Neutral Zone Trap - Bianca Sommerland Page 0,1
the warehouse district. Far enough that hopefully he wouldn’t see anyone he knew. Or, if he did, they’d be desperate to keep their secrets to and leave him one night to be himself. To be somewhere he didn’t have to pretend.
The club looked like the pictures he’d seen online, a bit disappointing, unlike the men hanging around outside. Some of the clubs he’d scrolled past during his searches were on busy streets surrounded by other clubs and tons of people, lining up to get in. He’d love to go to a place like that, but this was better. A forum full of guys who loved the place talked about it being extravagant, but safe. There was a code of silence. What happened here, stayed here. Like Vegas contained in one big, ugly grey building on the edge of Halifax.
Absolutely perfect.
He shivered as a cool breeze picked up, pressing against his back as though to urge him on, or force him to turn around and go home. A home he shared with a veteran player who he’d barely exchanged more than a ‘Do you need to use the bathroom?’ before a shower.
Tonight was his night to explore and no way was he backing out now. He squared his shoulders, smoothing his hands over the light, dark blue wool jacket he was wearing, along with skin-tight dark red jeans and covering a black mesh shirt he wasn’t sure had been the best choice for his first night like this alone. He could always keep his jacket on, or…
See how you feel once you get inside, Richards. He hesitated at another chorus of laughter from the small crowd on the sidewalk. Just get in there!
He forced himself to move, sparring the group a brief smile before heading inside. He felt their eyes on him as he let the heavy metal door slam shut behind him. Tried to keep his breaths slow and steady as a bouncer strode over to check his ID.
About twice his age, wearing a black T-shirt and black jeans, the large man handed back his ID and gave him a considering look. “First time?”
Inclining his head, Braxton met the man’s eyes. “I’ve heard good things.”
That made the man smile. “I’m not surprised. Check out the show, we’ve got a good line-up of dancers tonight. And my husband, Terry, is working the floor. He’s the one with the pink and white hair. When you see him, tell him Gordon says hi and he’ll look out for you.”
“Really? That’s cool.” Braxton’s cheeks heated. “Thank you.”
“Hey, I was your age once. Coming here alone? That was brave of you.” The man hesitated. “Anyone give you trouble and you let me know, all right? Or tell Terry. You want a good time and you’ll find it, but nothing happens that you don’t want, got it?”
Braxton swallowed hard. He hadn’t expected to need that kind of warning. This felt like stepping on the ice when Dominik Mason, the team’s enforcer, wasn’t around. Which rarely happened, but he was always more careful, knowing the man wasn’t watching his back. One wrong move and Braxton would be crushed.
“Hey, I didn’t say that to scare you. I’m serious, Terry knows the crowd. He won’t let anything bad happen.” Gordon patted Braxton’s shoulder. “Have fun. And tip well.”
“I will. Thanks again.” Braxton took a deep breath and continued inside.
The place was crowded to the point that it was hard to get anywhere, smelling of sweat and candy and strong alcohol. He inched his way forward, lips parting as he spotted a dancer up on a small round platform, surrounded by men and women, dancing seductively to the heavy beat of the deafening music. He wanted to keep watching, but the crowd was pushing at him. He couldn’t breathe with so many people so close. The flashing neon lights sweeping over the club were making him dizzy.
Ducking his head, he pressed forward until he came to the edge of the table circling the stage. There were less people standing here, more seated either around the tables or on the stools by the stage. There were no empty tables, but the two empty stools in front of him looked promising. He grabbed one and sat to gain his bearings.
The music quieted and all focus turned to the stage. He started to look over too, but someone stopped at his side and he jumped.
Grinning at him, the man with light brown skin, warm brown eyes, and pink and white hair leaned close.