VIP Area, The Casino Bar (Crown Prime Casino; PM to Join)

[Crocell]

The Crown Prime Casino; VIP Lounge - Casino Bar ​

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Located within the Casino Bar of the Crown Prime Casino, entry into the area is tightly controlled. The VIP lounge is reserved for individuals who prove the proper authentication, and have been approved to meet with "Management"; whether under the pretense of legitimate business, or by connection through Underworld Contacts.​

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Security is high, and the area is guarded by no less than 4 well-armed & suited blank-faced men with cold eyes and hidden weapons. A powerful camera monitors the entrance, which is marked by a red marquee at the rear of the bar. The door is locked, and may only be opened after speaking with the bartender - who operates the door by remote. As the area is within the Casino's secure section, most guests will not enter the location armed, but the guards can (and will) search any visitors entering the area. Not even presenting an official waiver signed by the Casino will grant entry to someone carrying a weapon.​

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Within, the area is beautifully decorated & lit by soft lighting. A private server is on hand; a human woman, blonde haired & blue eyed, will provide drinks & smokes free of charge. A fire roars quietly in a nearby fire place, and the seating is exceedingly comfortable. Soft music, classical in style, plays over hidden speakers.​

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Ivory Stroud, Caporegime of the Family, occupies this area and utilizes it as her personal meeting space. She will be notified immediately upon the arrival of any guest into the VIP area.​

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[member="Ahtemis"]​

 

[Anton Nadramie]

Not known for being punctual, but perhaps this was also in part to his new resurgence in the scene. Rumors circulated his name and he did not seem to mind as the higher society of the Casino seemed to mutter his name and gossip to punctuate it. Giving up his cane and a black briefcase to the guards he gave a soft bow to the man in question before being led towards the VIP Lounge with a deep purple skinned Twi'lek hanging on his shoulder. Eyes a golden shade with the iris matching the sclera, she seemed more than happy to be there with such a well dressed man. She on the other hand wasn't afraid to show some skin in contrast to his traditional business suit.

Entering the warm lounge he took his suit jacket and handed it off to some of the help before making his way into the lounge deeper. Taking a seat near the fire he watched it burn. The guard in front had recieved very specific instruction in correlation with a transcript showing the previous dialogue between the owner and the man in question.

'This item is to be sent to the lounge where Miss Stroud will open it. You may preform any checks on it you deem necessary but Do Not tamper with the gift wrapping. It'd break her heart.'

So now he waited, the Twi'lek he entered with grabbing two fine wines for each of them before sitting half on the couch and half in his lap. Looking like the happiest girl in this lounge wasn't a hard feat with only two present but even if there were fifty other candidates that bright smile might still be the exclusive winner.

 

[Crocell]

The guests hadn't been waiting long before a door opened soundlessly behind them. The blonde woman at the bar glanced up from the glass she'd been cleaning, spying a ripple of movement before another woman stepped through the door - painted fingernails clutched the doorknob and gently pulled it shut. The noise would have been audible, though just barely, over the din of music playing overhead. Multicolored lights swirled from the corners of the room, bathing the walls and floor in puddles of vibrant color... The fireplace nearby cast a soft living glow into the room, with tendrils of flame licking the air hypnotically.​

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The woman whom had entered the lounge was dressed in a short black dress and worn red leather boots; the caps of the toes capped with silver (which was engraved in an unfamiliar pattern, and spoke of miles traveled). Around her left wrist, she wore a leather cuff decorated with a number of beads, and she wore a few rings on both her hands. Long, slender fingers ended in nails painted red, accentuating her boots. Her neck was bare, and her hair poured down her shoulders like a tenebrous waterfall - raven-black and styled in a unique mohawk, with one side of her head entirely shaved. Across the patch of skin lay a number of tribal designs tattooed into her flesh; colored, oddly, to look like her hair but was permanent. Deep violet eyes, a most unusual color, were vibrant and alive... Capable of penetrating to the core of a person in an instant; an existential scalpel. She had a number of piercings, including her ears, nose, sternum, and lip, and her body had been inked in some places; stories of past events, memorials, and cartoonish drawings which appeared to have been done by the roughest needle.​

