrons, but you and I can speak about anything. Any time. Do you understand? I know everything that goes on in my clubs. Please feel free to speak candidly.”

With a deep breath, I said, “That internship I told you about?”

“The one at Reed Publishing, yes.”

“Well, the owner is one of your members.”

“I know. And…” Mina sighed. “I take full responsibility for allowing you to see your boss in such a… private situation. I’m sure that made you quite uncomfortable, and for that I am sorry, Rylan. I need to do better as the proprietor of the Rabbit Hole.”

“But that’s just it…” I shook my head. Was I really going to be this honest with her? “I wasn’t uncomfortable by what I saw.”

Mina’s expression didn’t change. She wasn’t surprised by this news at all.

I swallowed hard. “I liked it.”

She nodded sagely. “Laurel explained that you might have been a bit caught off guard by that reaction.”

I snorted. “A bit?”

Mina smiled. “He’s a powerful man, Rylan, it's understandable that you might have a crush.”

I nearly snorted a second time. A crush? This was so much more than a crush. It felt so much more…. Powerful. All consuming. But I nodded my agreement anyway. “Yeah. A crush.”

“Do you feel comfortable working for me?”

“Yes,” I answered quickly. “Of course.” I shook my head, motioning toward the downstairs area. “I’m not uncomfortable down there, either.”

“Well…” She tilted her head. “Let’s just take it one step at a time, okay? Let myself or Laurel know when–and if–you decide you’re ready to visit the Rabbit Hole again, and I will escort you. Okay?”

“Yeah. Okay.”

We have a monthly meet and greet night, which is even more tame than last night’s event. Maybe you’d like to be my guest for the next one.”

“Sure.” Did she just say last night’s event was tame? I literally watched my boss whip a woman to orgasm.

“Okay.” Mina stood. “Now, if you’re sure you’re good to go–”

“I am. Really. I wasn’t scared or anything…”

She nodded. “I’m glad. And, again, I apologize for my part in the events last night. Had I been paying better attention, I would not have allowed you out of my sight. I promise to do better next time.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

If she’d kept me in that booth with her, I never would have seen Reed in that room with Stella.

And then, well…

How would I feel about him today?

“I have to catch a flight, but Laurel is going to stay with you tonight to make sure you understand everything so you can take over for her tomorrow night, or as soon as you feel comfortable. And she has my cell phone number, which she’ll give to you. Feel free to call me anytime, okay?”

“Okay. I will.”

She opened the door and ushered me out. “I’m glad you’re sticking around with us, Rylan.”

“Me too.”

She slipped back into her office and my eyes traveled the short distance to the door I knew lay hidden in plain sight behind the faux ivy. I licked my lips as the desire to visit the underground club built a steady thrum in my veins.

But I didn’t want to disappear into the Rabbit Hole with Mina.

Or Laurel.

Or even Greer.

I didn’t want to journey down those stairs again with anyone who wasn’t Cabot Reed.