Trusting A Sheikh (Playgrounds of Power 1) Read Free

hotel.
    But that didn't count, at least not for Chloe, because her job wasn't to worry about the experience of the hotel's ordinary guests. No, Chloe was an employee of the highly exclusive Kingsland Group – the executive concierge service, membership of which marked out London's truly outstanding hotels. The Group wasn't just something a hotel could apply for – they had to be invited. And only eleven, now twelve, hotels in all London were exclusive enough to merit receiving access to the Kingsland Group's staff.
    "We really are incredibly grateful," the hotel's general manager began, "that Kingsland saw fit to offer us your services. I do look forward to examining how best you can work for us going forward…"
    Chloe examined the grey-haired man critically before replying. He was dressed in the same single-breasted grey suit as the rest of the hotel's male staff, all provided from the same Savile Row tailor, and he was undeniably handsome – but there was something about the way he held his chest puffed out in front of him that made Chloe take an instant dislike to the man.
    "I assume you've read the documentation my employers sent over?" she began, holding herself slightly aloof, as she'd been trained.
    "Well, Chloe –."
    "Miss Rouhani, please," Chloe interjected firmly. She might be two decades younger than the manager, she thought, but that was no reason for her to be treated with anything other than complete professional courtesy.
    "I do apologize, my dear. Miss Rouhani, you must understand," the man blustered, "I have been awfully busy, what with the relaunch of the hotel and all." He smiled, as if to excuse the fact that he hadn't bothered to do so much as understand Chloe's actual purpose there.
    "Of course," Chloe began, her response broadening the man's smile. "But nevertheless, I really do think we should set some ground rules. The Gloucester, after all, isn't my employer – so going forward ," she emphasized the words, "I'm not sure exactly what work you expect I'll be doing for you."
    "My dear Miss Rouhani, I was under the impression that the Kingsland Group is London’s premier concierge agency, perhaps even the world’s?
    "Am I to understand that that isn't the case?"
    "No, my dear Mr. –?" Chloe dangled, waiting for the man's name.
    "Dance. James Dance."
    "My dear Mr. Dance, your original supposition was entirely correct – we are indeed the most prestigious, best connected concierge agency around. However, as you'd know if you'd read through the information we sent over, we don't work for the hotel, just the clients staying in your Presidential Suite."
    "But that's absolutely preposterous!" the affronted Mr. Dance wheezed.
    "How so?"
    "Well, my dear, exactly what are we paying you for if not to work for us?"
    "Mr. Dance – exactly what is your experience of ultra-high net worth individuals?" Chloe asked, slightly exasperated.
    "My dear," the man began, using the same diminutive greeting as before, a fact which was now beginning to grate on Chloe, "I do have some experience working in the hospitality industry, as I'm sure you'll understand."
    "Yes, of course," Chloe began politely, not wanting to needlessly antagonize the man who she would doubtless be working closely with, even if not under. "But at least from my experience, working with the super-rich is an entirely different kettle of fish than you might be used to. How much does your Presidential Suite go for per night?"
    "£45,000," the manager said, proudly. "It'll be the most expensive in London."
    "And your regular rooms go for what, £1,000 a night?" Chloe asked, guiding the man to the inevitable conclusion she wanted him to reach.
    "Well, I suppose so, sometimes perhaps slightly under," the man allowed. "Ah. I do rather see what you're saying…"
    At least for the moment, Chloe decided, that would have to settle in place of an apology for the man's behavior.
    "Exactly," she continued, ensuring that she didn't sound the slightest bit smug