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The woman strode up to the area where her guests were seated, giving them each a smile immediately as she entered the space. She moved like liquid, every action measured; predatory, sensual, and self-assured.​

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The raven-haired woman took a seat directly opposite the couch where [member="Anton Nadramie"] and his purple-skinned Twi'lek companion were lounging. In her right hand, the newcomer held a familiar parcel... the same package which had been presented to one of the guards outside. The Crime Lord crossed one leg over another, sitting quite comfortably in the seat she'd chosen. She was completely relaxed.​

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"Mister Nadramie, I'd like to thank you, personally, for joining us at the Crown Prime Casino... I am Ivory Stroud. It's a pleasure to meet you." ​

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The way she spoke screamed "Coruscant"; the way she formed her words in a melodic tone, equally sweet & violent to the ears, and measured to please. "It seems you've brought me a gift..." She said, setting the package down on a table beside her and eyeing the man with a half-grin on her lips. "Perhaps, two." She continued, a heartbeat later, with a momentary shift of her eye toward his companion. The way Ivory grinned indicated humor, as it was likely she was kidding.​

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Wasn't she? ​

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[member="Ahtemis"]​

 

[Anton Nadramie]

Two chilled glasses and a black case separated the two of them. The distance not so far regardless despite being accentuated by the girl on his side, disallowing him to come and greet the tatooed woman properly he instead motioned for one of the glasses to which his companion reached down and gave him one. Raising up a small toast a smile stretched across his face in a natural and sincere way. The bright pearl cufflinks, the suit without tie, and his long wavy hair that made most women jealous. Grey eyes matched his hosts with no fear of their intensity, his reflective silver showed little emotion other than the smile that he wore also imprinted there.

"Well Miss [member="Ivory Stroud"], I'm so terribly sorry. I'd shake your hand but this one is rather comfy and I hate to disappoint a lady. However, with such a fine host I'm almost embarrassed I felt the need to bring on a date."

A soft chuckle followed his words as he nodded towards the box. "As for gifts, we'll start with just one for now." The girl nuzzled into him more, as if she wasn't fazed by their banter. Pointing towards his own glass he made her watch before pointing towards Ivory's and then flicking his hand up before resting it back at his lap. Purple digits trailed out and grabbed the stem of the other glass and moved it closer to its new owner across the table before she returned to her comfortable nuzzling state. "I'm sure you'll enjoy it, a token of my appreciation for granting me access to such a fine establishment."

If and when she would open it, the protective shell and foamy layers hid inside a silver and black piece. About eight inches long before curving softly towards one side. An amethyst button inlaid with a shining exterior of that precious metal only second to gold. Two prongs on the top and bottom of this hilt coming out like a dagger's blade and accentuating the exiting port on the straighter end. Unmistakably, from his name belonging to Nadramie Corp and the design alone. This was a Lightsaber, with a glowing purple crystal aside it cased in a smaller glass vial alongside the hilt.

"A cute bird told me that you liked purple. So I was sure to bring only what you would find pleasing. I even swapped out the crystal of my cane for the occasion, but your men confiscated it before I could flaunt its style. Though yours? It's much more accessible now isn't it?"

 

[Crocell]

Ivory reached out, taking the glass from the table with a small smile. She brought it to her lips, taking a sip as she listened to the man speak.. The Casino was a fine establishment, indeed, and proving to be one of her greatest achievements. She was flattered the businessman had come bearing gifts.. He seemed to understand how to give respect, and had brought her a tribute. That certainly counted for something.

Ivory reached toward the box, depositing her class beside it, picking it up and rolling it around, inspecting the beautiful packaging. "It's almost a shame to open it..." She said, glancing at the man and his purple-skinned companion with a coy smile. Then, she began to tear into it.

She was not the type to open it neatly & carefully... instead, she shredded the packaging like a Vornskyr having caught its' prey, seeking access to the innards... the guts... the bloody core. Within the space of a few heartbeats, the shredded remains of the wrapping paper (in all its' pretty glory) lay on the floor, discarded, and Ivory opened the box.

