by Ruby Madden
“Tamsin, I’m needed elsewhere briefly. Stay put, right here. Don’t go anywhere ok?”
I nodded and kept my eyes on the dolls who were performing. After Marty was gone for ten minutes, I realized that I really needed to pee but had no idea where the restrooms were. I peeked around me trying to see if it was obvious and had no luck. I stood and walked over to the bar. The sexy red-headed bartender noticed me straight away. “What can I do for you luv? Need another gin and tonic?”
I blushed, “Not just yet, Marty had to tend to work, where is the restroom?”
She pointed to the corner of the club were they were. “Back there doll.” She winked at me. I was blushing furiously at this point.
As I strode for the restroom, the man from the limo who I’d seen earlier at the entrance and leered at me, approached me.
“Miss? Miss? Excuse me.” He asked, following me towards the back and to the ladies restroom.
I turned around, perplexed. “Yes?”
He got ridiculously close, which caused me to step back. “Don’t play coy with me, you tart.” He had a lascivious grin on his face that disgusted me. This man was a pervert. He was close enough that I could smell his breath.
I stepped further back, thankful that the lady’s restroom was right there. He wouldn’t follow me in there would he?
“Sir, I’m sorry, I’m not a dancer. I need to use the restroom.” I said as I stepped in the lady’s restroom.
He stopped, as if the invisible barrier of what was socially acceptable blocked him.
I walked to a stall, breathing a sigh of relief. What an ass!
When I came out of the lady’s restroom, he was still in the hallway. I sighed and kept my gaze to the floor as I tried to pass him by. Before I knew it, he had reached out for me and pinned me against the wall. With the low lighting and with no one else around, I was genuinely worried. I was beginning to regret not staying put in my seat like Marty had asked, but I’d needed to use the restroom so bad…
“Sir, like I said, you’re entirely confused! I’m not a dan--“ I was cut off by his hand coming over my mouth.
“I like a girl who resists and plays coy with me. Let’s find a room.” His British accent was thick and his breath disgusting. I was appalled, mortified and genuinely scared, as I didn’t know how to get him off of me.
As he attempted to wrestle me towards the hallway that led to the area where the private rooms were, I managed to whirl around and do two things. I bit his hand and stomped, hard on his foot. He let me go wailing with pain and screaming, “Cunt!”
I took advantage of the moment and charged down the hallway and ran straight into Kat who looked at me in complete surprise. “Tamsin?! What are you doing here?”
She must have noticed the crazed look on my face as I came to a screeching halt, somewhat breathless. Before I could say anything, the British man was before both of us and screaming profanities at me.
“What the hell happened Tamsin?” Kat asked concerned.
“He thought I was a dancer, and he tried to get me into one of the private rooms. I had no choice, I bit him and stomped his foot.”
Kat spoke into her earbud, “Marty. By the restrooms. NOW.”
Kat changed her stance, hands on hips, legs spread. “Sir, is this true?”
Before we both knew it, he spit in her face.
Just then Marty arrived, support in tow.
All of us stood there, shocked and waiting for what would come next. What Kat would do.
In a very controlled, firm and low voice, Kat finally spoke, her gaze undaunted by the British millionaire mogul before her that had just attempted to molest her girlfriend and lover - me. With Marty firmly stanced behind her, I realized just how intimidating Kat was and I fucking loved it.
“Sir, I have to ask that you leave the club. This woman is not a dancer. Even if she was, you know that behavior such as this isn’t permissible in this establishment.”
“Fuck you. You’re just a whore. Get out of my way and find me the Manager.” He snarled at her, disgust dripping from his voice.
It was, in retrospect, hilarious how our eyebrows all rose in unison. Marty let out a low whistle.
Kat stepped forward and got right in the British man’s face. “My name is Katarina Mikovich and I’m the owner of this club. The woman you just attempted to molest is one of the co-managers. Do you understand?”
Pure, stunned shock registered on his face. “This has to be a fucking joke!” He said.
Marty was clearly done with the British ass-clown and stepped past Kat and made a gesture for him to leave. “Sir, it’s time to leave. This doesn’t have to get physical, but the club owner has asked that you leave. Will you cooperate?”
The British man knew to leave it alone and walked away and towards the entrance-exit. He was clearly furious and humiliated. Marty escorted him out leaving Kat and I alone in the hallway. We stood there looking at each other. I don’t think either of us had quite fully registered what had just occurred.
A slow smile spread across her face, “Kitten. Next time, can you let me know that you’re here and maybe dress just a wee bit less precociously?”
“Good god, who was that? I hope we didn’t just lose a regular client?” I asked.
Kat shook her head, “I’ve never seen him before, thankfully. He’ll never be let back in. That is for damned sure.”
We both started laughing. As if we both realized how absurdly crazy yet funny it was that we were already managing the place.
“Don’t get me wrong, that doesn’t excuse the asshole, but you are pretty irresistible in that get-up you’re wearing.” She said as she pulled me to her, pulling me in by the lapels of my tuxedo jacket and planting a firm kiss on my lips.
“I’m so sorry Kat. I didn’t mean to cause trouble, I just wanted to find out what the club was like and get acquainted.”
