What sort of distraction?
"That would be me," Newt said as he walked into the room. "I'm going to follow you guys and park around the corner. When Knox alerts me, I'm going to come in and act all outraged that my new husband is watching strippers." Newt's grin was pure evil. "I get to throw a temper tantrum."
The voice of reason screamed in my ear. "You do know if anyone takes pictures or films it, it'll be splashed all over the social page by morning."
Newt shrugged. "Pretty sure that will only add to my mystique."
I snorted out a small laugh. If Newt knew just how many phone calls I fielded on a daily basis, trying to keep him out of the limelight, he'd be singing a different tune.
"We should go," Knox said.
I was all for that.
Envy settled in my throat as I watched Knox kiss Newt goodbye. I knew if I turned my head, Crosby and Burke would be doing the same with their husbands. I'd never met a more physically demonstrative bunch in my life. They were always hugging and kissing and running off to be alone together.
I wanted that for myself. It was time I put my disastrous marriage to Madeline behind me and went out and found that for myself. I was tired of being alone, and as much as I wasn't a huge fan of public displays of affection, it had to be better than being jealous of those around me.
"Sergei and I will be around the corner in about an hour," Newt said. "Don't get taken in by any tight asses."
Knox grinned before slapping Newt on the behind. "This is the only ass I'm interested in."
That might actually be true.
Colton Knox had been straight as an arrow before falling in love with his husband. Alexander Burke had been hiding in the closet before he met Benji. Decker Crosby had always known he was gay. He just had a hard time settling down until Jefferson stumbled into his life. And I'd met the first person to interest me in ages in a text message.
That gave me hope.
The elevator was a little crowded as we rode down to the parking garage. Luckily, it was a straight shot down. This was the private express elevator that went from the penthouse to the parking garage under the building.
Ivan and his brother Yuri were waiting for us with four other men who worked security for them. Being billionaires, my bosses never went anywhere without protection. That would just be stupid.
I knew I'd need to look into that at some point, but the need hadn't come up yet. Most people knew I worked for Silver Spoons Inc., but they didn't know how well I was paid. Madeline did, and she was the only reason I was considering security. I wouldn't put it past her to try and mug me for my bankcard.
I climbed into the backseat of the black SUV and put on my seatbelt. Knox climbed in beside me. Burke and Crosby got into the bench seat directly in front of us. Ivan and Yuri sat in front, with Yuri driving, which made sense. Yuri had extensive defensive driving experience.
My nerves grew tighter as the vehicle started and we headed out of the parking garage. I knew it was because we were headed into a volatile situation and I was more of a peacekeeper. I felt out of my depth.
"Shit," I whispered when we reached the street and I recognized the woman climbing out of the limousine parked in front of the building. I pulled out my cell phone and dialed the front desk security station.
"Silver building security speaking. How may I help you?"
"This is Andrew Lancaster. There's a blonde woman headed into the building right now. Her name is Madeline Lancaster. She is not allowed upstairs under any circumstances. If she has any questions, she can talk to my divorce attorney."
Madeline had no business being there. It was after hours, so she couldn't use the excuse that she was there for an appointment.
"Yes, sir."
"Lancaster," Knox said, "Ivan wants your phone."
I glanced toward the front. Ivan had his hand held out. I wasn't sure why he wanted it, but I handed it over. The man put it to his ear and said something in Russian I didn't understand, but a moment later, he was handing it back.
"She is barred from the building unless I receive an okay from you or a letter from your attorney."
I smiled. "Thank you, Ivan."
The man nodded to me and then went back to watching out the front window.
"Having problems with the ex?" Knox asked.
