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  Porter stared at Kyler, as if choosing his words carefully. “He hasn’t returned to Savannah. And what should be your biggest concern is he’s staying in a hotel only blocks away from Ella’s condo.”

  Darkness seeped into Kyler’s veins. All his pent-up tension overtook him and possessive thoughts flooded his mind. Mine to protect. Mine to love. “Is he, now?”

  Chapter Eighteen

  The next evening, a knock at the door had Ella rushing to answer it. Before Club Sin opened tonight, Kyler had suggested having a get-together with the Club Sin Masters and the submissives. Ella had agreed, considering she’d run out of the dungeon yesterday without saying goodbye. And, well, she liked his friends. So much so that she wanted them to be her friends.

  On the way to Kyler’s last night, he had told her that Aidan didn’t mind Ella being in the dungeon. Still, she needed to see Aidan outside of Club Sin to feel good about it all. Sadly, no matter how much she thought it over all day, she had yet to reconcile the fact that her boss—the respected Aidan Knight—was a Club Sin Master.

  She hoped that tonight, over a casual dinner, they could smooth things over. Leaving Club Sin wasn’t an option. Not playing with Kyler was a damned depressing thought. Somehow she needed to make this all right.

  Only problem?

  She had no clue how.

  As a second knock sounded, she yanked the door open and then she froze. Not in fear, as if Rory stood at her door; she was left flabbergasted that the man standing in front of her was alone.

  “Aidan?” she managed.

  He smiled. “We have a half an hour to talk before the gang arrives.”

  “Err …” Ella felt the color drain out of her face and shifted on her feet. “Sorry, I was expecting everyone at once.” And Kyler never told me you would be coming first. Alone.

  Aidan’s eyes softened. “I thought it was a good idea to come see you. The girls are coming over soon with the dinner they promised to bring.” His brows rose. “You don’t mind that I came to see you to talk a bit first, I hope?”

  “Of course not, please come in.” Though the memories of what he’d seen her do last night were not far from her mind. She didn’t know whether to curse or just die in embarrassment right there on her hardwood floors.

  Blowing out a slow breath, she shut the door behind him. Aidan took his shoes off, then strode into her open-concept living room. The far wall of windows was why she’d bought this condo; it showed off the Sin City lights.

  “Nice place,” he said with a grin.

  Your salary increase helped pay for it. “Thanks.” She hesitantly approached him, unsure of what to say or how to start this completely awkward conversation. “So …”

  “Please come sit.” He gestured to the couch and settled down on the cushion. “We need to talk, yes?”

  She snorted a laugh. “I’d like to say no, but I think that’s out of the question.”

  “Entirely out of the question.” He watched her lower down next to him with a warm gaze. The silence continued, but Ella couldn’t look away from the compassion in his shadowy gaze.

  After many—oddly, not uncomfortable—seconds, he finally asked, “Do you care for me, Ella?”

  “In a boss-and-employee way?”

  “Friendship. Family. Is the way that I mean.” He hesitated, and at her silence, since what he said was so unexpected, he added, “Since you started working for me, I’ve felt quite attached to you. Do you see me in that same light?”

  Until Kyler, Aidan was the only friend she had in Vegas. She knew he wasn’t wrong—they shared a closeness that she’d never had with a former boss. She always had the sense that he took care of her in odd ways, like sending her to buy new clothes on the company’s tab, which usually included getting her hair and nails done, too. That compassion had brought platonic love between them, she believed that. “I do feel close to you.”

  “I’m glad.” His smile was tender, as was his voice. “Here’s the thing: I would’ve brought you more fully into my life had I not lived the lifestyle I do. I never mix business with pleasure, which is why you’ve never met any of the Club Sin Masters before. When Club Sin opened, I requested everyone stay away from my office. Privacy, to me, is important.” He paused, as if choosing his words carefully. “Your being in the dungeon comes as a relief. Now there are no secrets between us. Nothing between our friendship.”

  She regarded him, understanding his meaning. Not just your boss, the message was clear. “Your showing up just shocked me. I wasn’t expecting …”

  “For me to see you having sex and having an orgasm,” he said flatly.

