The Irresistible Bundle (147 page)

"But that's not really what I want for this place" Nic grips the steering wheel tightly. He's driving like a madman causing a covey of quails to explode out of the woods next to us. "That can initially help generate income until I can complete my project. Then if I choose to keep it, they can be residual income." He continues unconcerned with all the wildlife fleeing at our loud approach.

"What do you envision doing with all this land then?"

Nicholas drives for miles without answering, he merely points out an Ancient Indian Mound as we pass it, forests of oak, pine, and hardwood trees, and a small herd of deer close to the dirt road. "I intend to start making use of this land from this side of the property." He parks the jeep at another entrance to the never-ending plot of land. "There's a brick hunting lodge on this side that needs some updating. Once I've got that ready to go I can have hunters coming in year-round to hunt deer, wild hog, and whatever game birds they find. I think there might be doves and I've seen quail on the property."

"Ducks too" I interject. Eyeing the area I'm sure there are also wild turkeys around, but I doubt Nicholas cares one way or another.

"Exactly" Nic points at me like I won a prize for correctly responding. "There's close to 50 acres of water here not including the river that borders the east side of the property. I need to locate the major duck flats but there are several ponds, creeks, and a decent lake here too."

"You're talking jackpot if they're stocked fishing ponds and lakes." I add. The guys at school talk all the time about getting away for a weekend to hunt or fish.

"They are" Nic smiles brightly. "I don't want to do any touristy stuff but the sellers mentioned that I could do something with the Indian artifacts found on the property."

"Don't" I sharply shake my head; I hate when people try to capitalize on things that should be sacred. "Leave that be, you have enough to work with."

"I agree" He doesn't even hesitate. "I've just got to figure out what I want to do with that area but that isn't an immediate concern. I want to focus on this section of the property for now to get me started. I need to get someone out here who can advise me on the irrigated cropland."

"You're farming the land" I ask incredulously. Nic said he wants to work for himself but I never dreamed he meant he wanted to be a farmer or plantation owner.

"Envision a self-sustaining place" Nic gets that dreamy look in his eyes. "I plan to grow my own stuff here and use it to help offset expenses."

"Like" I exaggerate the word hating that he keeps going off on tangents like this.

"Like fruits, herbs, and vegetables; maybe even cereals and grains. Don't think I want a nursery or anything; something realistic but cost effective."

"What would you need that for? Are you planning on opening a bed and breakfast or spa retreat?" There's too much land for him to say a restaurant. I can't envision him trying to make this place into some kind of tourist destination. Nic doesn't have the patience to deal with idiots.

"Both good ideas" He smirks. "But I want to do something unique to this area. I'll have no competition for hundreds of miles."

Now
he's got my interest. What kind of place does he want to have here? "A nudist colony" I guess from the wicked gleam in his eyes.

Nicholas throws his head back laughing. "Close but no cigar" he rubs his hands together finally eager to share with me. He runs to the car instantly earning a groan from me. Of course he doesn't elaborate as we drive back to our original spot on the other side of the property. He takes a slightly different route this time pointing out the duck flats he finally spots, a glittering lake, and the clearing where the supposed golf range could be. It's not my property but even I'm fucking giddy with excitement.

"Welcome to the future home of
Hedonism
" He boasts.

"Nic" I groan, "A nudist resort versus colony are not that different."

"I'm not talking about that place in Jamaica" he grouses. "Think of the definition of hedonism. Every person that enters my place will have a hedonistic experience."

"Okay" I nod my head grasping where he's going with this. "You're talking more like carnal, sensual; general debauchery."

"Precisely" Nic slaps my back pleased with my response. "
Hedonism
will be a sex club. I'm not sure if I'm going to focus on it being a fetish club so much. I want people to seek me out wanting to be able to get under my roof. This will be their sanctuary for sexual freedom, free of inhibitions, and whatever else I decide it to be. They'll be required to apply for membership to get access. If I do this right they'll be begging, paying to be included."

"So you'll have to build it from the ground up" I finally get where he's going with this. It'll be his baby from start to finish.

"Yes" Nic has this faraway look. "The business plan was designed with the intention of making maximum use of this property. I don't need all 750 acres for
Hedonism
which is why I'm using the west-side for hunting and fishing. The proceeds I generate from there can help fund the construction of the estate and everything affiliated on this side of the property. I expect that I'm going to need some investors unless I find a bank to finance the golfing range and reconstruction of the stables and use those as additional revenue sources until
Hedonism
can pay for itself."

