Page 52 of A Quick Buck

It was big with a pearl handle, casually positioned next to the jewelry.

“Pearl, huh?”

“I’ve always been fond of it.” Alistair took off one of his necklaces, swapping it out for one that had a large quartz crystal. “Had a matching set made for someone very special to me a long time ago.”

“Doesn’t Erasmus have one like that?”

“Yes. I gave one of mine to him as a gift.”

“How… thoughtful.” Noah watched Alistair brush his hair, but his eyes still moved to the gun. “You expecting to shoot anybody tonight?”

“No. But there is going to be a very large crowd with a very large amount of alcohol. I like to be prepared.” Alistair tucked the gun into a holster beneath his vest and offered out his arm. “Ready?”

“Yeah.” Noah wound his arm around Alistair’s, gasping when Alistair suddenly yanked him close.

“I am expecting you to be on your absolute best behavior,” Alistair said firmly. “You can imagine I still have doubts as to how genuine your desire to be mine is.”

“Whatever gave you that fuckin’ idea?” Noah challenged, breathing harder from the rough treatment. “I can’t imagine why.”

“Charming, as always. But I am being very serious. Should you try to escape or alert anyone to what is going on here, I will not hesitate to punish you.” Alistair’s grip tightened. “I can assure you that you will not enjoy it.”

“I got it,sir.” Noah pushed into Alistair’s hold and kissed him.

Alistair’s hand remained firm, but he kissed Noah back passionately.

“I’ll be good,” Noah promised.

“Let’s go.”

On Alistair’s arm like they were going to prom, Noah let himself be led downstairs.

Crybaby was at the front door, keeping an eye on the flow of guests. It had thinned out since Noah was last down there, but there were still a fair number of people coming in. Alistair brought Noah out to the pool, and it was absolutely swarming. There was not an empty seat anywhere, and the bar was crowded with thirsty partygoers.

A DJ booth had been erected beside the bar and although it was currently vacant, thundering techno music was still blaring through the speakers. Mace was standing close by, chatting with some men in uniforms who were working on the sound equipment. He didn’t see any sign of Medina or Erasmus.

Noah had no idea who was paying for any of this—including the bartenders and all the booze they were serving for free—but he was pretty certain Landon was charging everything to him.

Great.

Joke was on them. He was broke, and his allowance wouldn’t be enough to cover a party of this size. Oh well. He decided to make the most of it, holding his head up high as Alistair brought him back to the table they’d eaten brunch at earlier.

It was currently occupied, but Junior was there with a quickness to shoo away the guests. “Hey! Yous fuckfaces get outta here!”

“Thank you, Junior. You’re so kind.”

The guests scrambled out of the way, and Alistair pulled out a chair for Noah.

“Thanks.” Noah sat, leaning back and stretching out his legs. His ass was still quite tender, and he could feel Alistair’s eyes on him, watching him squirm a little as he tried to get comfortable.

Sitting across from him, Alistair asked, “Ah, so, this is what you consider to be a party, hmm?”

“Yeah.” Noah glanced around. People were dancing, jumping in and out of the pool, and it seemed like everyone was having a good time so far. He wasn’t surprised that he didn’t know anyone. These jerks probably just heard about the free booze and came running.

“Yous want somethin’ to drink, Mr. Star?” Junior asked politely.

“Please. Thank you. Tequila Sunrise for me.” Alistair looked to Noah. “And whatever dear Noah wants, of course.”

“Of course.” Junior tried and failed not to make a face. “Whadaya wants,dearNoah?”