Cover Up (Cover #2) by Kim Black Read Free Book Online Page B

making me wait for him to change out of his ‘boring work clothes.’
    He threw his duffle bag into the back seat, which I assume contain ed the very expensive Armani suit he wore earlier. He now wore black designer jeans, a white t-shirt, and a black leather jacket paired with matching boots.
    I assumed he would be bringing me home , but leave it to my little brother to use any opportunity to visit a gentlemen’s club. Shane didn’t frequent any old establishment; after all, he was a Belmont. No, there was only one place that could live up to a Belmont’s expectations…‘Emerald Gents’.  Shane believed this place was ‘every man’s medicine’ - ten thousand square feet of space and eight thousand exotic, provocative, women on staff. The place offered every man who entered a home away from home.
    Shane thought all of a man’s problems could be solved at the only gentlemen’s club in Los Angeles that offered deluxe amenities, including designer suites with private butlers, concierge services, and varying themes to satisfy every indulgence. So far, his ‘medicine’ included a young woman, and full bottle service, which included an extensive wine list, champagne and liquor.
    Since I was in no celebratory mood, I opted for an old faithful friend.
    “Whiskey, neat,” I said, when the butler requested our order. Shane ordered the same. We reclined in our black leather seats and the brunette began her dance. In record time, the butler returned with our drinks and I watched as Shane slipped the man a tip. Shaking my head, I picked up the golden liquid and took a sip, enjoying the burn as it went down.
    “So… Are you going to tell me why you look like shit?” Shane asked as he gave me a knowing sideways gla nce.
    I unwillingly shuddered, as I thought about everything that had happened since this morning. Everything seemed to have changed within a blink of an eye. One minute I was ecstatic - Emily was finally coming back to me, convinced that she heard my pleas. And the next…I was here. Everything in between seemed to blur together.
    “I wouldn’t know where to begin,” I offered truthfully , as I stared down at the drink in my hands.
    Shane had never fallen in love, reveling in all that the bachelor life provided him. He was free to do as he pleased, with whom he pleased, with no consequences or explanations due anyone. We lived a similar life at one point, but somewhere in the last few weeks, I had broken my only rule. Keep things purely physical.
    All the women before Emily – and I’ll admit that there had been quite a few - knew from the beginning that my relationships with them were strictly of a sexual nature. I had my needs and they would cater to those needs. In return, they’d get what most of them wanted, gifts and money. It worked, just like business. Business I understood, but not Emily.
    “Well I’ve got all night but don’t be mad if I show up late for work tomorrow,” Shane teased as he took a swig of his drink.
    “There isn’t much to say, really. She doesn’t remember anything of the past year. And last year she was with Adam, so…”
    “Ouch, tough one,” Shane mumbled as he shook his head back and forth.
    “Look, you’ve brought me here to relax . So let’s save this conversation for another day,” I responded icily.
    “Your life, your rules,” he said.
    The whiskey helped relax me a bit, but the girl only added to my torment. Each time she swayed her hips I couldn’t stop my mind from drifting to a fantasy of Emily swaying hers for me in a private dance. The fog, smoke, and slow dancing lavender lights on the stage helped bring the fantasy to life, as the woman’s face slowly faded out, replaced by my Emily. The music she danced to was just the right tempo. She stood tall in her signature black lace lingerie and five inch heels, much like what she’d worn for her little show for me at her apartment just a few weeks ago.
    I imagined her teasing me again, moving her