"Solid plan" I agree. "If you have willing investors you can flirt with the idea of permanent membership rather than a percentage of the business until they're paid off."

"I like that" His eyes widen. "I need to jot that down." He says as he taps away at his smart phone.

I look around trying to envision what he's saying. Most of the sex clubs I've heard of are small concealed places. No one advertises what they're selling but Nic sounds like he wants to do the exact opposite. "Okay so do you plan to restore that thing" I motion to the rotted foundation and overall sad-looking building.

"I've been advised that it'll cost more to even attempt that and since this place isn't on any national registry list for historic places, I'm good to go. I'm focusing on making the most of the summer. I want this place generating income as soon as possible while I draw up plans for the estate and develop a layout for the overall property."

"You could keep the entrances separate for everything" I voice my thoughts aloud. "Add or adjust the entrance for your golf course when it's finished; keep the two you have right now, maybe add one for the cropped farmland..."

"I intend to hire people to be on the property fulltime. I have enough land to build small staff houses or guest houses depending on what I plan to do with everything." Nicholas taps his chin lost in thought.

"That's really ambitious" I tuck my hands in my pocket a little envious of the fact that he's doing this. If he has the right contacts, networks right, and sticks to a budget, this can be a fucking dream.

"Since I'm just starting out I won't be able to do everything all at once. Like I said the golf range is still iffy. I'm even tossing around a paintball field or spa. I have plenty of space. I just have to have the right resources and plan accordingly."

"Have you thought about using timber from the property for your construction needs?" I casually suggest. Why should he buy material when he already has it? He may not need timber for more than just the foundation of the houses or the barn and stables but at least he has that option.

Nicholas stares at me stunned. "I hadn't thought out all the logistics" he stammers. "Would you be willing to help me? We can discuss your vested interest; I can't pay you a salary or anything."

"I wouldn't expect you to" I shrug. "Maybe I can be your sounding board and offer some manual labor. There's plenty of things that I can help you with."

"I'd like that" Nic exhales loudly. "Remember this moment DeLuca. This is just the beginning..."

"Of something great" I add because I wholeheartedly believe that Nicholas is capable of exceeding even his own expectations.

Sophomore Year, College

"Dude you need to find yourself a new roommate" I hear what he's saying to me but it's taking a while to process. We only have a few weeks before students return to campus and he's
just
telling me how he's about to move into the Frat house.

"You're fucking killing me" I grumble. I honestly shouldn't be surprised. He'd give his left fucking nut for this. "Please tell me you didn't already offer it to someone" Because that's exactly what he would do thinking that he's helping me out.

"Well Marco overheard and mentioned that he was looking for a new place."

My body tightens with I-don't-know-what... Excitement. Apprehension. Something. I'm not into guys, never have been. But Marco makes me curious. I like to watch him as he flirts with guys and girls alike. I sneak glances while he's making out. Marco isn't quite the exhibitionist that I am but I can respect that. Not everyone is open-minded and I've seen Marco defend himself against ignorant bigots.

"Thanks" I remember to reply since he's still standing there waiting for my response. It's not like I can forbid him to move out. He'll just do it anyways and leave me with a roommate from hell. "I'll call Marco" I add for good measure.

"Cool" He replies.

I stare at my phone for a while, my palms sweating, trying to muster up the courage to make the call. It shouldn't be so fucking difficult. Marco is actually a really awesome guy. He's smart, funny, charismatic, and makes friends easily. He's the one that enters the room and is immediately embraced. He's the one everyone migrates to. My thumb shakily presses his name. I swallow the cactus that's suddenly lodged in my throat.

"Hello" his voice jolts me. Every time I hear it I swear he changes his tone, timber just for me.

"Hey" my voice cracks a little. I clear my throat trying to regain my composure. "So apparently I need a roommate."

Marco's laughter does things to me; things that don't make sense. My cock stiffens. My chest tightens. My stomach flips. It's the kind of shit I hear the girls talking about when they read certain parts of their romance novels. The kind of shit that I've never experienced over a guy...

"Have you found one yet?" Is it me or does it sound like he's disappointed at the prospect?

"No" I quickly reply. For some reason I don't like hearing disappointment in his voice. "I was calling to see if you were interested."

"I'd love to" he instantly replies. He laughs slightly embarrassed with his outburst but I don't mind. If I had to choose my roommate, Marco would've been at the top of that list. Nicholas would've humbly declined only to tease me later about a sophomore asking a senior. I know the man well enough by now.

