“You’re not trying to tell me this kid believes… you’re kidding right?”
Pierre noted a growing concern in Sam’s voice. “Sam, remain calm.”
“I am, just get to the point.”
“After talking to the boy for several minutes, he stated he’d come to Las Vegas to meet his father, Jason Hunter.” Pierre heard the inhaled breath on the other end of the line. “Sam, Jason does not know. You have to keep your cool and not let on to Victoria.”
“Do you believe him?” Sam’s voice was shaky.
“Oui, I believe him.”
Sam turned to look in Victoria’s direction, noting she was setting out the snack they had ordered. He had not heard room service arrive. Thankfully, her involvement with the bellhop and delivery most likely kept her from hearing his conversation. “Pierre, this is difficult to discuss with her in the room. What are you planning?”
“I think the last thing we need is for Jason to be told of this before he and Tori have a chance to work things out. By the way, his name is Gregory Parker. Anyway, I have Greg settled into the residence. I will keep an eye on him until they return to Vegas.”
“And what do you want me to do.”
“For now, nothing, other than making sure she is still there when Jason arrives to strangle her.”
Sam laughed at this comment. “He’s not going to strangle her after waiting four months to find her.”
“We can hope my friend.”
“There is nothing more we can do. You keep things calm in Las Vegas, while I guard our lady until Jase arrives, then I plan to find a different island and start enjoying my vacation.”
“Just do not let them know about Gregory.”
“Oh you can rest assured Pierre, I will be the last to tell this news to either of them. Now let me get back to caring for our beautiful friend. You take care.”
Chapter 10
Still unhappy about being dismissed like a small child, Gregory spent the next thirty minutes settling into the guest room of the residence. Yvette gave him a tour of the place, poured a drink, and made him comfortable on the balcony off the living room. He had been enjoying the afternoon sun when true to his word, DuMonte arrived with about two minutes to spare.
“Do you need anything?”
“No, Yvette made sure I have everything I need.”
Gregory watched as Pierre took a seat across the table from him, a drink already in his hand.
“Listen son, I know you want an explanation of what is going on and when we expect your father to return. Unfortunately, I cannot give you many details.”
“You can start with answering a pretty simple question.”
“And what is this simple question?”
“Who is Tori?”
“Victoria Lane, Tori, is the owner of this club and my business partner.”
“There must be more to it, sir, or my father would not have rushed to Nassau to bring her home.”
“True. It is a long story, one you will hear in detail over the next few days. For now all you really need to know and understand is she is the woman your father loves. She left here four months ago because of her stupid fears of losing the man she loves. Jason has been searching the world for her. Now that he has discovered her hiding place, nothing will stop him from going to her and making her see their love is real and forever.”
“This all sounds very mysterious and romantic, DuMonte.”
“Frustrating is more the word I would choose.”
Gregory noticed the small smile playing at the corners of DuMonte’s lips. “Assuming my father is successful in getting Ms. Lane to return here with him, how long do you anticipate they will be gone?”
Pierre’s laughter was deep and long. “Take a guess young man, because it would be as good as any I could come up with. They may return tomorrow or it may take months.”
“MONTHS!”
“Calm down, Greg. If they are not back by the end of next week I will tell them there is an emergency here and they must return at once.”
“And you believe they will come running because you tell them to?”
“Did I not tell Yvette to explain to you who is in charge around here?”
“I believe you did. I also believe she told me she was!”
More laughter greeted this statement, “The little minx, I’m sure she did, however you will find in very short order it is I who run this place, best you not forget that.”
Gregory pondered this statement for a moment. “If you are in charge perhaps you can tell me what the fuck I’m supposed to do while I wait for my father to return.”
“This is a sex club, young man. You are twenty-one years old and you need to ask what you are to do? My god, do they not teach anything in France these days?”
“Oh they teach plenty, DuMonte. I’m just making sure the room I was given includes all the perks this place offers.”
“Hmm perks, yes. You will be welcome to enjoy the benefits, in addition to working here.”
“What do you mean working here?”
“There is a lot to do to keep this place running smoothly. You can assist with my daily routine. After all, if you are to become a member of the family, you might as well get involved in the family business.”
“My father owns a consulting firm.”
“Oui, and your soon to be step-mother owns a swing club.”
“You seem pretty damn sure of yourself, DuMonte. Are you ever wrong?”
“No!”
Gregory leaned back in the chair and gazed out over the lush green lawns of the estate. While he never intended to stay in America with his father, he was beginning to think this might be a place to spend the next few months. With his mind made up, he turned his attention back to Pierre. “OK, I will work here with you while I await my father’s return.”
“Good.”
“I have one final question.”
“Yes?”
“Is Sophia here at night when the club is open?”
If Gregory were expecting an answer to this question, he would have to wait awhile, because Pierre started laughing so hard he could not speak. Getting frustrated with being the target of his amusement, Gregory picked up both empty glasses and walked back into the living room to refill them. He could hear DuMonte coughing as he continued to laugh deeply. Setting the glasses on the bar top, he decided rather than returning to the balcony and more laughter at his expense, he would instead explore the vast estate. Without a word to Pierre, he left the residence to look around.
