“Hey, sweetie. Are you going out?”
Clay smiled. “That depends.”
“On what?”
Clay’s smile turned brighter. “If you’re willing to join me?”
Shadow searched his mind for a way to gently say no. He felt like shit and his brain wouldn’t work properly.
Clay didn’t wait for him to work out a plan. “Do you remember how you said I should check out Club Affinity sometime? I’ve worked up the nerve to go. I’ll even drive.”
Well, fuck. Shadow had to go. “I’ll get my coat.”
“Coat? It’s still eighty-five degrees out there.”
Shadow nodded weakly. “I’m still freezing from the blood loss.”
A guilty look passed over Clay’s features. “Oh. We don’t have to go tonight.”
Shadow waved away his words. “You’re ready and I’m willing. Let’s do this thing.”
Clay’s smile returned. “Okay.”
It didn’t take Shadow long to get his coat and shoes. The walk to Clay’s car felt like an eternity. He wanted to ask why Clay was suddenly ready to visit a hardcore sex club, but he didn’t have the energy to care that much. He just hoped like hell he made it through thenight.
The moment Ridge tracked Shadow’s location, his temper shot through the roof. The first time he left Shadow home alone, he ran straight to his club. What the fuck? When Ridge left, Shadow had looked to be at death’s door. Now he had the energy to go partying. Ridge was behind the wheel of his SUV before he knew what he would do. He fumed all the way there. When he screeched into the parking lot, he parked by the door again and jumped out. The same doorman as last time stood guard. Just like last time, he took one look at Ridge’s furious expression and opened the door for him.
Ridge nodded.
Surprisingly, the guy spoke up. “I’m glad to see you. He doesn’t look good.”
Ridge tried not to show his surprise. He paused and squeezed the guy’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’m about to carry him out of here.”
“I’ll hold the door.”
Ridge had to fight a laugh as he jogged down the stairs. Loud moans and the sound of people being whipped floated through the hall. Ridge had one destination. He pushed through the door to the club. His eyes automatically landed on Zeus. They were both taller than almost everyone inside the place. Their eyes met.
Zeus pointed to his left.
Ridge followed the line of his arm and spotted Shadow slumped over a table. He immediately pushed his way through the crowd, rushing to Shadow’s side. “Please don’t be dead. Don’t be dead.” The second he reached Shadow, Ridge felt for a pulse. Relief poured through him when he found it—strong and steady. He kneeled and rubbed Shadow’s back.
“Hey, baby.”
Shadow didn’t open his eyes. “Dear God, please let death take me. I’ve never felt this horrible.”
“It’s okay, beautiful. I’ve got you.” Ridge easily lifted Shadow into his arms. As he headed for the door, he looked Zeus’ way and gave him a nod in thanks.
Zeus returned the gesture.
Ridge didn’t try asking anything until they were free of the loud music. “Why did you drag yourself out tonight?”
“Clay wanted to check out the place.” The muttered words sounded like they came from far away—like Shadow was half dead. “He drove, so I thought it would be okay.” His eyes peeked open. He met Ridge’s stare for a moment. “I was wrong.” His eyes closed. “So very, very wrong.” He sounded like he might cry. “I didn’t tell Clay I was leaving.”
“Don’t worry, Mr. Agafonov. I’ll find your guest and let him know.”
Shadow’s eyes opened again just long enough to focus on the guy who worked the door. “Thanks, Bronx.”
“Anytime.”
