Page 26 of Seduction in Spades

“Now that you have a steady paycheck and a grown-up job, you should sit down with Drake and have him help you with financial planning.”

“That’s right. The Four Aces. Playboy, grump, math nerd. Who’s missing?”

“Security. Nolan’s top notch. Former SEAL.”

“I know all your jobs. I was wondering about the personalities of the Aces.”

“Drake’s like Switzerland. Doesn’t take sides. Looks at everything logically. This the place?” Trey points to the black and white striped awning of Nature’s Table.

Shit. I still know nothing about Nolan. A SEAL though? Sexy. “Yup.”

The restaurant is cute and chic. I really didn’t care where we went today for lunch. I wanted time with my brother. We talk about Boston, about The Club, the food at Ryder’s five-star restaurant,Red, and about my new job.

It isn’t until I’ve finished my lobster salad that I bring the conversation back to Trey’s friends.

“I can only imagine the stir the four of you caused when you opened Four Aces.” I was neck deep in final exams and fifteen-hour work days and wasn’t able to make a trip up from New Orleans for the opening of the casino, but I watched clips on the news and read articles online.

To the public, Drake Reynolds is the owner, but Ryder, Nolan, and Trey are silent partners, not wanting their names to be flashed in the media. Had I caught a glimpse of what Nolan Jones looked like, I would have dropped my classes and quit my jobs to come to Boston.

Kidding. Sort of.

“Ryder loves the hype, so he gets a lot of media attention withRed, but most aren’t aware of his investment in the entire operation.”

“Does the same go for you and Nolan? Is he gun-shy like you or does he like the hype like Ryder?”

There. I managed to inquire about Nolan without being too obvious.

“He’s a hybrid of the three of us.”

I laugh to hide my intense curiosity. “How so?”

“Being a former SEAL, he likes to read the situation before jumping into anything. That’s the Drake side of him.”

Yeah. I can totally see that. He took his time last week learning about me, approaching me with caution.

“Ladies man like Ryder, I take it?” This, I don’t want to hear. Even though I only want random hook ups with him and nothing more, I still don’t want to hear about his flavor of the week.

“Yes and no.”

I wait for Trey to elaborate. He doesn’t. I squirm. Prodding too much will only raise his suspicion, and then he’ll warn me away from him. Or worse, he’ll warn Nolan away from me.

“Manwhore one day, monk the next?” I joke and sip my water pretending his answer won’t affect me.

“Not a manwhore. Hell, even Ryder isn’t. He likes to have a good time and keeps it on the up and up with women. Still don’t want you to be another notch in his bedpost.” Trey furrows his brows at me.

I hold up my hands. “Trust me. I don’t want that either.”

Damn. We’ve strayed from Nolan again. I’m pretty sure Trey keeps bringing up Ryder so I’ll stay away from him.

The waitress clears our plates and asks if we want any dessert. When we both decline, she leaves the bill, which Trey scoops up.

“Thanks for making the time for me this afternoon. I know you’re super busy.”

“I owe you a hell of a lot more than lunch and a few hours.”

“Aww. Look at you. I promise not to tell the boys and your fan club of women that under all those muscles and tattoos, there’s a nice guy lurking underneath.”

“I’m not a nice guy. That’s Nolan’s area.”

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