Page 4 of Miss Trust

Unlike her younger sister, Victoria was on the shorter side. And she was all curves, from her generous hips to her C-cups. But what struck me the most was how naturally beautiful she was. No boob job, tummy tuck, or other plastic surgery. If anything, the heavy makeup seemed to distract from, instead of enhance, her face.

The way her eyes stared into the distance gave me pause. Clearly, she wasn’t interested in doing anything more than going through the motions. Her lack of enthusiasm definitely wouldn’t cut it at one of my clubs.

Hoping to get this business concluded quickly, I crossed over to the floor manager and slipped him a hundred. By the way his eyes widened, it was clear I could ask for anything I desired.

“I need time in the back with Jewel,” I said.

He nodded. “You’ve got it. Take all the time you want. Head back to room three.”

I followed the direction his finger pointed toward room number three, careful not to touch anything as I entered. Even the stripper pole looked as though it had seen better days.

I waited a few minutes before Victoria came through the door with a smile which didn’t reach her eyes.

“Hi, I’m Jewel. You should take a seat. Get comfortable.”

I wasn’t going anywhere near the pleather couch. “Actually, I came here to speak with you.”

She quirked a brow. “Well, that’s a new one.”

“I’m Reid’s brother, Chance Maxwell.”

She merely blinked.

“He’s dating your sister.”

She smirked. “And what? You’re hoping for a friends-and-family discount?”

I couldn’t help chuckling at her sarcasm. “I take it your sister didn’t call to inform you I was coming?”

I didn’t miss the way her eyes narrowed. “No, she didn’t. Now then, this conversation has been riveting but either take a seat, or I’m returning to the floor.”

I took a hundred out of my money clip. “This should alleviate your worry about missing out on other tips. Given the clientele and the second-rate performances I witnessed, I’d say this should cover your entire evening.”

With eyes blazing, she set her hands on her hips. “You know what? I’ve had my fill of power-hungry, asshole men today. So you can keep your money and see yourself to the door.”

She was already turning to go.

I ground my jaw. “Wait.”

She turned. “Did you come here tonight just to insult the club, the clients, and ultimately, me?”

“Your club is a health hazard, the girls are probably underpaid, and I’m guessing there’s no protocol to ensure your safety, especially here in the back rooms.” There were no cameras I could see, nor had I noticed any security out front to spring into action if needed.

“Who are you? The strip club police?”

“I own a few upscale clubs.” The way I’d built my business was a source of pride, as was the manner in which I treated my staff.

“Good for you. What do you want? Because you have exactly thirty seconds to spit it out.”

Ultimatums were typically something I issued, not received. “Fine. I’m here to give you a job.”

A humorless chuckle left her full lips. Lips I could picture doing much better things than frowning at me.

“You’re recruiting me to strip at one of your clubs?”

“You wouldn’t cut it at one of my clubs.” It was out before I could filter the response.

If looks could kill, I’d have been a dead man.

“Seems you could have saved yourself a trip, then. We’re done here.”