“But all of you are single?”
Heath cleared his throat.“Well, that’s a rather personal—”
“Yup, only singles here,” Jason said, and pointed at Heath.“Him too.”
Heath’s head jerked around.“Excuse you!It’s not like everyone needs to know.”
“You’re here with us on a Friday night,” Raven said.“I believe that’s called a context clue.”
Jason nodded sagely.“Exactly.Here on a Friday night for a work thing, no less.”
“Well, well,” the bouncer said.“It is all right, then.I’ll flirt with all of you later.You go right ahead.”He unhooked the red rope in front of the entrance and waved them through.“Have fun, sugar bears.”
“We’re here for work!”Heath walked ahead of them.“Come on, everyone.We really should get started with today’s agenda.”
Raven let Jason guide him inside and did his best to hide the water bottle that was actually standing out pretty noticeably in his pocket.The bouncer watched the two of them, and when Raven looked back over his shoulder, he gave a friendly wink.
Inside, there was a heavy metal door that was propped open, a thick black curtain serving as the only barrier.They pushed that aside and went in.The club itself was a few degrees warmer than the outside, though it was pretty well ventilated.The music really wasn’t too bad, and the light, while kind of muted and with color-shifting spots, didn’t strobe, nor was it painfully bright on Raven’s eyes.
A wide bar was on their left, tables around it, and farther in, Raven could see a reasonably crowded dance floor.
“That wasn’t how I’d thought we’d get in,” Jason mumbled.
“Well, not all of us dress in tight black clothes and use a sword as a universal key.Anyway, I need a drink now, fuck do I need a drink.”Heath turned.“For real, do I look like a sugar bear to you?”
Jason and Raven exchanged a look.As one, they lied, “No.”
Heath breathed out and relaxed.“Okay, that’s good.Oh, corner table over there.Follow me!”
“Didn’t think it was possible, but there is someone who’s worse at going out than you,” Jason whispered.
“You know vampire hearing is really good, right?”Raven whispered back.
“That it is.”Heath plopped down on a chair and crossed his legs.“And for your information, I’m not bad at going out.Just…out of practice.”He undid the topmost button on his shirt.“It’s probably like riding a bicycle.Let’s get those blood cocktails already.”
Raven was glad he’d brought the water.It looked as if they’d need it.
Chapter 35
Maxim,afterfindinghimselfrestless in the lonely penthouse, had made it downstairs to the foyer, Ume at his side.The foyer, of course, was anything but interesting, nor was it any more bustling than the penthouse.But Bryan was there, at least, and Maxim knew that if anyone would be open to vaguely commiserating, it would be Bryan.
Tonight, it was not just Bryan, but also Clement, who was sitting well within sight of Bryan’s desk in the waiting area with the plush furniture.Bryan had pulled his fruit bowl close, although only two tangerines remained inside, and he was absently playing with a ballpoint pen.
“Bryan,” Maxim said.“And Clement!What a surprise to meet you here.”
“Is it?”Clement asked, looking bored.
Bryan hissed.“You are, if anything, the bar Lar.Go back to the bar, why don’t you, instead of eyeing my offerings!”
Clement gave him a bored look.“Offerings?What offerings?You don’t mean those wrinkled lemons, do you?”
“They’retangerines!”
Maxim sighed and pulled out his phone.“There.I just placed another order for premium tangerines for you, Bryan, and a small fruit basket for you, Clement.Will that buy me some quiet?Ume was upset with Raven gone, and I thought he’d enjoy waiting down here.”
If Ume had had the decency to look upset instead of calmly lying down at Maxim’s feet—and no wonder after those three treats—it would have lent the statement more credence.As it was, Maxim was hoping the fruit offerings would buy him ignorance of the small prevarication.
“Premium tangerines?”Bryan asked with wide, hopeful eyes.
