Page 29 of Devilish

“Hmm?”

“Where we’re going right now—there’s not too many people who know about it.” That was an understatement.

“Is it another club of yours?”

“Kind of. It has a club of mineinit. That’s not open to the public.”

“Oh.” Kai cocked his head. “So it’s private? Like, a members-only club?”

“Yes. A members-only club that’s exclusive to a bigger organization. A secret organization.”

“A secret?”

“Right. Only members of the organization and their guests are allowed inside, and usually the guests have to be blindfolded upon entry.” Kai’s eyes popped wide, and I reached for his hand. “I’m not going to do that with you, though.”

“But I’m not a member.”

“I know. But I’m notjusta member either.”

Kai’s brow furrowed. “What does that mean?”

“It means that I can break a rule or three and get away with it.”

He opened his mouth to ask something else, but the car pulled up to the curb and my driver informed us we had arrived.

Kai looked out the window at the black, nondescript building, then back to me. “That’s your exclusive club?”

“You don’t sound impressed.”

“Looks kind of…plain.”

Just as we wanted it to. Most would walk past this place and not think twice about the empty building on the corner. If they only knew what was inside.

We got out of the car, headed to the entrance, and knocked.

Kai looked between me and the door. “It’s locked?”

“It’s…monitored.” Right on cue, the narrow panel at eye level slid open, then it slammed shut and bolts started turning.

“Good evening, Mr. Vale.” As security stood aside and we walked in, Kai’s jaw fell to the floor. Giving him a moment, I turned to the doorman.

“Has King arrived yet?”

“Yes, he’s waiting for you in the restaurant.”

“Thanks. Kai?” He rounded on me, his eyes wide and sparkling under the lights in the front entrance. “You good?”

“Uh, sure.”

I gently took his elbow and guided him toward the elevator, which opened as if I’d commanded it to. Once I hit the button, I asked, “Still think it’s kind of plain?”

Kai scoffed. “This place is deceptive.”

“Ah, see,that’sa word I’d use to describe Libertine.”

“Libertine?”

“That’s where you are right now.”

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