Kris’ World

Kris Karlton exited the black SUV flanked by her security team. Along for the ride was Chloe, her most loyal daughter. Chloe wasn’t the most beautiful nor the most useful of her daughters, but she was malleable. She was not unsuccessful not unattractive, but her most useful trait to Kris was her willingness to please. Kim was too influential, too entrenched in her success to do the dirty work. Courtney was too savvy, she worked best behind a desk and not in the way that her family had become successful off the back of. Chloe was insecure, sharp but not strategic, hot but not unattainably, and most of all she craved the approval of her mother more than anything else.

The two Karltons and their security made their way to the entrance of the large estate of the McMahons. It was a countryside manor in England, historical buildings and modern interiors. They were here to meet with Mark McMahon. He was not a native to Britain but he enjoyed the perception of British wealth and the influence that sometimes brought. McMahon was both a competitor and a partner in the world of business for Kris, but they had shared a long history of cooperation broken rarely by attempts to woo the same clients. Today was an important meeting, one that would decide the nature of their business relationship for the coming years. McMahon had taken an interest in some of Kris’ clients and had made more headway than she expected. She needed to stave him off and find a way to send him barking up less lucrative trees.

“Welcome!” Mark said as he exited his study into the main hall. “And I see you’ve brought your beautiful daughter. Chloe, wonderful to see you again.” He kissed Kris’ hand and then Chloe’s.

“You too Mr. mcMahon.” Chloe said politely, doing a little curtsey to suit the formal greeting. They both smiled.

“Good to see you Mark. Thank you for having us out.”

“Of course. I value our relationship and thought it best to demonstrate it. Let’s enjoy lunch before we get into business.”

Mark lead the Karltons to a patio where a table was set for 4. “I thought it was possible Kylie would be joining us now that she is of age.”

“She is still getting up to speed with the family business. I’m sure next time she may be here in Chloe’s stead.” Kris liked to take little jabs at Chloe. It kept her wanting more.

“Well that would be nice, though I would welcome the whole family if that were an option.” Mark said nodding to Chloe. Chloe smiled. They shared a certain kind of friendship. Mark was only ten years her senior and Kris had made a point of having Chloe court him in the early stages of their arrangement only 5 years ago. They took to it but it didn’t last. But it managed to cement a working relationship and that was most optimal to Kris anyway.

They enjoyed lunch, an expensive spread with champagne to boot. The various servants brought the refreshments and waited on the two women literally hand and foot. They reclined in their chairs and posted their feet on the backs of two young men as another two massaged their feet. It was a display of their mutual interest. If they’d requested, they could have taken a break to enjoy the strapping men more thoroughly but they were there for business mostly.

“Right. Well, I think it’s time we discuss the coming year.” Mark said as the afternoon began to warm. “Shall we retire to the study?”

“Yes, let’s.” Kris said and she and Chloe followed Mark inside.

“I have a particular interest on my home turf, the Duke of Westerly that we seem to share. He lives not a few hours from my house and it would be convenient for us to do business. It seems that you have him tied up, as it were, with your fine group of rogues.”

“The Duke and I have been friends for a long time. He trusts my discretion and he has been happy with my service for quite awhile. I see why you might be interested but his interests are expensive and it would be hard to part ways.” Kris knew this was not their main topic of conversation, but it was clearly an attempt to set up the beginning of their negotiations.

“I understand. And what services are you currently providing?”

“It sounds like you already know.”

“I am aware of his particular interests. I’m wondering how comprehensive your business with him is and if there’s any room for me to assist.”

“The Duke, as you know, has an interest in being dominated by scary women, but he does not often want one for more than a month or two. It’s gig work for our employees, but salary for us.”

“That can’t be all.”

“It’s not. He also goes through a considerable amount of blow. I would be willing to give you a leg in to one of those, though I wonder how well you can furnish his voracious consumption of both.”

“A generous offer. What would you like in return?”

“I want exclusivity with Presley.” Kris began the negotiation proper.

“I can’t do that. I’m not even sure you could manage it.”

“I could manage it.”

“We both know its not an option. Senator Presley is a keystone. The loss in access alone is worth more than the Duke’s entire venture.”

“Splitting it is competition I don’t need. I could take it, but I’d prefer not to. My employees need to work.”

“As do mine. These contracts are not cheap as you are aware, and healthcare in the US is a nightmare.”

“All the more reason to cut and run. I could buy you out, or offer a trade to make it happen.”

“It would need to be significant. He is 15% of out revenue.”

“What exactly do you provide?” Kris asked.

“Women willing to take a beating mostly. The most costly kind. But he pays them, and us, well. It’s surprisingly profitable venture.”

“Same for us. Though it sounds like we provide him with more.”

“How much more?”

“He tires of playing with run of the mill sex workers. He sees a woman on Love Island for example and he desires her. He seeks to use her and to break her. Her public image is part of the fantasy for him. To damage something actually valuable.”

“You get him that?” Mark seemed surprised.

“Sometimes, if the money is right. These reality stars are often expendable to the industry after a few years.” Mark and Kris laughed.

“I guess you would know. Tell me, how are things going generally? The girls still paying off your contracts?”

“The girls pay the contracts they’re told. Kim does what she wants. Chloe here is a lynchpin of my negotiations.” She gestured to her daughter. Chloe smiled.

“How about that. You’re the workhorse these days huh? I remember when that was your sisters. How do you like it.”

“It’s good business.” Chloe said modestly.

“I’ll bet it is. Tell me of your greatest escapade. Who deigns to deserve Chloe Karlton.”

“We don’t kiss and tell.” Chloe said shyly.

“Then you shouldn’t have a problem regailing me with most of your stories.” They both laughed. “Come, I must know. Is she treating you okay?”

Chloe looked nervously at her mom. Kris pretended not to notice. “I am in the lap of luxury.”

“And which French prince is Luxury?” He laughed but Chloe didn’t. “I remember back in the day, Kim had to get her asshole tightened after a particularly long string of lucrative deals. They tore her so wide she had to wear diapers and hide in the mansion.”

“It comes with the territory.” Chloe said defensively.

“I mean no offense. I just find the machinations of the Karlton machine fascinating. I get jealous at the thought of your sweaty nights gargling the house of representatives cum.”

“You have a nasty way of flirting.”

“It’s a nasty business.”

“I’ve come to enjoy it.” Chloe said flatly. “I live a lavish lifestyle. My work brings me pleasure most of the time. I get to shmooze with the rich and the powerful. Sometimes to do that you have to eat some ass and gargle some senators cum.” She said nonchalantly.

“Such a gem to be spent whoring for your mother.”

“Alright. That’s enough of that.” Kris said. “It seems our negotiation is over. You may have the cocaine business with the Duke in exchange for 5% of your requests from Presley. That seems a fair offer. Chloe, lets go.”

“I will agree to your offer. But I request one thing in addition. I would like Chloe to spend the weekend with me.”

“It’s Tuesday.”

“Call it the week then.” He smiled. Kris looked at Chloe, she nodded.

“Fine, you may have her. Don’t break her, I need her next week for some meetings.”

“I promise, I will not do any permanent damage.” He grinned at Chloe, she smiled politely back, readying herself for a week of punishment.