Page 36 of Draven

“Let’s take a walk.”

My team provided a map of the club, hence how I know that the direction we’re headed leads straight to the likely location of Shala’s office. Leaving the crowds behind us, I turn left and open a door that runs into a narrow hallway. I catch sight of two heavyset men guarding a black door at the far end, their chests straining against their suit jackets. Definitely packing.

As am I.

That has to be Shala’s office. What other reason would security have to be there? Keeping my gaze directly ahead, I stroll toward them, Louise’s hand tight within mine. As we approach, the guards step forward, blocking any further progress.

“This area is off-limits, sir.”

I feign surprise. “Oh, is it?” I glance around. “We’ve booked room ten. Is it not this way?”

The second guy sniggers and gives Louise a full head to toe appraisal, his tongue darting out to dampen his lips.

Bingo. Here’s my way in.

Widening my eyes in an intimidating fashion, I draw myself up to my full height, chest protruding, and my muscles straining beneath my shirt. “Did you just check out my woman?” I step forward until my nose almost touches the other man’s. “You fucking look at her again, and I’ll break your face.”

I raise my voice, loud enough for Shala to hear on the other side of the door. I’ve come across men like this before. They don’t take much goading to leap into a fist fight. My theory proves sound when the one nearest to me throws a punch. I duck, then return the favor with a shot to the guy’s abdomen. He doubles over with a grunt. After dodging an incoming fist from the second security guard, I grip his wrist and twist his arm up his back, slamming him face first against Shala’s door. By this time, the first one has recovered and lunges toward me, but Louise takes him out with a sharp kick to his knee. He bellows in agony as his leg gives way.

There’s my fucking woman. What a legend she is. Fearless, a warrior, a fucking queen.

Seconds later, Shala’s door wrenches open. “What the fuck is going on out here?”

Yep, that’s him. That’s the vile piece of shit. The urge to snap his neck crawls down my arms, my fingers flexing in readiness. But if we’re to find Kiera and the other women, Louise isn’t the only one who needs to remain professional and in character.

I release the guy I have a hold of and step back. “You the boss?”

Shala narrows his eyes. “Who wants to know?”

“Me. I want to fucking know. This dick”—I point my chin at the man who’d checked out Louise—“drooled all over my girlfriend. We only wanted directions to our room…for a private party for two, not a fucking gang bang.”

Shala keeps his gaze trained on me, a muscle flickering in his cheek. “You’re in the wrong place.”

“Well, I know that.” I theatrically roll my eyes. “Look, I’ve paid good money for tonight. If this is the kind of treatment you dish out to paying customers, I’ll make sure to tell everyone I know to avoid this place like a dose of syphilis.”

Louise hasn’t spoken during the entire exchange, but my final comment brings out a snort of laughter. “You tell ‘em, baby cakes.”

Perfect, she’s playing along. Although… baby cakes?

Casing her waist, I drop a hand to her hip, yank her to me, and plant a hard kiss on her lips. “Anything for you, hot stuff.”

Shala grimaces. “I apologize for the unhelpfulness of my staff, Mr.—?”

“Bennett.” I thrust out a hand. “Harrison Bennett. And this is my Bonnie.”

“Mr. Bennett.” He reaches into the inside pocket of his suit jacket and removes two cards, then hands them to me. “Please, give these to the hostess on level two. She’ll bring a bottle of champagne and a bowl of strawberries to your room. On the house.”

I take the cards, scrutinizing them closely. “That’s real nice of you, sir. Real nice indeed.”

Shala grunts, turning a furious gaze at his goons. “Direct these customers to the upper level…if that isn’t too challenging for you.” He turns around and goes back inside his office, slamming the door.

Flashing a triumphant look at both security guards, I get a final dig in—one they won’t dare risk reacting to. “Guess you just shit all over your bonus.”

The one Louise nailed in the knee flexes his fingers. Open, closed. Open, closed. Oh, the restraint. It’s fucking priceless.

“Back into the club. Far side. Go up the metal staircase.”

“Now, was that so hard?” I grin. “Come on, my sweet. I owe you a spanking.”