Rebirth: Flirting with a Dangerous Billionaire

If We Have a Deal? Winning Your Sisters Heart.

  They had dressed her in white so that the blossoms of red seeping through her dress were clear. The stains were so numerous and severe they could be mistaken for a pattern. However, the girl was in obvious distress. She shivered as she walked and glanced up at me, her eyes wide and weeping. I spared her a passing glance making her hands fumble and drop the wad of cash she was holding. One of her escorts bowed his head to me. "Sorry, you had to witness the removal, sir. I hope it won't ruin your visit." I wave my hand and dismiss the security guard as the woman bends to pick up the scattered money beside me. She whimpers, likely from the pain. One of the black-suited men escorting her grips her shoulders and pulls her upright. I watch as he gently but firmly guides her forward into the back of the car. Whilst the other quickly gathers the cash. Before entering the building, I glance at the woman in the car one more time. She is silent, but her eyes are fearful. She greedily clutches the dirty cash to her chest as the security slams the door in her face. Disgusting. 

My feet are silent on the carpet, and the attendant doesn't notice my presence until I ring the bell to announce my entry. "Afternoon, sir, may I see your invite?" I hand my phone over to the stuffy middle-aged man behind the counter. It was hard to tell if the staff knew the extent of what goes on here or if they just get paid enough to turn a blind eye. He clicks through the computer for a few moments, and when he hands my phone back to me, his hand is shaking. "My sincerest apologies Master Morgan. I did not realise you had VIP status. I regret to inform you that this afternoon's entertainment has just left the building. However, the evening entertainment should arrive shortly. May I get you a drink and arrange a private room with a companion?" 

"I'll take a drink and a room, but I won't be here long. I am here to see Sam. Is he here yet?" 

"He is in the communal room, sir. Though we were not expecting you today, he may be occupied. Nevertheless, I shall inform him of your arrival. If you would like to follow Nathan, he is your attendant this evening." I turned to face the middle-aged man, who hovered awkwardly behind me. All the staff here were older males. Whoever Sam had assigned to manage the club had the sense to know that any young pretty men or women would find it hard to work if living in constant fear of the club's clientele. So, except for a few armed women on the security team, most staff were the grisly types. Family men looking for stable even if questionable income. The security team was almost entirely made up of ex-gang members. Nathan, with his air of anxiety, appeared to be the former. You had to be invited by one of the four founders to become a member here. However, once inside, your status and wealth determined your level of access. When a VIP came in, they were assigned an attendant to wait on them hand and foot, granting their every wish. The work seemed demeaning, but the tips were good, or at least the ones I left were. 

Once in my private room and furnished with a drink, I dismissed Nathan with a fist of cash. He lingered in the doorway "excuse me, sir, but I cant accept this. It's more than what I earn in a month." 

"So? You have earned it. What's the problem?" his hands were shaking. He was clearly uncomfortable. "Sir, I have only brought you a drink." I placed my cup down on the table with a click, it was a minute sound, but it made the attendant flinch. "Listen, I'm here on some personal business. I simply wish for privacy. I have no desire to become an active member of this club and need nothing else from you. Just take the money, take a break." 

"S-sir, ill get into trouble if I leave your side, a-as a VIP…." 

"Cain only deigns to come here to speak to me in private, Nathan. He's no fun at all, so run along and make yourself useful. He won't be here long." Sam is drunk. I can smell the alcohol on him from across the room. Nathan thanks me again and scurries off. After closing the door behind him, Sam spread himself out across the sofa across from me. "What a rare sight in our den of debauchery. Though, you only ever come here for one thing." I wait as he pours himself a drink. He seems surlier than usual; I'd have to humour him. "I always pay my debts, don't I? Here." I dig out the prescription pad in my pocket and slide it across the table. "This should get you what you need. Use different pharmacies. Be smart about it." He snatched up the pad. It was an offer he couldn't refuse. Certain substances were always required to facilitate club activities. "This is a good start, but it will cost you more than last time if you're here about Mara."  

"Are you in a position to negotiate? The way I see it, you botched the last job. Even got a stranger involved. If anything, I think you owe me. I almost lost Mara!" The anger that was always bubbling under the surface threatened to erupt. But he looked thrilled at the prospect, so I tried my hardest to contain myself. 

"Now, now, calm down. I destroyed your sister's reputation as you asked. As for the other thing, it's not my fault she drank from the wrong glass. Had things gone to plan, she would have awoken in an alley, with no dignity and a vague sense that something terrible had happened just like you wanted." He knew we weren't related by blood. He was trying to get into my head, make me angry. He had a sadistic smirk as he continued, "She ended up feeling helpless anyway, didn't she? You're the one who missed his chance to swoop in and be the hero." 

"This is a mess. She's asking questions about you. You were meant to scare her off, make her feel worthless. How can she remember you but not me?" 

"Look, you're talking to the wrong guy. She hasn't said a word to me since the accident. I can't draw her in like I used to. I saw her with Sloane earlier, and she barely looked at me. It's not like before." I down my drink and slam my glass on the table as I stand. "Guess ill be taking that pad back then. This was a waste of time." 

"You never fail to interest me. Sit down. You should know that both you and Sloane are the same. Both creeps who are obsessed with your own sisters. I don't know his deal, but I've never seen him flirt with anyone since I sent his sister to the hospital. Besides, he's got no game. I can win Mara over again, break her heart like you wanted." It's infuriating that she's out there with him, but Sam's right. Sloane never had any interest in Mara until recently. He has never shown any interest in anyone romantically and was likely using her for something. I would have to investigate, but charging in now would only upset Mara. I had someone following her anyway, so I would soon have a full report. My time was better spent here, negotiating with Sam. He seemed… excited, excited enough to make me wonder what was making him so eager to help. The last time I asked for his assistance with Mara, he acted like it was an imposition. Well, it's not like I had other options. I had almost lost her once, and now I risk losing her again. Her proximity to Sloane was alarming. I was desperate. "Okay, name your price. This time be careful. Remember, I have to be all she has left." 

Something flared in Sam's eyes. "Club participation, for the next month. You bring girls, you stay to play. If we do this, we do this my way, no interfering. Oh, and you need to get rid of Sloane too." I can't trust him. He's clearly up to something. Though, he's seen how violent I can be first-hand. I don't think he would betray me. We have an understanding. For now, ill just keep a close eye on him. 

"Sloane, I can handle, but the club..."

"Disgusts you. I've heard it from you a thousand times. Give it a try. You might enjoy it. You inspired the idea, you know? I needed somewhere to go once your house was no longer an option."  

"Nothing we did back then was comparable to the filth that goes on here." 

"Those are my terms. it will be like old times." 

"...What are you up to?" He smiled and sat up, the motion causing his long blond hair to fall loose from his top knot. He offered me his hand. "Winning Mara's heart, that is, if we have a deal?"