Page 11 of Barristers & Bones
She chuckled. “We all have our strengths. What do you want to know about the club?”
“Well, I was going to ask how you find dancers, but I think you just answered that one. What’s it like owning a gentleman’s club, especially as a woman? What are your biggest headaches? And how do you manage clients and keep them in line?”
Holding up a hand, she grinned. “Let me answer those questions before you fire off more. It’s lucrative, and I haven’t run into too many problems as a woman. I’ve got competent help. The biggest issues are employee retention, local regulations, and partners.” She gave Roman a pointed look. “I maintain order because my security guards are more than just bodies, and I have cameras everywhere. Now I have one for you. How’d you end up with Roman as your mentor? You two seem… ill-paired.”
“Right?! But Klim Hudson thought we’d be a ‘good match’ for some ungodly reason. I’m still trying to dissuade them.”
Fiona’s eyes sharpened. “Roman is an exceptional attorney and an astute businessman. But, listen carefully. Don’t let your guard down.” Roman grunted next to her, we both ignored him.
“I won’t.” If his client and probable business partner felt compelled to warn me, I needed to be careful.
They talked about a VIP client who’d racked up a substantial bill, and a few other minor legal issues before Fiona turned to me. “You’re welcome to wander around and talk to the dancers while we finish our discussion.”
Roman pointed at me. “Stay out of trouble.”
“Absolutely.” I rolled my eyes behind his back and rubbed my hands together as I turned to the dressing rooms.
Chapter 4
Luna
Curiosity tugged me into the bowels of the club. I weaved through the velvet sofas and coffee tables until I made it to the “employees only” hallway, turned the corner, and ran into a big, solid chest.
“What are you doing back here?” a deep baritone voice asked.
I looked up into the large, square face of a man with a shaved head and tattooed tree trunks for arms.
“I’m Mr. Fowler’s intern. I wanted to look around and talk with a few dancers.”
“Is this your first time in a gentleman’s club?”
“Is it that obvious?”
He smiled and looked down at my pants and simple white dress shirt. “Yes.”
I stuck out my hand. “I’m Luna.”
He engulfed my hand in his huge one. “Tiny.”
I stared up at him. The name didn’t fit him at all. “Is that what you prefer to be called?”
He studied me. “No. My name is Samuel.”
“Alright, Samuel. It’s nice to meet you. Can I ask you a few questions, and will you introduce me to the performers?”
Samuel shrugged his large shoulder. “Sure. What would you like to know?”
I asked him about security, whether weapons were allowed inside, and the security-to-patron ratio. He patiently answered, and as we talked, he walked me to the large dressing room area. A beautiful woman in ruby red pigtails and sweats walked by, and Samuel lifted his hand.
“Hey, Misty.” He pointed at me. “This is Luna, Roman’s employee.” I didn’t correct him. “Boss said she could wander around and ask a few questions.”
Misty grinned. “Alright. I think it’s just me and Sasha opening, but a few others should be here soon.”
“Hello.” I stuck out my hand, and she looked down at it like she didn’t know exactly what to do. Then she transferred her insulated thermos to her left hand and shook.
“You good?” Samuel asked me.
“Yes. Thanks, Samuel.” He nodded and walked back down the hall.
