I caught his eyes in the mirror. “What do you want me to say?”
“That you’re still planning the party.”
“I already said that. I would never leave you and your family hanging. I’m the one who crossed the line.”
“Says who? I’m not offended.”
“Seriously? You’re my brother’s best friend, Loso. Shiloh would have a fit if he found out, and you know it.” My head sloped to the side. “Can I go now? You’re going to get us in trouble.”
His full lips twisted into a bitter pucker. “Essen, you may be scared of your brother?—”
“Respect. I respect him. My brother would never do anything to hurt me. I can’t say the same about . . . anyone else.”
I stepped around Loso then pulled the door open. Like a thief on a heist, I gradually stuck my head out the door and checked the hallway.
“What are you doing?” Blaze asked, nearly taking my breath away.
My back became a ramrod. “Nothing. What areyoudoing?”
“Checking on you. You’ve been—” Her words were cut, and her mouth hung open when she spotted Loso standing close behind me. “A little sneaky slut. What the hell are y’all?—”
I pressed my finger against her lips. “Be. Quiet.”
“Essen. Do. Not. Touch. My. Damn. Lips!” She shoved me away.
“I’m sorry. I just don’t want you to overreact. We were just talking.”
She scoffed. “In the bathroom?”
I peered over my shoulder, hoping Loso would take the reins.
“Don’t look at me. Your grown ass got it.” He chuckled. “The next time I call you, answer the phone. I paid you a deposit. Don’t do bad business.”
Loso walked off with a smirk on his face while I tried to convince Blaze she didn’t catch us doing anything. She nodded and hummed along to Christmas music from downstairs while I spoke, making me think that just like Loso, she didn’t believe a word I said.
Chapter 4
Loso
“Merry Christmas, Loso! I couldn’t decide what to get you, so I got you something I knew would be foolproof.”
An eyeful of ass cheeks, areolas, and holiday costumes made me speechless. Though Christmas was three weeks away, Melli insisted we exchange gifts early. I knew from experience hergiftwould be over the top, but I didn't expect to walk through a tunnel and step into an adult club. Nightstand was a member’s only spot in the underground scene of Silk Hills, and though I had been to its sister club, Battlefield, I had never stepped foot in the pussy pond.
Once we made it through a few security checkpoints, a petite woman with Santa Claus shaped pasties over her nipples walked up and ran her fingers over my jewelry. “Have you been nice or naughty, handsome?”
I grinned. “That all depends on who you ask.”
“Mm. I like the sound of that.” She fingered a large prize wheel that stood at her side on stilts. The colorful piece of metal reminded me of something I saw in Vegas. “Well, since you can’tdecide if you’ve been naughty or nice, how about we let the wheel decide?”
“How about we let the lady spin for me?” I suggested, nudging Melli forward.
She happily gripped the handle and guided the wheel in a circle. As if she had the chance to win millions, Melli bounced on her stilettos until the pointer highlighted the prize.
“The Red Room,” I read aloud. “What’s that?”
“You’ll find out if she decides to share her gift with you. Merry Christmas, lovers,”Pastiessaid while handing Melli a red key.
Since I was in foreign territory, I let Melli take the lead. She guided us to a section that gave us front row access to a stage that ran down the center of the club. Like every other place I visited in the last month, the building was riddled with reminders of what time of the year it was. Everyone who worked in the club wore accessories or clothes that highlighted the holiday. I had never thought elf ears and a red nose could be sexy, but one step into the club had proved me wrong.
