Madam’s voice pulled me back in just as she began wrapping things up. “As always, my door is open if there are any concerns, scheduling conflicts, or issues with clients.”
There were nods again, a few soft “yes, Madam’s” echoing around the room as chairs began to shift slightly, signaling the meeting was coming to an end.
I uncrossed my legs slowly, smoothing my hand over my thigh as I leaned forward just enough to rest my elbows lightly on my knees, my gaze settling directly on Gianna again. Her eyes finally met mine. A silent challenge hung in the air before she stood and walked out with Ronnie, Wisdom, and Lena.
Turning in my chair, I turned to Biance. "Bianca—how is your account looking?"
She looked surprised by my question for a moment before she smiled. "Good." She nodded. "Better than it's ever looked. I've never made this much money in my life."
Returning the smile, I leaned in. "You could be making a lot more if we got rid of some of these girls."
Her eyes widened slightly. "What do you mean?"
"I mean—you and I could run this house together," I explained. "Under my tutelage, I can have you making more money than you can spend. Put you right on top…under me of course."
She smirked but leaned in more already nodding. "Okay," her voice dropped, "What do you need, Monroe?" she looked around cautiously.
"Nothing much…" I shrugged casually. "Just converse with your clients. Warn them about Gianna and Ronnie."
Her eyes narrowed. "What kind of warning?" she asked in a conspiratorial whisper.
Tilting my head slightly, I locked eyes with her. "Well, like Madam said…it's important to maintain standards here," I stated. "Sexual health—cleanliness…both are non-negotiable standards, right?"
Her brows shot up. Bianca nodded slowly as understanding set in. "Yeah—" she dragged out, "I understand. And you're right, Monroe—we can't have anyone tarnishing our reputation in that way, can we?" She grinned playfully.
My smile deepened. I placed my hand on her thigh. "No, wecannot." Standing, I gazed down on her as she looked up at me with admiration. "So…let's have a drink, doll and strategize."
Bianca stood, still smiling and followed me.
Let the games begin…
Chapter 25
Something was off. I could feel it.
A last minute cancellation from one of my newer clients. I was sitting in the lounge, phone in hand, scrolling through my bookings for the week. My schedule was still full. But not…fullfulllike it typically was.
Along with this one, there had been a few cancellations in the last week. Not to mention there were small gaps that made me pause. I frowned slightly, tapping the screen as I looked closer. A late evening slot on Thursday that should’ve been gone by now. A Friday evening booking that had was pending instead of locked in. Even one of my standing clients had shifted his usual time to next weekend.
That never happened.
My brow furrowed as I refreshed the page again. I leaned back slowly, my mind already working. Maybe it was just an off week. That happened sometimes. But not like this. Not this random and inconsistent. I hadn't received any complaints so far. There had been no weird interactions.
Exhaling slowly… my mind involuntarily wandered to Monroe. I swear the way that bitch looked at me I wasn't sure if she wanted to eat my pussy or fight me sometimes. I couldn't outright accuse her of anything, but I had the strongest feeling that somehow this unsettled energy was her doing. She hadn't made any snide comments since that day, but whenever our paths crossed in the house I could damn near feel the disdain in her energy.
She was probably still pissy about Boss. But he was gone now—I didn't understand why she couldn't let it go and move on. There was no way her ass was that hung up over a client, even one she caught feelings for.
No—this was deeper than that. Boss may have been the catalyst, but Monroe had it out for me from day one. The way shit was going, this was gon' end up in one or two ways—me leaving or me stomping a hole in her fucking head.
One thing was for certain though—a bitch wasn'tevergoing to be able to say she ran me out of anywhere especially when there was money on the table. So, unfortunately, it was looking like I would have to follow up on that threat to put my fist in her mouth.
My frustration was paused momentarily when my phone chimed.Grabbing it off the table in front of me, a small smile pulled at my lips when I saw the photo and text. Remy, shirtless in an apron and chef's hat with a whisk in one hand and a bag of chocolate chips in the other.
My Sweetheart:When are you going to come and make those pancakes for me, beautiful?