“Not even one curse word,” Rainie said in obvious approval.
Andrea nodded. “That’s what mine sounds like when I translate for Cullen.”
As everyone settled back, continuing to refine the plan, sadness swept through Valerie. She was old enough to know the pain of losing Ghost would ease. Eventually.
Until then, it would hurt too much to see Ghost with others, so visiting the club after tonight wouldn’t happen for a while.
But, maybe, she could keep these new friends even if she didn’t see them at the Shadowlands. She’d hate to lose being part of this unique group.
With a bittersweet joy, she savored the feeling of belonging, then set it aside and picked up her planner. Time to make a new list. “All right, my fellow conspirators. Who has a white sheet? Who has a projector?”
In the Shadowlands office, Ghost set two papers on Z’s desk. “Here is my resignation from the manager position and for my club membership, as well.”
Z pushed the papers back toward Ghost. “Neither is accepted.”
A trickle of amusement made Ghost cough. “I realize the submissives in the club consider you God; however, this isn’t your decision.”
“It should be.” Z leaned back in his chair. “Finlay, rumors die, especially when unfounded.”
“The flood of gossip will recede, yes.” Ghost shook his head. “But doubts will remain. If I was merely a Dom, it wouldn’t matter. But you can’t have members distrusting the integrity of the manager—or the Masters. It’s not good for the club.”
“The club would survive.” Z’s gaze was uncomfortably perceptive. “At the moving-in party, you appeared to have a rather lovely reason to keep your membership.”
Ghost stiffened as pain knotted in his chest. She’d turned and walked away. “That…didn’t work out.”
“Are you going to let her go so easily?”
There was nothing easy about it.
But it was a valid question.
Ghost’s jaw hardened. “No, I’m not. I plan to talk with her.” Tonight, since he’d no longer have club duties to attend to. “She deserves the truth so she can make an informed decision rather than one based on lies.”
It still hurt she could believe those lies.
He continued, “Resigning from the club and the job has nothing to do with my relationship with Valerie. Leaving, though, is best for the club.”
“I’m pleased you and Valerie will talk. I disagree about your resignation.” Z tapped his fingers on the papers. “Nonetheless, as you said, it’s not my decision. If you could be kind enough to remain in the position for another week, until I can find someone to step in, I would appreciate it. I’m uncomfortable leaving Jessica when she’s so close to her due date.”
Ghost eyed Z, recalling all too well the man was a psychologist. “I’ve heard Jessica talking about playing the pregnancy card. I hadn’t realized a father-to-be could use it, too.”
Totally unashamed, Z smiled slightly. “We all play the cards we’re dealt.” He folded his hands on the desk and waited.
Damn. Ghost sighed and nodded. “Of course, I’ll stay until you find my replacement.”
It would have been easier to simply walk away, but he owed this man a lot. If Z was worried about his Jessica, then Ghost would remain and handle the flack.
The Shadowlands was incredibly crowded. Had all the members swamped the club in hopes of more juicy gossip? As Natalia circled the bar, her fingers tingled with the need to slap their nattering faces.
But that wasn’t who she was.
Her imagination was excellent—she was an artist, after all—but hitting someone? She wouldn’t.
Not even in fun. She’d far rather be on the receiving end.
Having to work, she’d missed the meeting about Ghost and the rumors, but Sally had filled her in on the plan. Since they didn’t need her to help, she was free to deal with her own problem.
“Hey, Natalia, want to play tonight?” The quietly intense brunette was in her forties and a good Top, but Natalia wasn’t in the mood for play. Not tonight.
Maybe not ever. “No, not tonight. But thank you.”
Ever since she’d told Gabi, Valerie, and Kim about the breakup with Olivia, she’d been thinking about the months with the Mistress. They’d been so happy, yet everything had fallen apart. In the space of a few minutes.
It didn’t make sense.
Olivia totally owed her an explanation.
And after that… Natalia felt tears burning at the back of her eyes.
Maybe it would be better to make a clean break, even if it meant losing her friends, too. Working for Linda, she might still see the Shadowkittens now and then.