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H olden Kade watched as the curvy blond made her way into Slade’s office and his first instinct was to follow her in and beg to be a part of whatever she wanted. Ivy Scott was his walking wet dream, and he knew that he needed to be a part of her sexy little plan. He spent many late nights at Manholes watching the curvy little waitress work her way around the bar, most nights leaving hard and feeling a need that he was going to have trouble filling. knew that his pleas to be included might fall upon deaf ears since he and Slade weren’t on the best of terms. About a month ago, he and Slade hooked up a few times but when he wanted to take things to the next level and maybe find a woman to fit between them, Slade bulked. He started giving the cold shoulder and he had to admit it stung having to watch Slade parade through the club with sub after sub, never giving him a second look. Some nights, Slade played with couples who were looking to pick up a third and he was sure that Slade was in his element. couldn’t figure out why he fought the idea of the two of them finding a woman together but had no problem joining in on other members’ ménage fantasies. thought that he and Slade were on the same page and wanted the same things, but he was wrong. He was sure that he’d never find a man and woman who would fit into his life the way he was hoping for, but he also couldn’t give up hope of that happening someday.

Slade barked an order at the girl running the front desk, telling her to take care of requests, and slammed his door, effectively shutting himself and Ivy in his office. He stood in the hallway waiting for his turn to talk to Slade, but he was certain that he’d be turned away tonight just as he had been every night, for the past month. He thought about giving up and even finding another club but BDSM clubs like Pandora’s Box were hard to come by in this town. He was new to the area and didn’t want to have to travel to play and he had come to like the people at the club. It was beginning to feel like his home away from home and some of the members were like the family that he never had.

moved to the little town from California, and it was like taking a step back in time. The people in and around town were so narrow-minded that he didn’t dare announce his kinky lifestyle or the fact that he was bisexual to anyone outside of the club. He was afraid of not fitting in with his coworkers at his new company. Honestly, he had his new job to thank for leading him to Pandora’s Box. He met Slade and the club owner Cash after they were assigned to him when they applied for the construction loan. Cash invited him to his bar, Manholes, to sign the papers for the loan and he kept going back. At the bar, he felt free to be himself for the first time since he got into town. He and Slade hung out whenever they were both free and once the club opened, they agreed that they both wanted to see where their chemistry led them. They both admitted that they were attracted to each other and there was no denying that he wanted Slade. He thought that at the very least, playing with Slade would break his very long dry spell but it evolved into much more for him. was hoping that Slade felt the same, but he was wrong. Slade shoved him to the side like a child who was finished playing with a toy and never seemed to give him a second glance.

Moving on was harder than he planned, especially since the kink scene in town included a very small, close-knit group. Most of the members already were involved or taken and he was finding it hard to find his niche in the crew. Maybe that’s why he perked up when Ivy walked in tonight. She was a little young for him, but he didn’t care about age. He wanted to play and if she did too, that would be just fine with him. From the way she made a beeline to Slade’s office, he had a feeling that she knew exactly what and who she wanted. He noted the way Slade and Ivy circled each other but neither of them ever pulled the trigger. Ivy seemed to be interested in Slade, but she also seemed shy and if had to guess, inexperienced. He had even heard Cash warn Slade off Ivy, telling him to leave his staff alone and to go play over at his fucking club. Slade usually laughed Cash’s orders off, but could tell that Cash hit a nerve.

was about to give up waiting for his turn to talk to Slade when his office door flew open and a very upset Ivy stomped her way out, wiping at the tears that were freely running down her face. He wanted to stop her, ask her what was wrong, and try to fix it for her. The hurt in her eyes nearly did him in.

“Ivy,” Slade stepped from his office and didn’t bother to look around. The murderous look on his face told that he needed to steer clear of whatever the two had going on. It wasn’t any of his business and he knew that when Slade was that angry, it was best to steer clear of him.

“Ivy, stop,” he ordered. She must have missed the memo about Slade being in charge at the club because she didn’t stop. Ivy didn’t even glance over her shoulder as she made her hasty retreat through the front doors and out into the parking lot. Slade sighed, slipping his hands to his hips. He suddenly seemed very aware of his surroundings and the audience that had gathered to take in the show. He hung his head and seemed to take a moment to get himself back under control—something that knew Slade held onto with a tight grip.

Slade turned to go back into his office finally noticing standing in the corner. smiled and nodded as he watched Slade disappear into his private sanctuary and slam his door. knew that Slade didn’t let his control slip very often, so whatever Ivy Scott must have done did quite a number on him. hated to see Slade so upset but honestly, he was done trying to figure him out. He wanted to get his attention, and sexy little Ivy gave him the perfect way to do just that. If Ivy could ruffle Slade’s feathers, then their working as a team should be able to knock him completely on his ass. A plan was forming and if he could get Ivy on board, he just might get his chance to wiggle his way back into Slade’s life and bed while dragging the hot curvy blond with them.

Theirs to Take Universal Link- https://books2read.com/u/470WkR

Looking for more MC from K.L. Ramsey? You’ll love the Royal Harlots! Juno is the next to release in the series—coming in April 2025!