“It’s ok, nothing excuses bad behavior like that.” She said, caressing my hair and head a bit, calming me down. “You ok?” She asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine. I want to watch the dolls perform. Let’s go back out.” I said.
Kat smiled and I led her back out to the loveseat that Marty had originally found for me. We settled into it. We both watched the dancers that were currently working, neither of us saying very much to the other. I finally worked up the courage to tell her why I had come tonight.
“Kat, I want to do this. I want to help manage the club. I just needed to see it for myself.”
Kat peered at me curiously. She tilted her head a bit. “You’re not just saying that Tamsin? You really want to help me with this venture?”
I nodded yes and put my hand on top of hers. “Yes, I think it’s a great opportunity. We have a lot to learn you and I, but I think we can do it. We can always hire help for the stuff we’re clueless about.”
Kat nodded, a bemused smile on her face. “Did you and Marty talk about this, both of you deciding to check in with me today?”
“No, I’ve text-chatted with Marty on the phone but we haven’t discussed you inheriting the club. Why?”
“Huh. Go figure, you’re both on the same plane. He checked in with me earlier, right before my shift, when I got here. He wanted to know if I’d made a decision.”
I smiled, “That’s cool Kat. I think it’s meant to be. I do.”
She grinned back at me, “I think you’re right. I’ve just been a big ole scaredy-cat about it. I need to get over myself and just do this already.”
“Scaredy-cat. Who knew?!” I giggled out.
“Oh god, that was so corny…” Kat said, a bit exasperated with herself. It just further ensued a round of quiet laughter from us both.
“It’s a good thing we’re back here in the corner where we’re unobtrusive. No one can really see us or hear us over the music.” Kat said.
Knowing this, I pulled her to me and into a sweet, luxuriant kiss. When we pulled apart, she seemed taken
pleasantly aback. “Wow… Tamsin.”
“Let’s take Marty home tonight.” I said.
Kat caressed my cheek and before lip-locking with me again, “Yes. Let’s…”
The music boomed nicely around us, the dark ambiance hiding us in plain sight, the sensual atmosphere, the future luring us forward.
I was glad I’d trusted my gut. It was a good move. The right move.
{ KATARINA }
Kat was sitting in Herman’s home office, doing something she rarely did. Kat was fidgeting.
She observed the late Xander’s attorney with curious, amused befuddlement and sincerely hoped that what she thought didn’t reflect on her face. The man was as eccentric and peculiar as her former employer.
“Miss Kat --”
“Just Kat, please. We’re on familiar terms now.” Kat insisted.
Herman paused, nearly laughing at her. “No, Miss Kat, we’re not on familiar terms. I’m simply executing a service I was paid to do. Once this transaction is settled, you’re on your own. You will need to find your own private legal counsel.”
Kat gulped. Few people intimidated her but this man was doing a mighty fine job of doing so.
“Excuse me, Mr. Herman, I’m not sure if you’re aware, but I’m in law school.”
He responded without hesitation, “All the more reason you need to make haste with finding your own attorney, for advice and guidance, of course on the inheritance of this business establishment.”
“Is there something I need to know, something that isn’t altogether obviously clear about Xander’s will that you’re keeping from me?”
It was Herman’s turn to fidget. He seemed to be contemplating how and what he would say next.
“Miss Kat, surely, you’re not naïve in the ways of the world. Especially when it comes to sexual, erotic entertainment.”
Kat nodded one quick succinct nod and arched her eyebrows, indicating that he should continue.
“Being Mistress of such an establishment isn’t typical or traditional work in the least. This is an endeavor that requires a finesse concerning power and those who trade in power. Your clientele pays well for the intimate trade and barter of what they work and strive for. Sex makes the world go round, you agree?”
Kat again nodded once succinct nod to cue him forward again. She listened intently. This may well be all the further guidance she received from Herman.
“Very well then, this type of responsibility isn’t just a way to earn a living. It’s a way of living a life. It’s a rabbit-hole that one should consider wisely before jumping into. I’ve feared you’re too young for such an endeavor, however kindly and graciously bestowed to you. Xander insisted that you are wise beyond your years. A truly unique person. In that, I trust he knew what he was doing. Otherwise, I would think this to be his cruelest prank ever played.”
Herman stood up to pour himself a glass of bourbon. “Would you like some?”
“Yes, thank you.” Kat answered feeling more at ease and crossing her legs. Herman handed her the drink. Kat took it down whole and set it back on his desk. “So, may I ask you Herman? If I were one to have the wisdom to move forward with such an endeavor, why ever would I not elect to continue gaining counsel from the attorney who is best acquainted with Xander’s business and as you’ve explained, legacy?”
Her question clearly pleasantly caught him off guard. He smiled. “Because, Miss Kat, I too am using this opportunity to end, terminate my relationship, as it were with this business establishment. A form of retirement.”
Kat didn’t think he was being entirely straight with her. What he shared spoke to about sixty percent of the truth.
“Fair enough. Then, as a courtesy, is there anything specific that you can make me aware of that would help me in managing Xander’s legacy forward in continued success?” Kat asked.
