Part 14

                                    

                                          
Kade's phone echoed with the sixth unanswered ring, the voicemail tone chiming in repeated defeat. I heaved a sigh of resignation, leaving a message with the address and time, my eyes tracing the transforming skyline as the city retreated into the distance. After a journey of over forty minutes, the town car veered into a short drive. A commanding black wrought-iron gate loomed ahead, proudly emblazoned with the word 'Empyrean'. Within moments, it swung open, revealing a mesmerizing drive lined with mature trees and flanked by sweeping fields. I marveled at the proximity of such serenity to the bustling city.
I tried to take it all in, but far too soon, we were pulling into a large circular drive. Everywhere I looked there were construction workers, piles of materials and scaffolding. I glanced down at the black pinstriped business suit and four-inch stilettos and wondered if I'd misread the note, but before I could finish the thought, my car door opened as a hand reached in to help me out.
"Good morning, Alexandra." A man in a well-tailored suit extended a welcoming smile as I stood, the morning sun glinting off his polished cufflinks. "Welcome to the Empyrean Club. As the lead on this project-in-progress, you'll find yourself diving headfirst into the deep end. We've arranged a temporary office in the neighboring carriage house, but it would be beneficial to first familiarize yourself with the grounds. Afterwards, we can discuss urgent decisions and the ones requiring further contemplation. This way, please." 
He motioned toward the stairs leading to a large handcrafted door with intricate carvings. At first, it appeared to be a simple filagree, but when I looked closer, I realized there were scenes depicting all acts of debauchery. The blatantness of the display held my attention so enraptured that I tripped, and two firm hands caught me before I humiliated myself in a splayed mess across the marble foyer.
His scent hit me, and I inhaled deeply, letting it settle on my frazzled nerves. When he was sure I was once again stable on my feet, he dropped his hands and took a step back. I swallowed down the lump in my throat and looked up into his intense gaze.
"You came."
"I always come when I'm called, Mistress." The tension in his answer set my nerves on edge and my body answered by reminding me of its unfinished business.
"Mr. Kinkaid, I presume." The other man put out his hand toward Kade and he accepted. "Now, with the pleasantries out of the way, we really need to get through this tour."
We walked deeper into the foyer and I looked around at the subtle luxury. The Sovereign Society was known for its craftsmanship because they focused on the arts, to near perfection, in its many forms. Now it was on display without a hint of its origins. 
He handed us both hardhat and a folder with the layout. I turned to the first page and worked to get my bearings rather than focus on Kade's smoldering stare.
"The above ground areas boast approximately twenty thousand square feet with an extensive wine cellar, private play rooms, restaurant kitchen and storage, as well as a parking garage on the two levels below, along with other spaces. Upstairs there are three ballroom size play spaces and several double room voyeur areas."
"I'm sorry. Did you say two levels below ground?"
"Yes, Miss Alexandra. I thought they briefed you on the project?"
"It's just Alexandra." I waved a hand in dismissal. "I guess I didn't realize how big it was in real life. Paperwork and all."
The man nodded and led us deeper into the what should be a mansion, though it was transforming into something even more magnificent. 
"As you can see, down this small set of stairs will be a large bar. Those openings over there will boast roll-up glass doors, giving this area an indoor-outdoor ability in pleasant weather. At the opposite end, there is a large infinity edge pool with a patio surround and niches for those who enjoy public outdoor play, along with bootblack stands that look over the pool.