Chapter 3: I Thought I Knew These Guys

The paperwork was an experience all by itself. Cynthia was amazing; I could watch this woman for hours. Sean’s secretary always seemed cold, but Cynthia worked with her like beer with pretzels. In half the time I would have guessed, two of the security guys were loading up the van, and we were heading for Cynthia’s studio.

Paul and Richard, Mr. Richard’s security men, were cool. We had worked together for three weeks. After hours, we had knocked back more than a few brews. I showed them some of my pics and introduced them to some of the girls. Having them at my back should have been reassuring, but it was not happening. There was something different about those two today. It seemed like Cynthiashe owned them like hired muscle, not someone else’s security detail. Weird. It was just one more thing to set me on edge.

When I saw her place, edgy took on new meanings. Paul and Richard stiffened when they saw it. Nothing was a surprise. We had seen it all in the pictures in her portfolio. But there is nothing like seeing a BDSM studio in person. Everywhere you looked was another way to tie someone up or inflict discomfort or outright pain. Cynthia twirled and watched us take it all in, but never said a word. Then she turned and unlocked a door.