Chapter 82: The Lowlife Tango

“The Garden is ours tonight!”

Well, crap. Razia put a big smile on her face, spreading her hands in a welcoming pose. “And we’re happy to accommodate you,” she lied. “The Moonlit Garden is the best relaxation house in the entire city, and it’s all yours. Before we welcome you inside, we’re going to need a couple minutes to set things up and make sure my girls and guys are ready. Would you mind waiting just a little bit while I take care of it?”

Rex’s smile made the scar on his face stretch unpleasantly. “But of course. I’ve heard so much about the place, I wouldn’t want anything but the best for my crew.” All around him, the crew let out a group cheer much too loud for the tiny room.

Razia’s eyes slid over each of them, taking in as much minute information about their appearance and demeanor as possible. One long, deep breath later and ready or not, it was time to act. “Then Jonas here will assist you in checking your weapons into lockers for the duration of your stay.”

The mercenaries shifted and muttered under their breath until Rex held up a hand, silencing them. His eyes never left hers, and there was a sharp, shrewd glint there. “Not a problem. What use will we have for weapons once we’re inside? At your leisure, Ms. Rashid.”

She exchanged a glance with Jonas, who stood in the doorway. He nodded to her and cleared his throat and was back to all business, though there was no hiding the way his jaw was set nor the way his gaze flickered between them all. “Right,” he said. “Line up and we’ll get you squared away.”

Razia patted his good shoulder and went back inside. Now that she’d had about a minute to think things through, the initial panic was subsiding. It was easy enough to fall back into schemer mode, thinking of it as an opportunity rather than a trial. She entered the atrium, clapping her hands together to get everyone’s attention. Conversation died down as her girls recognized the look on her face.

“Alright, so,” she started, wetting her lips, “there’s been a change of plans. The Garden’s being rented out for the night. If you’ve not currently with one of our flowers I’m going to have to ask you to clear out for the time being.”

That was four people, Rocco, the couple, and the small dawn-boy sitting in Cullen’s lap. The married couple got up immediately and headed for the door. Rocco raised an eyebrow, but it was Cullen’s client who raised a stink. “But I was here first! Give me one good reason why I should leave.”

‘Because if you don’t you run the risk of getting yourself hurt or dead,’ Razia wanted to say. Instead she let out a confident laugh. “Because your next visit here is completely on us, as a thanks for your patience. Will that do, sir?”

He looked at Cullen’s rugged, perpetually brooding face. Sighing, he slid out of his lap and stretched. “Until next time then, Big C?”

Cullen smiled and brought the man’s hand up to his lips. “I’m looking forward to it,” he rumbled. The man departed and Cullen relaxed back on the couch, arm hanging off the side. Unlike Tenchi’s sly, fox-like demeanor, Cullen resembled nothing so much as a big cat, lounging while keeping an eye out for prey.

“Should I go too?” Quirrinel asked, sitting up straight.

“No,” said Razia vehemently. “Wouldn’t dream of kicking you out. You’re more of a VIP than they are.”

He made an appreciative sound and relaxed again, seemingly lost in thought.

That left just Rocco. Razia turned to him but he was way ahead of her. “If I was only here to indulge in my baser nature then I’d leave, but I’m here for the ambiance as much as the company. Surely whoever rented the Garden out can put up with me watching their shenanigans. I haven’t even had a chance to finish my wine.” He raised up his almost empty glass before he downed half of what was remaining, smacking his lips.

“That’s fine,” Razia said, just not wanting to bother arguing with the playboy. She had more important problems to deal with. She looked over her employees. Just a single slow pass, taking stock of who was out and not busy. Samantha was with a client and there was no way Razia was going to stop them partway through to kick the man out. Isa was out with Quentin, which left Jenna, Lucy, Lynne, Kelli, Tenchi, and Cullen.

Her scan couldn’t have lasted long, not more than twenty seconds, but in that time everything snapped in place and Razia went with her gut. For all of her problems and bad habits, it served her well most of the time and this was exactly what she was good at. She took a deep breath and let it out.

“Okay,” she said. “There are six of them out there, seven counting the leader. Two women, four men. All of them are a bit more rough and tumble than we’ve gotten used to. I’m talking Silk Lounge type clientele. First and foremost, remember they want entertainment, even above getting their dicks wet. Be funny, be charming, listen to the shit they say and make them feel heard.

“Lucy, how has your anxiety been? Would getting manhandled by a woman be any better or about the same?”

“Um,” Lucy was caught off guard and shrank at the question. After a second she said, “Probably better. Haven’t had many issues with women lately.”