"Thanks man" I breathe a sigh of relief. "I think this will be a great year."

"Me too" I can hear the smile in his voice and damn if that doesn't feel good.

"Do you need any help with anything?" I offer a flustered Nicholas. His copper hair is disheveled like he's been running his hand through it over and over again. He's grown a light beard, which is unheard of for a man who's usually so well-groomed.

"I need to go out to the property" he looks between me and Marco. Since Marco moved in we seem to do everything together: go to classes, parties, and share meals. I immensely enjoy his company. He isn't overbearing or annoying.

"How many parties are you checking in today?" I ask knowing that its hunting season and business should be picking up for him.

"Too many" Nicholas grumbles.

"That's a good problem to have" Marco interjects, "right?"

"Yeah" Nicholas sighs. "I'm just hoping to survive through the end of the school year. Some days I don't give a shit if I graduate as long a business is good."

"Like today" I take a chance and guess. "Marco and I can help" I offer. It isn't like Nic takes these groups on tours or anything. He has someone on the property ensuring there are no trespassers and that those that are permitted to hunt or fish are abiding by his rules and state regulations.

"I'd really appreciate it" he breathes a sigh of relief. We follow him into his jeep. I volunteer to sit in the back wanting to see Marco's reaction to Nic's property. We've talked about it in his presence but we've all been too busy to take a trip out just to show him.

This time Nicholas drives directly to the west side of the property. We pass the road leading down to where his estate is going to be built. I'm dying to see if he's made any progress on this side but current business comes first. We silently drive by miles of forest completely enraptured with the majestic scenery. Nicholas did come onto an impressive piece of property.

Since I've last been here, Nic's accomplished a lot. A stone-faced building immediately greets us. Nic waves to the guard at the gate but doesn't stop to talk to him. He parks in front of the quaint building where two groups already await us. Marco blinks hard at our surroundings. There are paths, a shed, and the brick hunting lodge within our vicinity.

"Wow" Marco breathes. It's one thing to hear about Nic's vision and something else entirely to see it come to fruition.

"I know right" I chuckle bumping into his shoulder. "Close your mouth or something might fly in" I whisper. Marco snaps his mouth shut trying to recompose himself. We follow Nicholas into the main office as the two groups shuffle in behind us.

"Give me a minute" Nic calls out to them. He motions us over as he turns on the computer. "DeLuca can you have each person sign the forms and make copies of their IDs with their hunting license? Marco, would you help me locate them in the system and set everything up?"

"Sure" we reply. I grab the forms and motion over the first group. It consists of four men who look like they've done this before. Good. I glance over the forms trying to familiarize myself with them; ask them to sign, and collect the items I need to make copies of. By the time Marco and Nicholas have one group checked in I'm ready to switch off with them.

The second group appears just as familiar with each other and seasoned. I don't think Nic would willingly book a group of rednecks with city boys and risk one party mistakenly shooting the other. We'd heard of that before where a group of novices shot an experienced hunter mistaking him for game. Ouch.

Marco follows the group outside curious to watch how they proceed. Nicholas radios to whoever's patrolling the premises making them aware that the parties have arrived. Once he processes the paperwork and shuts down the computer we head out towards the lake.

"Think we're heading to the fishing retreat" I quietly inform Marco. It isn't necessary for me to whisper or get so close to him but I don't mind the contact. I enjoy having the conversations just between us.

"You have separate systems and check-in methods for each activity?" I ask noticing how Nic eyes my proximity to Marco.

"Just for now" he replies. "It's easier and cheaper at the moment to keep things separate. I'm contemplating whether or not to add stables or a kennel for hunting dogs. Just depends on the demand."

"Have you been able to break any ground on the other side of the property?"

"Holy shit how much land do you own?" Marco scoffs.

"Enough to keep my options open" Nicholas smirks. "I'm going by your advice" Nic looks at me, "I have someone looking into the types of trees I have on the property and which would best be used in conjunction with my master plan."

"Awesome" I beam pleased to know that my suggestion might prove to be useful.

"Let's get this group checked in and then we can head over to see what I've gotten accomplished by the main entrance."

~

Nicholas wasn't kidding. He'd broken ground alright. The once decrepit building is nowhere to be seen. A huge area has been leveled giving a glimpse at how big this building is going to be. Marco turns in a slow circle taking in the enormity of what Nicholas plans.