What she saw there caused her eyes to light up - a plainly obvious expression of excitement and awe. She'd never owned a lightsaber before.

The Femme-Fatale reached into the box, extracting the masterfully crafted cylindrical object from within and holding it in her hands, admiring it. It was heavier than she'd imagined and cool to the touch, but she could anticipate the raw power contained within the seemingly-innocuous device. She knew what a lightsaber was truly capable of. Her violet eyes regarded [member="Anton Nadramie"] carefully; equal parts wary and surprised.

"Certainly not what I expected, Anton... but absolutely delightful. I assume it's a creation of yours?"

 

[Anton Nadramie]

Beautiful and dangerous, just as his father had warned him all women were. Some in politics that could kill you with words, and those like [member="Ivory Stroud"] who would do it the inverse way. Those fine hands of hers going from dainty to claws made his eyes widen a bit, before that expression left his eyes to his smile. Like a child opening a present, the largest box to be precise. Anton had lost that ability to bear such excitement from things long ago. It made him humble to watch her enjoy his present in such a way. Certainly much more appreciative than some others he had offered his craftsmanship for. All that energy stopped as the contents were plucked like the heart a prize of the mangled corpse. Leading into awe of the weapon presented.

"Yes, though not solely by me. Lightsabers and the crystal next to yours are my business. I used to be a rather popular service with my custom lightsabers. Now I'm mostly selling stock models to civilian types." Clearing his throat a bit his hand squeezed the thick thigh of his companion as he corrected himself.

"Well, let me fix that. It's not that I sell lightsabers, that's illegal and the trade confederation would've put me to the stake years ago. So I found a loophole. My father produced and sold Kyber Crystals. I took it a step further and established Nadramie Sabers. With the intent of arming the common man and dispelling the mystical nature of the weapons." Reaching for his cane he found it wasn't there with a frown. The girl ran a finger across his cheek and pressed into his neck with her face at the sight of his expression. Looking back to Ivory he continued still.

"Not to mention, they're damn classy. A symbol of status, but they're taken away from you in clubs like this. Which I can't say is unwise."

 

[Crocell]

As her companion began speaking, Ivory set the cylindrical weapon; the quintessential symbol of Jedi & Sith alike, down on the table and picked up the small vial which contained the luminescient crystal within. She inspected it, studying it as an appraiser might study any precious stone; taking note of its' facets, its' vibrant color, and the soft *hum* she imagined she'd feel in her palm if she held it. Anton continued, explaining his intent to provide such items to "The Common Man"; an idea Ivory wasn't particularly keen on, but accepted nonetheless. The Family had enough resources that if "the common man" began carrying lightsabers, it wouldn't hurt them - perhaps, however, it might hurt their competitors. Which were few.

She waited for him to finish, looking beyond the crystal at him; making eye contact and holding it until placing the small vial gingerly down beside the lightsaber hull. The raven-haired Mafiosi folded her hands in her lap, one leg crossed over the other, as she regarded him coolly...

When she spoke, she was all business:

"You've brought me quite a gift, indeed, Mr. Nadramie... but it makes me consider your position. Surely," She said, offering an open palm facing upward, "You can appreciate, as a business-man yourself, my curiousity."

"What can I do for you?" She asked, and it was not an idle question.

The man had offered her a gift fit for Royalty, had entered into her home and paid respect - she knew this was no social call.

If he had business to discuss, now would be the time to explain his visit.

[member="Anton Nadramie"]

 

[Anton Nadramie]

The smile on Anton's face turned from wide grin to wicked smirk. Playing with the ear and trailing down her lekku, it stroked the piece softly making her giggle before he rested said hand on her shoulder. Giving a soft sigh he watched [member="Ivory Stroud"] lay the weapon and its ammunition down. Anton had heard rumors on the way in, and wasn't a man not to do research on his partners. This girl however kept her teeth clean and it was hard to find an entry. Though the rumors might've been enough, so knowing that he was in a den of wolves he did well to watch his words.

