Rule Breakers (Off Limits #2) - Nicky James Page 0,19

know?”

“My brother. And tell Lewis he doesn’t have to worry about you because my brother is as queer as a three-dollar bill and will probably kill me for this, but I need a minute with the other guy. Alone.”

I didn’t want to mention Edison was my kid for various reasons. It was already awkward being the oldest bouncer. Most of the staff knew I’d been married and divorced. Some of them knew I had an adult child, but it wasn’t something I advertised. It put a kink in my love life. I’d adamantly asked Edison to avoid coming to the strip club. I knew his friends came in on occasion, and I knew he was interested—especially when we had the male dancers—but I preferred he stayed away.

If anyone looked closely enough, there was no hiding our relation. Edison was a mini-me. Most people would be too drunk to notice.

“You want me to give a lap dance to your gay brother?”

“Yes, a long one. Call it a challenge. See if you can turn him on even the tiniest little bit. If you make him hard, I’ll double your money.”

Ginger laughed. “Are you serious?”

“I never joke about hard-ons.”

Ginger rolled her eyes and adjusted her shirt, ensuring her breasts were adequately displayed. She puckered her painted lips and batted her lashes at me. “How do I look?”

“Fucking hot as hell, and you know it.”

She pecked me on the lips with a smile. “Thanks, baby. I’ll do my best. Wish me luck.” She strutted off toward the table where Denver and Edison chatted. Denver had an eye on me and knew I was up to no good. When Ginger arrived at the table and took his hand, cranking up the sex appeal to eleven, I tossed him an evil grin.

Ginger tugged him to his feet, and although I couldn’t hear Denver’s protests, I knew by the panicked look on his face he was making them. Deciding I’d help her out, fearing Denver would put his foot down, I approached their table and scanned my brother head to toe.

“You aren’t turning down a lap dance with this foxy lady, are you? Do you know how insulting that is?”

“I, um…” Denver stuttered and glanced at Ginger apologetically.

“You um nothing. Get going, hot stuff. You got the prize woman tonight. No one gives better lap dances than Ginger.” I patted Denver’s cheek and shoved him along while Ginger guided him toward the back rooms. “You’re welcome.”

“I hate you,” Denver called after me.

“Maybe next time you’ll think twice before coming here.”

Once Ginger and Denver had vanished from sight around the corner, I slid into Denver’s vacated chair, skewering Edison with a look of contempt.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

“What? Unc—I mean, Denver and I were just having a guy’s night out. We hit the club, had a chat, and then thought we’d swing by here and see how my old daddy-o was doing.” He propped his hand under his chin and smirked. “How are you, Daddy-o?”

“What club?” My skin vibrated.

“The Manhole.”

“Edison.” His name came out from between gritted teeth. “You are out of your league. Back the fuck off. I don’t know what you think you’re doing, but don’t do it.”

“Oh, let me think about that.” He tapped a finger on his chin while puckering his lips to the side, his gaze challenging. “No thank you.” He slid his drink in front of him and sucked the green concoction from the little straw.

Denver had ordered the same drink by the look of it. I sipped it, and my eyes watered at the intensity. “And he’s drinking?” I wheezed, the tiny amount I’d tasted burning a path down my throat.

“I guess so. He must have decided he liked my proposal.”

“You shouldn’t be proposing anything. Whatever games you’re playing, end them. Now.”

“Nope.” He popped the p. “Besides, my games”—he added air quotes—“involve you. Denver made his conditions clear to both of us. I came back with a counteroffer, and he agreed, which is why we’re here. Believe me, it isn’t to watch naked chicks dance.” Edison’s attention drifted to the stage, his nose wrinkling.

I lowered my voice, leaning over the table and smacking my hand on the surface to drag his focus back to me. “Explain.”

He drank more of his drink. A lot of his drink. All of his drink. He didn’t stop until he was sucking air among the ice at the bottom of his glass. His gray eyes were glassy, and his smile seemed permanent. Great,