Page 55 of Delicious Surrender
“If you want to play tonight, I can arrange it. I’m sure there are a few subs with room on their dance card.”
His friend downed the rest of his drink. “What are we waiting for? Let’s go upstairs so you can introduce me to yourlittle redhead. I’m dying to see who’s got your dick in a twist.”
Gage’s jaw clenched.
Cole looked at him with mock innocence. “What’s the matter, Mack? You can’t have your wicked way with her. She’s your employee, but there are no such rules where I’m concerned.”
Gage gripped the glass in his hand. “She is off limits.”
“You’re no fun and I am. She’ll recognize that right away. That must be what worries you.” Cole chuckled as they went upstairs.
“Not worried. She’s not your type.”
“Really? What is my type?”
“You always went for the tall, athletic blondes at school and at the clubs. Brynne is none of those.”
“Maybe I’m due for a change.”
“Keep it up, mate. I can still throw you out of my club.”
Cole slapped him on the back and winked. “I’d like to see you try.”
They entered through the main doors of the bar and took in the scene. Most of the chairs on the right side of the lounge had been replaced with low curved couches, with multi-colored pillows in bright orange, purple, and green silk. Low round tables sat in front of each seating area and colorful Persian rugs covered the dark hardwood. The lighting was muted, accented by dozens of flameless candles. The scent of sandalwood and patchouli incense wafted from each corner of the room.
Gage pointed to an empty table near the bookcases, where they could see the entire room. “Have a seat there, Cole. I need to talk to the bartender. What are you drinking?”
“I’ll have a Jack and Coke.”
Gage made his way across the crowded room, his eyes searching for the harem girl in purple. Bill was finishing an order when Gage signaled to him. “How are things going so far?”
The gray-haired man grinned and nodded. “So far, so good. Although the night is young.”
“Damn true. I’ll have a Macallan 18, and my friend will have a Jack Daniels and Coke on the rocks.” He scanned the room again. “Has Dimitri shown up yet?”
“Not yet, but he called ahead to ensure he gets his usual table in the corner, and he demanded that Tink look after him.”
“Aye. I figured. Have her bring the drinks over. We’re by the wall over there.”
“Will do, boss.”
Gage sat down and briefed him on Dimitri. “This Russian prick has been pursuing her—pressing her hard to go out with him. She swears she can handle him, but I’m not so sure. He’s got a reputation for being ruthless and he found out a few months ago that without my political connections, he would have won the bid and opened his own club here. I wish I’d never allowed him to become a member.”
“Where is this no-good swine?” Cole sat forward, looking around the room.
“Not here yet.” Gage saw Brynne approaching with theirdrinks. “Now behave yourself.”
Cole looked up and grinned. “I always do…” He stopped midsentence when Brynne reached them.
“Good evening, gentlemen. I believe this is for you.” She handed Cole his drink and bent down to place a cocktail napkin on the table.
Gage attempted a casual smile when she nodded shyly at him. His voice froze in his throat. She was a vision. Multiple layers of lavender chiffon swished around her legs when she walked. He’d heard the jingling of her decorative belt, with its dangling coins. The bikini top left nothing to the imagination. It shimmered with beads and crystals sewn into the purple material. He wanted to toss her over his shoulder and walk out of there.
Cole interrupted, “Aren’t you going to introduce me, Mack?”
Clearing his throat, Gage took his drink and pretended a calm he didn’t feel. “Of course, Brynne, I’d—” Her eyes widened at his use of her real name.
Christ, that was stupid.He checked their surroundings. The only person within earshot was a security guard standing a few feet away.