Page 9 of Seducer

“Kentucky bourbon. Neat.” I didn’t wait to hear her slur her words. I didn’t give a shit about her life story. I was simply here to have a good time.

She spun away, almost tripping on her feet. Only I caught her faux pas, the others too interested in the dancers on stage. The club catered to such a broad audience that they provided varioustypes of entertainment to soothe the savage beasts. Hip-hop, disco, soul, metal music. Songs were choreographed with dance routines that could rival any episode ofDancing with the Stars.

“Wild Seduction night,” Brant repeated. “Are you taking a girl home tonight?”

He enjoyed tossing questions of that nature in my direction. Not one of them had any understanding that my needs couldn’t be secured by taking a stranger home for the night. “Doubtful.”

“No fun,” Brant teased.

No, I’d become a focused man as of the last few months.

“You coming on the hike next week?” Brant asked.

“It depends on my workload,” I admitted, which was the truth. It was looking like I’d be heading to LA for some clandestine meeting with a movie production company. I wanted to laugh at the thought of one of Blackwell Group’s virtual reality games coming to the big screen.

“All work and no play,” he added then leaned in. I knew the shit-eating grin on his face. He had something up his sleeve.

“Whatever it is, the answer is no.” I studied his fascinating superhero costume. The man had shitty tastes in attire, but knew the best hiking spots in the entire United States.

“Oh, come on. You haven’t heard the question yet,” he chided.

I gave him a stern look and waved my hand. I wasn’t going to keep him from asking whatever favor it was. The man’s parents had more money than God and he reaped the benefits of being one of only two children, but that had never stopped him from asking for favors.

“So, do you remember I told you I purchased a warehouse?”

“Oh, for Christ’s sake,” Jacob muttered while Steve just grinned.

“Why are you keeping that shithole?” Steve chortled. “Are you suddenly jumping into the manufacturing field?”

Brant acted incensed, slamming his fist against his heart. “I’m hurt.” When he hung his head low, I punched him in the arm. “And very funny. I’m opening a dance club.”

“Get over yourself; another club, huh?” I asked as if I cared. How many clubs were in town?

His parents held at least two dozen properties in their portfolio, three of which recently gifted to their son. Maybe he’d been forced to put some money up for a down payment, but that was about it. The place was huge, but from what I’d seen a year or so before, it would need a lot of work just to bring the ancient building up to code. Maybe it would work. The location was decent enough, but owning a club was a lot of work.

Brant finally chuckled, a wry grin crossing his face. “I’ll have you know I spent a fortune on the renovations. It’s going to call to A-list people.”

“A-list people, huh? Do you know what’s involved in running a bar?” Jacob asked. He winked at me and I resisted laughing.

“You guys are true pains in the ass. I have a dual degree in business administration and marketing. Haven’t you seen the flyers or the commercials?” Brant was serious.

“Been a little busy,” I told him. I owned a single television set and it hadn’t been turned on in years.

The three of us weren’t entirely certain if Brant was kidding or not. We laughed, but I could easily tell the man was being serious.

“Look, it was an argument with my father. I told him I’d turn a profit in a single year and I plan on doing that.” Brant shook his head. “I hate my father and I really want to shove it in his face I have what it takes to operate his business when he retires. Or dies.”

We all hated our fathers, but from what Brant had told me, his was a pig and then some.

He was also giving me a knowing look, as if he’d discovered every aspect of my sometimes extracurricular activities. I sat back in my seat, studying his face while he leaned over.

“What?” I demanded.

“I’m having costume nights. Including for the opening. It’s going to be wild. I have some very special private rooms.”

“Again. So what?”

“Come on, buddy. I know all about the Obsidian Society. It’s not a big, dark secret any longer.” Brant was grinning as if he’d discovered a tomb of an ancient pharaoh.

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