“Of course. Ready?” Alan closed the door after he got out.
“I am. Thank you for this. I appreciate it.”
“No problem.” Alan smiled at him and led the way.
The door opened and a man in leather pants, big boots, and a dark vest held it for them.
“Hello. We’re looking for Master River?” Alan seemed completely relaxed. “I’m Alan. This is Ryder, he’s expecting us.”
“Of course. Welcome, Ryder. Have a seat at the bar.”
Alan smiled at him. “All good?”
“Yes. Thank you. You were very kind.” Going up to the bar was something he completely understood.
“It’s nice in here, huh? Fancy.” Alan pulled out a barstool for him.
“Yeah. It’s gorgeous. I can see why Charles likes it. He’s the finest man I’ve ever known.”
Alan gave him a sidelong glance and a knowing grin. “I feel like maybe the terms of your employment have changed recently.”
“Yes. I’m not employed by Charles. I’mwithCharles.” And he wasn’t going to hide that, not for a second.
Alan turned all the way this time to face him, smiling wide. “Oh my God. He is so lucky. That is amazing news.”
“It is. I’m so happy, man. Seriously. He’s amazing, and I love him.” In fact, he was a little stupid in love.
“I’ve worked for him since a few years before his husband’s accident, and he—he kind of disappeared. But he’s coming back. I noticed how chatty he was with you, and he’d be taking you out. It’s good. You’re good for him.”
He loved hearing that. He wanted to be a good thing in his lover’s life. He wanted to be the best thing.
“Ryder! It’s good to see you again. Welcome home.” River, the big guy he’d met at that first party headed toward him, with Kacey behind him. At least he thought that was Kacey. River was in full leather and seemed even bigger than before. “Master Charles let me know you were going to be late. We thought you and Kacey could hang out for a while until he gets here.”
“Thank you.” Right, call everyone Sir. “Thank you, Sir. I was a little unsure if there was a membership card or something.”
River chuckled. “Master Charles isn’t a member; he’s my guest tonight. And s—you don’t need a membership.”
Kacey slid out from behind River. He was in jeans and a gauzy, near see-through shirt and looked great.
Alan slid off his stool and offered it to Kacey. “I think you’re in good hands, Ryder. Good talking to you. I’ll pick you and Mr. Martin up later.”
“Thank you, Alan.” River gave Alan a nod, and Alan turned and left.
Kacey bumped shoulders with him. “Hey, man. What do you want to drink?”
“I think I’d like a beer—whatever’s on draught. I like your shirt. How have you been?”
“I’m good. Master River loves this shirt.” Kacey waved the bartender over. “Lovesit.”
“What can I get you?” The bartender was bare-chested but had a thick, studded collar around his neck.
Kacey ordered their beers. “Rumor has it you’ve been fired. Or did you quit?” Kacey grinned at him. “Whichever one, I’m happy for you guys.”
“It was six of one, a half dozen of the other.” He grinned at Kacey, rolling his eyes at himself. “I’m very happy. Seriously.” He was over the moon.
“You look it. You look great.” Kacey looked around. “Are you…have you been to a club like this before?”
“I haven’t. I’ve been in a lot of bars, but not one that’s all guys.” Not a gay bar.