Page 34 of Seduction in Spades

“You’ll end up with broken ribs. He’s fifty pounds heavier than I was when we were in high school and I kicked your ass.”

My time with the SEALS put me in the best shape of my life, but Trey would be packing his punches with the fierce over-protectiveness of his sister. I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of that tattooed fist.

“Nah. Trey’s a softy at heart. He overdoses in tats to cover up the teddy bear inside.”

I can’t help but chuckle. Ryder is right. Trey isn’t a violent man, no matter how much he looks like the badass biker from the wrong side of town.

“I’m gonna head up and take a shit and a shower. Want to carpool over to the restaurant?”

We head to the elevators together. I have no reason to turn him down. It would make perfect sense to go up to our penthouse and change into jeans and drive across town together. I can’t exactly tell Ryder I’d rather go alone on the rare chance Trey invites Avery to join us.

He’s been adamant about keeping Ryder away from her, so I highly doubt she’ll be there anyway.

“Thanks for the overshare. I’ll be painting my nails. Let me know when you’re ready.”

I start and delete a dozen texts to Avery before I finally tuck my phone away in my back pocket.

“All prettied up for the family meal?” Ryder pushes my bedroom door open without knocking twenty minutes later. We never knock. Not even when we know there’s a woman in bed. Not that we bring women up to the penthouse.

We use rooms on the other floors for spontaneous hookups. Those are more Ryder’s style, but he doesn’t do it often, not wanting the woman of the night to hang around the casino expecting he’ll make time for her.

He takes most of his extra-curricular activities to their places. Granted, I do too, just not as frequently as my childhood best friend.

“I texted Drake to see if he wants to ride over together but they already left. Nora had a few errands to run.”

“I’ll drive.” I scoop up my keys from my nightstand and follow Ryder out the door.

We make small talk about the casino, pointing out the regulars, speculating on what the future will bring, and making bets on which women are hookers. Not that we condone or support them bringing their business to our casino, but it’s not exactly an easy task spotting them and escorting them out.

I have guys who are more trained than others but all it takes is one wrong false accusation, and an insult to a woman wearing a skimpy dress, for a media shitstorm.

When we get to the restaurant, a woman instantly recognizes Ryder. By the look on his face, he has no idea who she is but plays along as he usually does.

“Hey, gorgeous.” He kisses her cheek. “It’s great seeing you again.”

I have no doubt Ryder will charm the panties off this woman and she’ll be none the wiser that he doesn’t remember her name or if he ever slept with her. I make my way through the restaurant and spot Drake and Nora sitting next to each other at a table set for six.

A beautiful blonde is sitting across from Nora, deep in conversation.

Avery.I tuck my grin away and stride over to the table. “Trey’s not here yet?” I ask instead of looking at or acknowledging Avery.

“He had a work call but will be here soon. We haven’t seen Ryder yet either,” Drake says, not looking up from his phone.

“He came with me. He ran into someone he may or may not know.”

Drake snorts.

“Put your phone away.” Nora elbows him.

As an obedient fiancé would, he shoves it in his pocket. Drake tips his chin. “Here he comes. Trey will flip his shit if Ryder hits on Avery all night. You should sit next to her so Nora and I don’t have to play the role of parents.”

Thank you, gods!

“I can’t promise Trey and Ryder aren’t going to go at it even with me playing monkey in the middle.” I pull out the chair next to Avery and glance at her for the first time. “I didn’t know you’d be joining us.”

“She’s family. Of course she is. It’s why we picked the Yard House. It’s close to her office and apartment since she had to work tonight.”

“I appreciate the invite and the thoughtfulness. I haven’t been out much since moving here. Other than a few times at The Club, I haven’t had a lot of time to socialize, which is fine,” Avery says to Nora, not making eye contact with me.

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