“Don’t stare at me like that,” Leo whispered, the dark ruby of her lips making him want her all over again.

“Like what?” She loosened her grip on his shoulders and stroked the side of his face with a finger. For someone so tough and opinionated, she had a soft heart.

“Like you’re offering me your soul.” Her brown irises were still dark with lust, her mouth tilted toward his, willing, waiting. “I’ll take it, Shay. And I’ll never give it back.”

Her lips curved, a delicate, almost embarrassed smile hitting him full force. They were on the same wavelength, held the same desire. In the end, passion would win. He knew it would.

“You can—” She gasped at the click of an opening door behind them. “Shit.”

She shoved at his chest, pushing him until she had room to slide off the counter. Heavy footfalls came from the entry, while Shay rushed to straighten her skirt and untangle her hair.

“It’s only T.J. or Brute.” He took his time disposing of the used condom. “Nobody else is allowed down here yet.”

She shot him a look of incredulity. “Exactly.”

His heart changed from the desire-ridden thump to something rough, something uncomfortable. They had so many things to discuss, and no time to do it. Later, once the club was closed and he’d taken her home to sate their lust, they’d talk. And they wouldn’t stop until all cards were on the table.

She needed to understand his sex life was intertwined with T.J. and Brute’s. They weren’t gay, had never even glanced down that path, but they shared a lot of sexual moments, and many, many women. It was like an additional partnership added to their business relationship. The three of them knew how to work together, to make a woman wild and replete. Even though T.J. didn’t participate physically, he still played an integral role, and contemplating the conclusion of this part of Leo’s life was like a stab through his gut.

Shay was strong and he could sense her curiosity for Vault of Sin. But no matter how much she lessened the tight hold on her inhibitions, Leo doubted she would ever be able to participate with all her bosses around to enjoy the show.

Brute strode into the room, clearing his throat in a less than subtle manner. “Catch you at a bad time?” he drawled, hitting Leo with an unapologetic smirk. A silent message of congratulation passed between them, one that Leo acknowledged with a slight tip of his head.

Shay’s back stiffened and she spun around to face the interloper. “Just setting up for the night.”

Leo tried not to laugh at her high-pitched tone and placed a strong hand at the low of her back. “Chill,” he whispered in her ear.

“Right.” Brute raised a brow as he slid across a stool and stretched his arm over the bar. “You might need these then.” He retrieved her lace G-string from the counter and held it up on his pointed finger.

She sucked in a breath, the back of her neck and sides of her cheeks turning pink. If it had been any other woman, Leo would’ve assumed she was embarrassed, only Shay’s balled fists below the counter said otherwise.

“Thanks,” she gritted through clenched teeth and snatched her underwear from Brute’s hold. “I’m going to freshen up.” She strode around the counter, head held high, spine straight, and left the room without another word.

Leo waited until she was out of view before he turned to Brute. “Was that necessary?”

“Yeah. Kinda.” The smug fucker still flashed a tiny grin. “Thanks for the show. Obviously, you didn’t hear me open the door the first time. I had to go back and pretend I was coming in again.”

Leo narrowed his gaze. Normally, Brute wouldn’t have given a shit about interrupting. He would’ve pulled up a stool and watched without remorse. “It’s not like you to walk away from me putting on a show.”

“It’s not you I watch, asshole. My focus is always on the women, and this is different. This is Shay.”

Shit. Had he fucked up by assuming his friends wouldn’t mind her involvement in Vault of Sin? They hadn’t brought it up, but neither had they discussed it. “And you don’t want to watch her?”

“If I had a problem with her participating down here, I would’ve spoke up sooner. I just thought you guys were still on shaky ground and I didn’t want to rock the boat.”

Leo released the breath tightening his lungs. “Thanks.”

“Relax. She turned up. That was the hardest part.” The arrogance returned to Brute’s face. “And for future reference, I’d watch her all damn day. In fact, I’d be happy to show her what she’s missing not being with a real man.”

Leo rolled his eyes. “No point baiting me. I’m wound too tight to snap back. You’re more likely to score a fist to the throat.”

“I actually thought Shay might’ve done the same when I was swinging around her panties.” Brute chuckled. “That woman is going to keep you on your toes.”

Damn straight. “Yeah. If this works out, she’ll send me gray before my time.” Leo couldn’t wait.

“And what will it take for this to work? She was pretty freaked when I walked in. Are you willing to change your extra-curricular activities to keep her?”

Leo glanced toward the door Shay had disappeared into and rubbed a hand along the stubble of his chin. “I don’t know. I’m going to try whatever necessary, and she’s trying, too. It’s a hell of a lot further than any of us have traveled with this fucked up lifestyle.”

A bitter tinge entered Brute’s gaze. “True. Just remember the higher you get, the harder you fall.”

“I don’t plan to fall.”

“Good.” Brute slid from his stool. “I’m happy for you both.” He reached behind his back and pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket. “The non-disclosure.” He handed it over. “Make sure she reads it before you shove your dick into her again. We don’t want her claiming she had to sign under duress.”

The faint squeak of the bathroom door sounded as Leo snatched the paper. “If you walked in on us before, you’d know there was no duress. Just a gorgeous woman who happens to enjoy my handiwork.”

Brute scoffed. “Yeah. Too bad for her, your personality isn’t as endearing.”

“As endearing as what?” Shay strolled toward them, one eyebrow raised.

“Nothin’.” Leo strode around the bar, fighting the need to surge forward and claim her again. “Brute was just leaving.”