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to the lounge. “Let’s relax a little
and talk. I’m sure you have quite a few questions.”
    Mia smiled at the woman as they left and walked
toward a plush lounge. There were low, upholstered chairs and dark
tables in the middle of the room and what appeared to be cushioned
beds separated by flowing crimson curtains along the wall opposite
the expansive bar. Mia’s heels sank into the plush mocha colored
carpet as Asher led her to the far side of the bar.
    “Take a seat,” he said.
    It was early in the afternoon and the lounge already
contained a number of patrons. Mia sat next to Asher on a high
stool. The bartender, a man that would pass for an ex-marine with
huge biceps and cropped hair, shook Asher’s hand.
    “Jake, this is Mia,” Asher said and turned toward
her. “Jake keeps this lounge working like a well-oiled
machine.”
    Jake chuckled. “Nice to meet you, Mia. What may I get
for you?”
    “Water with lemon, thank you.”
    “I think you’ll need something a little stronger for
this meeting. Do you drink?” asked Asher.
    “Yes, but not during working hours.”
    “Order a drink.”
    Mia looked into the deep brown eyes that seemed to
grow darker as he waited for her response.
    “I’ll have a vodka and tonic. Thank you.”
    “The usual for me, Jake.”
    Jake served their drinks as Mia looked around the
lounge. There was something peculiar about the place and the
patrons. Since it was the middle of the week, she expected either
tourists or businessmen and women. The people at the lounge didn’t
seem to fit either category.
    “You’re curious about this place, aren’t you?” Asher
asked softly.
    Mia chose her words carefully. “I get the feeling
there is more to The Satin Rose Experience than meets the eye.”
    “That’s an understatement.”
    Asher proceeded to explain the inner workings of The
Satin Rose Experience. “You see, it’s an exclusive club. One cannot
simply come in off the street. You must be pre-qualified to even
walk onto the twentieth floor. We have received so many
applications that two staff members are dedicated to the screening
process. Prospective club members must pass a credit check and
health assessment, which includes a psychological profile. There’s
a steep membership fee so the majority of our patrons are
successful business people, professional athletes, and
entertainers.”
    “It seems like a lot to go through to join. Why do
people do it?”
    “Because we offer something here you cannot get
anywhere else. We fulfill fantasy. We quench the curious.”
    Mia’s hand shook as she brought her drink to her
mouth.
    “The curious?”
    “Yes. That’s where this job offer comes in. I want
you to help the curious satisfy their curiosity.”
    Jake brought Mia another drink just as she finished
the first one. “I’m not sure I understand what you mean.”
    Asher moved closer and took her hand. While rubbing
his thumb across the inside of her palm, he leaned over so that his
breath tickled at her ear.
    “You understand exactly what I’m talking about and as
I told you last night, I rarely kid, Missive Mia.”
    Mia felt the heat rise in her face. Asher let go of
her hand and sat back in his stool. She stared into his dancing
chocolate eyes. The same eyes she fantasized about staring into as
she came at his touch. Sheer and utter attraction took over her
body and she almost forgot her question. The question that had
bothered her all day.
    “Why me?” She looked away as she asked the
question.
    “Because you are the perfect candidate.”
    Candidate. That’s what she wanted to know. He
didn’t want her for her. He wanted her for the position and that
was it, just an employment agreement. Tears welled in her eyes. She
slid off the stool. She had to get away from Asher Cane. His hand
gripped her forearm.
    “I don’t think you understand. You may go only after
you hear the whole proposition. Come with me.”
    “Let go of me. I need to leave,” she hissed