“Yes, Vonn, really. What? You act like I’m trying to catch feelings. Nah uhn, that’s for them over there.”
Dominique snuggled closer to him and shook her head. “Forgive her. We don’t let her come out that often.”
“They sure don’t. But when they do, I’m hell on wheels.” Chasity giggled before taking another sip from her glass.
Vincent was certain Chasity was feeling a buzz. Dominique told him they’d taken shots before the car service picked them up. He didn’t want them worrying about driving or everyone being separate. Vincent also wanted to spend time getting to know her friends. They hadn’t had the opportunity to meet sooner since he and Dominique’s relationship started progressing. He was eager to learn more about the woman he was falling for more deeply with every passing day. He also hoped that she and her friends would get along well with his brothers when they all met. In a matter of minutes, they would reach the club where his brothers were waiting for them. He was looking forward to it, especially to see his second to the oldest sibling.
Vincent hadn’t seen Joey in months. He’d been staying at a facility, undergoing rehabilitation for his addiction to cocaine. His girlfriend, who worked as a nurse, had supported him through his darkest days and was a key part of his recovery. It’d been a difficult journey, but it marked one year since the incident and a health scare that nearly took him away from them. Vincent and his other brother, Joshua, had been closely monitoring Joey’s actions, and it seemed he was making progress toward getting back on his feet. He was aware that this woman’s recent allegation of sexual harassment could negatively affect Joey’s recovery progress. While Vincent didn’t want to discredit her claims, it didn’t make sense to him. As MJ had pointed out, Club Infinity provided women specifically for his brother’s desires.
“Excuse me, Mr. Moretti. We’re here.”
It was the driver’s voice that yanked him out of his thoughts. Vincent noticed the SUV pulling up to the curb next to a three-story gray brick building. A line of people waiting to get inside snaked around the corner of the building. He knew they had arrived at the correct location when he saw the gold plate to the right of the wall panel with the inscriptionX-Bishon.
“Ahh, hell nah,” Dominique groaned.
Chasity rocked her head back and forth. “Squared.”
“How about cubed?” came Shavonne, who grabbed the bottle of champagne and refilled her glass.
Vincent cast a quick glance over his shoulder at the trio of friends, all wearing various looks of dissatisfaction and expressing their discontent through grumbles and sighs. He turned to Dominique, “Am I missing something here, My Queen?”
She reached up and gripped his arm. The bitterness in her voice was unmistakable when she uttered, “Yes, My King. This is Xander’s club.”
“You’ve got to be shitting me.”
Chasity downed the rest of her glass and held it out for Shavonne to pour while muttering, “On God, how I wished she was. But nope, this is that asshole’s club. Most poppin’ spot in Chi-Town on a Saturday night. Ladies get in for half off before eleven. I gotta give it to ‘em. The drinks are never watered down. They even have some playrooms for guests who are in the life. But nah, y’all go ‘head. I’m good right here getting fucked up with Tommy.”
“Who’s Tommy?” Shavonne gave Chasity a confused look while she finished filling her glass.
Chasity nodded toward the front of the SUV, and they all turned to look at the driver. He waved a hand in acknowledgment. Dominique stared in disbelief and covered her face with her hand in response to her friend.
“What? Now, you know damn well I need to know who is driving us around, Ari. I don’t go jumping into cars with strangers even if we do got Vince’s big ass over there.”
Shavonne giggled but waved, introducing herself. “Hey, Tommy. I’m Vonn.”
Tommy tipped his head. “Nice to meet you, Vonn.” He then returned his attention to the valet attendants guiding vehicles in.
When Vincent lowered his gaze to Dominique, he could see the distress in her eyes. He knew she didn’t want to be there, but he had no idea the club belonged to Xander and that it was where his brother invited them. If he were aware, he would’ve suggested another spot. He promised Dominique that he would never let Xander come near her again, especially after what happened at the office that day when he got under her skin. Vincent needed to figure out a solution that would satisfy everyone without disregarding the feelings of his woman and still allowing him to spend time with his brothers.
“My Queen, you know this was unintentional. I didn’t know this was where Joey wanted to meet. I should’ve told you where we were going, so that’s my first mistake. Trust that I’ll let you know from now on. So, here’s the thing, Joey’s already inside with a VIP room. Josh texted a little while ago. He and Nico are probably here by now. Do you mind going in so I can round everybody up, and then we figure out another location?” Vincent’s gaze lifted, and he briefly glanced at her friends with a silent plea before returning his attention to Dominique. “How’s that?”
Dominique looked to her friends. All Vincent could do was hope they’d agree to his suggestion. Chasity was the one who spoke up first.
“And you’re going to see if your brothers are good with going someplace else?”
Vincent nodded. “Yep. I’ll text Josh right now so he can know what’s up.”
“Then I’m cool.”
Shavonne chimed in. “I’m good with whatever y’all decide. You good with this, Ari?”
Vincent reached for her hand and held it tightly, providing a sense of comfort through his grip. Dominique looked up at him with trusting eyes. He used his other hand to cup her cheek, and she turned into it, planting a kiss on his palm. After a moment, she gave a slight nod of agreement and asserted. “Nah, we’re good. I won’t let him dictate where I can and cannot go. This is my city, too.”
He leaned in, whispering where only she could hear. “Good girl.”
Dominique purred. “Okay, My King, I’m following your lead.”
Following the valet’s directions, Tommy pulled up closer to the entrance and parked the truck. Once he helped everyone out of the truck, Vincent guided them toward the booth, where a hostess checked their names off the list for entry. After taking care of the cover charges, they headed toward the large double doors with Xander’s initials emblazoned on each one. Vincent grabbed the handle of one side and pulled it open forcefully.