Page 45 of Jace
“Poor thing.” Vivian sighs. “Is she okay?”
“She will be,” he answers. “So, I’ve been instructed to escort you to the new spa where you’ll meet with Mr. Rollins, and…” His eyes fondly comb my form. “And yourfriendis?”
Vivian’s friend is fucked.
Because Mr. Rollins is Zar Rollins, the CFO of The Mercier Hotels, and my secret brother-in-law. Zar is married to my brother, Nick, and we’ve never done this: try to hide our bond.
With the other kings and queens, it’s been easy. We work together. Or they have jobs that can help in Vivian’s situation.
But Zar?
I’ve watched his initiation. It was passionate, brutish, beautiful, and what he desired. To be claimed by my brother, Nick, and taken by my brother, Sire, his second king,together.
Men don’t typically arouse me, but fleeting exceptions have been enjoyed.
Are queens usually women? Of course. Does Zar Rollins redefine the role well beyond most women and gay men? Definitely.
It’s in his Texas drawl and Southern swagger. He’s tall and tan, masculine and muscular. He’s wealthy, well-mannered, witty, and warm.
Did I leave anything out?
Oh, and he’s a bisexual sub for Luca Mercier and Luca’s wife, Scarlett, while also being proudly married to my brother. They’re in a polycule together.
Yeah, this will be Oscar-worthy for sure.
“My, my,myyy,” Zar drawls, greeting us as the golden elevator doors slide open. “Always a pleasure, Ms. Tate, and looking prettier than a basket of peaches.” They hug before he kisses her hand. “But you know, every peach tastes better with cream.”
Vivian slaps his sleeve, laughing. “Behave.”
“Now, why behave when I need to be introduced?” Zar extends his hand to shake mine. Way too amused by this act. “Who’s your tall drink of water, Ms. Tate?”
“Zar Rollins, meet Jace Ryan.”
Vivian’s delighted and polite, while I’m silently threatening to punch Zar’s pretty, pierced dick if he doesn’t play along.
“Nice to meet you,” I grit out with a smile.
He smirks. “Pleasure’s all mine, Mr. Ryan, though wehavemet.”
I never disclose if I recognize a customer, but Zar just did.Well played.
Vivian snaps her fingers. “That’s right. You shop at Delta’s, and Jace and I work there.”
Zar turns, pecking her cheek, muttering, “And knowing your pathetic ex-husband, darlin’, you deserve to workthatman.Lawd, he’s hotter than a two-dollar pistol.”
Zar boasts about me like I’m not standing right here, realizing that Vivian’s closer to him than I knew.
Then again, The Mercier has been her premier client for years. They’ve probably worked together a lot.
Me? I’ve known Zar for a while. He’s madly in love with Nick. They finally married last year and are new, loving dads to my sweet niece, Zarina. So I’m happily stuck with this sweet, sexy scoundrel forever.
“Jace is going to help me shoot the new spa.”
But Vivian surprises me. “I am?”
“Yeah.” She beams. “You are. You’re a great photographer, and this is a big project. I’ll need the help.” She gestures to the newly polished white marble, olive wood, glass, and stone arches. It’s an impressive space.
“Perhaps Mr. Ryan can be your model as well?” Zar turns, beginning our tour, calling over his broad shoulder, “Imagine the guests who’d want a massage with him.”
