Page 12 of Brutal Sin

ChapterFour

Two weeks later

The shuffleof footsteps at the open office door demanded attention Bryan wasn’t enthusiastic to give. “Did you want something?” He met Leo’s stare as his friend leaned against the doorframe.” Or are you happy to stand there and admire me in silence?”

“What are you up to tonight?”

Bryan raised a brow. “Probably a whole heap of none-of-your-fucking-business. Why?”

“Shay asked if you had plans to play in the Vault.”

Great. Another woman to add to the list. “Tell Shay to get a life. I don’t want her vetting questions from the vultures down there.”

“Christ, you’re in a mood. Again.”

Bryan sank back in his chair with a huff. He was in a mood. This was his night to work the restaurant, and with Taste of Sin now closed, he should already be downstairs relaxing with a beer and a woman. Instead, he battled with annoyance.

He’d finally nutted out the particulars for the development night he would soon run in the Vault. Meticulous detail had gone into the first email to club patrons advising them of what to expect and what they could learn. Yes, he’d expected questions, and yes, there had been many, but all of them had revolved around his sex life and who he’d be fucking in the near future.

“I made the mistake of leaving my phone number on the email I sent to Vault members. Now I’ve got women hounding my ass. I’ve had two text me in the last five minutes, asking when I’m coming downstairs.”

“Holy shit,” Leo exaggerated a whisper. “You poor, defenseless bastard.”

Bryan scowled.

“Most men would kill for your position. But not you. For such a hard ass, you really are a pussy when women show any interest.”

Yes, he was. A remorseless bachelor for life. He refused to be tied to anyone. Not even temporarily. And if running from commitment-starved women made him a pussy, he’d be happy to wear the title like a badge of honor. “I’m not mostmen.”

“Clearly. But you do realize they’d back off if you settled down with a regular hook-up? If you remain single, they’re always going to look for an opportunity.”

“I’m not going to let one woman latch her claws for the sake of keeping the rest at bay. They should all know the drill by now. If not, I’ll have to give them a reminder.”

“Well, it better be friendly. They’ll be dripping in their panties if you pull the usual Brute routine.” Leo gave a half-hearted laugh. “I don’t know how you do it, but they eat up your bad attitude like a vanilla fudge sundae.”

That was the vicious cycle. He didn’t do nice. Never had. So, whenever he opened his mouth, the females lapped at his hostile sterility. “Do me a favor and don’t mention my routine and vanilla in the same sentence. We both know that’s more your style.”

“You know what else is my style?” Leo countered. “Committing myself to one woman, so the rest know I’m off-limits.”

“Everyone knows you’re off-limits because Shay threatens to slash them with a broken bottle if they get within twofeet.”

“Yep.” Leo grinned. “She’s a keeper.” He pushed from the doorframe, making way for the person who entered.

Shit. Janeane. She was one of the text-message hounds. Long brown hair, dark hazel eyes, a body made for sin, and a determination for commitment that made his skin crawl.

“Looks like you’ve got a visitor,” Leo drawled. “I’ll leave you two alone.”

“You need to hang around.” Bryan narrowed his gaze on his business partner, relaying an unmistakable message. “We still have things to discuss.”

His friend grinned in return. “I’d love to, buddy, but I’m going to be busy helping my girlfriend get a life. We’ll catch up later.” Leo gave a salute in farewell, then disappeared down thehall.

Fucker.

“He was in a hurry.” Janeane sauntered toward the desk, her hips moving with an exaggerated sway. “How you doin’, Brute?”

“Fine.” He gripped the armrests on his chair, holding his temper at bay. “You?”

“Good.”

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