A Lover's Mask by Altonya Washington Page B

saying?”
    County only pressed her lips together and nodded.
    â€œGood,” he said, taking her upper arms in a light grasp. “Now can we please eat?”
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    County’s gasp seemed to echo when she and Fernando entered one of the upstairs rooms. It was an exquisite area illuminated by soft lighting and warmed by a gorgeous fireplace. Relaxing classical jazz swirled throughout.
    â€œIs this just for us?” County breathed, her brown leather boots disappearing into a rich burgundy carpet.
    â€œAll the rooms look this way.” Fernando seemed to take great pride in sharing with her. “My guests come to dine here.”
    â€œSo they have dinner along with their private dances,” County noted, casting Fernando a suggestive look as he held her chair.
    â€œThere’s no private dances,” he informed her after taking his place at the table. “Only dances for private parties of ten or more plus security to ensure my rules are followed.”
    â€œSo strict,” Contessa drawled, leaning back in the chair she occupied. “It’s a wonder you’re able to keep girls, or clients for that matter.”
    Fernando toyed with the silverware on the table. “Rules ensure I have the most beautiful and intelligent girls and gentlemanly and intelligent clients,” he schooled her.
    County propped her chin to her fist. “Some might find that boring.”
    â€œPrecisely why I wouldn’t have to worry about them working for me or becoming clients,” Fernando said, his translucent brown gaze firm and steady. “These men come to unwind after a vicious corporate day. They want to conduct boring business and find that having a beautiful woman in the vicinity makes the task far more enjoyable.”
    County tilted her water glass in a mock toast. “Smart,” she commended.
    â€œThank you.”
    â€œProfitable?”
    â€œVery.”
    A side door opened in the private dining room and a very handsome young man walked in. He greeted Fernando in his heavy Spanish brogue and then kissed Contessa’s hand before asking if they’d like to order drinks.
    â€œWhiskey sour,” County ordered, returning his dazzling smile with one of her own.
    â€œScotch neat. Thanks Manny,” Fernando said.
    â€œIs he part of your dance troupe?” County asked when they were alone.
    â€œOne of my chefs,” Fernando informed while reaching for a menu, “I thought you’d approve.”
    â€œOh, I do,” she replied softly, perusing her own menu. “So why do you do it?” she asked, after they’d been studying the dining selections for quite a while.
    â€œWhat?” Fernando asked.
    â€œRun your club this way? It’s out in the middle of nowhere,” she reasoned when he fixed her with a curious look. “Clearly your clients are men of power. No one would ask questions. No one would know.”
    â€œI’d know,” he immediately returned. “It’s taken me a long time to go legit, County. It’s difficult when you go it alone.”
    â€œYour friends didn’t approve?” she asked, keeping her eyes focused on the menu.
    â€œI lost a lot of friends when I told them I didn’t want that life.”
    â€œAdmirable. That you’d cut them all off.”
    He grinned. “I didn’t cut them all off, but they know and have accepted that they’ll have to go straight if they expect to have my assistance.”
    County brought her wide brown stare to his face. “And you’re sure they’ve gone straight?”
    â€œAs far as I know,” he said, chuckling when she burst into laughter.
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    â€œThis whining of yours has gone way past pissin’ me off, Houston,” Marcus growled, rubbing his bloodshot eyes as he paced behind the bar in his office. He groaned, cursing himself when his words set off another pitiful rant from his younger brother. “Houston!”