Page 36 of Seduction in Spades

“Are you sure? I can pay my own way.”

I squeeze her gently and rub my thumb on the underside of her arm. “Do you really think any of us would let you pay for our meals?”

“True. The four of you are quite caveman-ish.”

“I do enjoy pulling a woman’s hair,” Ryder mumbles not so quietly.

Visions of my night with Avery when I had her hair wrapped around my hand and pulled her head back to kiss her roughly came flooding to my cock.

The waitress clears her voice. “Should I pick a card?”

Drake shakes the basket. “Go ahead.”

She mixes them up then holds up a black card and reads the name. “Nolan Ryder.”

“Guess dinner’s on me,” I say to Avery, my gaze boring into hers and then I remember I’m paying for everyone, not just her. I clear my voice and tip my chin to Trey. “Regret not ordering the lobster?”

“Maybe I’ll order one and a bottle of Jack to go.”

The waitress comes back with my card and the slip. I sign my name, leave a hefty tip, and put my card back in my wallet.

“Thank you for dinner,” Avery says to me before returning her attention to everyone else. “I appreciate you all coming out this way for me.”

“It’s not a problem at all.” Nora gives her a hug. “I’d suggest going for a walk or checking out a museum, but I have a deadline I need to meet tonight.

“Is that a euphemism for sex?” Ryder hugs Nora.

“Everything is a euphemism for sex with you,” she teases.

“That’s also a yes.” Drake puts a protective arm around her.

“If Nolan and Trey want to head back, I’d be more than happy to take a stroll around the block with you.”

“The fuck you will.” Trey elbows Ryder aside. “Show us around, Aves.”

Ryder and I follow behind Trey and Avery as we walk a few blocks to the Museum of Fine Art. I’m not opposed to museums, but I don’t have a passion for them either. Ryder’s into them more than the rest of us, and it’s not even to get in a girl’s pants.

“I’m going to pop into the ladies' room. I’ll be right back.”

As soon as the door closes behind her, Trey turns to us, a dark shadow cast over his eyes. “Fuck.”

“Too sophisticated for you here, T-dog?”

Trey ignores Ryder’s taunts. “Don’t look behind you and keep your fuck ass stupid grin on your face, Benton. Two men have been following us since the restaurant.”

Years of training have me keeping my facial expression and body language lax.

“Where? What are they wearing?”

“My ten o’clock.” Which means my four. “Black pants. Black short sleeves. Both have short, cropped hair. Tats on the arms.”

“What makes you think they’re following us?” Ryder asks.

“Me. I kicked them out of The Club last week.”

“Why?” I ask, casually tucking my hands in my front pockets.

“They’re Micky Donohue’s men, and they were getting too friendly with some of my customers.”

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