“Brie?” Kirby asks, drawing me back to the moment. “Everything okay?”
“Of course. It’s just a little overwhelming.”
He nods, his eyes widening as a stunning blond woman wearing only a blue G-string and knee-high boots struts past, her perky breasts bouncing as she passes us. She’s gorgeous and seems to know exactly where she’s headed, moving with purpose toward an unknown destination.
My stomach sinks as I realize for the first time that Hale may not be here alone. It’s a feeling that haunts me as Kirby takes my hand and leads me toward the bar.
Before we can place our order, I spot Chrissy, my client and Hale’s friend. She’s headed straight toward us.
“I never expected to see you here,” she says, greeting me warmly with a hug.
“We were up for an adventure tonight. This is my friend Kirby.”
As they shake hands, I hide my smile as Kirby struggles to keep his eyes from wandering south. Chrissy is dressed in gorgeous vintage lingerie—a black lace teddy, stockings, garters, and black satin gloves.
“How are you enjoying your new home?” I ask.
“I love it. I made my first Christmas dinner there and had half of the club over.”
I wonder if Hale spent Christmas there, and if he did, would that make me jealous. I decide it doesn’t matter. Besides, somehow I picture him spending the holiday with his nana. Probably unwrapping boxes of scarves and sweaters knit just for him.
“What do you think of the club?” she asks.
“It’s…good. So far, I mean, we haven’t seen much yet.”
My gaze wanders back over to the public display of feminine dominance and submission, which has advanced to the Domme applying a nipple clamp to one breast while she licks at the other with her tongue. My heart quickens as I watch.
I turn back toward Chrissy, eager to find out if he’s here or not. I don’t want this bold experiment to be all for nothing. “Is Hale here?”
She nods, but her expression gives nothing away. “He’s with Reece. In the lounge.” She points toward an arched doorway that leads into another dimly lit room.
I don’t care what the lounge is; I only want to know who the hell Reece is and what the fuck she’s doing with my man. I pull in a deep lungful of air and straighten my shoulders.
“Kirby, would you like a personalized tour?” Chrissy asks.
He turns to me. “Will you be okay, ladybug?”
I nod. “Yes, go. Have fun.”
They stride off toward the other end of the room, and all my thoughts of ordering a drink are gone. Now the only thing that matters is getting into the lounge to see with my own eyes what he’s up to.
The stilettos on my feet carry me closer and closer, the clicking sound they make matching the hard and fast pounding of my heart. I stop in the entryway, my eyes fighting to adjust. The room is even dimmer than the main area I’ve come from. The low, sensual music thumps softly in the background. There are a few couples and small groups sitting together, quietly talking and sipping drinks, but Hale’s not one of them.
Then I notice two men seated in the far corner of the room, their heads tipped down as if they’re discussing something serious. Instinctively, even though I can’t make out either of their features, I know the man on the left is Hale. My sweet, lost man. Only when I’m standing directly before them do I realize that it’s rude of me to interrupt them like this.
“Brielle…” Hale stands suddenly, his eyes flashing with confusion. “What are you doing here?”
I knew seeing me at his BDSM club would come as a shock. I only hope it’s a pleasant surprise and not an unwelcome one.
“Kirby brought me.”
His expression sours. “I see.” I open my mouth to explain that it’s not at all like that when Hale gestures to the man beside him. “This is Reece. He owns the club.”
Reece rises to his feet, and dear God, this man is huge. At least six and a half feet tall with shoulders so broad he could easily pass for an NFL player. As he towers over me, his dark, imposing good looks render me momentarily speechless. “You’re stunning, angel. Are you here to play?”
“Back the fuck off, Reece,” Hale growls.
I can’t help the rush of pink staining my cheeks. Even if I’m not interested in Reece, his attention is flattering.
“Welcome to Crave,” Reece says, lifting my hand to his mouth and placing a kiss in the center. “I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
“I do too.” My eyes wander over to Hale’s, and a rush of heat tingles low in my belly.
“Fuck.” Reece presses his earpiece to his ear, obviously listening to bad news. “There’s a woman at the front door saying she knows me.”
Hale shrugs. “What’s the problem? A lot of women in this city know you.”
“Yeah, but she says we grew up together, and I have a bad feeling about who it might be.”
“Let’s roll, brother. Do you need me?” Hale asks him.
I get the unmistakable feeling that he wants as far away from me as possible. And who could blame him? I just told him that I’m here with another man. But all I need is a few seconds to explain…
“No,” Reece says, his eyes wandering to mine and his expression softening. “You stay here and entertain your friend.” Reece stalks off, but I hear him call dibs, to which Hale mutters a low curse under his breath. It’s so interesting seeing this side of him—in his club, with his male friend.