Page 63 of Sawyer and the Bookworms

“This is a bad idea,” I say.

“Relax for two seconds, will ya? It will be fine.”

“What if she’s not here?” I ask.

“If she’s not here, then we’ll have a couple of drinks. Have a guys’ evening out.”

“I’m not dressed for an evening out,” I protest, not even aware of what I’m saying, my mind stuck on the ‘strip’ in the ‘strip club,’ and not sure I want to know what Brinlee is doing here.

“You look great, trust me.” His gaze roams over me. “You look hot. Truth is, you always do.”

I don’t know what to say to that. He chuckles and gestures again for me to enter.

Flustered and distracted, I climb the steps to join their small group as a bulky alpha half-leans out and frowns at us.

“We aren’t open yet,” he says.

“Archer McGraw,” Archer says, his voice low and thick with that growl. “Manager of the Alpha Bet and top alpha of the McGraw Pack.”

The bouncer stills, then steps back inside and we hear hushed voices. He returns. “The bar is open for drinks, if you want to wait until the show begins.” He eyes my clothes critically. “You’re tittering on the boundaries of smart casual, but I’ll let you pass. Pay the entry fee. I trust you know the rules. Enjoy your evening, gentlemen.” He tips his head in Archer’s direction. “Mr. McGraw. An honor, sir.”

Well, damn.

“I didn’t know you were famous,” I mutter.

Archer’s mouth pulls into a lopsided smirk. “Top alphas are generally known in town, plus I’m not merely the manager of the Alpha Bet. I’m also a major shareholder.”

“He doesn’t want to talk about it, but he’s like a rockstar,” Roman says, winking at Archer. He likes winking, it seems.

It shouldn’t send those waves of heat through me.

Archer pays our entry fees, and then leans close to the ticket lady, saying in a conspirational whisper, “We’re looking for a girl.”

In a similar whisper, she replies, “Isn’t everyone?”

“I’m not,” Kyrian says. “Guys do it for me just fine.”

She nods at the hulking alpha. “Power to you, my good sir. In this club, most men come looking for girls. We do have some delicious men, though, as well, so I believe you will be satisfied with the show.”

“We’re not here for the show,” Kyrian says. “We’re here to find Brinlee.”

Roman elbows him. “What he means is that of course we’re here for the show, our friend Brinlee told us about it, that’s all. She’s?—”

The woman nods. “Brinlee Grissom? Baby Doll?”

“Baby Doll?” I repeat, my voice rising a little. “Who’s Baby Doll?”

“Brinlee. Didn’t she tell you her stage name?”

“Oh, no. This must be a mistake.” I shake my head. “No. Brinlee just hangs out here, she’s not?—”

“She works here?” Archer asks, his voice sharp.

“Sure does. Pay for a drink and watch her do her thing. She’s a natural. One of our best pole dancers.”

“Pole dancers.” Some weight lifts off my chest, allowing me to resume breathing. “She’s a dancer.”

“Yeah, she has refused to take off her clothes for money so far, but it’s a waiting game in this business.”

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