The Baby Bargain

Chapter 37: Harker

Harker led Alison into the bar. "Are you sure you don't want to get some dinner? The food here is excellent."

"No." She sat at the bar, her head almost spinning as she tried to take everything in at once. "This place is beautiful."

"It is nice." He sat next to her.

The Club was elegant but understated. The lighting was subtle, just enough to add mystery. The bar was solid wood with etchings of couples participating in various adult activities along the sides, the couches and chair were upholstered in different shades, some blended into the background while others added a splash of color.

"Why don't I order something for you to snack on." He didn't want a repeat of their wedding night.

"Oh. I'm sorry." The excitement in her eyes changed to concern. "I didn't even think. You're hungry. Let's go to the restaurant." She started to stand.

"Sit." He touched her arm. Her thought and consideration for others always amazed him. He was pretty sure she'd literally give someone the shirt off her back. His eyes darted to her chest. He wouldn't mind seeing that. Maybe he should say he was cold.

"No, let's go eat. I can look around later. I don't want you to get grumpy.

"I don't get grumpy. I'm not a child."

"Ha. You're always grumpy but you're way worse when you're hungry."

"I'm not hungry." He tugged on her hand. "Now, sit down."

"Are you sure? I don't mind going to the restaurant."

The bartender stopped in front of them. "Hey Harker. Miss."

"Bea, this is Alison. Alison, this is Bea, the best bartender here." He'd spent many nights talking with Bea and some of the regulars.

"Nice to meet you." Alison leaned forward, her eyes dancing with curiosity. "What's it like working here? I bet you have a ton of stories." She glanced around. "Is everyone that comes here so...so...perfect. I didn't think people like this existed outside of the movies. Or I guess Hollywood because they are real people. Most of us...."

Alison continued to ramble, and Bea glanced at him with an amused expression on her face.

He shrugged. "She's excited to be here. Bring her a glass of zinfandel and I'll have a bourbon on the rocks."

"Got it." Bea patted Alison's hand. "It's a great place to work. You should talk to Ethan about a job if you're interested. He's always looking for new Pleasure Associates."

"Really?" She sounded flattered. "Do you think he'd hire me?"

"No. Absolutely not." He was not letting her work here.

The two women frowned at him and Alison's big, brown eyes filled with hurt.

"What did I say?"

"Don't listen to him." Bea gave him a disgusted look. "I know Ethan a lot better than Harker and he'd hire you in a heartbeat."

"Oh...shit. No, I didn't mean he wouldn't hire you." He'd fucked that one up big time. "I meant there is no way in hell I'm letting you work here."

"Oh." The hurt fled from Alison's gaze and she grinned but it quickly turned into a frown. "Letting me?"

"Yes. Letting you." He was her husband, damn it.

"Oh. I get it." She had this ability to work everything out in her head to her satisfaction, but she often had it all wrong. "Don't worry. I'd still work for you, but I could work here part-time."

"Ethan hires part-time," said Bea. "You won't get benefits but—"

"I said no." His wife wasn't going to moonlight as a Pleasure Associate. "Why don't you get our drinks?"

"Got it." Bea smirked at him as she walked away.

"Harker, you can't tell me what I can do."

Oh, he could, and he would. However, saying that right now wasn't a good idea. He didn't need to fight, especially not tonight. "You won't have time between working for me and caring for our child."

"Oh yeah. That." Her smiled faded.

"Yeah, that." He couldn't wait to have a kid, to make a child with her and she was dreading every moment.

Bea dropped off their drinks and went to wait on another customer.

"What's going on." Alison's gaze brightened again as she stared across the room. "Looks like people are moving toward that stage. Is there going to be a show?" She turned toward him, not even realizing that she'd pissed him off. "Do you think someone is going to have sex up there?"

"Of course, they are," he snapped. He may as well be the bar stool for as much attention as she paid him. "This is a sex club."

"Who is that guy? Do you know him? He's gorgeous." She literally fanned herself and then her hand clasped onto his forearm. "He's taking off his shirt."

"Yes, I know him." Suddenly he wasn't so sure about Ethan's plan.

Anthony was a very good-looking man. Women found Harker attractive mostly because of his wealth and power but they melted at Anthony's feet just like they did Ethan's.

"What's he like? Is he nice? Mean? Oh..." Her hand tightened on his arm so much he wouldn't be surprised to find nail marks on his skin. "What's he doing? Is that a paddle? What's he going to do to her?"

Good plan or bad, that was his cue. "Do you want to move closer and see?" He wasn't thrilled that her pussy was dripping for Anthony but right now, he'd take her and her wet pussy any way he could get them.

"Can we?" Her eyes sparkled with excitement like a kid with a credit card in a toy store.

"Absolutely." He stood, holding out his hand.

She didn't even hesitate, sliding her small hand into his as she stood.

"Take your drink. You may need it."

"Oh, right." She grabbed her wine. "Are you going to take yours?"

"No." He tossed it back in two gulps.

"Are you ordering another one?"

"No."

"Then why—"

"I want my hands free."

"Why?" Her nose wrinkled as she tried to figure it out in her head.

He bit back a curse. Any other woman would know exactly why her date...her husband wanted his hands free but to Alison, he wasn't a man. That was going to change very soon because if it didn't, he'd probably drop to his knees and whimper at her feet. "Think about it. Why do you think I'd want my hands free?"

"Is this interactive?" Her eyes darted to the stage. "Are we supposed to help...to participate?"

"Of course not." He glared at her. She wasn't going to see him as a man until he fucked her.

"Well, excuse me. You don't have to get so snotty. I've never been to a place like this."

"You're right." Anger wasn't the key to getting him laid. He calmed his temper. "Let me assure you that Anthony doesn't require any assistance."

"Have you...Have you ever done that...on stage?"

"Yes. Would you like to get on stage?" He moved closer to her. "Be tied up. Vulnerable. While everyone watched."

"No." The word came out breathless.

"I think you would." He captured her chin, caressing her soft skin.

"No," she repeated.

"Your eyes say yes." They were alight with anticipation and excitement.

"They...they lie. I could never do that."

"You could. I canshow you." His thumb slid over her lower lip and she opened her mouth slightly.It was the only invitation he needed, probably the only one he was going toget. "You can trust me." He dipped his head, moving toward her mouth.