Page 61 of In the Nick of Time
“Alright then. What’s the plan for tonight?”
“I think we’ll have to play it by ear.”
“What if Velvet Elvis is there?”
One thing they’d confirmed after checking in with SPAM was that, along with being a known subpower holder, Velvet Elvis was not such a great guy. Things happened when he was in the room. Cash went missing while he was on the stage. Things disappeared—like SPAM agents. Did he have a partner? They weren’t sure but suspected the answer was yes. They just hadn’t identified who it was and had no real leads.
“He doesn’t affect you. Much like the drug The Undertaker gave you wore off faster than he expected.” Doug eyed Nick. “I think you’re onto something. Your unique metabolism keeps certain things—powers, drugs—from affecting you or, at least, not affecting you as much as they do other folks.”
“So I just, what, keep my eye out? I can’t play poker to save my life or yours.”
“We’ll have to wait and see what happens.”
By the timethey made it to The Ace of Clubs, there was a much longer line than there had been the last few times, but when the bouncer spotted them waiting, he waved them through. Nick adjusted his tie and grinned at the guy as they stepped past him.
“Have a good night,” Nick said followed by, “Whoa,” when he realized just how packed it was inside. The dance floor was wall-to-wall writhing bodies and something awful was playing over the sound system. Was that Justin Timberlake? Did the DJ have no taste at all?
Grabbing Nick’s hand, Doug pulled him through the heaving crowd. There were no free tables or spots at the bar in the main area. Nick was ready to leave and rescue agents another day, but Sven stepped into their path.
“Gentlemen, lovely to see you. There’s space in the next room,” he said over the din of too many conversations and the supposed music.
The middle room was, thankfully, much less crowded and much quieter. After his experience earlier in the day, Nick was still tired and strung out, like someone had rolled him too thin. He figured it was the time thing, but it could have been the drug Pork Pie had given him.
Sex with Doug had helped, but what he needed was a good night’s sleep and no Sven hanging around looking like he wanted a sample of Doug for dessert. Or maybe even as the main dish. Nick scowled in the server’s direction.
“What’s that look all about?”
“Oh, nothing,” Nick said airily. “Just making sure Sven understands the score.”
Doug’s signature smirk crossed his lips. Tipping his head, he pressed his mouth against Nick’s before licking inside and tangling their tongues together. When he pulled away, Nick legitimately felt dizzy.
“There,” Doug said. “I think the message is clear now.”
“Yes, whatever you say. As soon as I can think again, I’ll let you know.”
They took a table that had opened up near the small dance floor. Presumably, they’d be invited to the secret room at some point. Nick’s spine tingled with anticipation and not, as Doug insisted, from the huge iced coffee he’d had earlier. Something was going to happen tonight. He felt it all the way to his bones.
“What’s the plan, boss?”
“I like it when you call me boss.”
“I bet you do, but don’t get used to it.”
The way Doug smiled at him made more than Nick’s spine tingle.
“What would you boys like to drink tonight?”
Ugh, Sven was back. Seriously, could he just not? Doug ordered drinks while Nick ignored Sven and looked around the room, taking in the various groups of people. He didn’t see anything he considered weird.Lift You Up, by Ministry of Sound started playing. Nick couldn’t stop himself from tapping his fingers against the tabletop.
“Shall we take a turn on the floor after we finish our drinks?” Doug asked.
“A turn on the floor?” Nick repeated. “This isn’t ballroom dancing, old man. I thought we established this a few nights ago.”
Doug’s response was to roll his eyes.
“Very mature.”
“As you keep pointing out.”
