Total pages in book: 230
Estimated words: 217798 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1089(@200wpm)___ 871(@250wpm)___ 726(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 217798 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1089(@200wpm)___ 871(@250wpm)___ 726(@300wpm)
Kash’s hand tightened on the armrest. “Two weeks? You expect me to hide out here for two weeks?”
“Hopefully by then Simon and Jesse will have figured out exactly what’s happening,” McKay continued. “They’ve already identified the man who delivered the Scotch. He’s being questioned right now, but he claims to know nothing.”
“It will likely have been a young man named Gilad. I can’t imagine he’s an antimonarchist,” Kash muttered. “His father was once the head of security. He grew up around the palace.”
“We’re gathering data,” McKay replied. “We’re going to figure out when the Scotch was poisoned and every single person who touched that bottle. When we know anything at all, we’ll let you know. Until then I want to offer you the safety of Sanctum. Kash, you’ve been here before. You know all the rules. I’ve closed the club down to everyone but actual McKay-Taggart employees and their partners. We’ve converted the privacy rooms into suites for your time here. You may use the club, or if you prefer, stay in your rooms. I want you to have some company, if you would like. There’s a full bar and a kitchen that will also be staffed while you’re here. I thought I would have someone go over how the club runs with your new bride.”
“Oh, I’m sure she knows,” Kash said bitterly. “My bride is very familiar with all things BDSM. Does she not have a membership here? I’m surprised since she belongs to clubs all over Europe. Was the US too far to travel for your trips, my dear?”
McKay looked between them as though just figuring out there was serious tension there. “No, she’s not a member, though she is welcome through your membership. Are you a member at another club, Your Majesty?”
Well, the cat was out of the bag and had been beaten half to death, so she might as well not hold back. She sat up straight, unwilling to allow Kash’s sarcasm to bring her low. “I hold a membership at The Velvet Collar in Paris and a club in Berlin called The Tower.”
McKay grinned. “Holy shit. Mistress Day.” He stood up and held out a hand with what seemed like genuine happiness. “I knew you looked familiar. We haven’t met, but I did attend one of your classes a few years back. My wife and I joined Ian and Charlotte Taggart on vacation and we spent a few days at The Velvet Collar. It was fascinating. You taught a brilliant class on suspension play. We use your techniques all the time. I’m so honored to host you.”
She shook the man’s hand, grateful at least one person in the world didn’t think she was some kind of criminal for her desires. “And I am honored to be here. Rene at The Collar speaks highly of your club.”
“I’ll be thrilled to introduce you around,” McKay said, warmth in his voice. He let go of her hand and then turned to Kash. “And if I didn’t say it before, congratulations on the wedding. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it, but we’ve traveled so much lately. Ian and Charlotte were sorry to send their regrets as well, but the wedding happened so fast.”
“You didn’t miss anything at all,” Kash replied.
“I’m sure it was lovely.” McKay frowned but moved toward the door of the office anyway. “I’m going to make sure the rooms are ready. I can imagine you’re tired. I’ll be back in a moment.”
The door closed and silence hung in the small office.
“Would you like to explain why you’re so angry with me?” She had to ask. She didn’t understand what had really happened.
He stared straight ahead. “You lied to me.”
“I never lied to you. I never told you I was a virgin or that I didn’t have a past.”
“You also didn’t mention that past included being a dominatrix. You didn’t think that would be a problem? You didn’t think that would open us all up to ridicule? The queen of Loa Mali wears leather and likes to spank naughty men. Some press statement that will make. It’s a nightmare and you’ve brought this down on our heads because you were selfish and manipulative.”
“They were private clubs, Kashmir. You’ve been to them too. It’s all right for you to frequent clubs, but not me, is that correct? I would like for you to state your hypocrisy so I can understand its depths.” Weariness was starting to be brushed aside in favor of a righteous anger. “Would the playboy of the Western world like to condemn me as a whore?”
He waved her off. “No one cares what I do. They will care about you, and that’s merely me being realistic. It’s already bitten us in the ass. We’ve already had our first blackmail attempt. How many more? How many times will I have to threaten or bribe some man you used to punish so he won’t out you? My mother is sick. This could push her over the edge.”