"I'm going to have to take things step by step" He stuffs his hands in his pockets a little timid to voice his vision with Marco present. We lock eyes and I nod my head letting him know that he can trust Marco with this proprietary information. "I demolished what was here before. I've finalized the master blueprint and am awaiting initial inspections so we can get the foundation in place."

"You didn't want to do a ground-breaking ceremony or anything?" Marco inquires.

Nicholas sighs. "As fun as that sounds this place isn't going to be open to the public. I need to vet the people I want to invite for membership once construction is complete. I hope to have enough business that there's a waiting list for my sex club."

"Sex club?" Marco clears his throat. His eyes widen but he's trying to play it off. His expression is priceless. There's no judgment, if anything he looks giddy.

"Yes a legitimate sex club. I have to abide by the law and legal ordinances. It's far enough away from the college that I won't have as many restrictions. I'm appealing to long-term members not temporary guests." Nicholas professionally replies.

"Wouldn't you need their permission before performing background checks and stuff?" Marco asks. I've been dying to know how Nicholas plans to bring this altogether too but haven't pushed him for information. I've never been to one but have always wanted to; just wasn't of age yet, too many of those places only permit 21 and over.

"I've approached a few people to see if they'd be interested in being a member. If they express interest then I let them know about the vetting process. Those who initially sign up will receive discounted membership fees. Valentino has graciously accepted being my guinea pig for everything. We've learned a few things along the way and it's helped avoid disasters with prospective members."

"Since this is a sex club are you looking for high-profile members?" Marco inquires.

"I'd like to have a mix" Nic thoughtfully replies. "I don't want a bunch of high maintenance, self-serving members. I'm looking to have a good ratio of men to women."

"Did you make those changes to the questionnaire" I inquire recalling having to find the right way to ask prospective members about their fetishes, hard and soft limits, and medical history.

"I'd like Marco to take a look at it and give me his feedback" Nic straightens pleased with the now forming idea.

"Can I be the newest guinea pig?" Marco asks with bright eyes. "You can conduct the interview and vet me with the new processes and changes you've made. I can provide you feedback from both sides of the fence."

"I can't afford to give away free memberships yet" Nic hesitantly discloses, "At least not for the first three years. I'm not projected to be in the black until then."

"Unless your hunting and fishing stuff exceeds your conservative projections" I interject. Nicholas low-balled everything trying to ensure that he wouldn't go into crazy debt or go belly-up during the first 36-months.

"If you add those stables or golf range like I've heard you guys mention before that can add additional sources of income" Marco adds.

"And expenses" Nicholas drawls.

"Are you completely nixing a fetish club?" Marco changes the direction of the conversation since Nicholas appears to be getting flustered.

Nicholas narrows his eyes at me in silent accusation. We've discussed this on more than one occasion. "I'm going to host themes catering to certain fetishes. I'm
entertaining
" he stresses, "A building separate from the estate for certain fetishes but I'm still not sure if I'm going to go there." He shudders making me chuckle.

"Nicholas is a little squeamish regarding certain fetishes" I tease. "He'll take menophilias into consideration before emetophiles."

"You lost me" Marco looks between us already sensing that he may not want to know the answer to this.

"A menophilia loves vaginal blood" Nicholas scrunches his nose.

"Like menstrual" Marco squeaks.

"Yep" Nicholas retorts, "But not just a guy eating a chick out during her period. Fetish places cater to the hardcore audiences; they'd readily have used tampons and pads for those requesting it."

"Gross... So what's the other one then" Marco swallows hard already regretting mentioning the fetish clubs. By the look on his face I'm sure he was envisioning foot fetishes and leather or high heels not this kind of shit.

"Emetophiles have a vomit fetish" I helpfully add, "Also known as a Roman shower."

"Imagine guys who love getting head and don't mind that the girl pukes all over his dick." Nic disdainfully shakes his head. "I don't want that in my place. If a guy wants to make a girl gag until she pukes then he can do it somewhere else."

"And that's not the same as a golden shower" Marco tilts his head in thought. "That's when people piss on each other right?"

"Yeah" Nicholas sighs. "I might
have
to allow that but in a predetermined room. We'll see. There's so much to consider for a place like this. It isn't just about buying a random building and allowing people to have sex with each other...."

"But for now all we have to focus on is this part" I emphasize as I motion to the open area before us. Nic has spent too many sleepless nights thinking about every aspect of his prospective business and while I respect it, I won't let him get overwhelmed and discouraged over the smaller details. He can worry about that shit later.