High fucking standards;

        “You got that right,” Making sure to enjoy this moment with Margot, Foster’s grin faltered slightly toward her true statement. Ever since the shooting, every Devil in sight was wide awake, alert and ready for anything. They all kept busy to distract themselves, the dealer included, but at the end of the day, revenge was left on their minds. Following her lead, he copied her strides before answering his friend’s question. “I came here to see Miguel, but i’m quickly realizing I came too late.” He easily confessed, making sure his eyes were glued ahead of them and not distracted by what was inside the box. “I might as well head home, then. Are you walking home too or did you drive here? I’ll offer you my company if it’s not the latter.”

//

“I get most things right, gorgeous.” Margot said without missing a beat. She dug through the box of goodies as he spoke, not caring about preserving any modesty that he might have been trying to have as she laid out one sex toy after another on the front desk. “Ah, yeah sorry. Boss Man Junior isn’t a frequent flyer around here these like some of our other Devilish boys.” She explained, not feeling like it was a secret meant to be kept. Miguel used to be around a lot, but lately he wasn’t and she was sure they could all deduce why that was. “I walked, yeah- silly decision really after everything, but I needed the air.” She admitted, sighing softly before holding up a rather large purple dildo for his consideration. “Does this color say innocent playtime with a side of daddy issues or dominatrix adjacent?” Margot questioned.

Nina closed the door behind her at Margot’s request and was unsure about where this was going to go. She always assumed it was work related, but the way thing’s have been lately it was impossible to tell. It could have been a bout something that had nothing to do with the people in the room. Who knew? Nina gave Margot a smile as she took a seat. knowing that she appreciated the other woman for all she’d done lately. “ Yeah of course. Is it work related?” She asked. 

//

“For the most part.” Margot replied, leaning back in her office chair and regarding the blonde across from her for a moment. “You’re likable, Nina. Very down to Earth and very approachable. It’s hard to find that quality in someone in our field. This kind of work turns people hard, and not in the fun way.” Margot began, eyes trained on the younger woman’s expression as she spoke. “Your approachability and that genuineness is an asset to this studio. It has been primarily so on-camera, but I think that there is more than a little potential for it behind-the-scenes as well.” She went on. “As you know, we’ve been dipping our toe into the world of cam girls and have had a lot of success. We’re ready to expand our roster, but what I need help with is recruitment.”

⊰ 

Miguel was leaning back into the leather chair behind the desk when an abrupt knock came from the door that now swung open. His eyebrows began to raise when the petite brunette made her way into the room only to take a seat on the wooden surface. “For me?” He mused while a hand accepted the envelope with his fingertips easily identifying the bundle of currency that was concealed within the packaging. The male listened to the following command moving from her list with a nodding motion to signal his understanding of the underlying meaning within her words. “When have I said no to you?” The widely known studio acted as a legitimate source of income for the club which could only lead to a heavy target placed on the back of those that entered daily. He admired the woman for asserting what was necessary for the safety of their employees as the driven trait wasn’t common among the lower ranking members that were desperate for control. “It’s on the top of my list,” 

The envelope came to a soft thud on the desk as an inaudible sigh released when the woman continued with the non-negotiable conditions. The male spent enough time at the film studio to understand the clear threat that was presented to not only their employees but to the company they worked to maintain. “Your safety, and the sweethearts are a priority,” He flashed Margot a look of subliminal knowing as their club wouldn’t allow any harm to come to those that risked their life to represent their business. “We will put bodies around the building,” His voice paused when a hand raised to press against a temple as a temporary plan began to voice in his head to ease the concern in her voice. “I will work on the rest,” There was a discussion needed with the enforcers to divide up the responsibilities that would come with providing permanent security for the studio. Miguel leaned the chair forward with a hand reaching for the weighted envelope with his grasp holding out the unnecessary currency that she confidently provided that should be going back into her pocket. “This is our responsibility,” A twitch was visible from the corner of his lips with the envelope began to wave in her direction as the unknown expense would be covered by the club. “Buy your sweethearts something nice,” 

//

“There’s a first time for everything, Fuentes- figured I’d make it impossible to refuse me for other reasons upfront.” Margot countered Miguel’s question with simple fact. It wasn’t in her nature to rely on a man, or honestly anyone in any kind of position of power, to act reasonably. So often those with a little pull seemed to be the worst about not being able to see the most obvious path to success. And they sure as hell didn’t understand a sense of responsibility. Miguel... well, he hadn’t let her down yet, but there was always time.

As her money was offered back to her, Margot narrowed her eyes at the VP. A non-greedy gangster was something that had her suspicions raised even as she slowly reached for the envelope, snatching it from his hand as if expecting him to bite her should she have lingered. “I’m glad you see it that way because if one of my babies get bit for this, there will be hell to pay. You hear me?” Margot said firmly, seeking to hold the higher-up’s gaze, replacing her suspicion with the cutthroat demeanor she much preferred to wear. “Now, what can I do to help you with all this shit?” She asked, suddenly feeling like she owed him despite there having been truth to his earlier statement. This was the Devils’ responsibility, but nonetheless... she still felt that way, and she hated feeling that way.