Page 75 of Break Me Not

Sloan had mentioned it before, but this was the first time we were actually going out and looking at other clubs together. At first, I didn't really understand how they could be that different. To me, all of it was kind of the same. Sex clubs were sex clubs, right?

But as we walked in, I started to understand what she meant.

This type of club was less high class than Club Pétale’s other locations, which had an extremely strict guest list. Because I ran security, I knew that a lot of the clients were very high profile. A place like this might be able to cater to some of them but would have to be more open to taking new people.

Less risky people.

“And I am, though I don’t need to see much more,” she replied, giving me a look. “Last quarter, the number one reason we got for membership cancellations was how far the clubs are from the city. This is the next logical step.”

“Memberships aren’t even that expensive. What’s their deal with not wanting to make the journey?” I mumbled.

The membership fee was also often waived for people they thought worthy. And by worthy, they meant whoever could make them the most money.

I didn’t really care, if I was being honest. I just wanted the conversation to move on to something other than my jealousy and what was going on between Liz and me. But I did love seeing my girl live it up. Our date at the concert swam through my mind.

She had been so radiant. So alive.

How could that bastard never take her to one?

The more I learned about how much she had to give up for him, the more annoyed I got with the piece of shit.

My eyes traveled to Liz. She gave me a small smirk before she went back to giggling with Lillian about something.

That is another change. Liz is giggling.

“How is it, though? You seem… good?”

I nodded, turning away from the girls.

“But I did have a run-in with the police recently. Multiple, actually.”

“That’s not out of the ordinary.”

“Her ex made an AI-generated video and apparently has some connections in the police force because they tried to bring me in over something that half-assed.”

This got her to pause.

“Damn. I hate AI. Makes people who can’t do shit overconfident about their abilities. Need a lawyer?”

I met her gaze and fished out a business card from my pocket.

“An acquaintance of mine said you knew this person?”

She took the card and looked down at it before giving me a small nod and handing it back to me.

“Laura. She’s good. But no one outside the club should know I use her. Well, except for judges, the police, court clerks, but you get the idea. Who told you?”

I ground my teeth.

“Parker Novak, ring a bell?”

She stared at me a hard moment before recognition hit and she snapped her fingers. “Shitty billionaire who lays off like thousands of people at once, right?”

“The very one.”

“She’s sneaky. I don’t like her. Is she the one you need Laura for? Laura is a criminal defense lawyer, so she may not⁠—”

I laid my hand on her arm. God, I wish I had a drink.