  “Yeah, that!” She laughed. “I mean, it was pretty obvious that you were a member there and all, but I wasn’t expecting to see you last night. Then you were there … and you saw the rest.”

  “Yes, I saw the rest, and it was beautiful.” He took her hand, and his touch felt like the closest thing to a family member touching her in a long time. “Nothing makes me happier than seeing you like I did last night. And I’m not talking about the orgasm. It’s not about the sex. It’s about seeing you happy.” Squeezing her fingers, his brows rose. “And you are happy, aren’t you?”

  “Happy” didn’t describe it. She was living the life she had wanted to that day she took up the radio show’s challenge. Look where the dare had led her: She was having the best sexual adventures of her life and was surrounded by amazing people, and she had Kyler. “I am happy.”

  Aidan nodded with soft eyes. “That’s what my focus is. You being naked, fucked, or screaming out in pleasure doesn’t hold any thoughts in my mind when I see you in Club Sin.”

  Hearing those words from Aidan made her gape, but she wondered if that’s why he’d said it. Perhaps he took off the edge of how awkward that moment had been. And she noticed herself relaxing. He’s just a man. A friend who cares about you. Still, she couldn’t help but ask, “Will you be doing those things with Cora, too?”

  “Of course.” He smirked. “That is the point of Club Sin.”

  She studied him, trying to get herself into the same frame of mind as he was. It was indefinitely harder.

  He frowned at whatever crossed her expression, shaking his head. “You have to get it out of your head that this is an unusual situation. I see people embracing an erotic lifestyle every single weekend. It’s normal for me—normal for all those in Club Sin. It’s not about the sex. It won’t ever be. To see that smile I saw last night. To see how happy you are with Kyler and how he cares for you—that’s what is important to me. That’s what I’ve wanted for you since we met. Nothing else.”

  Put that way, she realized, how could she not understand?

  She regarded Aidan, so touched by him. So appreciative of everyone she’d met at Club Sin. To come from a place where all her friends had turned their backs on her, to now having so many special people in her life, she simply felt grateful. “Okay. I understand. We’re friends, then? Not only coworkers.”

  “Precisely,” he agreed with a firm nod. “Close friends who only want what is best for each other. And if you saw a friend that you cared about being happy and fulfilling parts of their soul that brought them joy, would that bother you?”

  “No,” she replied without hesitation.

  “Exactly why it doesn’t bother me. And why it shouldn’t bother you to see me in my Club Sin role.” Then he dropped her hand and took her into a warm hug. “I like you this way.”

  She fought the tears rimming her eyes. Hugs like this she missed—warm embraces that came only from those who loved you unconditionally. “What way?”

  He whispered in her ear, “Finally smiling and living again.”

  Casino machines and the mind-numbing noise of voices rushed across Kyler as he strode through the lobby of the casino. The foyer was bustling with people out for a good time; some were drunk and others were dazzled by the fountains and sparkling crystal chandeliers.

  Kyler dipped his hand into the pocket of his jeans, pulling
out his badge. When he reached the hotel lobby, he lifted his badge and said to the clerk, “I need you to tell me which room Rory Snow is in.”

  The young clerk raised her brows and then moved to the computer. She typed for a moment. “He’s in room four hundred and twelve.”

  Kyler couldn’t decide if it pleased him that the fucker was still in Vegas, or if it only proved how stupid Rory was. “Would you call him and ask him to come down to the lobby, please.”

  “Of course,” the woman replied, before moving to the telephone. A minute passed, then she placed the phone back on the receiver. “I’m afraid he’s not answering.”

  Fuck.

  “Thank you for trying.” Kyler scraped a hand across his eyes, tension making his body heavy. He needed the asshole to go away. The stress of knowing that the man who abused Ella was in town ate at him.

  Ella didn’t deserve this.

  Kyler would be damned if he’d sit around and wait for Rory to act first. He lowered his hand and said to the clerk, “Please don’t alert Rory that the police are looking for him.” Especially because this wasn’t official police business.