Razia snapped. “Perfect. Out of the two women, there’s one with straight black hair going down to her ass. Approach her and be demure, I’m pretty sure that’s what she’s looking for. Lynne, I want you to --”

“How do you know?” Kelli interrupted. “What she wants? How do you know.”

Rather than get annoyed, Razia shook her head. “I’ve been doing this for a while and I’m smart. You, Kelli, will want to approach the shortest, roughest looking man out of them. He’s the one with a face tattoo.”

“What, why?” She sounded so indignant.

“Because,” Razia sighed, “you look the most girl next door out of everyone and he’s going to either go for Samantha when she comes out or for you. Tenchi and Cullen, one of you is likely to go for the other woman, one of you will probably be on call for a man, and might encounter some roughness. Any problems?”

Cullen just shook his head and looked as unflappable as ever while Tenchi laughed. “Not a problem. I know my way around a ruffian or two.”

“Then hopefully a couple of them will want to spitroast you and make the numbers game easier,” Razia shot back. That got her a round of nervous laughs, but she was on a roll and continued. Pointing to Jenna she said, “With Samantha in the back, you’re our highlight for now. Let them approach you and just be yourself and if they try to fight over you, pull back and let them do it.”

“And me?” Lynne asked, leaning forward on the edge of her seat.

Razia smiled. “Blondes aren’t as common around here, especially with long hair like yours. Stay back and at least one of them will approach you. Use your attitude to your advantage and make them work for it so they feel special that you accept them. Any questions?”

A quick look around the room showed everyone more or less got it, save for Kelli who looked like she wanted to argue but didn’t. Rocco seemed amused and Quirrinel fascinated by everything going on. He picked a hell of a night to come visit. Razia clapped her hands together. “Great. Everyone on your feet and look alive and welcoming.”

Everyone, including the two patrons, got up. Razia bit her lip to avoid laughing and telling them to relax. It was good that she had their attention so thoroughly. As one last second preparation she went to some of the lanterns hung about the room and dimmed them, casting the villa in a lurid dimness. She went back to the other side of the house with no time to spare. The first of the mercenaries came through, looking no less dangerous for the lack of weapons at their belts. Another came in after a few seconds, and then another. Once in, they shared a similar look of surprise and interest.

If they were used to the likes of the Silk Lounge like Razia suspected, then this might’ve been the first truly decent establishment they’d been in. The Silk Lounge may have been (overly) decorated, but it was a tacky eyesore that pretended to be better than it was. The Moonlit Garden was clean, well decorated, open and welcoming, and not just a redesigned tavern for lowlifes. Razia waited until everyone but Rex was in before clearing her throat.

“Ladies, gentleman, welcome to the Moonlit Garden. You’re welcome to any of our people currently out on the floor. We’ve got a full kitchen and extensive wine selection, and your choice of comfortable facilities to enjoy.” She bowed, mind racing and kicking herself over not having a staff musician to keep things lively for occasions like this.

Those were the magic words. The mercenaries practically tripped over each other to call out their drink order at Razia, who stood there and let the wild onslaught of words wash over here. She smiled and said, “Maybe one at a time would be better. Find yourself a partner and I’ll just bring out some drinks and snacks to start.”

That was agreeable enough. They poured on past her over to the atrium. Razia held very still as they set themselves loose in her business. There was a part of her that worried, but worry wasn’t going to help her if things turned to shit. The last of them moved past her and a clamor rose as they found their targets. Finally in sauntered Rex, looking around the room, clearly impressed.

“Well, well, well,” he said, letting out a sharp whistle. “What a nice place you’ve got here, Ms. Rashid. I trust you have some entertainment for me as well.” His eyes were locked on her in a way she didn’t like.

“Of course,” she said, inclining her head. “What’s your preferred poison, Rex?”

His lips twitched. “Well, I’ve never had islander before. Always wanted to, but never got around to seeing you at Otho’s place before you ruined it. Seems like the gods are giving me a second chance.”

Oh. Oh no. “You flatter me,” Razia said, leveling a knowing smile his way. “But you want the best we have to offer, and it’s not me. A bit of patience on your part and I have a girl who will take you to another world entirely. Did you ever get a chance to play with Samantha?”

“I did,” said Rex, shaking his head. “It was nice enough. I wouldn’t say no to a round two, but that’s not what I’ve got my mind set on.” He reached for her face.

Razia intercepted him and brought his hand to her cheek. “Oh, the delights I could show you,” she said, kissing his palm. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to make his breath catch and to take her seriously. “But I have a party to start, now don’t I? Why don’t you and I set your crew up first and then we’ll talk.”

