Page 23 of Double Take

And her gaze raked over both of us until her lips parted, and she kept staring as if she couldn’t stop thinking about our mouths on hers. The touch of our tongues against hers. She was as impacted as we were. Her chest rose and fell with each breath until she abruptly turned directions and marched to the bar.

The only thing that kept us away from her this week was our quest to rid her of her ex as quickly as possible.

Axel laughs and brushes past me. “Remember, little brother, it’s my turn.”

“You’re a fucking asshole.” My hands ball into fists as I imagine pummeling his face until it’s swollen and bleeding. I bet she doesn’t find him so attractive with a crooked nose and missing teeth.

“Whoa, boys.” Sage steps in front of us, blocking our path as a man at the bar leans closer to Rylee. “Where do you think you’re going?”

I’m going to bash that cocksucker’s face in. The dude can clearly see she’s marked by the choker on her neck. Once I find out who he is, he’ll get a piece of my mind. The rules of the club are clear–don’t poach.

“To beat the shit out of that guy who’s hitting on Ryl–”

“Get in line,” Axel growls as tension radiates off him.

“Boys. Boys. Boys.” Sage’s eyes twinkle as she steps sideways, keeping us rooted in place. “Don’t freak out. That happens to be my husband. Your brother-in-law. The man you’re friends with. And it’s part of the plan that I’ve concocted down to the last detail. You’re supposed to be gauging her receptiveness to being with both of you. And marching up there, getting into everyone’s business, and causing a scene might not put you in the best light.”

“Whatever.” I glance around her, making sure Jace is keeping his hands to himself. I don’t care if it’s my brother-in-law or not. If he gives any indication that he’s available, we’re not going there for Christmas.

“What’s the plan?” Axel crosses his arms over his chest.

“I’m going to take Rylee to the Ruby Room to meet my friend.” She smirks and waggles her eyebrows. “My friends. Or, in this case, my brothers. And then you do the rest.”

“Great plan. Except, I don’t want any more questions about whether it’s us she wants or just to have a good time. So, I’m going to end the suspense–”

“Don’t.” She glares at Axel.

“He’s right, Sage. We need to tell her we want her and ask her what she wants.”

“Fine.” She waves her hands in the air in exasperation. “But do it in the room and make this the most amazing night of her life.”

Axel turns to me. “Let’s go. At this point, all we’re doing is stalling and cockblocking ourselves.”

“Right.” I give one last look at Rylee, who’s laughing at something Jace said. “Make it snappy. I’m done waiting.”

Chapter Fourteen

Rylee

I must admit. The look on Axel and Oliver’s faces when they saw me will live in my fantasies for the rest of my life. But they don’t know it’s me. They’re here to screw some random chick while they think I’m at home, living my boring life. And that makes me mad. I’m tired of being the girl who stays home while the men go out to play.

The man beside me squeezes my arm. “Have a fabulous night, and welcome to Club N9ne.” He climbs off the barstool and disappears into the crowd.

Well, that’s disappointing. Not that I was feeling a spark with him, but he was handsome and charming. I could have done worse than him. I suck down the remaining alcohol in my glass and set the drink on the wooden bar.

“Rylee.” Sage slings her arm over my shoulder and smiles. Even with a mask on, I’d recognize her anywhere. Her energy gives her away. “Are you ready to meet my mystery man? He’s impatiently waiting to get to know you better.”

“Sure.” I slide off the stool and steady my legs. I don’t remember the last time I had three glasses of champagne on an empty stomach. Probably never. I don’t care to drink alone, and Mario never let me go out.

Sage frowns as she studies me closer. “Are you sure you’re up for this? You aren’t too drunk, are you?”

“No.” I steady my shoulders and regain my bearings. “I’m tipsy but not drunk. But I don’t think I could have sex with a random stranger if I hadn’t drunk something.”

“Would you rather it wasn’t a stranger?”

“I….” I lick my lips and shrug. “I’d rather it be someone I know, but it’s not like I know anyone here but you and your brothers, and they made it clear they were enjoying themselves tonight without me.”

Oh, my God. Did I just say that out loud? I don’t have to see my face to know it’s seven shades of red. How humiliating. Maybe I have had too much to drink.

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