Free The Tied Man by Tabitha McGowan Page B

the ‘quick chat’ promised by Henry.  ‘Please, take a seat.’  She pointed me at a mahogany-brown leather sofa.
    I sat, albeit reluctantly.  ‘ Blaine , I’m all too happy to agree to as many of your demands as I can, but I feel I earn the right to my own time.  Believe it or not, I do try to unwind occasionally.’
    Blaine ignored my complaint.  ‘I understand you had a somewhat challenging afternoon?’ 
    ‘In what way?’
    ‘In that you had an unwelcome visit from Finn.’
    ‘It was nothing.  Crossed wires.  I’m sure there was nothing to it.’ To my irritation I was blustering.  I’d probably caught it off Henry.
    ‘Really? I’d heard that you were furious.’ 
    ‘I have a temper,  and it’s not something I’m particularly proud of.  I flared, and Finn probably received far more than he deserved.’
    Blaine nodded sympathetically.  ‘That’s a remarkably generous response.  However I don’t feel you’re always honest with yourself.’
    This was turning out to be nothing like the conversation I had expected.  ‘Look, Blaine , I don’t mean to be rude -’
    ‘You must be thinking I’ve gone mad -’ 
    I didn’t disagree. 
    ‘- I just feel that you should gain a deeper insight into the real philosophy of Albermarle.’
    I felt the adrenaline begin to tighten the muscles across my chest: I should have guessed that anything that involved my father’s endorsement would possess some dark element.
    ‘I operate an exclusive club here on the island, Lilith – one that you’re fortunate to experience, and one that could bring you great benefit if you’ll allow yourself the freedom.’  The light in Blaine ’s eyes was positively evangelical now and she leaned towards me, one hand resting on my knee to suggest sorority.  ‘I think you’re about to find this extremely interesting.’
    I placed my untouched champagne on the table.  ‘ Blaine , I’m tired, confused and more than a little irritated.  As I think I made perfectly clear, I don’t consider myself to be a guest here.  I’m a temporary employee, and perfectly happy to keep it that way.’  I went to stand.  ‘And I don’t play games.’
    ‘Then perhaps you should start.  You see?  There’s that anger again.  It never quite leaves you, does it?  It just stays beneath the surface, driving you ever onward.  Though with your past I’m hardly surprised.  I’m sure I’d retain a certain fury with the world.’
    ‘This isn’t a conversation I’m prepared to have right now.’
    ‘Lilith darling, I’m on your side here.  I think the way you’ve been treated is appalling, and you have every right to defend yourself.’  She gave a knowing smile.  ‘We were very impressed by your handling of Johnny Buckle.  In fact, that was what first attracted Finn to you.’
    I inwardly flinched at his name.  I had hoped that she had abandoned that particular subject.
    ‘For all that outward sophistication, he possesses such a naïve soul – I honestly believe he thought he stood a chance with you, and as beautiful as Finn is, I hardly think he’s in the same league as Gabriel James.’
    ‘Goodness, word travels fast.’
    Blaine took a leisurely sip of her champagne.  ‘Well, if you will perform fellatio at thirty-eight thousand feet with the star of the moment, I think you’ll find that word will get out.’
    I sighed.  Blaine ’s ban on technology didn’t extend to herself.  Word of my latest encounter would no doubt have been on every gossip site on the internet before we had even touched down.
    ‘Anyway, I digress.  What I want to say is that Albermarle can offer you a greater opportunity for release than most could ever dream.  Why don’t you come with me?  It’s far easier to experience than to explain.’  Blaine stood and reached out her hand to lead me back through the doorway.
    No amount of honeyed words could have prepared me for what I saw.  My earlier comment about dungeons was no