Varden

I got to the club well before nine to make sure I had time to scope the place out before Saffi arrived. Now that I knew her real reason for coming, I had to admit I vacillated between anger and intrigue. She was no wimp, that was for sure. She was going for it. And reaping a few benefits while she was at it. Lucky me.

“G! I’m so glad you could join us tonight,” M said. She was poured into a slinky red number that stood out like a beacon in the sea of mostly black-clothed club goers.

“M. Stunning as always.” Her nipples strained against the silk of her dress. But strangely, I didn’t feel anything beyond admiration; there was no attraction. Maybe I was saving myself for someone…?

M hooked her arm in mine like we were best friends, and led me from the crowd to a private corner.

What was she up to?

“G.” She looked very intently into my eyes. After all, it was all she could see of my face. “I’ve noticed you playing with a new member of ours. B? I asked you about her before.”

“Yes, we have been playing together. But I really don’t know anything about her. If you’re looking for info you’ll have to ask her yourself.”

I was not about to share what I’d just learned. No freaking way. And M did not look happy with me.

She continued. “I don’t know about her. Something doesn’t seem right. I may ask her to leave the club.”

Oh shit. Had she been discovered?

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. “She seems okay to me.”

“I need to find out who she is and what she’s doing here. You won’t help?”

“I don’t know. I wouldn’t want anyone in my business, so why would I pry into someone else’s?”

Frustration crossed her face. “This is not the same, and you know it. This is about the safety of our club, ensuring its longevity. We all need to be vigilant.”

What a shit show.

How was I going to tell Saffi that M was on to her when I wasn’t supposed to know who the hell she was?

“I’ll see what I can do,” I told M.

She smiled demurely and gushed, “I knew I could count on you. Thank you, G.” She planted a light kiss on the side of my mask, the closest she’d ever get to my bare face.

* * *

It all made sense, now. Saffi had probably thought she’d been plenty discreet, but really had no idea what the hell she was getting into. Women rarely came to the club alone, and when they did, they didn’t wander around asking questions. The ones who did were asked not to return. No wonder M’s suspicions were raised.

Then why was M still letting Saffi come around?

Maybe because of me. M knew I’d taken a liking to her.

Things were getting complicated. What would M do if she found out Saffi was not only a reporter, but also doing a story on her beloved club?

With the evening young, I went up to the second floor and found an empty playroom. I locked the door and took a seat, removing my mask. I had to find a way to clue Saffi in. Shit. Things had gone too far. And with the daughter of a business associate, no less.

Initially, going after Hugh’s super hot, off-limits daughter had been a rush. But it wasn’t a game anymore. Not for Saffi, and not for me.

I had to talk to her, tell her what was up. There was just no way around it. Even if it meant revealing my identity.

* * *

I replaced my mask and ventured back into the club. In the few minutes I’d been hiding out, the place had transformed into a party in full swing. From my vantage point on the stairs leading down to the main floor, I spotted Saffi just coming in. Miss M had also noticed her and was beelining through the crowd toward her. I ran down the stairs and pushed through the crowd. I had to reach her first.

I caught them just in time for M to invite Saffi to her office for a “talk.” There was no telling what she was up to, nor why she had to speak to Saffi in private, but I quickly inserted myself.

“Hey beautiful.” I put an arm around Saffi and pulled her to me.

But M did not give up so easily. She put her hand on my arm. “Excuse me, G. We were just going to have a little chat.” She stared at me with a strange intensity.

“Oh, M, I know you don’t want to deny me the pleasure of my friend’s company. Your chat can wait till later, can’t it?”

Saffi looked between the two of us.

M looked like someone had gravely insulted her. And yet her smile never wavered. It was as if nothing could break through that veneer of perfect composure. The dark annoyance existed only in and around her eyes.

M generously placed an arm around the shoulder of each of us. “You two go have fun. This promises to be a great night.” She blew us a kiss and disappeared into the crowd.

I vowed to keep Saffi within my sights. And when I took a good look at her, I could think of nothing more that I wanted. How the hell did she get out of her father’s house looking as gorgeous as she did?

Her dark red sleeveless dress was made of some slinky material that swirled around her curves as she moved. Her high-heeled pumps must have been five inches. Part of her dark hair was pulled behind her head, and the rest of it tumbled down her back in long waves. Her lips were infinitely kissable, and for the first time in a long time, I was irritated my mask stood between me and her soft skin.

I extended my arm for her to take and leaned toward her ear. “You look amazing.”

Her smile startled me. How was it she was more gorgeous every time I saw her? How was that even possible?

“Well, you don’t look too badly yourself.” She laughed, running a finger down the side of my mask. She tilted her head and considered me.

I shook my finger at her. “I know what you’re thinking. Don’t even bother.” She laughed. “The mask stays on,” I told her.

She gave a good-natured shrug. “Okay, my mysterious friend.”

We approached the stairway to the second floor.

“So what’s on the agenda tonight, G?” she asked flirtatiously. Seemed like she was getting more comfortable with the place. And me.

“Well,” I said as we climbed the steps. “I have ideas. But what about you?”

She took my hand, surprising the hell out of me, especially after the way she took off last time. “I have an idea or two.”

I led her to the quietest spot available—a small, empty loveseat in a semi-dark corner. I got her champagne and for myself, the usual.

After a long draw on her bubbly, she settled into the seat’s cushions. “I’m starting to see some familiar faces now that I’ve been here a few times. I wonder how many members there are.” She looked around the mezzanine and turned to me as if expecting an answer.

Now that I knew she wasn’t a pain in the ass, but just trying to get ahead at work, I felt for her and for some crazy reason was driven to help. She wasn’t likely to learn much more about the club than what she could gather with her own eyes. Her inquiries were drawing attention—and not the good kind.

She waved her hand to encompass the whole room. “Would you happen to know?”

I shrugged.

“Why is this place so secretive? I just don’t get it.”

“C’mon. Can you seriously ask that question?” I said.

She raised her eyebrows. “Why not? What’s wrong with being curious?”

Was she really that naïve?

“Sa—silly girl.” Shit, I’d almost called her Saffi. “Those of us who come here want our privacy protected.”

“So the thought is that if you don’t ask questions, no one will ask you questions back?”

“Now you’re getting it.” I patted her head.

She laughed. “If you don’t watch it, you’re gonna get it.”

I looked her up and down, and damn if her tits didn’t hang just right under that silky fabric. She had the perfect rack for going braless, and I couldn’t wait much longer to get my hands on her.

I had to find a way to help.