For the second time this morning, my shoulders tense and the hairs on my skin stand straight up.
“How the fuck do you know about Nathaniel?” It’s my turn to feel anger. It seems like all the fucking men around me are privy to my personal life and it’s getting out of fucking control.
“Polly had me do a background check on him. From there, I found out about your little trip to Niagara Falls. Had time for that, didn’t ya?” He takes a step closer, his beefy palms pressed hard against the wooden surface of Polly’s desk.
Does he think he can intimidate me so easily?
I stand, my heels making me feel more powerful than I truly am.
“What I do in my private or professional life has absolutely nothing to do with you, Frank. So, unless you want me to tell Polly you’ve been basically stalking me, I suggest you walk the fuck away right now.” I have no idea how my voice is staying so calm and even, because inside, I’m shaking like a fucking leaf. Frank’s sheer size could squash me in a matter of seconds. But I am no man’s bitch and least of all someone who’s violating my privacy.
We have a stare off for what feels like a century before he growls and walks out of the office. It’s only when he’s gone that I can feel my hands and knees shake from the exchange.
Giving myself a couple of minutes to calm down, I look at the phone sitting on the desk and debate whether I call Sheryl in or get Polly on the phone to demand some fucking answers.
Buzzing in Sheryl, I have her come in and go over the week’s schedule, preparing and adjusting for the clients, but also making sure our new girls have a clean bill of health as well as birth control. It’s what I respect the most about Polly. She may be ruthless, but she created her empire from a shabby studio with less-than-respectable johns. Today, her priority is the well-being of her girls.
“Okay, so a girl called Lou-Lou called about a dancer position, shall we wait until Polly’s back or can you deal with that?”
“Schedule her in for an interview, I’ll take care of it.”
“Oh, by the way, the new girl Sabrina?”
“Yeah, the blond pixie?” I remember her because girls with short hair in our business are a rarity.
“Yes. Her file says she’ll gladly take on male or female clients so we’ve scheduled the Mayor’s daughter who has particular kinks.” Ah, those are the clients who pay the most to keep their secrets hidden away.
“Good. It’s like we’re serving our country.” We both laugh at my ridiculous joke when the landline rings. Sheryl picks up and answers “Polly’s Events and Planning. Hi, Polly! Yeah, she’s right here. I’ll pass you over. Have fun wherever you are!” I smile at Sheryl’s enthusiasm. We’re all so happy our boss lady is having a good time. It’s well deserved.
We have some small talk for a while as Sheryl gets her things and gives us privacy. It’s when I realize there’s a break in our conversation that I ask what I’ve been needing to know.
“So, I got a job offer yesterday.” My voice is tentative because I’m almost certain of what she’s going to say.
“Must be interesting if you’re running it by me.” Ever the perceptive one.
“Well, he’s a powerful man needing to secure a powerful position.” I think about everything Marco told me last night, then my mind focuses on the egg in my pussy and I have to squeeze my things together to assuage the need that comes over me instantly.
“Aren’t they all?” I’d told him as much, but this was different, wasn’t it?
“Three months, married.” I put the emphasis on the last word to make sure she gets my dilemma.
“How much?” Her voice is all business now, and it’s exactly what I need. Not a romantic Mr. Bobby telling me I’m all “riled up” for Marco Mancini. He has no idea what he’s talking about.
“Two mil now, three in three months.”
Silence.
The only reason I know she’s still on the line is because I can hear her breathing. So, I wait as she processes. Polly’s thinking about all the angles. I’ve learned to read her, so I give her the time she needs to gift me with her wisdom.
“It’s your ticket out, River. If that’s what you want. Five million dollars can do a lot of good in your world. You could even buy me out and run your own company.” What now?
“Buy you out? Are you considering retiring?”
“Maybe, but I refuse to sell to just anyone. I won’t retire until I know whoever is buying will have my girls’ best interest in mind.” I get a little bubble of excitement buzzing in my gut at her words. This news could be a game changer. “You’re my girl, Rose. I know you’d make sure my business stays clean and respectable.”
“Yeah, you know I would.” My words are whispered as my mind reels from this information.
“Take the gig, save your money. And if you decide you want to buy me out, I’ll sell in a heartbeat.”