Page 21 of Brutal Sin

“You’re not the only one who owns the club. It’s Leo and T.J.’s, too.”

He growled, his teeth clenched tight. He loved this woman. Really, he did. But holy fuck, he hated her at times. “Tell Leo I’m leaving.”

“I don’t think—”

He held up a hand. “When it comes to me, don’t think. Ever again. You hear me? Stay out of my sex life unless you want me meddling with yours.”

Her chin hitched, the expression held for a brief second before she nodded.

“I’m glad we’re finally on the samepage.”

Those arms remained locked tight over her chest as he walked from the office.

He strode into the hall and down the stairs to the bar. The club was in full swing with loud music and a packed dance floor. His peripheral vision caught sight of the opening Vault door, and he paused to make sure he didn’t have to hide in the crowd to save himself from another female leech.

The guard manning the entrance stepped aside to welcome someone from the darkness.

Bryan should’ve kept walking. Should’ve gone straight to the parking lot without giving a fuck about anyone from the private club. But then it was too late. Ella strode from the shadows, wearing a silky dress barely covering the scant lingerie beneath.

She gave a half-hearted smile to the guard, then worked her way across the dance floor, heading toward the main entrance to Shot ofSin.

“You can’t let her walk out on her own.” Shay’s raised voice came from over his shoulder, having the effect of a surprise enema.

“I’m onit.”

There was a reason they’d renovated the Vault to have a parking lot exit. Escaping through a mass of drunken revelers at the front of the club wasn’t an option, especially for a woman on her own. She’d have to walk around the building unattended. Unprotected.

“Goddamn it.” These women would be the death of him. Or at least his libido. He turned to face Shay. “Go back downstairs. I’ll make sure she gets to hercar.”

“Will you make sure she gets an apology, too?”

He scowled. Apology, my ass. “Good night, Shay.”

She smiled, big and wide and full of spite. “Night, Brute.”

Finding Ella again wasn’t hard. She parted the sea of pussy-starved men with a whiplash effect. He followed, hanging back at least ten feet. He wouldn’t talk to her. She wouldn’t even know he was there. All he would do was shadow her to her car and kiss her annoyance goodbye once she safely droveaway.

She reached the club doors, tipped her head so she didn’t make eye contact with the bouncer, and walked into the night.

He did the same, approaching Greg a few seconds after.

“Everything okay, boss?”

“Yeah. Heading home.” They both stared afterElla.

“A friend of yours?”

“No, she’s from downstairs.”

Greg nodded, lowering his attention to her swayingass.

Nobody inside the club knew what lurked behind the guarded Vault of Sin doors. Not the bouncers, not the Shot of Sin staff, and definitely not the crowd who continued to carve up the dance floor on a weekly basis. There was only Bryan and his business partners, along with very minimal bar staff. To everyone else, it was an exclusive VIP area, with the people coming in and out carrying the intrigue of celebrity status.

“Keep your eyes on the door,” he growled. “I’ll make sure she gets to hercar.”

“Sure thing.”

Ella gained distance, and two men waiting in the crowded line for a cab stepped back to follow her along the building. They framed her, leaning close, making their intentions known as Bryan lengthened his stride.

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