Page 7 of Levi

“You gentlemen must be adulting hard because it’s been a while since you’ve come out to play,” Larkin Gallagher says, approaching us. As usual, bodyguards flank him—two badass beasts who could crush skulls with one hand. I guess when you’re at Larkin’s level, having permanent shadows is a requirement. He owns Dark Compulsion, the Quintus Hotel, and a long list of businesses. The man has an enviable net worth that makes many dot com billionaires look like they have play money.

“Zeus,” I say, lifting my tumbler in salute.

Larkin tips his head in response.

Privacy is paramount at Dark Compulsion. That’s one of Larkin’s immutable, abiding principles. As such, each club member is assigned a randomly selected name. Larkin’s club name is quite fitting.

“Gentlemen,” Larkin nods, his cognac-colored eyes meeting our gaze.

“I have an excuse for being MIA,” Jace offers. “My thriving business and my son’s needs have kept me too busy lately to show up. I can’t speak for these fools,” he points his thumb at us.

“Asshole,” Beckett coughs out.

“Idiot,” I retort.

“What they said,” Rod chimes in.

We all laugh.

Larkin doesn’t.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen the man smile since I’ve been a member.

He’s way too intense if you ask me.

“I gather the promise of unsuspecting souls brought you out,” Larkin says.

“Ruined?” Rod comments. “You bet I’m showing up, even if I landed at LAX from Dublin three hours ago and I’m jetlagged as fuck.”

“For once I agree with him,” I say. “I got back early this afternoon from an intense weeklong business trip to London. I’m looking forward to unwinding... preferably inside an inviting pussy.”

Larkin’s attention shifts to me. “You’re in luck, Ignatius.” That’s my club name. “The selection abounds tonight,” he notes. “Given the theme, it’s safe to say our guests are dying to be dominated by the right alphas. I have no doubt you gentlemen are up for the challenge.”

“Damn right,” Rod says, puffing his chest out like a peacock.

“I’m locked and loaded,” Jace jokes.

“The selection is so tempting, I might even have to play tonight,” Larkin says.

“Wow,” I say. “The women must be something else for you to deviate from the norm.” He’s usually all about business and nothing but the business to hook up with a woman during theme parties.

“You’re correct, Ignatius. Based on the profiles, we have an interesting bunch.”

“How so?” I ask.

“The women tonight are like little lambs headed to the slaughter––innocent, but not too innocent.”

“Right up my alley,” I say.

“I would gladly sacrifice myself and offer toRuintwo or three little lambs, but you have strict rules,” Beckett notes.

“Indeed,” Larkin nods. “Tonight, it’s straight or gay, but no poly fun allowed,” the tall, dark-haired man wearing yet another impeccable suit cautions.

“Pity,” Beckett laments.

The guy is unlikely to ever turn down a threesome, foursome, or even a fivesome. Personally, I’m too greedy to share.

“Holy fuck!” Jace exclaims.