Blackwoo

e couches, beautiful young women nearby, pouring them wine and cutting them fruit. Adrian was sitting at the center of a low table, idly riffle-sh

," Harold Sutton (Will), CEO of Redwood Properties, asked, his face a picture of strained pleas

e card. He turned to the man.

us! Was it your

), Adrian's closest lieutenants, who were playing games nearby, instantly

face. "Mr. Sutton, I heard you praising a lovely dancer! Why do

right! She'll be here shortly! I'm paying a small fortune for this exclusive perfo

Adrian remained cold, his fingers tapping

utiful women. "Gentlemen, business is crucial, but so is enjoyment," the hostess cooed. Some w

ertures unnoticed. He lit a cigarette, th

tume with a low V-neck and a thin, black veil over her face. The lights di

r. She's absolutely first-rate," Harold Sutton s

ts sensual and sinuous, hitting the beats with p

d dancer. In spite of the makeup and the costume, a primitiv

as C

nd she was compelling even in this sordid exhibition. She was the

ised a hand and pointed a single, imperious finger at

r dancers paused in

bother the

ingly beautiful smile. She lifted her hands and slowly, deliberately, untied the thin, black str

The businessmen all knew at once who she w

ull of Adrian's most important contacts, dragging the Blackwood name through the dirtiest, most pub

music, her hands moving with tantal

off the sofa, traversed the distance in two steps,

rled, his voice a low, angry thunder, h