Page 45 of Spades

Maddox and I both hand over our IDs, and Chet lugs out the big book of member names.

“I assume, Miss Wonder, that you are again a guest of Mr. Hathaway.”

I nod. “That is correct.”

He hands back our IDs, grinning. “Everything appears to be in order.”

“Thank you, Chet.” Maddox puts his driver’s license back in his wallet.

Chet gets to his feet and takes out his ring of skeleton keys. He opens the door to the mirrored staircase. “Welcome to Aces Underground.”

This time I don’t hesitate. I start walking down the stairs.

“Wait for me,” Maddox calls.

I stop on the fifth or sixth step. What’s taken over me? Just twenty-four hours ago I was sure that this staircase was going to lead me to some sex dungeon where I’d be kidnapped and sold into slavery. Now I can’t wait to go down.

Something about the heavily perfumed air is pulling at me. Guiding me like the wafting aroma of a pie in a windowsill to a cartoon dog.

“Sorry.” I bite my lower lip. “Just excited, I guess.”

Maddox smiles. “I’m glad you are. I wasn’t sure how you’d react to the place yesterday. It’s…unique.”

I chuckle. “Understatement of the century. But I’ve liked it so far. I want to explore a bit more. We didn’t really go past the Spades section yesterday.”

He nods. “True. It can be sensory overload at first. That’s why we stayed in Spades.”

I turn ahead and continue descending the staircase, holding myself in check to make sure I don’t run ahead of Maddox again. Weird how excited I am. And slightly frightened, as well.

Once we reach the green door marked with the four card-suit symbols, I turn the doorknob and open the door, holding it for Maddox.

He raises an eyebrow. “The gentleman is supposed to hold the door for the lady.”

I bite my lip, offering himmyarm. “I think you’ll find I’m full of surprises tonight.”

God, do they pump pheromones into the air here? There’s something about this place that brings out the siren in me.

But I don’t hate it.

In fact…

I walk Maddox over to the bar where DeeDee and Dudley are standing, wiping glasses down. They look up—again, not speaking a word—and widen their eyes in inquiry.

Maddox opens his mouth, but I speak first.

“Vodka martini for me, dry and dirty.” I look over at Maddox, narrowing my eyes. “And the gentleman will have another gin and tonic, I presume.”

Maddox’s cheeks flush a light pink. Damn, he’s gorgeous as hell.

“Yes, he will.”

I whip my gaze back to DeeDee and Dudley. “There you have it.” I reach into my purse and grab my credit card, sliding it across the counter. “Open a tab. Both our drinks are on me tonight.”

Maddox places his hand over my card. “ThatI won’t allow, Alissa.”

I turn to him, my lips pouted. “I don’t believe I gave you a choice, Mr. Hathaway.”

He drops his jaw slightly, darts his gaze around the room, and removes his hand from my card. “Are you sure? I’m happy to pay.”

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