Page 83 of Big Bad Bully
“In training,” Billy says. “He’s got a ways to go. But I think we should get him into our club. He’s paid his dues, he deserves membership.”
What club? Athletic club? Social club? What, are they all Masons? I feel like they’re speaking about more than just a membership.
“We’ll talk about that later. This weekend is for relaxing and fun,” Brick says, and everyone settles into their seats as if his word is law.
“And practicing for our big Queen number,” I say. “Brick, Madi volunteered you as Freddy Mercury.”
He glances at her for confirmation, and she nods, her eyes twinkling. “Oh yes. I got an all white outfit like the one he wore at Live Aid. You’re going to look amazing.”
Brick’s brows draw together in alarm, and Madi and I crack up all over again.
He relaxes. “That was a joke, wasn’t it?”
“Yep.”
“You should’ve seen your face,” Madi crows. He shakes his head and lifts her hand to his lips and kisses it.
Billy and I make eye contact. I roll my eyes, and he smirks.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Aubrey
“So what’s the scoop with you and Billy?” Madi asks, not missing the fact that he escorted me to my private cabana last night.
And, yes, he did come in and wear me out, so I could get to sleep in a new time zone.
Yes, it was incredible, as always. The man can make me orgasm over and over again until I’m wrung out.
Madi’s stretched out on a comfy blue chaise lounge beside me. We’re both in fluffy bathrobes provided by the amazing spa, lounging by a salt pool. We’ve just gotten massaged and manicured and pampered, and now we’re snacking on hummus and crudites in between sessions in the sauna and dips in the hot tub.
Madi’s two soon-to-be sisters-in-law are still getting their massages, so this is our chance for girl talk.
“I have so much to tell you.” I start with the Sentience gala and give her the details of my shared days and nights with Billy. She’s a good audience, gasping and laughing at appropriate times.
“He what?” Her jaw drops when I tell her about him giving me the credit card. I describe all the ways I charged it up, and she snickers. “Get it, girl. Torture him.”
“At first, I was doing it because of how he treated you. But then it was just fun.”
A spa attendant comes by with tiny white cups of lemon sorbet, and Madi and I take two each. The lemon flavor is both cool and sharp on my tongue, refreshing.
“He’s so good with Pepper, though. I never would have guessed there was a softer side to him.”
Not for humans, apparently, but for puppies. That must mean something.
“Let me see that picture again.” Madi holds out her hand, and I give her my phone. She studies the photo, frowning.
“I wouldn’t have guessed he had it in him, either.” She shakes her head and hands me my phone back. “He hates weakness, in anyone. I guess puppies are exempt from his disdain, though.”
“I think it’s just an act.”
“No, I had to prove myself to win his loyalty. And even then it was because Brick basically ordered him to.”
“Yeah, about that. It’s weird how they take orders from Brick. I mean, aren’t they basically college friends. I guess it’s because he’s the CEO?” But that wouldn’t affect their personal lives, would it?
“These guys, they do better with a leader,” Madi says. “They were raised by hard asses. They trauma-bonded in college and started Moon Co to prove themselves. Brick led the way.”
“So they take orders from him all the time? Like they’re a military unit?”
