Desmond smiled at her dare, and his eyes narrowed for a moment as he held her gaze.  Casually, he leaned his chair back, resting it on the back legs, one arm rising to fall nonchalantly over the back of it.  He rocked back and forth slightly, letting the silence grow between them, his gaze never leaving Lola's own, no matter how much he would have liked to let it roam over Evie's form once again.  But he was a man of control, and if he couldn't control himself, how could he hope to eventually rule the entire town?<br/><br/>"It's a simple plan, really..." he said.  "I want you to run things, the way they are.  You're a businesswoman, and you're quite successful at it.  This place wouldn't have survived this long if you weren't.  But as you well know, money is the key to true success.  Without those horny cowboys coming in here and rustling up your girls now and again, you wouldn't have so much as a tumbleweed blowing, let alone one of your talented gals."<br/><br/>His gaze did go to Evie then, and he winked, a smirk coming over his features for a moment before his gaze moved back to Lola.<br/><br/>"I could simply tell you what I've got planned, but that would ruin the surprise.  But suffice it to say, I've been working hard.  First, the deed to the land your saloon here sits upon, and then getting my man out there installed as Sheriff.  Course, there is the ugly matter of that Jackson fellow...he'll have to be brought to justice sooner or later.  We cannot simply let him go about his business after shooting the last sheriff, after all.'<br/><br/>"But more importantly, there's the matter of you, my dear.  You sit here on your throne, ruling over these young women like you're some kind of matriarch, acting benevolent and wise while your girls hike up their skirts and spread their legs for every swinging dick to walk through those doors.  Oh yes, I'm well aware of your reputation.  But no matter what you say to protect the dignity of this place, Lola's is a whorehouse, plain and simple.  And I mean to keep your whores working their tails off...figuratively speaking."<br/><br/>He paused then, letting his words soak in for a moment before he spoke again.<br/><br/>"Is that clear enough for you?" he asked.  "Or do we need to play a new game of cards?"