"Ma'am... you flatter me. If we're talking strictly business I'd love to outfit you properly." Squezzing the shoulder of his partner he chuckled. "You may not like her style so I of course mean with what you have in front of you. I've heard this Casino is larger than I have seen. More than the room I entered and this one." Motioning for his drink the girl grabbed it and handed it to him again letting him take a fair drink. Mainly to build suspense.

"You must have quite the number of bouncers. Soldiers maybe if you've got cargo to protect like I do. While at the same time I think that these lightsabers, now that you've seen the quality could both protect and be used as gifts for the investors that helped make this casino possible." Anton Nadramie's record was one hundred percent clean. A boy born into a wealthy family, had negotiations done to stop slave work in his mines and replace them with robots while hiring on the people to work in the new lightsaber factories as well as the crystal refineries. Yet here he was, in this place.

"Even with my affordable prices, if you were to make a large quantity of custom orders. It may slow down the availability of my product to the public. But if there are other casinos popping up as nice as this one maybe that's a good thing."

 

[Crocell]

So, he possessed more than a cursory understanding of her Organization's Business, Ivory noted.

She waited until he'd finished, pausing for a few moments to form her response carefully:

"You are clearly a shrewd businessman, Anton. Surely, with products as finely crafted as these," She indicated the cylindrical object with a wave of her hand as a flash of rainbow-colored light bounced off the silvery metal hull, "You would have to be. Manufacturing any form of weaponry is a risky business indeed... and I believe you made the right choice by coming here today."

"In order for us to come to a mutually beneficial arrangement, The Family would require certain agreements be followed: Firstly, that should we make an agreement today, that on your word of honor, you would not turn around to our competitors and offer the same deal. The Family would agree to provide you business... both in future orders as well as custom requests."

"Secondly," She continued, reaching out to obtain the small vial which contained the sparkling purple crystal within - holding it between them as she appraised it, noting its' facets, its' opalescent color, and its' dim luminescence, "The Family obtains first-choice of all your stock, present & future, before it's release to the general public. If the quality of your workmanship compares to what you've brought me, today, I can assure you..." She smiled at him, lowering her arm and dropping the hand which held the stone into her lap, "this will be a fine investment for the future."

"Finally, Mr. Nadramie, I assume you understand that the price of one lightsaber gifted today cannot hope to compare with the rise in both interest & revenue you'll see within the first year. Therefore, what you are truly asking is for a Favor."

"As such, in recognition of the bond of friendship we strike here today, The Family may approach you one day in search of a service you'll be in a position to provide. This service will not place you at risk, nor will it damage your own business in any way, but in agreeing to assist us, The Family will see your gesture as a token of respect and kindness."

Ivory smiled at him, eyes steadily holding his gaze. Her lips had parted into a friendly smile.

"Do we have an agreement?" She asked, after a breath's pause.

If he agreed, she would rise and cross the small space between them, offering her right hand to be shaken; if taken, it would be firm yet supple. She clearly did not expect him to disturb his Twi'lek companion, the gorgeous woman plainly comfortable & listening to the discourse. Up close, Ivory radiated sensuality - she smelled of essential oils which covered the faint trace of a cigera.

[member="Anton Nadramie"]

[member="Ahtemis"]

 

[Anton Nadramie]

The deal was air tight, in favor of this family of course but he expected that. Only one stipulation was to be made, but a minor one indeed. That smile shone in his eyes again as he had hit the nail on the head. No normal family would be so big as to supply his business for a year let alone the promise of more. A hand rose up and pulled some of his natural brown hair, curled by birth back some to drink in this womans form with both his excited eyes.

"[member="Ivory Stroud"], you flatter me to no end. With a family as large as yours I can assure you'll feel very protected. The same will be true for all the assets each of you have acquired." Those eyes glinting that mischievous evil that sank from the walls hidden in this place. "And the ones you seek to obtain of course."

