Page 74 of Brazen Obsession

“Yes, please, Finn.”

Drew

Dante, Max, and I walk into the back entrance of the club. Max takes point at the door as Dante and I meet my bouncer, Alan. He stands just inside the employee door to the private rooms.

“What’s happening?” I run a hand through my hair.

“Client has Noelle in a room.” Alan gestures to the door. “He refuses to let her go until he can talk to you.”

“Is this typical?” Dante asks.

I shake my head. “Not at all.”

I nod at Alan to show us to the room. It’s one of our dancing rooms. This one doesn’t have a bed, just a pole and a few chairs.

The man has blond hair slicked back and brown eyes. He’s large, but he’s casually sitting in the chair with Noelle on his knee. His huge hand holds the back of her neck. She sits motionless. Fear in her eyes.

“You can let Noelle go now. You have my attention. How can I help you?” My gaze runs over Noelle to make sure she isn’t hurt. She’s a waitress and normally doesn’t come back to the rooms.

“You’ve been asking around about me. But I don’t know you. I know Noelle here from Peter’s house parties. So I thought we’d have a little chat. She told me you were her boss.” His dark eyes meet mine but he doesn’t smile.

Peter’s house parties means he must be one of Peter’s guys. He’s wearing a dark suit and has gold rings on his fingers. There’s a tattoo on his neck, but all that’s visible are dark lines. It must extend down his chest. An air of authority is in his every move.

“Alexander Petrov, I presume.” I lean back against the wall like this isn’t a bad situation. At least I know Sara, Tom, and Natasha are safe.

Dante stays just outside the door, but I’m sure he’ll want to tell the others as soon as possible. Unfortunately, until I defuse this situation, it’s best to stay off our phones.

“I’ve heard of you, but I don’t know you.” He lifts the amber drink in his other hand to his lips and takes a sip. “Drew Young, owner of Veiled Vixen, but only a few people actually know that. I also know that you’re shacked up with Morris’s sister. Word is you’ve been looking to set up a meeting with me.”

“I have. We want to discuss a ceasefire agreement.”

“I think you don’t understand how this goes.” Alexander doesn’t change positions, but he’s tightened his grip on Noelle. Noelle sucks in a breath.

I keep my mouth shut even though I want to ask him to explain himself. This isn’t a guy who’s going to appreciate me being smart with him. This man is dangerous, and while appearing to be a bumbling fool works for me with some, it won’t work on this guy.

“I’m going to leave here and little Noelle is coming with me as insurance.” His dark eyes never leave mine. “You’re going to bring me Natasha and I’ll exchange your woman for the one that’s rightfully mine.”

“I can’t do that.” That would never fly with any of us. No matter what, Tom is Sara’s family and so is Natasha now.

Alexander’s lips tip toward a smile. “Oh, I think you will. For every day I don’t have my bride, I’m going to make Noelle take her place. She can keep me company while I wait. You don’t mind sucking my cock do you, Noelle?”

“No, sir.” Noelle is pale, but I can’t look at her right now. This is a dominance play and I can’t lose. Which means Noelle needs to stay here and we need a different plan.

“Unless Noelle agrees to go with you willingly, I can’t allow that, Mr. Petrov.” I draw in a breath. I’ve handled dangerous men for years at this club. Possessive, dangerous men. “I’m sure if you’ll meet us for a discussion, we can come to some sort of agreement that will be mutually beneficial without involving the women.”

Alexander’s chuckle is dark. He strokes his thumb down Noelle’s neck. “Tell the man you’ll go with me, Noelle.”

She swallows as I meet her frightened gaze. “I’ll go with him, Drew. He won’t hurt me.”

I press my lips together. This isn’t a good plan. I can protect her in my club. Once he has her, all she becomes is a bargaining chip.

“How about this?” Alexander releases his hold on Noelle. “Stand up, sweetheart.”

She does as she’s told and wraps her arms around her middle. He stands behind her, towering over her by at least a foot and she’s in her high heels. He’s taller than me and probably even Dante.

“Noelle and I are going to walk out of this club and get into my car that’s waiting for me.” He puts his hands on her shoulders and she flinches. “You have three days to contact me with where we’ll meet to give me my bride.”

“Hypothetically.” I keep my stance casual. “What if Noelle were married? Would you still want her?”