Chapter 11
Nassau International Airport was approximately ten miles west of the city. The Lear jet’s tires hit the tarmac as Mark applied the brakes, bringing the plane to a slow roll. Heading for the private terminal where they would park the jet for the next few hours, if not days, he followed the directions of the control tower, still issuing instructions over his headset.
Once the jet neared the terminal area, ground crews with orange paddles took over from the tower to guide the jet to a parking location. As the engines idled to a stop, he performed the final check of the systems before removing his headset and releasing the belt holding him tightly in the pilot seat.
Moving to the cabin, he found Jason waiting for him to open the door and extend the stairs.
“Nice landing Mark.”
“Thank you, Jason.”
“Did you see the car as we pulled up?”
“Yes, the limo is waiting. Let me get the door open and stairs down.”
“Did you have Yvette book you a room for the night?”
“She has taken care of everything. I even have a rental car waiting in case I decided to explore the island a little.”
“Good. Give the driver the information on where you are staying. I’ll contact you in a couple of days when we are ready to head back.”
“Not to worry Jason, I’m sure I can find plenty to keep me busy while I wait.”
Jason laughed at this statement, “I’m confident you can.”<
br />
It was good to hear Jason laughing after all these months of foul moods and disappointment. Mark released the lock on the cabin door, pushed the master button for the stairs, and turned to help with the luggage. After placing the single bag in the trunk of the limo and watching the car pull away, he re-entered the jet to lock it.
*
As the car began its leisurely trip along the coast, Jason settled into the comfortable leather seats. Reaching for a bottle of Absolut, he poured a shot and downed it in one smooth movement. The vodka burned his throat, causing saliva to form in the corners of his cheeks. Taking a deep breath, he inhaled cool air into his throat and lungs, savoring the warmth spreading through his body.
Holding the bottle in front of him, he looked at the label, spun the shot glass in his other hand, and poured a second shot. Again, he held the glass to his lips and allowed the liquid to flow, holding it in his cheeks for a moment to coat his mouth, before swallowing.
“Soon it will be your honey flowing down my throat, angel.” With the glass partition between the passenger area and the driver closed, he felt no embarrassment in talking to Victoria, even though she was not with him. Pouring another shot, he lifted the glass in a mock salute, “Here’s to you, beautiful.” He tossed the shot down his throat. “I’m almost there Victoria, almost to your hide out.” Another shot was poured and consumed.
“Four month’s angel, a lifetime without your delicious body to slake my thirst, a lifetime of pain you will now pay for.” Again, he poured a shot and tossed it back. “I’ve dreamed of this day angel, every long lonely fucking night since you left. I have dreamed of taking you in my arms and kissing your lips until you cried for release. Pictured how I would strip the clothes from your beautiful body and drink of your nectar until I could take no more.”
Dropping his head back on the headrest, he closed his eyes and pictured her naked in front of him. Without looking, he lifted the bottle to his lips and poured the alcohol straight down his throat. It burned all the way down, yet he continued to allow the liquid to flow. “I will bring you so close to orgasm it will hurt, but I won’t let you cum. No, again and again I will torture your body, as you’ve tortured me.” Another swig of the bottle followed “You will beg me to let you cum Victoria, beg me for release, and when I no longer hunger for your body…fuck I will always hunger for your body damn it.”
Sitting up, Jason felt the blood rush to his head. Grabbing the armrest, he held tight until the dizzy spell passed. Looking at the bottle in his hand, he suddenly realized it was half-empty. The warning voice in his head cautioned him to take care or he would be in no condition to walk, let alone fuck Victoria. “Shut up asshole, if I want to get drunk I will.” Tipping the bottle again, he filled the shot glass to the brim and slammed it back.
With his head now spinning, he pushed the button on the door panel to open the window, letting warm tropical air flow into the car. The coast was on his left, the soft white caps of incoming waves racing onto the stark white sands of the beach. He could hear the mournful cries of sea gulls skimming the surface looking for an easy meal. Pushing the intercom, he questioned the driver, “How much longer?”
“Sir, we will arrive at the hotel in approximately ten minutes. Did you want to stop at the beach?”
“Noooo. Goddam it.” Jason slurred as he held the words too long. “I have a meeting with destiny.”
“Sir?”
“I said, I do not want to stop at the fucking beach, I don’t give a shit about the beach. Just drive to the goddam hotel.”
“Yes sir.”
Taking his finger from the keypad closing the open link with the driver, Jason lifted the bottle to his lips and swallowed several gulps without stopping. Slamming the bottle down in its cradle, he looked out at the late afternoon sun. “Why the fuck did you leave me, Tori?” Even to his own ears, the sound of his voice held unimaginable pain.
Pushing himself upright, Jason felt his arms tingle; he was having trouble focusing. The limo turning into a driveway caused him to tilt sideways against the door panel. “Damn driver needs to slow the fuck down.” Looking out the window at the sprawling hotel complex, he caught a glimpse of red tile roofs, white washed walls, and tall palm trees. He felt the car come to a stop and reached for the door handle. Not waiting for the driver to round the vehicle, he held onto the doorframe pulling his body up and out of the car.
