As soon as we reached the corner out of sight, Linden dragged me into the parlor, shoved me against the wall, and slammed our mouths together. It was risky as fuck, but I didn’t care as I melted into him.
“That was fucking hot,” he said, his breath ghosting my lips.
“I think I’m going to be sick.”
“You’ll be fine. I’m so damn proud of you, my love. Yes, you’re my love. You’re my first love. You and Atlas will be my last loves, I hope.”
“A-hem,” someone said, forcing Linden and me to jump apart. We turned to face Chloe, who was leaning against the doorjamb, arms folded, smiling smugly at us. “Iknewit. Well, I’ve always known Linden had a thing for you, brother. Hugh, you may be oblivious, but I’ve been watching you two for years now, and how Linden looked at you when you weren’t noticing.”
“Please don’t say anything,” I begged. “I think our parents have had enough dissent for one day.
She rolled her eyes. “As if. You should know me better than that by now.”
Linden leaned into me, and I wrapped my arm around his shoulders. “Yeah, you’ve hinted here and there, now that I think about it,” I said.
She scoffed. “Took you long enough. But it’s okay, I love you dumbasses, anyway.”
Now it was my turn to eye roll.
“Thanks for accepting us, Chloe,” Linden said, pulling her into a hug. “Not many will, so any allies we can find will help.”
“I’m here, and I’m proud of you both.”
I peeked around the corner to see if anyone was noticing us or eavesdropping. “You should know that Linden and I have a relationship with our PA, Atlas, too,” I whispered.
“Well, aren’t you two full of taboo love? Bro, I don’t care. If you all are happy and honest with each other, I’m here. You live your life as you see fit.”
“You’re the best, Chloe,” Linden said, kissing her cheek.
“I know.”
Chapter 31
Linden
Notwastinganymoretime at the house, Hugh and I rushed to Atlas’s apartment to not only see if he’d come back home, but if his roommates knew where the hell he was. But the two women had no idea. Since they were worried too after our arrival, they directed us to ask Ryder, which we had planned to do anyway, so we headed over to Legends Night Club. We had no idea whether Ryder was working. If he wasn’t, perhaps Knox Porter was.
Hugh and I had been to the club before, but only a couple of times. We would drag particularly special clients there for some fun. Legends wastheplace to be in Washington, DC, especially for the elite. Knox was the owner, whom we’d recently met at The Backdoor Club.
Hugh grabbed my hand and threaded our fingers together as he tugged me into the place. It was such a simple gesture, but one that meant everything. He did it so absently, like he’d been doing it his entire life.
The place was packed with people, everyone celebrating the holidays or schmoozing with politicians. The crowd was decked out in their finest fashions, the air heavy with perfume and cologne. No one was underdressed there. Some people were watching the dance floor from the balconies above, but most were dancing and writhing to a song I didn’t recognize.
Hugh tightened his fingers around mine as we shoved our way through the throng of people, trying to find anyone familiar from Ryder, Knox, or Finn.
As we headed toward the neon-lit bar, I instantly recognized Ryder, busy making drinks. I had to admit he was stunning to look at, with his long bangs falling into his face and a silky burgundy dress shirt, sleeves rolled up.
Hugh and I were forced to wait in line for drinks just to talk to him.
“What can I get you, gentlemen?” Ryder asked when we finally reached the bar.
I guess he hadn’t recognized us since we were wearing masks at The Backdoor Club when we’d first met him.
“I’m Hugh, and this is Linden. We’re looking for Atlas.”
Ryder froze and scrutinized us before shaking his head. “Order drinks first, then I’ll tell you as I make them.”
I could hear Hugh’s annoyed growl over the music. Then he relented. “I’ll have a smoked old-fashioned,” he ordered, then looked at me.