  “Of course,” the clerk replied with wide eyes. “Is there anything we need to worry about?”

  Kyler shook his head. “This is a domestic situation, and nothing to be concerned with.”

  Relief lifted the clerk’s voice as she replied, “Might I suggest you check out the casino before you leave? I have seen Mr. Snow spend some time there.”

  Is that so?

  “Thank you.” Kyler tapped his fingers on the counter, then turned toward the noise leading him into the casino.

  When he entered the casino floor, he scanned the crowd, keeping the mental image of Rory in his mind. He didn’t see anyone matching Rory’s mug shot at the blackjack, poker, or roulette tables. Though Kyler suspected if Rory was in the casino he’d be in only one place.

  On instinct, he headed toward the bar with the black glass on the walls. As he scanned the people sitting on the stools, his muscles went rigid.

  There at the bar, Kyler spotted him.

  He snorted and approached, dropping down onto the stool next to Rory. Kyler could see why Ella found Rory attractive. He had the good looks and an athletic frame. “For a man who shouldn’t be drinking, you’re doing a piss-poor job of it.”

  Rory’s gaze jerked to him, and he scowled. “Excuse me?”

  Kyler placed his badge on the bar, and Rory looked to it before his head lifted, some of the heat removed from his stare. Yeah, dipshit, I’m the wrong person to fuck with tonight.

  The bartender came over, and she asked, “Can I get you anything?”

  “Nothing for me,” Kyler replied, controlling the curtness in his voice. He turned to Rory and raised his brows. “I’m sure you’re up for another one.”

  Rory gave Kyler a long look and asked through clenched teeth, “Who the fuck are you?”

  The bartender’s eyes widened.

  Kyler frowned. “Please leave us.”

  The bartender didn’t need a further push and turned away, busying herself at the other end of the bar. Kyler inhaled deeply, fighting against the desire to push this asshole into the marble bar beneath his beer and leave him with a scar that matched Ella’s. “I know why you’re here.”

  “Good for you.” Rory glowered. “Fuck off.”

  “Not likely, Rory Snow.” Kyler kept distance between them, knowing if he got too close he’d make Rory never forget what he’d done to Ella. “I’ve come to give you the chance to be smart about this and leave. And I’m doing that for Ella.”

  “How do you know Ella?” Slowly, though, awareness crossed Rory’s features and his gaze darkened. “You’re the new boyfriend.” He scoffed, shaking his head. “She’s dating a fucking cop.”

  Kyler let Rory’s words roll off him. “Knowing that, it’s wise for you not to push these matters further than you already have.”

  Rory blew out a harsh breath, wafting of beer. “She finds a fucking cop.”

  The second jab stung, raising fury in Kyler’s chest. “This badge is the only thing that’s keeping me on this stool.” Rage and masculine fury invaded him. “Apparently, Ella wants things to go down a route that won’t land you back in jail, since she hasn’t already had you arrested. I’m following her wishes, but I’m telling you now, go back to Savannah.”

  “She is my wife. She shouldn’t be dating anyone,” Rory bit off. “She belongs to me.”

  “Was your wife,” Kyler corrected, looking Rory directly in the eye. “She’s with me now. The restraining order proves enough that she’s done with you.” Darkness filled Rory’s gaze, and Kyler suspected Ella had seen this look on him in the moments before he pushed her into a table. “Don’t fucking go there, buddy. Believe me, it won’t end well for you.”

  Rory blinked and then looked away. “I’m here to talk to her and smooth things over and to bring her back home.”

  Kyler didn’t need to see more or hear anything else. While Rory might’ve been more inebriated when he abused Ella, he wasn’t without logic. Rory had backed down when pressed. The coward. Show power in the face of a scared woman. In the face of a man, submit. Weak. “She’s fine and she’s staying in Vegas. Go home.”

  “You don’t know her like I do,” Rory said in a much softer voice.

  Kyler nearly punched the words right off his mouth and clenched his hands in his lap. “You’re right. I don’t know the Ella you do. But I know her now and I’ll know her in the future, something you won’t get.”

