Page 160 of On a Fault Line

“This better not be what I think it is.”

I shrug. “If my brothers approved it, then why deny us our destiny?”

His mouth opens and then shuts. I can tell he wants to say more but resists, probably because we have an audience.

“Apparently, this place has really good security,” Angie says, acting innocent. “Bouncers, guards, legit driver’s license checks, and up-to-date surveillance. It’s the only way Graham even for a second allowed me to ponder the idea of coming here.”

Claire links arms with me and Angie. “It’ll be fun.” She turns to glance behind her at Collins who is allowing us to lead the way. “What man doesn’t love a good strip club?”

“Apparently that man,” I grumble, loud enough for him to hear. “His frown is going to make this all awkward.”

The girls and I get into line and flash our IDs when asked.

In true Collins form, he makes friends with the bouncer, slipping him something that I can only assume is a cash payout for being “extra.”

When we are granted access through the metal door, the atmosphere comes alive.

“Is this how the Vegas one was?” I ask.

Claire clears her throat. “That one was more of a performance show. I can’t wait to see what this one will be. Granted, we do have someone here that we actually know. Have you spotted Luke yet?”

I look around the space. “Not yet. I didn’t even know we’d be here tonight, so I didn’t give him a heads-up.”

“Is that him?” Claire asks, pointing to a man who only has a bow tie on with a pair of booty shorts.

I shake my head. “No.”

We meander around the space, until we find a vacant lounge area with comfy couches and a little coffee table for any food or drinks we purchase.

The girls and I plop down onto the sofa, with Claire in the middle. Collins takes the chair beside me, looking as uncomfortable as ever.

Leaning into me, he whispers, “Behave tonight.”

And I mouth, “Always.”

A waitress comes around and takes our order, and then quickly scurries away when the lights start fading and brightening, signaling the start of the show.

“Wow, just in time,” Claire says, relieved.

I know the girls have been to a strip club before, but this is my first one. I just hope I don’t do anything stupid.

The crowd is lively tonight, but I have to say, this place is way more sophisticated than the image I created in my head based on how movies portray these places. I know the top-notch security at check-in was the only reason Collins let us proceed in the first place.

He gets off on all things security. So this place has something for every taste, I am sure.

An announcer walks up on stage, looking to be barely legal to be here himself. “Please help me welcome to the stage, the men who are all tens… It’s time to get penis envy! Give it up for Max the Muscle, Lethal Luke, and Sergeant Sam.”

“Please help me mourn the loss of my panties,” Claire says with reverence. This is her love language—clearly.

The girls and I wave our hands and scream out in excitement. Collins looks like he doesn’t know where to put his eyes, but manages to find a resting place for them…

On me.

“Stop making this weird,” I whisper to him.

“I’m just plotting out how I’m going to punish you later for your straying eyes.”

“He’s my roommate,” I remind him, low enough for only him to hear. “We basically bathe together.”

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