Herman finished his drink and leaned back in his oversized, leather chair. Quietly he assessed Kat, a slight gleam of pride in his eyes.
“You’re asking the right questions, I must admit.” He sighed, as if the burden of opening up was a rare privilege.
Kat shifted slightly in her seat, her focused gaze the stance Herman needed to witness in order to continue talking and share his insights with her.
“Don’t assume. Ever. These men, the clients are all quite unique in how they do business in this town, in this world. They’re used to getting what they want. Someone has to handle them to ensure that the girls are treated well. Xander was excellent at knowing when his employees were being treated poorly, even if nothing was ever said or spoken. He knew when to handle his clients himself and when to finesse the arrangements. He handled that delicate relationship in a classy manner and it is hard to train someone. They must have this type of instinct on their own. I believe this is what he saw in you.”
Kat understood all too clearly what Herman shared. She was appreciative.
“Thank you Herman. This was helpful. My disadvantage, as I see it, is a matter of familiarity and acquaintance. I yet know these men, his clients, on the level that Xander did. That would be my only request of you, if you were gracious enough to do so, before heading into retirement. Helping me become familiar and acquainted with them before I actually meet any of them. Can we strike an arrangement on that level and then snip the ties that bind you to Xander’s Gentleman’s Club?”
Herman stood and indicated he was getting himself another drink. “Another Miss Kat?”
Kat nodded and accepted the second drink. This time, she didn’t knock it back. If her gut was right, she’d won Herman over. She would sip the beverage and do two important things. First she would listen intently and closely. Second, she’d ask questions and listen some more.
Herman sat back down, “Let’s start with the ones you know. The ones you’ve performed for, privately. Then we can tackle the ones you aren’t acquainted with. Fair?”
Kat nodded, grateful. “Yes, please. By all means.”
Kat and Herman spent the better part of their afternoon discussing Xander’s clients and all their worldly renown, along with all of their erotic proclivities.
Kat realized she was being christened, as it were, with the crown as acting Mistress for what would become her Lady’s Club. She also had a hunch that Herman would remain somewhat accessible to her, moving forward, even after Xander’s wishes were finished and the inheritance successfully completed.
With this in mind, she opened up to the quirky lawyer and counted on a blooming new friendship, or perhaps only an acquaintance and alliance that would be willing to assist her on occasion, in respect to his late friend and client, Xander.
* * *
It was two p.m., the following Thursday, the day Kat chose to announce that she was taking over ownership of Xander’s club.
The Dolls, her former co-workers and now her employees, were scattered throughout the club. Some were standing, some sitting, some chatting with each other, others absorbed in their phones, a few were dazing off, yawning for what was an early start to their day.
Kat observed them for a while, wondering if any of them had an idea of what was coming around the corner.
She decided to start the meeting. “Thanks all for coming. I have an important announcement. But first, I want to talk about change.” She paused, surveying them. “Change can be scary. But it doesn’t have to be. It can be exciting too.”
Tawny piped up, her sexy soft voice begging the room to be even quieter, “What’s changing Kat Lady?”
Kat took in a deep breath. “I’m the new owner of the club – Xander left it to me when he passed. I signed the paperwork recently – to make it official.”
“Get out Kat Lady, for reals?!” It was Lulu, her sweet but sassy persona revealed genuine surprise and approval of the change.
“For reals.” Kat said, looking directly at Lulu. She continued, “I plan on making this work ladies and I want you to know, for the best. I think that some of the ch
anges I’ve got in the works will make this establishment even better than it already is. We’re all about class and that is why Xander hired us and took care of us. It was one of his primary concerns, that his girls be well taken care of. I intend to stick to that goal but I will need your help. Understand?”
Heads were nodding, murmuring among the Dolls and a palpable excitement in the air.
“First, I want this to be a unanimous business. Whatever changes we do, we all agree to do so.”
“Like what, for example?” Ebony asked, stretching out her long legs and flipping her hand through her hair.
“Like new ways to earn money. Extending our range of services that we can legally provide. In a sense, an agency off-shoot to the club. Such as, Femme-Dom services, fetish play, escorting perhaps, whatever we can legally do, safely. Establishing a dungeon-room for our BDSM clients, and whatever other suggestions anyone might have.”
The room was hush at first but it soon became a flurry of voices, all speaking to and responding to what Kat had unleashed. Some were not having it, others loved the idea of it and some were suspect about it or just plain dumbfounded.
Kat couldn’t help herself, and started laughing out loud. Her amusement was contagious and soon the room was laughing along with her.
“Sorry girls, I know, I know… I mean, can you even imagine how shocked I was to wake up one Sunday morning after four hours of sleep to Xander’s attorney knocking on my door? I thought it was a prank at first!”
The room roared with laughter and Kat let out a sigh of relief. It was important that the Dolls didn’t think she was full of herself, getting off on the power of this new dynamic. Kat as their new boss lady. She still needed to be perceived as one of them.
“Look, I want to be fair. Smart. Safe. Sane. This is a risky business as is and what I’m proposing will really need to require an extra layer of discipline and good behavior. The upside, we can earn more and be in a position to safely deliver our service – under our terms. But it will take cooperation ladies. Got it?”