Page 138 of Forbidden Need

“He made a smart choice. You make him look smarter than he is.”

Spoken like a true friend.

“Bluebell!”

The easygoing call came from the tunnel, where Biggs and Daly emerged.

“Your brother’s here,” Daly said. “Want him in?”

“Yes, I want him in.”

She’d be pissed about the request for confirmation if she hadn’t already thrown a member of her family out that week.

Daly gestured and Lachlan appeared from the shadows of the tunnel behind them. At least he hadn’t been left on the street.

“Need drinks?” Biggs asked.

“No, we’re good,” she said and smiled at her brother. “Lach doesn’t like drinking our stock when the club’s closed.”

“Our license is good,” Biggs said, but carried on past the bar.

Daly caught up with his friend. “Maybe he thinks it’s stealing if he doesn’t pay.”

“If he wants to give me money, I’ll take it.”

The two laughed; even Strat smirked.

FORTY-FIVE

“I’LL LEAVE YOU two to it,” Strat said, sliding along to leave the booth.

“Not for nothing…” her brother started, “Immie thinks you’re avoiding her.”

Strat stopped. “Me?”

“Yes, you,” Lachlan said. “Jagg told her you’re into something and Ford won’t tell her what.”

“Shit,” Strat muttered. “Another damn reason…”

To disapprove of the relationship. Her friend conveniently forgot one obvious fact about his tenacious daughter.

“Imogen’s a reporter. An observant one,” she said. “I’m surprised she lets Jagg away with anything.”

Whatever he muttered next, she wasn’t sorry to miss it. He moseyed off the same way as Daley and Biggs.

“Those guys don’t know where the door is.”

Yes, her brother was fishing.

Smiling, she linked her fingers and set them on the table. “There’s more to this place than meets the eye.”

“Oh, I bet there is,” her brother said, coming to a stop behind the end booth opposite hers so they were twelve to six.

When his eyes moved across her papers, she semi-stood to scoop them closer. “My sources like their privacy. You did come to see me, right? Your sister? What can I do you for today?”

“You offer full services?”

“At Stag? Are you planning a birthday party? Want a stripper?”

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