Page 31 of Volatile

“She’s more than that to you. Are you going soft on me?”

Nico laughed. “You know how it is, Jon. Soft when you gotta be soft, hard when you gotta be hard.”

Jon chuckled. Nico was pro. All business. The one who kept love out of the equation. Said romantic feelings clouded the judgment. Obviously, somewhere along the line things had changed. Jon hoped it worked out a hell of a lot better for Nico than it had for him.

“You already speak to Joshua?” Nico asked.

“Not yet. Thought I’d swing by you first and make sure it’s a good time.”

Nico leaned his palms against the desk. “Yeah, shouldn’t be a problem. Take whatever time you need. We’re slow tonight. Have a drink or two while you’re at it.”

“I appreciate that.”

Jon had already spoken to Nico briefly on the phone regarding Joshua. His good character was vouched for, along with the proper treatment of Lily during the times she’d visited. But it was also understood that Jon wanted the added reassurance of speaking to the man himself. He trusted Nico’s judgment, but this was for a client. A friend. There was too much at stake.

“Check back in with me afterward if you’re looking for a little more tonight. Ali’s taken, but there’re plenty new ones you’d enjoy.”

“Yeah, I noticed that. Lots of new faces.”

“We’ve still got our regulars, but what can I say?” Nico shrugged. “We had a love epidemic a while back. Lost some of our best to it. Suddenly they don’t wanna play in a public club anymore.”

Jon nodded. Not everyone could make it work like Nico and Viv. Once emotions entered the picture, things changed for some and they wanted more privacy. Because it sure as hell wasn’t the club itself. Nico ran a first-rate place, all members and employees carefully screened. Jon had been more than relieved when he found out that Joshua tended bar here. But a good Dom wasn’t necessarily the same thing as a good romantic partner, and that’s why Jon was there.

“Thanks, friend.” Jon clamped him on the shoulder. “And while it’s tempting, I’m going to have to decline your offer.”

Part of him was tempted. He knew the club, had a good reputation there. It wouldn’t be hard to find a suitable sub for the duration of his stay. It certainly had been a long time. He could use this form of release. But a larger part told him something wasn’t right. It was off somehow. Jon didn’t know all the available women in attendance, but he already knew he wouldn’t be able to find one who’d make it worth his while.

Nico chuckled. “What’s her name?”

“What’s whose name?”

“The one you’re declining for.”

“There is no one.”

He turned for the door and Nico walked him out, tree-trunk arm sloped over Jon’s shoulder. “Yeah, man. I hear ya.” Nico smiled wide, swatting him on the back. “Don’t be a stranger now. The invitation always stands.”

Jon left Nico’s office and made a beeline for the bar. No sense sticking around longer than he needed to. He sat on the stool and ordered a Corona, not in the mood for anything stronger. “One of you Joshua?”

The taller man came over, setting the bottle on a napkin in front of him. “That’d be me.”

Jon looked him over. Nondescript features, save for the crooked nose that appeared to have been broken one too many times. He placed him in his early thirties, which based on the way he carried himself, indicated this was more of a lifestyle choice than a passing fad. If Jon read him correctly, Joshua was a seasoned Dom.

He stuck out his hand. “Jon.”

Joshua nodded and shook it, then bent down to stack glasses. “What can I do for you, Jon?”

“I’m a friend of Lily’s.”

He raised his eyes to him but continued stacking. “Friend?”

“And therapist.”

He looked away, grabbing a rag and swiping it over a spill. “I hadn’t realized she’d decided to reveal the details of our relationship.”

“She mostly spoke in generalities, but since Nico and I go way back, it wasn’t hard to figure out the who and where.”

Joshua flicked his eyes back and nodded. He understood.

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