I head to the strip club, where they lurk. I purposely keep looking at my watch like I’ve been stood up when I catch one of their eyes, all tall, dark and brooding.
“Well, hello, darlin’,” he drawls at me. And I stand to leave. “Leaving so soon?”
“Erm I… my date…” I let out a sigh. “I don’t think he’s coming.”
“Your date got you to meet him at a strip club?” He cocks a disapproving brow at me, and I sigh.
“I didn’t know it was a strip club. He just sent me the address.”
“Well, if I was taking you on a date, I would come and pick you up and take you somewhere… nice.”
I tilt my head down as the flush rises up my cheeks, a little trick we were taught growing up. I tuck a stray piece of hair behind my ear and give him a sad smile. “I should probably go.” I sigh. “My first night child-free in over two years.” I shake my head. “At least I will save money on the babysitter.”
I stand and slide a twenty across the bar. Before the barman can reach for it, the guy, whichever one he is, fuck knows, they’re identical, slams his hand down on it, and I flinch. “The lady’s drinks are on me. Add it to my tab.” He turns to me. “Such a shame to go home so soon when you’ve made such an effort to look so lovely. Why don’t you let me and my brother take you out somewhere nice while you have the babysitter?”
“Brother?” I question, and he nods over to the other one. “I really should go. I don’t want to spoil your night.”
“Spoil? You’ve just made it the most interesting it's ever going to be.” He reaches out and slides his fingertip down the side of my face, grips my chin, and steps closer. “What do you say, beautiful? Let us show you a good time. You won’t be disappointed.”
“Erm… I shouldn’t. I should really go. Thank you, though.”
He quirks a smile at me at my protest, but I lack any movement, letting him know I don’t really want to leave, and I actually don’t. I know they’re a job, but two warm bodies for the evening when I’m so low, so lonely, and so shattered can’t hurt, right?
“Just be careful, okay, Vic?”His voice rings through my ears, and I smile and lean into the reminder of him.
“Let me walk you to your car, at least?” He smiles at me. He’s hot, knows he is, and plays the part of a gentleman so well. I smile back.
“You sure you wouldn’t mind?” I look over at his brother and subtly lick my bottom lip before looking back at him, letting him know I’m down, but I’m still gonna act unsure.
“It's dark out, and this isn’t the best… neighbourhood. I just want to get home safe.” He turns and gives his brother a look. He stands and starts to walk towards us. He turns to the barman, drops a credit card on the bar and hands me the twenty back. “Use this for the babysitter.”
I smile at him. “Thank you.” His brother steps to the side of him and smiles at me, reaching out a hand. “Well, aren’t you too lovely to be in a dive like this? I’m Devon, but you can call me D.” I reach out and shake his hand.
“Jessica.”
“I’m Kingston,” the first one replies, and I smile at them both. “We're going to walk the lovely Jess to her car.”
“You’re leaving?” Devon pouts, and I huff a small smile at him. “Don’t go so soon, let us take you somewhere… nicer. Shame to waste a babysitter.”
I look from one to the other and smile. “I really should go. I’ve taken up enough of your time. But thank you for the drink.”
“Come on, let’s get you safely to your car.” Kingston grins and sticks his elbow out for me to take.Like a real gentleman, I smile. I slip my arm into the crook of his elbow as he leads me out of the strip club.When I reach my car, they both kiss me on the cheek, saying it was a pleasure to meet me, and I slide into the driver’s seat. I turn the ignition. Click, click, click.I try again, but nothing. Xav’s soft chuckle flutters the hairs at the side of my ear, and I feel his lips as he smiles against me. I stop and try again before Devon opens my door.
“You okay?”
“It won’t start.” Damsel in distress mode activated, I pull out my phone and shake it. “I have breakdown cover. I will ring them.”
“Don’t be silly.” Kingston leans down and takes my hand, pulling me out of the car. “Let us take you home. At least we’ll know you’re safe.”
“But my car…”
“Don’t worry, our friend has a shop. He will come get it in the morning. Now, come on, let’s get you home.” As I’m led to their car, I smile wistfully up at them both.
“Thank you so much. I really appreciate this. It’s so hard to know who to trust nowadays.” Kingston slides into the driver's seat while Devon steps to the passenger side. I go to reach for the back door as Devon steps back and opens the door for me.
“Milady.” He bows and removes an imaginary hat, tipping it to me, and I laugh and curtsy before sliding into the front seat. He closes the door and winks as he climbs in the back. I chuckle as Xav’s breathy voice whispers softly around me, muttering out,“Absolute bellends!”I clip my seat belt in and smile.
Kingston turns to face me. “Have you eaten?”
