Gage
This morning’s publicity win caused a ripple effect. Not that I was planning on an extended lunch, but
right after Rhys dispensed his words of wisdom, my executive assistant texted to let me know the media
was camping in front of our offices, requesting more from Matthew.
By the time I returned to HQ, our security guards and the publicist had everything under control.
One less headache. I was planning on calling Lily earlier, but I had to take care of an avalanche of
congratulatory phone calls. To my surprise, Fisher texted me. I k ept my r eply brief.
Despite the fact Lily doesn’t get along with her father, responding to a man a few hours before you’re
about to corrupt his only daughter is unholy.
After a pitstop in the kitchen to shoot my veins with an afternoon double shot café macchiato, I stroll back
to my office. I post myself in front of the floor-to-ceiling window and make a call that’s long overdue.
“Gage, how are you?” Damn, I’ve missed her melodic voice. “Hey, angel. How are you?” “I’m good, but
not as good as you. I’m so glad that horrible ordeal is behind you.”
I’m surprised by her comment. Other than to give her a bit of background on me, I’ve never talked shop
with her.
“You saw the news?” “No. I had lunch with Michaela. She told me all about it. When I returned to my
suite, I searched for the full story. Blanche Hyman is a nasty
human being.”
“She is.” “I feel sorry for her daughter.” “Snow is the loser in this story,” I say. “I’m sure this never
crossed her mother’s mind because she was motivated by greed, but her daughter’s credibility also took a
hit. She can pretty much kiss her chances of becoming a violin star goodbye. Industry people are going to
stay far away. By running her mouth, Blanche put a red X on her daughter’s forehead.”
“I have a puppet master as a parent.” She does. “Speaking of your father, he contacted me about the media
drama.” “He called you?” “No, he texted me.” “I see,” she says. “If it’s okay with you, I’d rather not talk
about him. I’d rather forget all about my puppet master until I’m back in New York when I have no other
choice but to face him.”
Message received loud and clear. “No skin off my back since that’s not why I called.”
“Can I be honest?” “Sure.” “Had Mikki not told me about the nightmare you and your show host were
going through, I would’ve thought you were avoiding me because of something I did.”
“Why would you think you did something wrong?” “You were sending mixed messages. One minute you
ask me to extend my trip, the next, you forget I’m in LA. I understand you had prior commitments with
your family––and I’d never expect you to put me in front of them––but it’s been radio silence on your end
for days. Not even a quick text message. It’s almost as if you regretted asking me to stay. I thought I’d
made a mistake by pushing back my d eparture.”
Lily’s frank talk is sobering. I let out an audible sigh, raking my hands through my hair. “I was avoiding
you.”
“Oh.” The disappointment in her voice is unmistakable. “It’s nothing you did and it’s nothing you said.
The onus falls squarely on my shoulders.”
“What do you mean?”
“Five days ago, I didn’t even know you. I was doing your father a solid. I figured I’d accompany you to
the gala and that would be that. I was planning on having dinner on your last night before waving you
goodbye––”
“At least you’re not lying about it.” “I might’ve been a dick for not being in touch, but I’m not a liar,” I
say. “I stayed away because I needed time to sort things out in my head.”
“Where do we stand?” “That’s a bold question.” “Sorry, I didn’t mean to––” “I like you bold.” She lets
out a little giggle. “It’s your fault.” “Are you saying I’m rubbing off on you?” “I’m saying you don’t try to
manipulate me when I stand up for myself... that gives me the courage to say what’s on my mind without
pussyfooting for fear of retribution.”
I let out a whistle. “There’s so much in that statement. But delving into it further would imply in volving
your puppet master... and we’re not talking about him.”
“We’re not.” “Everything that’s transpired between us since you landed in LA took me by surprise.”
“It’s the same for me. I was expecting an insufferable chaperone, instead I ended up with a brooding
billionaire hottie.”
I chuckle. “Let me explain why I haven’t been in touch,” I say. “Okay.” “I haven’t allowed a woman to
get this close in a long time. Things between us have been fast and furious. I struggled to make sense of it.
After my brother-in-law’s birthday party, I wanted to be with you so damn much. That raw need scared
the shit out of me.” I pause. “So, I didn’t call. Yesterday was hell. Still, I could’ve texted or called to let
you know what I was dealing with. But I was too busy wrapping my head around how you went from
being a stranger to a woman I wanted to fall asle ep with.” I weigh my words. “I had a shit night’s sle ep
and it wasn’t because of Monday’s media circus. It’s because you weren’t nestled in my arms. After
Friday and Saturday night, it was a hard habit to break.”
Silence stretches on the other end. I pull the phone away from my ear to make sure the call didn’t get
disconnected.
“Lily?” “I’m still here.” Her voice comes out breathless. “If it’s any consolation, Michaela noticed the
bags under my eyes because I had a terrible night’s sle ep. Apparently, my body needs the closeness of a
brooding hottie to fall asle ep now. A few days ago, I could sle ep alone in the hotel’s king size bed the
minute my head touched the pillow. I had a restless night, tossing, and turning.”
“I fucking miss you.” “I missed you too.” Music to my ears. “Do I get to see you tonight?” Her tone is
bubbly and bright. “I’ll do you one better. We’re going out. There’s a theme party taking place at a club
I’m a member of, and I’d love for you to accompany me.”
“What’s the theme?” “Angels and demons.” “That sounds fun. Good girls and bad boys.” I’m about to
burst her bubble. “There’s nothing nice about tonight’s party,” I say. “It’s bad girls and bad boys.”
“Oooh. What’s the name of the club?” “Dark Compulsion––” “That sounds like fifty shades of
mysterious.” “More like fifty shades of kinky.” “Kinky?” “Yes, kinky.” “As in... lewd?” “As in darn right
d epraved,” I say. “Once you st ep over the threshold of the club, expect over-the-top, obscene, and
indecent.”
“Oh.” I ke ep talking. “Dark Compulsion is an exclusive high-end adult club. It’s annexed to the Quintus
Hotel. It’s where the crème de la crème goes to play. Most of the people you met at Rhys’s birthday party
are members.”
“Including the sisterhood?” “Yes. The guys go with their girls––”
“Your friends are swingers?” Her voice goes up several octaves. “None of the guys in my inner circle
would allow another man to touch their woman. They don’t hook up with other members. Some members
are swingers, but you don’t have to be into that lifestyle to be a Dark Compulsion member. There are so
many other ways to have a fun evening without swapping partners.”
“Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” I chuckle. “No, Dorothy, you aren’t.” “What you
describe... is so out of my comfort zone. I’m going to stick out like a sore thumb. I’m sure I’ll embarrass
you.”
“You won’t. There’s a first time for all members and guests. There’s a dress code––”
“Oh, gosh––” “Calm down. I wanted to talk to you first, but I’ll call Michaela and Keira so they can hold
your hand. We can figure out if you’ll ride with them or if I come and pick you up.”
“Okay. That eases the pressure a little.” “You’re going to st ep into a world you’ve never been in before.
You can indulge in as little or as much as you want...”