Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 73397 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 294(@250wpm)___ 245(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73397 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 294(@250wpm)___ 245(@300wpm)
The silence is a mix of relief and anticipation. I know what they were thinking I was going to say, and I think I surprised them.
“Eve…” ventures Jake. I have never heard any of them sound unsure. Then I realize he is questioning being able to call me Eve. My heart lurches. I hurt them last time we were in here.
I nod. Jake beams at me.
“Eve, we will do anything for you. If this is really what you want, then sell us all to the highest bidders.” Jake smiles at me and looks around. The others nod, goofy grins from some of them, smoldering looks from others. A chorus of agreement—they all promise that they will do whatever I want.
My heart skips a beat, and I smile to myself. Since taking on Scarlet, I have felt alone much of the time. Right now, I feel whole.
“Wonderful!” I say. “I have a quick draft of some plans. Since we will be using Scarlet, I would love all of you to help me with the preliminary set up. I’m not sure the Pi Pis are ready to clear out the floggers and benches.”
They laugh. I hand around the quick sketch I did, and they all seem impressed with the layout I have organized and start talking about how they will show off for the bidders. I didn’t even think about that, but apparently they want to be bid on for more than their biceps, and they have talents outside the dungeon to back that up.
Gustav surprises me by busting out a Will Smith-style rap, and Robin sweeps me into a tango to die for. Max apparently juggles, and he says he will have to pick between knives and torches. I am in awe they are all so talented.
Brandon and Drex have taken my sketch and are scribbling a detailed plan for building the stage—I didn’t know they knew so much about construction. I ask them and apparently their theatre degrees were on technical theatre. They will set up the stage and arrange for lighting and everything.
My head is spinning. When I walked in this room, I was a little overwhelmed with the project, but know I have the support I need. This is going to be an amazing event. I am so lucky to have these guys.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. I check the number—it’s Caroline. I can’t think why she would be calling me. I move off to the side and answer, still watching them begin preparations for my event.
“Hello?” I answer.
“Evie!” Caroline chimes. I smile to myself. “I had an idea. I was talking to Marshall, and he pointed out that since the change up at Sin Inc., the city has gotten safer in some sections—but there is only so much we can do.”
I make a small affirmative noise. I don’t really know what she’s going for here. I know what Sin Inc. does, and I’m really happy that Caroline and her seven lovers are running it now, but I don’t know why she’s calling me about it.
Scarlet may be on the darker side of business, but now that those three assholes are gone, we haven’t been involved in anything shady.
“Samuel suggested maybe with a little more muscle, we could do more than protect the people who come to us. Maybe with ten more guys knocking on slum lords’ doors, my seven could be more proactive in cleaning up the city. What do you think?”
“You want me to hire out my doms as enforcers?” I ask her, keeping my voice low. I don’t want the guys to hear me. I flash back to the moment in the garden, when Gideon and Jake saved me—the look on Ash’s face when Gideon punched him; feeling safe in their arms; then after...
“Evie?” Caroline’s voice breaks the pleasant thoughts.
“Caro, I know what you’re asking, but I don’t know. They probably wouldn’t want to, anyway. I hired them to spank willing clients, not break legs.” I look around the room, at the guys throwing themselves into a silly event just because I asked them. I know they would do it if I asked.
“Evie, I saw how they looked at you. Those boys will do anything you ask. What did they say when you presented them with Silvie’s little idea?”
“How did you hear about that?” I knew Caroline had her ear to the ground, but I talked to Silvie maybe an hour ago. I don’t like that she is probably right either, I think.
“I have a scholarship girl in the Pi Pi house. She thought I would be interested to know that your strapping young men were going to be auctioned off like tantalizing slabs of man meat.” Caroline chuckles “I will be attending your event just to see the governor's wife drool over Max’s abs, by the way.”