Chapter 6

Six

Gable

I ra’s nearly vibrating with nervous excitement as we exit the elevator into the Club Sin lobby. Ridge steps off first, of course, and I watch him scan the nearly empty space. I know he’s clearing the room for safety, just as I am. I also know the advance team I sent up earlier is already in position, cleared by management accustomed to high-profile members.

“See anyone who interests you?” I ask Ira when he turns his wide-eyed gaze to me. He turns in a slow circle, and I watch his attention linger a bit longer on the people standing or sitting alone. There aren’t many singles here, but the ones present are mind-bogglingly attractive.

“It’s not a buffet, asswipe,” Ridge grumbles quietly.

“Shut up, spoilsport,” I chide. Ira says nothing, but his head moves side to side as he not so subtly scans the room.

A stunning woman with ice-blonde hair and a shiny leather catsuit walks with lithe grace to the bar and gestures demurely for a fresh glass of wine. A young man reclines in an armchair near the floor-to-ceiling windows. He’s got a glass of amber liquid in one hand and a book open in the other. Somehow, I get the impression he’s just here soaking in the atmosphere and not really looking for play partners.

Small groups of people, who already know who they’re here to spend time with, wander toward a second set of elevators farther inside the club. I don’t pay those folks much attention beyond assessing any possible threats. I don’t spot our guys, but I’m fairly certain they’ve elected to remain in the club’s security room.

There are a couple ladies gathered near the bar, chatting with each other, but I watch Ira’s attention pass over them. A wash of warm affection rolls over me. It’s more than mere attraction. I genuinely like the guy. He fits seamlessly with Ridge and me both. Light to Ridge’s brooding; contemplative to my cynicism. Analytical the way we both are, too. Where my brother and my methodical focus lends itself to human nature and behavior patterns, Ira’s is much more erudite.

Which, yeah, is a word he taught me a few weeks ago when he convinced Ridge and me to play some boardgames with him to break up the monotony.

“Her,” he breaths. I follow his gaze to a woman seated by herself at the bar.

A fancy gown gleams in cobalt blue swirls around her legs, concealing them from view. The fabric drapes low over her back. It dips just beyond the curve of her hips to display an expanse of skin so pale she nearly glows against the brightness of the dress. Her face is turned to watch the flow of people to the elevators, a raw hunger evident, even in profile.

She’s stunning, and his interest ignites my own. I cast a quick glance over to Ridge and see a guarded look on his face. For a moment, I wonder whether he’s even slightly intrigued by this plan I’ve concocted. Without a doubt, he’ll let me have it with both barrels the next time we’re alone. Which is fine. I deserve his anger for not discussing this with him, but desperate times and whatnot.

“This is foolish. You know that, right?” Ridge is nearly silent, and I know he’s being careful not to let Ira overhear him.

“Maybe. But I had to try something. His brain is too big, too busy, to tolerate this for much longer. And it’s too risky to let him work. Even if we firewall him away from the internet.”

“So getting him laid is the solution you came up with? Fuck, man. Seems even more risky.” He tries to hide the jealousy in his voice, but I hear it.

I can’t return what his injuries have stolen from him. I can’t force him to rejoin the land of the living when it comes to sex and relationships, either. Maybe, it puts too much pressure on Ira and tonight, but I can’t ignore the part of me that hopes Ridge’s care for Ira will push him to act.

And if it doesn’t? Then I can only hope the night smooths the ragged edges peeking through Ira’s psyche. The lighthearted geek with a passion for social justice and fighting corruption has slowly withdrawn and become morose.

“What do I do? What’s the protocol here?” Ira asks. I realize I’ve let myself become comfortable enough to relax when his question startles me. That’s a problem. Though the dossier I received on Club Sin made it clear this is a safe place, it’s my job to stay alert, especially when we’re outside the safe house.

“Depends on whether you want to approach her on your own or with us. As I told you downstairs, this place is designed for one-on-one play or group activities. What do you want to do?”

Ridge takes a step toward Ira, as though inescapably drawn to him, and I press closer, too. I’ve seen the lingering glances Ira gives me and my brother, but a little encouragement isn’t a bad idea.

As if she can feel our attention, the woman turns on her barstool to face us. There’s a tilt to her chin and a glassy sheen to her eyes that ensnare my curiosity, but the slow smile she throws our way steals my focus.

“Hi.” Her hello as we step close enough to speak is husky. She lifts her hand in an aborted wave before tucking it under her leg and blushing adorably.

“Hello,” Ira answers. Ridge nods and slides a step to the side and behind our client. I smile at the awkwardness of this whole tableau and give her a chin lift.

“I’m Hazel. This… This is my first time here. Are you all—” She stops, unsure how to ask the question obviously on the tip of her tongue.

“Yes. Well, sort of,” Ira explains. “It’s complicated.”

“What does complicated mean? That sounds ominous, and I don’t want to step into anything messy. Not that you came over here for me. Or that. Or, oh shit, Haze, stop talking.” The enchanting girl hides her face in her hands, but not before I hear a giggle escape.

She’s adorable. I glance at Ridge and Ira to see they’re both as entranced by her awkwardness as I am.

“Let us buy you a drink. We can explain,” Ridge offers. “Well, my brother can. This is his rodeo. Ira and I are just along for the ride. Isn’t that right, Brain?” With more life in him than I’ve seen in years, my brother throws his arm around Ira’s shoulder and pulls the smaller man against him.

Ira cuddles into Ridge as if he’s done it a thousand times. Hazel watches them, a soft smile on her face, and nods.

“Yeah, okay. Tonight has been a study in being flexible and going with the flow. Why stop now?”