“Mm.” Rex took his hand back and nodded. “I’m in no rush. It’s time to let the children play. I’ll have my own fun later. Shall we?” He offered her his arm.

She took it. This was not the kind of hiccup she expected to be sent her way, but it figured Cicero zeroed in on something to use against her. Razia didn’t know if Cicero knew about her temporary monogamy or just suspected something along those lines, but damn him for being right anyway. They’d just gotten together, what was she going to do, break that agreement at the first time it became convenient? Absolutely not.

It was a shame, too. Any other circumstances Razia would’ve been all for it. Rex wasn’t bad looking and he carried himself with an easy, genuine confidence. There was lust in his eyes, sure, but it hadn’t turned him into a jackass. Yet. That didn’t necessarily mean he would take no gracefully. The solution was to not have to tell him no, and to put it off as long as possible.

When they made it to the atrium, she left him and went into the kitchen. Tricia was already alert and grabbing trays and filling them with mugs and bottles of wine, mead, and beer.

“I didn’t know what to get so I grabbed a bit of everything,” said Tricia.

“That’s fine sweetie, that’s perfect. You been keeping up on your cooking?” Razia grabbed some bottles and helped arrange them on the trays.

Tricia made a face. “Well enough. What should I cook?”

“Grubs and dessert, but start with grapes, figs, and oranges. Light fare to start, then bring out something savory and finish with something sweet for after they’ve had their fun.” Razia took the tray and went back in.

The two groups had mixed well, for the most part. Quirrinel stood apart from everyone, watching the goings on with a familiar interested expression, but everyone else had someone by their side. Just as Razia suggested, Lucy was with the woman with the long hair, giggling over something said as the woman played with Lucy’s hair. The other female crew member was, surprisingly, sitting sideways in Rocco’s lap, drinking from his glass. That wasn’t nearly as unexpected as the stocky man with the face tattoo had his tongue halfway down Cullen’s throat. The others paired up with roughly who Razia imagined.

Razia wove her way around the room, stopping to let everyone grab their drinks, ever mindful of Rex’s eyes on her as she checked in with each pair. Most were content to talk at first, some of the mercs telling outlandish stories while their captive audience made all the right sounds to show they were captivated. Others, like Kelli, were already being kissed and fondled out in the open. The Garden had never devolved into an open orgy before, but Razia wouldn’t put it past this group.

Just as her tray was empty, the door to Samantha’s room opened and Samantha’s client walked out. Everyone turned to him and he froze. Slowly, as if afraid to startle them, he shuffled off to the side and then out the front door. Samantha came out, looking around at a room that was a lot fuller than she remembered. “Hey there,” she called out, catching on. “Is it a party?”

That got her a cheer as the mercenary crew lifted their drinks and made some noise, while their partners were only fractions of a second behind them to celebrate. Samantha met Razia’s eyes, following a jerk of the head over to Rex. The redhead draped herself over the man, who finally tore his gaze away from Razia. Maybe Samantha could knock a round or two out until he was too tired to want more.

Tricia came out with a platter full of snacks. She wove in and out of pairings, stopping to lay out trays on the various tables. As she passed one of the mercenaries looked away from Lynne long enough to notice Tricia. He pinched her ass as she passed, making her jump and whirl around on him. Razia was moving before she realized it, closing the distance and grabbing the man by his short beard.

“None of that,” she said sweetly, tugging harder. “Any of our adults are available. Tricia here’s off limits.” Razia released him. From the corner of her eyes she saw David put his hand on his weapon but stayed by the wall for now. He had enough sense to wait until he was needed, at least.

The mercenary didn’t know whether to be surprised, upset, or go along with it. His eyes narrowed at her, and Razia could practically feel the growl rise in his throat before she heard it. Lynne jumped in, grabbing his hand and placing it under her shirt. Slowly, the merc’s eyes slid off Razia and back to Lynne. Shrugging, he went for it, leaving Razia to hurry Tricia out of the room.

“I’m okay,” Tricia said, breathing a little hard when they were back in the kitchen. “So, grubs and bread, then maybe bake something for dessert.”

Razia put her hands on her shoulders and squeezed. “Forget the bread and grubs, but something a little sweet for when they wear themselves out would be good. For your safety, maybe you should stay in here.” Tricia nodded gratefully, She looked past Razia’s shoulder and Razia followed her gaze. Quirrinel stood in the entryway, looking nervous.

“Are you sure I shouldn’t leave?” he asked.

