An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(9)

What surprised him was that he actually cared.




OUT OF the corner of his eye, Vic saw the kid leave the club, slamming the door behind him. Now there is someone who is all twisted up in knots. He wondered—briefly—if the kid had come in by accident. He was cute, if one liked the type. Brown hair, a little longer than collar length, slender, but with good muscle definition. He had blue eyes that sparkled, even in the low lighting of Secrets. But Vic wasn’t much of a one for pretty boys, unless their lips were wrapped around his cock so they couldn’t speak. The kid who had just walked out? Definitely one whose mouth needed to be kept occupied.

“Was he a member?” Jack Keller asked, his face scrunched in concern.

“No clue. Rude little bastard, though. Do you know how long it’s been since anyone had the balls to call me a poof?”

Jack laughed. “I thought you were about to put him over your knee.”

“It might have helped improve his attitude.” Vic shook his head. “I doubt he was a member. He would have learned manners at some point, I’m sure.” Especially if Vic had had anything to do with it.

“Yep. I can’t see him being a member here.” Jack paused. “I was actually waiting to hear your impressions of the club.”

“Oh?” Vic glanced around. “They’ve certainly spared no expense. That much is obvious.”

“I’m not talking about the decor.” Jack leaned in closer. “But the word on the floor is that the new owners are starting as they mean to go on.”

Vic frowned. “What does that mean?”

“Anyone who had a membership to Whispers was given the opportunity to continue with the club, but it seems the owners—Eli and Jarod—are more stringent about the new members they’re trying to attract.”

Vic opened his eyes wide and gave a low whistle. “Wow. Now you’ve really piqued my interest.” Anything that meant an increase in the number of quality submissives had his vote.

Jack grinned. “So, now that you’re finally here, what are you going to do? Are you here to play or just visit?”

Vic groaned. “I was going to play, but that kid soured my mood. Maybe I’ll just grab some dinner, then head home.” He glanced over at the door and smiled as Wayne entered the club. Behind him stood a man Vic hadn’t seen before.

God, how long has it been since we spoke?

A situation Vic would rectify before leaving.

“I’m going to say hello to Wayne before I go. Are you coming in this weekend?”

Jack scowled. “This weekend, yes. Then I’m going to be babysitting while my sister is out of town for three weeks, so I probably won’t be in during that time. The best part?” he said, his expression akin to having bitten into a lemon. “The last night I have to take my niece to see Carter Quinn.”

“Who?”

“Internet pop sensation. Used to have a channel where he played his music, until he got discovered and went big-time. He’s touring and has a stop in London. My sister was supposed to take her, but she and her husband will be out of town that night. Bloody convenient, if you ask me.”

Vic laughed. He clapped Jack on the shoulder. “I’m sure you’ll survive it.”

“At least he’s easy to look at,” Jack grumbled. “He’s got these green eyes—they’re so pale, you’d swear they were contacts.”

Vic arched an eyebrow. “For someone who claims not to want to go, you certainly seem to know a lot about Mr. Quinn.”

Even in the dim light of the club, Vic saw the blush that stained Jack’s cheeks. “Okay, I may have watched some of his videos.” When Vic burst into laughter, Jack protested. “Hey, he’s good. I mean, really good. So what if I am looking forward to seeing him in concert? No one else has to know that, right? And I’m definitely not sharing that with my sister. I want her to think she owes me.”

Vic laughed again when Jack fluttered his eyes. To see the big man acting all soft and willowy was pretty damned funny. “My lips are sealed, mate. I’ll see you when you get back.”

He patted Jack on the back and then made his way over to where Wayne sat with a man who kept his gaze lowered to the tabletop. He was a cute thing, all shy and nervous. When he saw the man inch closer to Wayne, Vic could tell he was seeking reassurance.

They spoke for a few minutes, and Wayne introduced him to Ellis. Vic had heard the name before and knew he worked with Wayne in the Firearms Division. A few lighthearted comments, a bit of teasing about some imaginary sub he’d just been with, and it was easy to see the spark that lay beneath Ellis’s shy exterior. Vic knew that Wayne would be a fool to let this one go. This one had promise, although Vic was slightly surprised when Ellis greeted his words with a glare. Wayne gave Vic an apologetic glance, and Vic saw instantly that Ellis was upset. He had no qualms about apologizing; teasing was in his nature, but it was never serious.

Time to make a move.

Vic nodded toward Ellis before addressing Wayne. “Have a good night, Wayne.” Ellis barely acknowledged his words, and after a brief nod to Vic, Wayne went back to their conversation. Vic felt slightly put out as they really hadn’t talked much with him.

“Okay, gents, I’m headed home for the night. I came in here to play, but some young man put my back up and now I’m irritated. So I’ll bid you both good night.”