Dex’s attention sharpened. Something in Ralston’s tone told him he wasn’t going to like what the man had to say. “What would you like to discuss?”
As if to confirm Dex’s suspicions, the older man looked decidedly uncomfortable. He spent a few long seconds adjusting the cuffs on his shirt, while pointedly avoiding meeting Dex’s gaze.
He made darting glances up to Dex’s face, but kept his line of sight roving around the desktop as if there were something fascinating sitting on the gleaming brown surface among the neatly arranged pens, Post-its, and stacks of paper.
“As a loyal American, I was happy to cooperate with the FBI when they needed to put someone undercover in my club, even though they wouldn’t share any details around what you were looking for. But causing huge disruptions that make some of my most prominent members rethink their membership wasn’t part of the deal.” Ed tried and failed to infuse strength behind his words, and instead ended up sounding long suffering.
Dex clenched his jaw as finally, Ed Ralston met his gaze and gave a slight wince.
“I’m running a business. I have to keep my members happy. Incidents like those with two of my most vocal and high-profile members don’t make for good word of mouth.”
Dex took a slow breath, letting the silence sit heavily between them for a few long seconds. When he did speak, he kept his voice deadly calm, which many people had told him was very intimidating all on its own.
“I fully understand you are running a business, Ed. However, both of those instances arose out of violations of your club rules, disregard for D/s lifestyle norms, or both.” Dex had made a point of fully reading The Dungeon’s rules and contract as soon as he arrived yesterday and checked in with Ralston. His affinity for details served him well in this instance.
Ralston looked like he was about to interrupt, but then closed his mouth and dropped his gaze again.
Dex bit back the scathing diatribe that the man deserved, and instead chose his words carefully. “When you and I first found Kate yesterday morning, it was obvious that the attentions from Balkins were unwanted, and yet no one, including yourself, admonished him for breaking club rules.” Dex took a breath, giving the man across from him the chance to respond, but when he remained silent, he continued. “Stanton told Balkins that Kate was his gift for the evening. By your own rules, that is not permitted between non-monogamous D/s pairs without express prior consent. And is extremely rare even among monogamous D/s pairs.”
Dex glared at Ralston, even though the man wouldn’t look directly at him. “Kate never agreed that she could be passed around at Stanton’s discretion.” He waited for several seconds to see if Ralston would say anything, or even give any indication that he had heard. When it seemed likely that he would never respond, Dex said, “What else do you want to discuss, Ed? You have me here. Let’s talk.”
Ralston seemed to rally. He relaxed back against his chair and took on a nonchalant air. “I’m just not sure this arrangement is working out. Do you know how much longer you’ll be here?”
So that was it. Ralston wanted him gone.
Dex hadn’t initiated either of those instances, and had only acted as a Dominant should, but Ed Ralston was all about the mighty dollar. A fact that was showcased in how his club was run. But Dex also knew Ralston had been much too eager to allow the FBI access, and had made a point of the FBI clearing him of any involvement with whatever was going on.
Dex took a slow breath. “As Jason Tanner probably told you, Ed, I’ll be here for an indefinite amount of time. I will continue to follow all the club rules as they are laid out in your contract, and will appreciate others doing the same. That will be the best way to avoid any…unpleasant misunderstandings.” Dex allowed what he hoped was a reasonable facsimile of a pleasant smile to curve his lips.
“It would appear odd for me to leave so suddenly after a few private meetings with you.” He let the words hang in the air between them. He had the feeling Ralston was paranoid enough to assume the worst, which would work in Dex’s favor.
Ralston didn’t disappoint. He stiffened and started drumming his fingertips on the gleaming desktop. “You’re right, of course. It wouldn’t do to have people think that I was somehow feeding you information.” He paused, and then hastily added, “Not that I would have any to pass on, of course. But appearances are important in this business.” He looked at Dex, his gaze suddenly bleak. “I’ll do my best to soothe Balkins and Stanton, and anyone else who was spooked by the incidents.” He cleared his throat. “I did want to ask your help with one other thing, if you don’t mind.”