Page 48 of Ravish

His eyes narrowed. “There’s the gate, and Ralph checks everyone in. Are you worried about someone getting into the club who doesn’t belong?”

“There is that, but also outside the club.” She let out a sigh. “After Keith told me they were watching me, I became worried about the club.”

Colby froze. “Lara, you’re safe here.” His arms tightened around her. “As for outside the club, that’s why we have the rules. You don’t mention who you see in the club.”

“I believe you. I’ve tried not to let his words get to me, but tonight...I’m sorry.” She ducked her head. Why was she letting her family issues interfere with her relationship with Colby? Maybe because it was so ingrained in her to walk the straight and narrow?

“Sweetheart.” His arm tightened around her shoulders. “There is nothing to be sorry for. I think we need to talk more about your family.”

“Probably.” He had a right to know what was going on. “My family would have rather I stayed married to my ex. They throw us together whenever they think they can, which is why I rarely visit my parents anymore.”

Colby shook his head. “What is your brother’s issue?”

“Keith thinks I need a keeper. He’s a couple of years older and followed in our father’s footsteps.” She gave a bitter laugh. “Heck, so did Scott, my other brother. I’m the baby of the family.”

“What about your mom? I can’t imagine her putting up with all of this.”

“Hazel Meyer never has a hair out of place, let alone shows any defiance toward her husband. The only reason I got to go to Berkeley was because I agreed to go to the business school. It backfired on my father, but he never realized it until I graduated.”

“So they’ve always tried to stifle your nature?”

“A good way to put it.” Lara stopped as Max walked up to them.

“Everything okay?” he asked.

“We’re fine, but Master Max if you would pull up a chair for a moment and tell Lara about the security of the club and how only members can get in.”

Max frowned, and he did something Lara didn’t expect. He sat down on the floor next to the sofa. Max lifted his hand and waited. Colby nodded, then Max picked up her hand from where it rested on her leg.

“Lara, first off, everyone signs an NDA, and if anyone violated the NDA, they would be in a world of hurt. Trust me. Jordan, Damon, and I would never let that pass without serious consequences to the person. Second, no one gets in who doesn’t belong. Not only is there a gate that is only opened with a code, but they have to check in with Ralph; if they’re not on the list they’re escorted off the property, not that anyone has ever gotten that far.” Max chuckled. “Okay, one person, but that was Sierra, and she actually knocked.”

Lara nodded, feeling a little better.

“If it helps to know, we’re doing some upgrades that will include cameras not only at the gate but outside. The club’s address is attached to my personal address, and unless you really know about the club, you won’t find it. Plus, the computer system we use is air-gapped and encrypted.”

“I see.”

“The worry is still there.” Max’s gaze shifted from her to Colby. “What is going on?”

Colby glanced at her, and she let out another sigh. “My family.” Damn, this wasn’t how tonight was supposed to go.

“Her brother told her he was watching her,” Colby clarified.

Max’s gaze turned hard. “That is a good thing to know.” Max squeezed her hand. “Lara, please don’t be afraid to tell me if you’re worried about someone who shouldn’t be getting in. We’re very diligent. But I appreciate the information.”

“I’ve caused a problem, haven’t I?” That was the last thing she wanted to do.

“No. You’ve made me aware there could be a problem.” Max squeezed her hand. “I don’t want you to worry about it. I’m very security conscious. Privacy isn’t just the gate, but the NDA, the background check, and the classes.”

“Thank you, Master Max.” Her voice was soft.

Max squeezed her hand again before he rose to his feet. “Colby, demo on Saturday night?”

“Yes, I remember.”

Max nodded and walked away.

“Demo?” Lara asked.

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