Chapter 2 Bait And Boundaries

I slow down as the familiar building comes into view. Once I get to the gate, I nod at the security man. He opens it without question. No need for explanations. They know me too well by now.

I drive through, park, and get out of the car.

Walking up to the front door, I ring the bell. I'm just about to press it again when the door swings open with force.

Amanda stands there, glaring at me like she wants to strangle me.

"Good afternoon to you too, Amanda," I say with a blank expression.

She rolls her eyes, clearly annoyed. Did I piss her off? Or was she already angry before I got here? Ugh, I don't even know.

"I've told you so many times to stop ringing the damn doorbell. You can literally open the door and come in. This is your home too, Ian." She gives me a sad look as she steps aside.

I sigh. "Alright, it won't happen again," I mumble as I walk past her into the house.

"That's what you said the last fucking time, you dickhead," she mutters behind me.

I pretend not to hear that. Not my business.

"Where are your parents?" I ask, looking around for any signs of them.

"They went on a trip."

"Aww, too bad. They'll miss seeing this handsome face today," I say, rubbing my fingers along my chin in mock arrogance.

Amanda gives me an amused look. "You wish."

I open my mouth to fire back something witty but stop. I remember why I came here in the first place.

I drop onto the sofa, cross my legs, and take off my sunglasses.

"Have a seat," I say, motioning to Amanda, who's still standing by the door.

She raises a brow. "This is my house, Ian. You don't get to tell me to sit."

"Ohh, I see how it is," I say with a smirk.

She walks over and sits down anyway. "So, what's your plan?"

I scratch the back of my neck. "Umm... first of all, what exactly is a BDSM club? I've never heard of that before."

Amanda's playful demeanor fades. She gives me a look, one of pity, and something else I can't quite name. She takes a deep breath before answering.

"Well... a BDSM club is kind of a sex club," she starts cautiously. "There's stripping... shows... and, uh, some kinky stuff."

"Kinky stuff?" I blink. "Can you elaborate a little more on that part?"

"No," she says firmly, face hardening. "That's all you need to know."

"Okay, chill. Relax, jeez."

"I'm sorry, Ian," she says, softer this time. "It's just... I don't know how to explain it properly. The details are kind of... complicated."

"Oh. Alright. I get it." That's a lie. I have no idea what she's talking about.

If it isn't obvious already, I'm an illiterate when it comes to stuff like this. Growing up, my father only taught me about Mafia shit, nothing useful or normal. It's Amanda who's been teaching me little things over time. She's my lifeline whenever I need to understand the world beyond guns and threats.

"So, what's the plan?" she asks again, clapping her hands together.

I smirk. "You seduce him to get the information, while I watch to make sure you're safe."

She glares. "You're unbelievable. Are you using me as bait?"

"No! I'm just saying... you're a woman, he likes women, and you're, well, you're pretty."

"Fine, fine. I'll do it," she groans. "No need to keep convincing me."

"Alright then," I say with a small victorious grin.

She jumps up. "Now, let's get dressed, so we don't look suspicious."

The way she's smiling... it's almost evil. Like she's got something wicked planned.