She took her hand and pulled her through the crowd again. This time, Monica ignored the greetings and calls for acknowledgment around her. She only had eyes for one tall, dark, and mysterious man in the crowd.
“Changed your mind?” Damon asked as he grabbed a glass of champagne off a passing tray. “Because I’m more than happy to recommend someone else that might work for you.”
Monica brought Paisley beside her, brushing back her hair and jamming a hand into the small of her back so she stood up straight and stuck out her cleavage. “She needs a job at The Dark Hour. When can she start?”
Damon furrowed his brows. “I’m sorry?”
“I’ll owe you a big favor while I pay a big one off to her. I need you and Alice to hire her at The Dark Hour. She’ll do anything.”
Monica nodded to Paisley, who quickly got the hint and announced, “I’ll do anything. I have waitress and hosting training. And I can sex work!”
Oh, dear.The Dark Hour wasn’t that kind of establishment.Just because I keep poaching his employees to come work for me…Many a Dark Hour hostess had gone on to work at Le Château and the Salon. It was the source of friction between both hospitality dynasties.
Damon didn’t know what to make of the woman standing before him. “We do have a hostess opening coming up that we haven’t advertised yet…”
“Good. Hire her.”
“…But why would I?”
Monica nudged him. “Do you trust my eye? Be honest.”
“Hmm…”
“You do. So you trust me when I say that Paisley here will rake in the tips and make many of your guests quite happy. And she’s off-limits to me, so you’ll never have to worry about me poaching her. Oh, and you’ve quite effectively banned our ex-Dom from your premises, so she’ll be safe there.”
“So, that’s how you know her.”
Paisley hung her head, saying nothing.
“Please, Damon,” Monica implored. “The most dangerous time is leaving. Ask me how I know.”
He only took a few seconds to think about it. “Fine. Here’s my card.” He reached into his breast pocket. “Call me tomorrow toset up an interview. As long as you don’t screw it up, you’re hired as a hostess starting in two weeks.”
Monica cleared her throat; Damon sighed.
“Make that ‘as soon as you’re settled in town.’”
“Thank you, Damon.”
“And, yes, you absolutely owe me. You can start by canceling that exclusive contract with Mira and Blair.”
Monica crossed her arms as Paisley pocketed his card. “Try something else.”
“Fine. Our anniversary is coming up.” He must have been referring to Alice. “I want to rent out the whole Château for a weekend of my choosing. Forfree.”
“I know when your anniversary is. I’ll clear the calendar.”Can’t wait to explain this to Judith.With Monica’s luck, that weekend was already booked for some foreign bachelor party or 21stbirthday.
She’d rather lose that business if it meant making Damon happy – and securing Paisley some employment in her new post-Jackson life.
Paisley thanked Monica before slipping away. Monica was about to leave Damon’s presence as well, but he took her by the arm and brought her back.
“Hiring Jackson’s latest sub puts a target on my back, you know.”
Monica forced a willful smile as she shrugged him off her. “You can handle him. He’s a weak man compared to someone like you.”
“Don’t flatter me, Warren.”
“You love it.” Monica smoothed out the shoulders of her dress. “Don’t lie.”