  “We’re not divorced,” Rory said, looking to his nearly empty beer. “Did she tell you that?”

  Kyler’s jaw clenched. As if this asshole was trying to make Ella look bad. Did he think Kyler would jump on the Ella-is-in-the-wrong bandwagon? “Do you think I care about a fucking piece of paper? The day you hit her was the day you lost her. And if you think I’ll let you stay around and frighten her, you are more fucking stupid than I thought.”

  Rory’s eyes blazed. “I was drunk.”

  Kyler nearly bolted off his stool, but if he did, he’d be no better than Rory. Violence in any form wasn’t his way. Besides, stupidity was stupidity, no matter the excuses one tried to give. “Which I don’t give a shit about.” He rose from the stool and swiped his badge off the bar, gripping it tight in his hands. “You should know I have a PI watching you.”

  Rory’s eyes narrowed. “Oh, yeah?”

  He ignored Rory for the piece of shit he was, and added, “Ella ran from you. Now you’ll be the one running. If you’re not on a plane by tomorrow morning …” Heat burned through him with every word he spoke. “I’ll find you.”

  Rory lifted his chin, glaring. “Threats by an officer. You might not be the only one with an advantage.”

  Kyler smiled, knowing it looked deadly. He pressed his hands against the cool, marble bar and leaned down into Rory’s face. “Don’t forget you’re in Vegas. You’re far away from your cop friends, and you’re in my city. On this matter, and where Ella is involved, heed my warning. Do not push me.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Heading toward the kitchen to grab more desserts, Ella smiled at the laughter spreading out in her living room. It’d been years since she’d had such happiness in a house that belonged to her. The pasta dinner Cora had brought had been fabulous, as were Kenzie’s salad and Presley’s homemade rolls, though no one drank wine because of the plans to attend Club Sin tonight.

  She glanced over her shoulder, and Kyler sat on the couch with Porter, Dmitri, and Aidan smiling at something they were discussing. Presley, Kenzie, and Cora were talking to Sawyer near the reading nook by the glass windows. Ella thought this group of friends made friendship look easy.

  They were all so comfortable with one another. Conversation never halted, nor did laughter, among them. She wondered if seeing one another have sex produced that comfort level, but there seemed to be more to it.

  They respected and loved one another.

&nbs
p; She felt grateful to be a part of it.

  After she grabbed the tray out of the fridge, she placed it on the counter and her gaze drifted back to Kyler. God, this man, he overwhelmed her. Everything should feel perfect: She had some new great friends, she and Aidan had worked everything out to the point she didn’t feel at all awkward, and she was having the best sex of her life.

  But things didn’t feel perfect.

  She felt … unsteady.

  Kyler seemed at ease, simply taking in the moment. She wanted to know that side of him, the real Master Kyler. She wanted him to be the Dom who played without worry of a woman suffering from abuse. And the Dom that she saw when he interacted with his friends—the laid-back man she’d first met at Aidan’s wedding.

  The man who took her to his bed, all because passion led him there. The sexy-as-sin man who smiled that charming grin and did what he wanted with a dominant edge that first attracted her. Sighing to herself, she took off the plastic wrapping from the squares she’d made earlier.

  She knew Kyler wanted her to share what had happened that night with Rory, and perhaps that’s what kept him at a distance. But how would he react if he knew how hard it’d been for her? If he knew how broken she’d been after that night with Rory? How long she’d cried? How long she had suffered day after day before she pulled herself back together again?

  What started out between them as casual and fun had suddenly become messy. When had things turned so intense? Become so emotional? Feeling tension rise in her chest, she shut the thoughts down, refusing to go there. Her past made complicated look simple. She wasn’t that scared-and-lonely woman anymore. She’d left those parts of her behind in Savannah with the rest of her pain.

  This woman was who he liked.

  She didn’t intend to change his view of her anytime soon.

  Suddenly, warm arms slid around her, and she snapped out of her thoughts. Smiling, she leaned into Kyler’s warm body at her back. “What is going on in that pretty mind of yours?” he asked.

  She turned in his arms and smiled. “Just thinking about you.”