Page 266 of The Trouble With Bad Boys

It could be a number of things. I threw my legs over the bed and let out a deep sigh. I’d hoped to see Shelby tonight, but now I had to wait here for Ayden instead. Grabbing my cell phone once more, I pulled up Shelby’s number and began to text her.

ME: Hey Shelby! I know we were planning to hang out tonight, but I need to take a rain check.

I hit send, then waited for her to answer. Her response came right away.

SHELBY: I’m actually glad you said that because I needed to take a rain check myself.

ME: Is everything okay? Is it your welts?

I had used a dragon tail toy on her the night before which more closely resembled a whip than a flogger. Sometimes the true extent of welting didn’t show up for several hours, or even until the next day. The last thing I’d ever wanted to do was hurt her, so I straightened up completely as concern filled me.

No, everything’s fine. I’m just a little sore when sitting, but I suppose that’s the purpose of the toy after all.

It is, and I’m glad you’re doing well. Are you sure everything else is good?

Yes, I just have some things to take care of.

Some things?

I’ve run into a slight problem, but it’s nothing I can’t fix.

Problem. You have me worried.

Don’t be. Everything will be okay. Can I hit you up tomorrow?

Sure. Goodnight, Shelby.

Goodnight, Easton.

I set my cell phone down and frowned. It wasn’t like Shelby to be so evasive. Granted, this may be how she normally was with others, but it hadn’t been indicative of how she’d been with me in the few weeks since we’d first met. We’d been talking a lot lately both in person and remotely. She likely just needed a night to herself which was understandable. It was for the best because I wouldn’t even have to make up an excuse for why I couldn’t see her.

I got up and quickly showered because Ayden would be here soon. He’d said an hour but it could be more or less. My decision had proven to be a wise one as I had no sooner gotten dressed in a T-shirt and pair of sweatpants when the doorbell rang.

I walked over to the door and expecting him and possibly his partner, I was actually shocked to see Hawke, Ryder, and Lucien with him instead. I stepped aside for the men to enter, then closed the door. Before I could speak, Ayden did.

“What we’re about to discuss is strictly off the record.”

“Sure thing. Go ahead and take a seat.” I went to the refrigerator to grab a beer, then looked over the men. “Do any of you want one?” I asked as I held up my bottle.

“I’m driving so I’ll just take a water,” Hawke said.

“And I’m still technically on the job,” Ayden told me.

“We’ll take one though,” Ryder responded for him and Lucien, so I grabbed two bottled waters, and two more Coronas.

Once everyone had their drink, I sat down in the empty chair. “What’s this about?”

“Someone died in the alley next to Syn last night,” Hawke said.

“What? How?” The place was very secure, and for good reason so that was surprising to hear.

Ayden cleared his throat. “The man had overdosed.”

Now it was all coming together for me. Knowing what type of club Syn was, it only made sense that Ayden wanted to try to solve this case before it could reach the local stations. “Damn!”

“The last thing I need is the feds crawling all over Syn. We need– ”

“Of course, I completely agree, Hawke.” I turned to Ryder and Lucien. “Have either of you been able to check the surveillance cameras to see if a club member was involved? I’m assuming the man found was not one.”

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