Part 31 (1/2)
Taddy led Warner through the dance floor. It was staged to resemble the Lollipop Woods. She waved and introduced people to Warner as they weaved their way through the crowds at the Gumdrop Mountains. The marble floors dusted a luminous green. The Baccarat chandeliers dangled from the ceilings.
She spotted Lex and Blake at the bar. ”Did Vive seriously miss this?”
”Afraid so.” Lex sighed.
”I don't mean to sound like a hypocrite as I chug this c.o.c.ktail-but we need to send her back to rehab.”
”Yeah, she's off the pills but I don't know how you get a Farnworth to quit booze,” Lex confessed. She of all people should know after living with Birdie.
”Let's discuss Operation-Vive-Intervention tomorrow,” Taddy said and turned toward her bedroom. She knew Vive could do it. She'd just need a little motivation.
”Where are you two going?” Lex asked, raising her voice as they started off.
”My dungeon,” Taddy shouted after pus.h.i.+ng Warner farther. He walked slowly on purpose, she could tell.
”Dungeon?” He froze.
”You'll see.” She grabbed his hands. ”Come on, Big Daddy. Come on!”
She picked up speed, taking him down a long hallway. They pa.s.sed a roped-off area away from Candy Land and headed into Taddy's personal living quarters. The penthouse walls were decorated in large-scale photos. Most were of her and Lex as young children.
”You're taking me to your bedroom?”
”Sorta.” Taddy opened the double doors.
”Why didn't I see this the other night?”
”Relax.” She led Warner into a large shoe closet. They stood before a mirrored wall. The s.h.i.+h Tzus were sound asleep in their little beds.
”You wanna tell me you have a shoe fetish?” Warner asked.
”That's obvious. But watch.” She slipped the key into the hole.
The walls separated. A vacuumed suction released, and the air streamed a new draft from one room to the next.
”Wow.” Warner stepped into the room. Red leather adorned the walls. There were gadgets and gizmos Taddy guessed he'd never seen.
She kissed his cheek, feeling her naughty girl coming out. ”I know you're not into the rough stuff. But-”
”What?” Warner had to have known she was a bad girl.
”I was hoping we could try.” She tempted him.