Mulling it over a moment he spoke his objection with his soft tones. "I still have an obligation to my sponsers. To fund the research they provide and serve any orders they have. Though I don't see what that would prevent me from showing off what goodies specific military factions are funding to this fine, fine woman sitting before me today. While also a few said items being lost in transit wouldn't stir up too much trouble would it?"

Then she began to make her way over to him to which he patted the Twi'lek's shoulder motioning her off. She gave a pout with her large painted lips but Anton's hunger for contact had shifted to the far more interesting woman in the room. Standing up he shook the soft hand she offered. "I accept fully, I've always been a family man. Supporting such a respectable, and noble caste of people doesn't scare me at all." Anton was in the lions den, surrounded by deadly forces and yet... his fangs shown back.

 

[Crocell]

Ivory offered him a grin; understanding this man might be one to keep close.

She shook his hand, her demeanor immediately changing into that of an old friend... as-if they'd known each-other for all their lives. Their hands released and the raven-haired woman stepped back, giving his Twi'lek companion a wink. "Then I look forward to our business together. Please enjoy the hospitality of the Casino... I'll have a credit limit declared and attached to your Ident-Cards, and I hope you enjoy your stay with us. Please enjoy everything we have to offer... if you need anything specific, please refer your questions to one of the attendants."

"As far as our business goes, you and I will likely not meet again... I'll be referring you to one of my Associates, who will contact you for the details per our agreement." Ivory nodded her head toward her guests, before returning to her seat and retrieving the hull of the lightsaber she'd been gifted - the crystal vial had mysteriously disappeared.

If there was nothing else, Ivory would offer a final goodbye, then make her way out of the small seating area through the same door she'd entered, leaving them to enjoy their time however they would.

(Special Thanks to you, [member="Anton Nadramie"]! I greatly enjoyed this thread, and am open to more... Please check your inbox shortly. for a PM)​

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[Sal Valentino]

This situation was unfavourable for Salvatore. It seemed that somebody was aware of his dwellings into the underworld of Coruscant. If this information was to reach the right people, or the wrong people from Sal's point of view, his entire enterprise could be jeopardised and he would be left out to hang for the law enforcement.

The Crown Prime Casino. This is where he was instructed to meet. Sal had been aware of this location but had yet to visit it, due to his remission into a highly privatised life. Unwilling to be exposed so soon after beginning this new life, Salvatore found himself at the casino. If all went to plan, he would be able to strike a deal with whoever sent the message and maybe even get the names of any snitches. Two birds with one stone. He wore a simple suit, suitable for evening activities and arrived in an indescriptive black car on his own. The message had read he was permitted to have two armed guards with him, however Sal thought it would be best to not show any weakness towards these people.

Little attention was given to the ageing man as he passed through the security checkpoints and he soon found himself at the bar area. This was exactly where he had to be. His exceptional memory was able to recall what he had to do, and so he would approach the bar and request a "Sullustan Sunrise on the rocks". Once this was done, the bartender directed him towards a set of doors which would presumably head towards the VIP area.

This was it. Salvatore would meet now meet the person threatening his livelihood. Would they turn out to be friend or foe?


[member="Ivory Stroud"]

 

[Crocell]

The VIP area beyond the Casino's bar was an intimate affair, with an entrance guarded by suited men with hard eyes; her visitor had been checked, though they'd been courteous, and upon verifying he was unarmed, they allowed him beyond.​

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A short hallway opened up into a luxurious & spacious lounge area, adorned by a number of options for comfortable seating as well as a full bar, manned by a single blonde woman dressed professionally, all in black. An open dance floor to one end of the room lay before a raised dais - obviously a section for live music & small gatherings. The lights were dimmer than elsewhere in the casino, providing soft, ambient illumination interspersed by slowly shifting colors of all shades of the rainbow - accentuating & enhancing the room's dark & mysterious feel. Soft Jizz-tunes, devoid of vocals, were piped through hidden speakers, and near the bar, in a seating area with a number of chairs & a couch facing a small table, a fire crackled peacefully in an enclosed brazier.​

