Page 79 of Thick as Thieves
“Look after Xander—” I start to gulp and think I’m going to throw up.
Tommy spins me away from him and starts to stride towards the back doors. “I’ll call when I’ve got her settled,” he shouts over his shoulder.
I can’t see Kell, but I don’t think he moves, as I don’t hear his footsteps on the concrete floor. “He’s still standing there,” Tommy tells me quietly as he opens the car door and lays me on the back seat. My stomach heaves again as I smell the garbage in the alleyway. I groan out as Tommy shuts the door and climbs into the driver seat. “Hang on Kiddo. We’re going home.”
33
Kellen
I standfor what seems like an age, watching the retreating back of the man who loves and protects my wife and kids with his life. I need to speak to Xander. She didn’t look right. Even for illness, she didn’t look right.
The toilet door swings open and one of Valentina’s relatives stands there. Her T-shirt has the club logo on it. I remember her from the debacle in the park, and she’s helped Valentina at the house a few times.
“Hi Roza. Were you with Evie in the toilets? Was she sick?”
“Yes, a few times. I put her in an out of use toilet. But it works really. She needed a bit of peace and quiet. If you’re ill, you need it.” She nods and smiles at me. “Valentina will sort her out. She’s had too many shocks tonight.” The woman’s face is full of concern as she speaks.
“Shocks? Do you mean shots.”
“Oh yes, shots, yes shots.” She edges away from me, suddenly seeming very keen to get away. “I need to go. I am the attendant. I look after everyone.”
I grin at her. I remember her telling funny stories in the kitchen about the club she worked at. “I’ll bet you hear some tales in there.” I smirk.
“You have no idea, the things people say and tell you. Some are very unwelcome.” She gives me a weird look and scuttles away and back into the toilets.
I stand and look at the door. Not quite sure what to make of it all. Best go break the news to Xander. It’s just he and I, unless he wants to leave straight away. I’m happy either way. I’ll do whatever he wants. It's his birthday.
When I walk into the main club area, I don’t see any of my party. They’ve all disappeared. I spot Mick sitting at his table in the VIP area and as I make my way over, I’m accosted by one of the festival promoters here in Mexico City. I’ve met him before and he introduces me to his colleagues and a new promoter who’s looking for up and coming bands. My brain instantly springs to my sons and I get embroiled in discussions to get B4d Intel as the headliners.
After what feels like an hour, I give Mick our signal to come rescue me. This discussion needs to be in a different place, and have more of our team involved. I make my excuses, explaining about the birthday party I’m supposed to be with, and move with Mick towards the other club door.
“Where the fuck is everyone?”
“In the other club. Xan went through to sort out your room. I’m amazed he’s not turned back up yet. He texted me the room number.” We push through the club door and into plush carpets and top end décor. Clearly most of the money is being spent here. “Room five. First floor. Where’s Evie?”
I stop and look at him. “Tommy said he’d text you when they got home. Hasn’t he? She’s ill.”
I hesitate to move forward. They should have got home by now. The house is not that far away, and even by Mexico City traffic, they should be back.
“Text him, Mick. I’ll go speak to Xander. Come into the room with his response.”
I stride off in search of Xan, leaving Mick to text or call Tommy. My brain is whirring. I know I’m not the most intuitive guy at times, but when it comes to my wife, I’m hard wired. I have a weird feeling in my gut.
I walk into a room painted out in dark blues. It’s a gorgeous room, lots of play items hanging strategically on one wall. All set and waiting to be used for a fabulous night of sex, fucking, making love, or whatever floats your boat. And I know there are many boats.
The man standing shirtless with a whip in his hand makes my stomach drop. And my cock throb and twitch in my trousers. Dark hair, flopping onto his tanned face. Rugged chin, and just a few days old stubble. Fucking unbelievable that he’s here for me and her. The clearest, intensely blue eyes that are like a bright summer day in Scotland. A smirk over his full lips. His body a mass of graceful lines and muscle. Abs that ripple like waves on a Loch. Skin soft as silk. He makes my mouth water and my insides quake.
The electricity that is pouring out of him is for Evie and myself alone. White heat that has only intensified since Evie agreed to love us both. It simmers under the surface, and I feel it daily like a living flame. Before us, he was cold and calculated. No fire, only ice. Bored and disinterested. Now I know I couldn’t contain him. He’s overwhelming.
His scent hits me, wood, oud, and Xander. Fuck I wish Evie was here to see and feel this. My brain screeches to a halt, as I need to deliver the bad news.
“Where’s Kitten?” He’s looking behind me as if he expects the door to open. “Did you tell her to come get my requests?” He smirks, his eyes full of devilish promise, and takes a step towards me, watching my face intently. “Where is she? Kell?” His face has changed from sexy as fuck to what the fuck.
“She’s ill and gone.”
His face drops, the gasp that escapes him emphasises his shock and disappointment.
“No fucking way. What’s wrong with her? Do we need to leave? Did you see her?”
