Alexandra, here’s your sign, she thought, making a note to call Roman’s doctor for an appointment.
To: Roman Valentine
From: AK
Subject: Valentine
9:45 a.m.
Dear Roman,
I will be making the requisite appointment with your doctor for tomorrow. How shall we proceed?
Sincerely,
Alexandra
After firing off her email, she got to work. Everything for her more pressing case was ready for court, so she continued of her list of things for her robbery case, fooling herself into believing she kept her email open because a client would contact her. Good one, Alexandra. It has nothing to do with Roman Valentine.
She wasn’t going to pay him for sex, but she was paying for a membership to his club. Not the same thing, she chided herself, ignoring the guilt she felt because it could cost her the partnership. She was not a risk-taker, but everything seemed so illicit and made it hotter. Plus, no one would find out; it was just Roman and her, nobody else.
She was pulled out of her musings by a call on her private line. Only a handful of people could be calling her.
“Alexandra Kane.”
“Darling.” Her grandmother’s soothing southern voice came through loud and clear. Victoria Kane was a woman with a steel spine, who could make you a casserole then tear you down in one fell swoop and make you like it. Alexandra had been eight when her father died, and her grandparents ensured Alexandra and Parker retained their father’s legacy. It made her close to her gran, who had been her connection to her father since her world had been ripped out from under them. Her mother was her rock, Alexandra’s own version of Rosie the Riveter, while her grandmother was her biggest cheerleader.
“It’s been too long. You never come and see me anymore, and Parker told me it’s because you’re working too hard.”
“I know.” She sighed. “I’m going to come up and see you guys soon.”
“See that you do, or I may have to cut you off.” Alexandra laughed at the old threat. There was no way their grandmother would ever cut her off, but she always made it seem like the end of the world if Alexandra or Parker went two weeks without seeing her. It had been a month since Alexandra had last visited, but to Victoria Kane it was equivalent to two years.
“I know. I’ll make a long weekend after the upcoming event for Granddad.” Her grandfather sponsored a charity for children who had lost their parents, to provide support and guidance for those with limited resources, saying he was too blessed not to give back. Alexandra and Parker were lucky because they’d had their mother and their grandparents, but if there had been no support system when her father died, Alexandra had no clue where they would have ended up.
“That’s the other reason I’m calling, to ask if you’re bringing a date to the event.”
“Of course, I’m bringing a date. Kemper and I will be there, as usual.” Kemper was one of her best friends. They’d never had sex, but he’d always been willing to dress up and go to one of these events with her. She’d need to remind him about the event so he would make sure to be there.
The ragged sigh came through loud and clear. “When are you going to get a real date? Not Kemper, who I love, but a man you’re actually dating who could possibly give me some great-grandchildren. I know your mother wants grandchildren; she told me the other day.” Of course her mother, Queen Guilt herself, wanted babies around, reminding them she wasn’t getting any younger and wanted grandchildren while she was sane enough to play with them.
“I didn’t know Kemper wasn’t good enough for you.”
“Oh, hush. I love that young man, and he can come on his own. When was the last time you went on a date?”
“I have one this week.” For sex. With a hot man. Who gave me an amazing orgasm last night.
“When can I meet him? If I have to wait for you, I’m liable to be half-buried by the time you introduce me.”
“Gran, we’ve only just started dating. We’re not ready for charity events or matching china. I promise if we continue, you will meet him very soon.” Or not, because it’s not that kind of relationship.
“See that you do,” she muttered. “And don’t work too hard. There is more to life than making partner.”
“I just want to make you guys proud, Mom and Dad included.” Alexandra ran her finger around the picture of her parents she kept on her desk, their bright smiles evident they’d only had eyes for each other. They truly had loved one another, and she wanted that for herself someday, after she’d carried on her father’s legacy.
“I know you do, baby, but your dad would be the first to tell you all work and no play makes Jane a dull girl. It’s why she ends up alone with her cat starter kit. Ask your mother, that man was always throwing a party. It used to drive her batty.”
“Good thing my name’s not Jane.”
“And now she thinks she’s a comedian. Stick to law, darling; you’ll never make it on stage.”
“Love you.” Alexandra smiled, her grandmother always made her feel better.
“Love you, too. See you in a couple weeks.” Alexandra hung up, then noticed the message light for her email. She clicked on the one from Roman, smiling for a completely different reason.
To: AK
From: Roman Valentine
Subject: Valentine
10:30 a.m.
Alexandra,
Excellent. Let me know after you’ve had your tests and we’ll proceed from there. The additional contract about our specific relationship is attached to this email. Be sure to bring the signed agreement with you the next time you come so we can file it.
Roman
Alexandra worked blissfully through the rest of the day, her mood too high to be brought down by the enormous caseload she’d inherited. She loved law, every case her own personal puzzle to solve. You win some, you lose some. Thankfully, she won most of the time because she prided herself on finding the tiniest piece to work in her favor. It was one of the reasons she was looking at making partner before she turned thirty. And after that, she’d settle down, find her a decent man, and make some babies.
5
Roman received the email from his assistant several days after his initial meeting with Alexandra, telling him her membership information was complete, including the test results. Nothing prevented him from emailing her and requesting she come in that night. They’d been in contact the last several days as she finished up the process, and it was finally completed. When he first suggested it, she probably assumed the agreement was for her protection, but it was actually for his. No one could know he was taking her into his bed, especially if he wanted to maintain Club Valentine as a respected business in the community. He’d decided to have sex with this member exclusively—nothing more, nothing less.
Some people refused to see the situation as such, and would use it against him if they found out, which they shouldn’t. For many years his brother had suggested they sponsor charity events as a way of showing community support. Some people snubbed their nose at money from him. They wanted distance between their precious organization and his nefarious sex club.
“Hey, man, why do you look like someone just kicked you?” His brother, Quinn, asked when he walked in for their weekly business meeting.