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Sitting in one of the chairs, facing the entrance, was a woman. On closer inspection, she'd appear quite lovely in an alternative fashion - black hair curled in upon itself and was cut in a unique mohawk style, with the left side of her skull shaved & adorned with tribal designs. She possessed a number of piercings, though none distasteful - in fact, they seemed to work in perfect unison with her steady lavender gaze, accentuating her beauty and lending an alluring & unpredictable nature to her relaxed posture.​

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As [member="Sal Valentino"] entered, the woman stood.. slender & athletic, dressed in a knee-length black dress which revealed an exquisite neck-line, red leather boots capped in silver upon the toes, and a number of pieces of jewelry adorning her fingers & ears. Resting just beneath the hollow of her throat was a tiny point of purple light - neatly matching her eyes as it sparkled with it's own internal light. The discerning eye would recognize it as a Kyber Crystal, and it hung upon a chain.​

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The beautiful creature stepped away from her chair as Sal approached, and her lips blossomed into a welcoming & genuine smile - which never passed within a light-year of her eyes.​

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"Mr. Valentino, is it? So glad you could make it, this evening... I trust there were no issues, checking in?"​

 

[Sal Valentino]

The brief greeting from the young lady made it clear to Sal that thios was the character he was here to meet. A small, well-dressed girl in her late 20's was definitely no what was expected. In this business those in charge were usually Hutts, such as Duchess Opara, who Sal Valentino had eliminated in the previous months. This was a change, a welcomed one at that.

The crime lord would approach his host as he replied, "There were no issues getting here. The only issue I have right now is why I am here." The reply was blunt and to the point, an attempt by Sal to assert himself and make his stature known. As of now, this woman held all the cards; she knew who Sal was, and more importantly, she knew what he was. Meanwhile, Salvatore knew very little about who she was or why he was here. It was an unfavourable situation.

The ageing man would come to a stop just before reaching the fellow crime lord. "I hope that we can skip all the luxuries tonight. I want to know why I'm here this evening." Again the reply was straightforward and offered very little to be analysed.


[member="Ivory Stroud"]

 

[Crocell]

The man's quick & blunt response did not seem to phase the woman in the least. She held his gaze, keeping natural eye contact. She offered the man a genuine smile, perfectly white teeth glittering like diamonds in the ambient lighting. While she might have been somewhat shorter, it was clear she was not the type easily intimidated; she was dressed quite classily, but nearly all of her visible flesh was covered in tattoos of every shape, size, color & description. She was starkly "other" - cold as the snows of Hoth.

She waved him to a seat, facing hers; between them, a small table. The room's luxurious atmosphere would be remarkably inviting, but she was not one to rush the experience. "Please, have a seat. A drink?" She asked, turning her head to look behind her, toward the bar - and the blonde woman behind it immediately galvanized into action. If he desired something, he need only mention it and it would be delivered. Or, Ivory would be the only one drinking. It mattered little to her.

Ivory sat, awaiting the serving girl & smiling at Sal. Her eyes were as dead as a shark's. "Very well, then... Mr. Valentino, my name is Ivory Stroud. I apologize for the secrecy, but I'm sure you can understand. Until the moment you showed up here, this evening, I wasn't sure you were actually going to come... and I'm glad you did."

At that moment, the blonde waitress approached, and Ivory took her drink - a glass of Dom'aine, an expensive & luxurious Vino which hailed from a single Winery in the entire Galaxy. She said nothing until the girl had left again.

Ivory sipped her wine, then sighed contentedly before continuing, "It seems that, by the hand of Fate, our paths cross... You see, I represent an Organization not dissimilar to yours -" The way she looked at him was matter-of-fact, and in that moment, he would have been able to see a ferocious intensity behind her eyes,"-in a number of ways, in fact. You see, it's come to our attention that a... particular hutt... in a particular locale here on Coruscant, was the victim of one of the most brazen, altogether wanton, violent hits in recent history."

She crossed one leg over the other, leaning back in her chair, relaxed & content. Inwardly, however, she was coiled like a Viper.

"May I ask you a question, Mr. Valentino? Were you aware that Duchess Opara was a Slaver, and quite a successful one, too?"