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A smile flickered across his face, and when he shook his head, his tone was teasing. “Nah. I never thought I’d be single longer than you. It’s depressing. Next thing I know, Duncan will be getting married and I’ll still be going to places like this.”

He gestured out the window as we pulled into the parking lot of the club. It was a nondescript building, with no real indication on the outside about what was going on inside. Unlike most clubs, this one didn't have a long line in front of it. If you weren’t invited by a member and cleared by the management, you weren’t allowed in. Not just anyone could walk into this place. It discouraged paranormal chasers and people just looking to gawk. This place was legit, and hopefully Laz would find someone who pulled his attention off of Ruby.

“None of that forever alone shit. We’re gonna go inside, say hello to your cousin, and feel the place out. And you’re going to be open-minded. If you get even the slightest urge to join someone, I want you to take it and run with it. Alright?”

I could see the hesitation on his face, but I wasn’t going to let this go. He needed to get over Ruby. I didn't want our band breaking up because he couldn’t let her go.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

HENDRIX

When you first entered theclub, there was a little reception area with a lone receptionist and a bouncer in front of the door. Laz’s cousin put our names on the list, and once our IDs were checked, the bouncer let us pass with a polite nod. I put my hands on Laz’s shoulders, leading him down the short hallway that spit us out in the club proper. The lighting was dimmed, which I’d expected, and the place smelled like sweat and sex. A few weeks back, I would’ve been damn curious about a place like this. Now, though, all I could think about was Art. Would he want to come to a place like this? He said he didn't get to explore much with his ex. Maybe he had a few kinks he hadn’t discovered yet. At least this place was legit enough that I probably wouldn’t end up in the tabloids if I made it big one day. You couldn’t even bring your phone into the place. And unless you offered up that information, your name and who you were was kept anonymous to everyone but management.

There wasn’t much action in the main room, which was situated like a lounge where people could meet and see if theywere compatible to go explore the other rooms. Laz’s cousin was seated at the bar, and when I led Laz over to him, he smiled. That smile disappeared when Laz got close, though.

“Holy shit.”

I nodded in agreement. “I know. It took a hell of a lot of work to get him here.”

Laz’s cousin wasn’t a large man, more lean and toned. He had Laz’s black hair and violet eyes, but that’s where the similarities ended. Laz looked like a rocker with his leather jacket and piercings. Laz’s cousin was more polished, in a nice suit and tie. He studied his cousin, worry and determination clear on his face, before turning to me and offering me his hand.

“I’m Atherton. Thanks for bringing him. If I’d known it was that bad, I would’ve dragged him here myself. Let me show you guys around and then we’ll find somewhere for him to join in.”

Laz opened his mouth to protest, he’d only wanted to watch and glean the sexual energy from the people nearby, but Atherton shot him a dark look that shut him up pretty quick.

“You can either find someone to give you what you need, or I can contact the family. Your choice.”

Laz looked horrified at the thought, and my shoulders shook with suppressed laughter.

“That’s some freaking leverage,” I murmured, trying and failing to hide my grin. Atherton didn’t look the least bit ashamed about it, and he winked at me when he noticed me trying not to laugh.

“What about you? Will you be joining in tonight?”

There was definite interest in the way he studied me, and while flattering, I wasn’t the kind of guy to sneak around while I was dating. I liked to focus on my partner and give them all the attention.

“Nah. I’m taken. I’m just here for Laz.”

“Well, I appreciate that. And if you change your mind, I’m around. Next time, bring your partner. We cater to all types here.”

That probably wouldn’t happen for a while. Art was still exploring the basics, and we had a lot to cover before I introduced kink. Still, it was fun to think about as Atherton showed us the different rooms. The one that was almost pitch black caught Laz’s interest, and I shot Atherton a look when he failed to notice. He eyed his cousin and dipped his chin once, taking the lead and dragging him into the room while I waited outside. Observers stayed outside the rooms and watched through the windows. If you went inside, there was the general idea that you wanted to join. I wasn’t going to watch my friend have sex, though. I was a good wingman, but not that good. Instead, I headed back to the lounge and stopped at the bar for a drink.

“Well, well, well… Trouble in paradise already?”

Of fucking course. Of all the places to run into our angry ex-lead guitar, it just had to be here. The bartender shot me a questioning look as they put my drink down in front of me, and I rolled my eyes in response. They were being kind by checking in, but I didn’t need protection from Zion.

Turning around and leaning against the bar, I gave Zion a flat look. “Didn’t expect to find you here, man.”

He had his arms tossed around two humans, his posture cocky and smug. “Just enjoying a night out before I meet with my new bandmates. We’ve got a record deal with the new label, and we start working tomorrow.”

I knew he wanted me to feel jealous, but I only really felt pity for him. Art warned him about that contract. He was going to be stuck with his poor decisions now. And I didn't feel an ounce of regret for letting him walk away.

“Good for you. I wish you luck and all that.”

His smile faltered. He didn't like that I wasn’t taking the bait and giving him the reaction he wanted. He pushed, jerking his chin at me.

“What about you? Find a label your boy toy is happy with yet? Or is he still holding you back? Is that why you’re here tonight?”

I raised an eyebrow at him. “What’s it to you?”