Page 23 of Theirs to Desire (Club M: Boxed Set)

ADRIAN

B rody gives me a sidelong glance as we pull up in front of the club. “Here we are,” he says. “You doing okay?”

He hides a world of concern in that simple question. “Yes.” A valet hurries up to take the car keys, and I get out and grab my luggage from the trunk. “I thought I’d feel guilty about last night.”

He waits for me to continue.

“But I didn’t. You were right. Sandy would have wanted me to move on.”

“And Fiona?” He grabs his overnight bag, and the two of us climb up the flight of stairs. It’s a little after eight, and in the reception, Henri is busy greeting a couple that I don’t recognize.The moment he catches sight of the two of us, his face breaks out into a smile.

The last time I saw Henri was at Sandy’s funeral. A death that was my fault. “What about Fiona?”

“She’s going to be here,” he replies, his voice low enough that our conversation cannot be overheard.

I know what he’s getting at. “I already told you, I’m not looking for a serious relationship.” A dom is supposed to protect his submissive. I’ve already failed Lena and Sandy. I can’t risk adding Fiona to that list.

“So if she’s planning to scene with someone else, that won’t bother you?”

My hands clench into fists as a surge of possessiveness runs through me. Brody notices, of course, and his lips curve into a knowing smile. “Be careful,” he warns me. “Make sure you’re doing this for the right reason.”

Doing what? I’m not planning on doing anything. “What is the right reason?”

“Attraction,” he replies.

Oh, I’m definitely attracted to Fiona Clarke. “And what is the wrong reason?”

He gives me a direct look. “Are you sure you want to hear it?”

“Yes.”

“I think you want to save her,” he says bluntly. “You see Fiona, and you see all the women you couldn’t save. Lina. Sandy. But Adrian, you know what I’ve learned? You can’t save someone if they don’t want to save themselves.”

Ah, that’s what this is about. “Callie Weiss hasn’t called Dix, has she?”

“Nope.” His voice is bitter.

Henri finishes with the couple and turns to us with a broad smile on his face, cutting off our conversation. “Mr. Payne, Mr. Lockhart. It’s a pleasure to see you again. I’ve put you on the third floor if that’s okay?”

Xavier guards his privacy zealously. There’s only a small set of people allowed to stay in the castle proper. We’re among them, but we’ve never taken advantage of the privilege. Sandy preferred staying in the resort’s newer wing.

“Thank you, Henri.” Brody takes the key the concierge hands him. “Who else is staying in the castle this weekend?”

“Mr. Wake and Mr. Bowen arrived a few minutes ago,” Henri replies. “Mr. Bowen will be doing a fire play demo at midnight. Mr. Leforte asked me to put Ms. Clarke next to you.”

Brody and I exchange glances. Xavier is either genuinely worried about Fiona’s safety, or he’s playing matchmaker. Knowing him, I’m willing to guess that it’s a little of both. “Good to know,” I say dryly, taking my own room key from the concierge. “Is Ms. Clarke already here?”

“Yes, Mr. Lockhart. She arrived at half-past six. I believe she’s on the club floor now.”

Alone? I don’t think so. Kai would love to play with Fiona, and though I trust the other man implicitly, the thought of some other dominant touching Fiona sets my body on edge. I need to find her, now, before that happens.

“Can you get someone to take my luggage to my room, Henri?” I ask the concierge. “I’m going straight to the club floor.”

Fiona’s nerves yesterday nag at my subconscious. Brody’s warning echoes in my ear. You can’t save someone if they don’t want to save themselves.

But I’m not listening.