Page 3 of Such a Tempting Omega

“What?” Andreas went silent for a moment before he joined me in laughter. “Gods no. You can’t possibly think I’d trade Julian for your ugly face.”

“That’s cold. But I have to agree your omega is pretty adorable, and you scored there. I’ll never understand…wait, he’s your fated, right?”

“Yes, of course.”

“I guess he’s stuck with you, then.”

His deep sigh was heartfelt. “Thank the Goddess and Fate because I don’t deserve him.”

“Don’t take it that far. You two are a great couple, and if you’re calling to invite me over to dinner, I’m glad to come just to soak up the good vibes. How is little Amelia Jane?”

“Fine, thanks. Has both her daddies wrapped around her little finger, and I’ll check with Julian and figure out a good day to have you to the house, but that’s not why I’m calling.”

“Whatever day is good for you, I’m in. I just need enough time to shop for a gift for Amelia. I can’t show up empty-handed.”

“You do not have to bring her a gift.”

“Yes I do. So why are you calling at midnight if it’s not a dinner invite?”

Muffled talking in the background and then he said, “Julian says hi.”

“Hi, Julian.” I was never going to find out why this guy called. If I’d actually been asleep, I might be annoyed, but I did my best landscape planning in the wee small hours. And he knew that.

“Are you available tomorrow night to come visit Cuffed as my guest?” He’d been a member for a few years, I believed, and had been trying to get me to join the whole time. Anticipating my reply, he said, “This isn’t part of a membership drive…we have a waiting list anyway. It’s about a project I think you’d be perfect for.”

Intrigued at the fact he wanted this meeting at the club instead of either of our offices, I was tempted to ask for details, but the fact it was after midnight and their daughter would be up with the sun, stopped me. Unless they were at the club, both of these daddies went to bed early. Plus, I welcomed the opportunity to visit Cuffed. The only thing that had held me back from joining was a lack of time. When my business took off, it occupied every moment I was awake, leaving no free hours for clubbing. The only place I ever went to relax was when Andreas and Julian invited me to dinner once a month or so.

Even though my friends had an ownership stake in the club, I still had to be “approved” just to cross the threshold, so I went to the link I received from Andreas and filled out the form then returned to my plans. The clients had an unhealthy attachment to roses, but if I did things the way they wanted, they’d fill the neighborhood with a scent no one could escape. Thousands of blooms known for their strong bouquet was too much, and my task was to give them the roses they worshiped as part of a more balanced landscape.

Sometime around three, when I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer, I gave up and went to bed to sleep for a few hours. But, as my eyes closed, I wondered what kind of project Andreashad and whether it might be something closer to what I dreamed of doing.

I arrived at Cuffed the next night at nine, as scheduled, and the omega sitting at the front desk took my phone and locked it up, asking if I needed an explanation. I didn’t—the approval for the visit having come with all the information a person could need. But from his question, I guessed not everyone read the rules.

“Nope. I understand the need for privacy in a club such as this one.” I offered a friendly smile, wanting to indicate there were no hard feelings. Honestly, I was less attached to the device than many others I knew, and I had set it on silent mode before leaving the car so it wouldn’t go off and disturb anyone from wherever it was placed. “Do I just go in or…”

“I texted Alpha Andreas as soon as you arrived. He’ll be right here to take you back, if you don’t mind waiting a moment?” The young omega was so polite, and I wasn’t sure if waiting was a rule, since it wasn’t mentioned in the file, but I was glad to agree.

“Thank you.”

I stepped back out of the way of the flow of people coming and going, and not more than five minutes later, Andreas appeared. He took me to a booth where we had a good view of all the stations but far enough back that we could speak without the music and other sounds interfering with our ability to hear one another.

“Before we get too involved, here, what would you like to drink? The servers look pretty busy, so I’ll go to the bar and get us something.” Andreas moved to stand, but I waved him back down.

“It’s on me. This place is fabulous. Why haven’t you invited me before.” Only a hundred times. The difference here was that he’d bribed me to discuss a project.

His lip quirked, but he nodded and I headed to the crowded bar area, where I learned the reason for his mirth. “Sorry, but Andreas says your money is no good here. What can I get you?”

Chapter Four

Hirsch

My idea was a total and complete bust. I’d come here to blow off some steam. To clear my head and maybe have a bit of fun.

Instead, reality punched me in the gut. While watching a fire display by two of the owners, a mated couple, I overheard two omegas talking. They mentioned a huge event being planned. Some huge unveiling of a project, along with specialized events and displays.

I got excited and giddy hearing the news until I realized…my membership would be over in late summer. The event would happen way after that, and even if I managed to find a job, there was no way I could pay the annual fee. Membership at Cuffed was exclusive and expensive. They didn’t let just anybody in.

Wilting, I made my way through the crowd, away from the omegas bobbing up and down, bubbling with excitement. A heaviness dragged me down the steps toward the bar. I’d never been much of a drinker, but tonight, I would enjoy this place and not worry about the cost.

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