Swaying on his feet, he noticed the driver extend an arm to steady him. “Is thhis the Oceam Chub?”
“Yes sir.”
Taking a tentative step away from the support of the car, Jason slipped sideways along the fender; the driver’s arm caught him and pulled him upright again. “Let me assist you into the lobby sir.”
“Damn goob idid, younk man.”
With the help of the driver, Jason made it to the front desk, where he propped his elbows on the counter to prevent himself from falling to the floor. “Tell Victoria I’m here, my goo…d man.”
The clerk looked at him in confusion. “Excuse me sir, are you Jason Hunter?”
“Hunter, hell yeah dis me…Hunter. I deband you call Victoria’s roob and tell her…tell her to git her asp down her…here… at once!”
Jason watched as the front desk clerk dialed a number into the phone and spoke with someone. He heard part of the conversation, “Yes sir, he seems to be very drunk.”
“I am noth very drunk younk man!”
“Mr. Hunter if you will have a seat, Mr. Grimes is on his way down.”
“Hell, I didn’t asth for Sam, I wants to see Victoria. Are yous deaf, younk man?”
“No sir, Mr. Grimes requested I call his suite when you arrived. I believe Ms. Lane is with him.”
“Wiff Sam? Bloody fucking hell, whith she wiff Sam?” Turning to look behind him, Jason realized he needed to sit down. With the driver’s help he stumbled to a couch in the corner, dropping down on the tailored seat. Trying hard now to clear his head, he knew this was not what he would plan for his arrival. Concentrate you idiot. Hell, the voice in his head was back, screaming at him while all he wanted was to find a place to collapse.
*
The late afternoon sun created colorful patterns on the carpet in the living room of the suite. Victoria was in the bedroom napping before Jason’s arrival and Sam sat on the couch watching the news, when the phone on the desk started ringing. Moving quickly to stop the noise before it woke Tori, Sam grabbed the receiver and lifted it to his ear. “Hello.”
“Hello Mr. Grimes, this is Manny at the front desk. You requested a call to your room when Mr. Hunter arrived.”
“He’s here? Great, send him up.”
“I’m sorry Sir I do not believe he is in any condition to make it to your room without assistance.”
“What kind of assistance. What the hell is going on?”
“According to the driver, Mr. Hunter consumed an entire bottle of vodka on the way here. He is very drunk.”
Sam heard Jason’s voice in the background correcting the clerk about being drunk, not very drunk. “OK, Manny, park his ass in a chair, I’ll be right down.”
Hanging up the phone, Sam reached for the room key just as the bedroom door opened. “Who was on the phone?”
“The front desk.”
“Is he here?” Sam could not miss the hopeful tone of her voice. Hell, he did not want to tell her Jason was in the lobby and drunk off his ass.
“Yes, he’s here.”
“Is he on the way up?”
“Actually, no, I’m going downstairs to get him.”
Sam heard her soft laugh, yet the look on her face was one of questioning. “Why do you need to go get him?”
Walking across the room, Sam lifted her hands in his, “Victoria, apparently Jason overdid it with the vodka on the drive from the airport. According to Manny he is a little over the legal limit.”
“He’s drunk?”
“Apparently!”
“You better get down there and bring him up.”
“My thought exactly.” Sam headed for the door to fetch Jason.
*
Pacing from one end of the living room to the other and back again several times, Victoria waited for Sam’s return. Ten minutes later, she heard a commotion outside the room and rushed to open the door. Standing there in the hall were Sam and Manny, a very unsteady Jason supported between them. Moving aside, she waited while they brought him into the room and propelled him to the bedroom, where they dropped him onto the bed.
Following behind, Victoria walked to the end of the bed and stared down into the drunken eyes of Jason Hunter.
“Victoria, schweetheart,” he slurred.
“Jason.”
He seemed to focus for a moment, “God, you’re beaut-aful.”
“Thank you. You’re drunk.”
“Na, not drunk, jush a little unscheady, come give me a kishh schweetheart.”
She looked at him in disgust. “Give you a kiss, you ass. Four months I’ve waited for you to arrive and you’re drunk.”
“Angel bab-by.”
“Do not call me angel baby, you fool.” She reached for his shoe and pulled it off his foot.
“Oh, you wants to git naa…kid?”
“Shut up Jason before I find something to hit you with.”
“Come on bab-by, why are you ma…d? I’m here.”
Ignoring his comment, she took off his other shoe and for a moment thought about launching it at his head. Turning to see if Sam was still in the room she realized he had left and dropped the shoe on the floor with the first one.
“Toriiii… come give ush a kishh.”
“May the saints protect me from idiots and fools, both of which apply to you at the moment,” she spat the words at him.
She watched as he tried to understand, “Are you an…gry wift me about schomething?”
“Angry? No, I am not angry. What the fuck would I have to be angry about?”
“Ex…ackly, so take off yer clothes and come schoin me.” He patted the bed and tried to roll over.
“Christ Jason, I’ve gone without sex for four months, waiting for you to come and you drink yourself into oblivion.”
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