Razia shook her head. “No. You want some honesty Senior Q? They might try to bully you and Rocco, but you being here might just make them behave a little better, if it means not pissing off their leader. You’re fine, I promise you. Quentin will want to see you when he gets back.”

“Well,” Quirrinel said, scratching the back of his head. “Can I at least help? So she doesn’t have to risk getting her ass grabbed,” he nodded towards Tricia.

Razia took his hands in hers and squeezed. “That’ll be perfect, thank you. Stay on the edges and if you see empty bottles just replace them with full ones. We really appreciate it.”

The genuine smile on an otherwise rough face was pure Quentin. Razia had to fight to avoid giggling at the similarities before ducking back out.

It was about what she expected. Half of them were still talking and laughing, but the other half knew what they wanted and were going for it. Lynne joined Kelli in being topless as their men devoured their lips and necks on the couch. Samantha hung off of Rex, but he only had eyes for Razia. She ignored him for now and went over to the corridor that led to the baths.

“For anyone who wants a bit of privacy or the ultimate in relaxation, I recommend the bath as you take your time and enjoy yourselves,” she said after clearing her throat for attention. Tenchi and his merc slid off the couch and headed her way, as did Lucy and her woman. That stirred the rest of them well enough. Kelli led her man back to an open room, while Lynne’s partner seemed content to go for it out in the open. The other remaining mercenaries didn’t care, and neither did her girls. Cullen’s tattooed man all but tore Cullen’s pants open.

It was silly, Razia reflected, how she expected to direct things. Everyone was doing fine enough without her guiding them. Her people knew how to work a crowd and were tough. There were several times when one of them got a little excited or rough and they’d deal with it. Kelli rolled her partner over entirely, straddling him on the couch and getting more aggressive in response. Jenna responded to hands around her throat by doing the same to him, ending in them crashing against each other in a fierce kiss before she dragged him off to her room.

That meant there was no more putting it off. Rex came up beside her and put his hand on her shoulder. “They certainly didn’t waste any time. How do you deal with being in the middle of all of this without being horny all night long?” he asked, eyes locked on the scene before them.

“Sometimes, it makes the job easier,” said Razia. “With sex happening everywhere, it’s easy to stay in the mood and perform. Sometimes it’s obnoxious and you want a break. Times like this? I’d say it feeds into each other. Your crew all pent up?” She looked up at him, tolerating the hand on her shoulder but getting no closer.

“You could say that,” he chuckled. “Spent the last week ferreting out spies and sending them to meet the Darkstar. It’s been a week of intense hunting and plucking out eyes. Difficult, delicate work that leaves a man tense afterwards.” His hand trailed down her back, stopping just shy of her ass.

“Piro’s spies?” Razia asked, equal parts pleased and irritated. It was good to get rid of the spies, but bad that he had a legitimate reason to expect gratitude from her. It truly was irritating that her hands were bound.

“Mm.” He gripped her hip and pulled her closer to him, walking the fine line between assertive and respectful. “Cicero decided it was time for a purge. We went for some known agents, and used them to dig deeper. We found someone near here, even. All of this to say,” Rex chuckled, leaning down closer to her, “is that we’re holding up our end of things. And I’ve been looking forward to the perks of a new partnership.” He pressed his lips where her neck met her shoulder.

Razia shuddered. This was bad. She had trouble seeing any outcome where this ended well. The path of least resistance was to go along with it and beg forgiveness from Quentin after. She couldn’t do that. Not again. But how could she refuse? What happened when he took it poorly and decided to punish them all for it?

She reached up and cupped the back of his head, pressing him deeper into her neck. “Then you’ve given me plenty of reasons to be grateful, Rex,” she said, letting out a ghost of a groan. “I wonder if you have what it takes to fully appreciate my gratitude.”

Rex stiffened. “What do you mean by that?”

Razia laughed, moving closer until she was against his crotch and she felt his growing erection pressed up against her ass. She pushed against him, making him groan. “What I mean is that you Orchrisans are all about fast and furious pleasure, no hesitation or patience. In the Archipelago, we do things a little differently. We draw things out, really explore that line where agony becomes ecstasy…”

Rex’s other hand went to her hip. He grabbed her by the waist as they ground together. Razia felt her way through it, moving against him and pulling away when he tried to thrust back. He let out a frustrated groan. “I think I understand what you mean…” He licked his lips. “And how long do you draw it out?” His hands went up her body, cupping her breasts.

She groaned, turning it into a heady, distracted laugh. “Hours,” she whispered. “If you think you can keep up with me.”

His groan told her all she needed to know. Now all she had to do was waste his time.