He blinked at her.

“Oh, so you assume I’ve been flitting around, shopping, visiting spas, and lunching with all my friends?”

“Or maybe you were practicing your whip technique?” It slipped out.

“It takes practice, as I’m sure you know. But I am required to work for Okada, according to the terms of my visa. Since I’m going out of the country, we need to shift some instructors.”

“We’ll turn your classes into open exercises and that’ll fix it.”

She shook her head. “I can see that as a solution if I’d be gone only a day or two. But I’m planning to be gone all week.”

His eyes narrowed. “Will this be a regular thing? Because you promised Sensei you’d be fully invested with Black Arts. And now you’re taking off the second fucking week Ronin is gone?”

“I don’t have a choice.”

“Fine. Put Zach in your advanced classes. Chelle can cover your early classes. Then we’ll have open exercises in the others.”

“That makes it easy. Thanks for your input.”

“No problem.”

They stared at each other.

“Is there anything else you need to fill me in on before you jet off to Me-hi-co?”

“No. Just that I . . .”

Knox leaned closer. He’d never seen her flustered. It’d be easy to fall back into his dickish behavior, but he couldn’t quite do it. “Shitake, you don’t have to be embarrassed to admit how much you’ll miss me when you’re south of the border. Word is I’m a really great guy.”

She smiled as he’d hoped she would. “Only in your dreams, Ob-Knox-ious.”

“You’re all set to go?”

“I leave at eleven p.m. so I can make the morning meetings.”

“I don’t envy you the red-eye flight. I used to take that one home when I was on leave. I figured I’d rather sleep on the plane than lose time with my family.”

“You never talk about your family.”

He raised an eyebrow at her. “We can’t act civilized to each other long enough to have a conversation about anything.”

“That’s a fact.”

“But when you get back, we need to talk.” Shit. That sounded like he wanted to revisit their discussion from yesterday. “About Black Arts. We need to revamp the MMA program, and we’ve got a chance to hire the premier MMA trainer.”

“Why is he available?”

“He needs a change. I have a rough idea of Black Arts financials. This guy won’t be cheap, but hiring him could actually solve half a dozen of our problems with the programs. Problems that Ronin hasn’t wanted to face.”

“I’m in agreement that changes need to be made. After I get back, bring me the guy’s name, his salary needs, his qualifications, and we’ll hammer it out.”

“Sounds good. Safe travels.” He turned and started to leave.

She said, “Knox?” as he reached the door.

“Yeah?”

“Black Arts isn’t all we need to talk about.”

He couldn’t look at her when he said, “I know.” Before he said something stupid, he walked out.

CHAPTER FIVE

TWISTED was dead Saturday night.

Knox was in his rotation as bartender. Due to low attendance, he had plenty of time to watch the dozen members who had the lounge area to themselves. Jake and Ginny and were deep in a negotiation. Bill and Joe were facing the fireplace, and the way Joe’s head kept bobbing, Bill was enjoying more than a glass of wine. Master Kirk had Patsy wrapped in a blanket after a scene. Leanne sat on the floor by Mistress Annabelle, rubbing her feet. Two new female submissives were chatting in the corner, sending pointed looks to two Doms who looked like they were discussing sports.

Master Merrick slid into a seat at the bar. “Knox.”

“What can I get you tonight, sir?”

“Tanqueray and tonic.”

After Knox got Merrick’s approval on the drink, he rested his elbows on the bar. “Slow night.”

“It happens. My bottom line doesn’t change if members show up or not. It’s nice to have a break once in a while. Which suits you tonight, since bartending isn’t your thing.”

Knox grinned. “I’m a beer guy, so I’m great at popping tops and pulling drafts.”

“With mixed drinks, it’s all about taking the time to get the ratios right.” Merrick ran his hand through his hair. “I haven’t talked to you in a while. How’ve you been?”