“Oh, I will. You ready?”
“Maybe. The club is notorious on the circuit,” I said as I tugged on the leather skirt. Even as a teenager I hadn’t worn one so short. With the high heels and the corset, I was as uncomfortable as hell.
“I can’t say I’ve ever even heard of it.”
“You need to get out more. It’s very exciting both for the dancing and the subversive activities on the top floor. I have a friend down here who told me all about it.”
He laughed and handed me the mask for the evening’s festivities. “A friend, huh?”
“She’s a little on the wild side.”
“So are you.”
“Are you certain we’re going to be safe here?”
“I have a feeling Lucifer selected a more public location so the discussion would be minimal. I doubt they’d consider breaking their veil of secrecy at this point,” he commented softly. “You don’t need to be nervous.”
As he guided me into the club, I realized I was extremely anxious. We had no idea what to expect. While he was carrying his weapon and his friends were still working diligently on identifying anyone involved, I wasn’t certain that was of any real comfort given I knew what the bastards were capable of. While the club was neutral ground, the owner seemingly above reproach according to everything Raven Intel had discovered, that didn’t mean we weren’t still in danger. That much I’d gathered by Kendrick’s continued sullen mood.
The heavy drums of tribal music matched pulsing lights in the walls, the floor, and the ceiling. Bodies were everywhere, all in masks, the night a themed event. My friend had also told me the club was famous for them, allowing club goers to be anyone they wanted to be, the mystery a draw.
“Drake Cavanaugh. I believe I’m expected.” Kendrick was dressed the part of a wealthy businessman, his charcoal suit and black shirt creating the perfect aura of power and influence. He had his wallet in his hand, glancing over the man’s shoulder as he allowed his identification to be inspected.
“Mr. Cavanaugh,” one of two bouncers said in return as he glanced in my direction. Or I should say after he took a few seconds to leer. “Yes, your name is on the list. Please take the elevator to the third floor for the private party. It’s in the corridor behind the bar.”
“Very good,” Kendrick said and as soon as he shoved the wallet into his jacket pocket, he had his hand wrapped around theman’s throat, easily pushing him against the wall. As with almost everything about the man, his action surprised me.
So had the look in his eyes the night before when we’d played a game. His expression had been hardened, but not cold, dominating in a way that he’d faked while at the club.
Last night he hadn’t been faking.
And I’d wanted nothing more than to please him.
The other bouncer bristled as if ready to interfere and all Kendrick needed to do was to give the oversized prick a quick harsh glare for him to back down.
“While I can understand you appreciating beauty, if you dare look at my slave again in any way other than to pay her a nod of respect, you will learn how dangerous it is to dare invade my territory.”
The bouncer opened his eyes wide, but said nothing. Kendrick had his arm twisted in a split second while still keeping his fingers digging into the man’s flesh.
“I have no issue providing you with a lesson you won’t forget if that’s the road you choose, but I suggest you choose wisely.”
“Yes, sir. I’m very sorry.”
“Tell her that.” Kendrick released his hold on the man’s neck, allowing him to turn his head.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
“Apology accepted.” Was it wrong of me to be secretly thrilled at his reaction?
Exhaling, Kendrick finally released his hold, adjusting the cuffs on his sleeves while the man coughed. His hardened expression only changed when we were several feet away. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”
“I’m not.”
I did so enjoy his deep baritone laugh. He was enjoying himself.
“We’re being watched,” I told him.
He didn’t bother looking around the club as I was doing, instead heading for the neon lit bar. Everyone was dancing or at least moving to the music. While there were a few garish costumes, most were decked out in D/s attire, both men and women taking the dominant role.
