Playing with Desire (The Players Club Book 6) Read online

  The lowest level of the mansion was a huge open space where guests could mingle and dirty dance to the sensual beat of the music playing throughout the area. There was also a private VIP lounge for special guests and parties, and that’s where the three of them ended their tour of The Players Club, to meet up with their friends and to spend a bit of time celebrating Stephanie’s birthday.

  Except the birthday girl hadn’t arrived yet with her fiancé, Mac, who also owned The Players Club. So, like most get-togethers, the men—most of whom were co-workers at Noble and Associates, a security firm owned by Mac and Dean—gathered to have a drink and talk, while the women congregated separately as they waited for Stephanie to show up. Paige and Summer joined Jillian, Kendall, and Raina at a high-top table, where there was an unopened bottle of champagne and empty glasses that would be filled once the birthday girl made her appearance. They also had cake to indulge in.

  “So, you survived the grand tour of The Players Club,” Raina said, flashing Summer a wicked grin. “Here’s your last chance to bolt before things get down and dirty.”

  Summer laughed and shook her head. “No way am I leaving now that I’m here. I want down and dirty. I think the hard part is going to be finding the right guy to spend the evening with.”

  “I don’t think that’s going to be an issue,” Jillian chimed in, who was the oldest of the group at forty and was married to the very alpha Dean Noble, who was watching her from across the lounge, probably counting down the seconds until he could be alone with his wife. “Being new here at the club, you’re a hot commodity, and you look so freaking sexy in that dress. Trust me, finding a guy interested in doing wicked things to you won’t be a problem.”

  No, it was a matter of finding the right guy, Summer thought. One who made her body come alive with a hot, lust-filled glance. One who didn’t even have to touch her for Summer to go weak in the knees and wet between her legs. She might be setting her expectations too high, but she didn’t want to spend the evening with someone she wasn’t attracted to or didn’t have any chemistry with.

  As the conversation changed to Stephanie’s upcoming bachelorette party and all the fun, outrageous things they had planned for her last outing as a single woman, Summer cast a casual glance over to where the men were standing together. It was an assembly of incredibly gorgeous guys, she had to admit. All of whom were married to the women at this table.

  Except for Rick Dunne. Like the rest of the men, he worked at Noble and Associates as the head of the Cybersecurity Division. Though he’d initially set his sights on Stephanie over a year ago, it had been Mac who’d won her heart, which left Rick as the last single and available guy in the group.

  Admittedly, Summer had always been attracted to the dark-haired, good-looking, confident man, but as pleasant and even a little flirtatious as he’d been with her during get-togethers with their friends, she always felt as though there was something holding him back from pursuing her.

  The only thing Summer could surmise was that he probably thought she was too inexperienced when she knew he enjoyed spending time at The Players Club and probably preferred a woman who was more accustomed to his darker desires. And now, seeing her in his domain for the first time, there was no mistaking that he was looking at her with a whole new fascination that was purely sexual and caused a flood of awareness to pool low in her body.

  Her gaze shifted to the lighter-haired, well-built guy standing next to Rick—someone she’d never seen or met before—but his stare was fixated on her, as well. Then he turned his head to ask Rick something, and after he replied, the stranger glanced back at her. The corner of his mouth lifted in a bone-melting smile, and every nerve ending she possessed tingled to life.

  With two pairs of eyes riveted her way, Summer felt as though her breath had been snatched from her lungs as she compared the two men, who seemed to know each other and were probably friends. Where Rick was charming, easygoing, and sexy as sin, the guy with the broader shoulders and muscular physique seemed far more reserved . . . and intense. A little rough around the edges, with a challenge in his stance, which only made him more appealing to her. There was an air of control and discipline about him that spoke to the woman inside her that longed to be under a man’s control in the bedroom . . . and when she dared to envision being dominated and taken by both Rick and the stranger, her nipples puckered hard and tight against the too thin fabric of her dress, and her skin flushed with undeniable desire. Judging by the amused look on Rick’s face and the stranger’s knowing expression, they were well aware of her interest in them.

  Flustered by her shameless thoughts, along with their direct stares that made her feel as though she was about to combust, she deliberately glanced away and refocused her attention on the conversation at the table. Thank God no one had noticed her ogling the two men. A ménage was one of her deepest, darkest, most forbidden fantasies, and she’d clearly let her imagination run wild at the possibility. However, even though they both might look like they wanted her, that didn’t mean they’d be willing to share her.

  And why did she find that notion so disappointing?

  Trying to ignore the double distraction across the lounge, she added her ideas and suggestions to the bachelorette party discussion. But every time she happened to surreptitiously glance in their direction, one or both of them were watching her, and it honest to God felt like the slowest, most sensual foreplay. Their interest increasingly built her awareness of them, causing arousal to seep through her veins and settle low in her belly. Wicked visions formed in her mind, of being surrounded by both commanding men, the pleasure of two mouths and four hands on her body stoking her lust and two cocks ultimately taking her in a primal, possessive way.

  By the time Stephanie arrived forty minutes late to her own party, Summer’s entire body felt flushed and restless with sexual need.

  One look at the birthday girl and it was easy to figure out why she’d been delayed. Not only did Mac, her fiancé, have a smug expression plastered on his face, but as Stephanie headed toward the table where they were all waiting for her, the slight blush on her cheeks and sated look on her face told them that she’d already enjoyed an orgasm or two prior to arriving at the club.

  “Sorry I’m late,” she murmured, ducking her head sheepishly as Jillian popped the cork on the bottle of champagne and filled all the flutes.

  “There’s nothing wrong with starting your birthday celebration a bit early,” Kendall said knowingly as all the women picked up a glass, then raised it in a toast to their friend. “Happy birthday, Steph.”

  Everyone else chimed in, and after a few sips of the bubbly wine, Raina touched a noticeable red mark on the side of Stephanie’s neck while raising an inquisitive brow.

  “One of Mac’s presents, I assume?” she teased of the blatant love bite.

  Stephanie cast a playfully accusing look over her shoulder at her fiancé, who looked completely unrepentant for his wicked behavior. “I tried to stop him, but you all can guess how well that went.”

  “Our men are such cavemen and feel the need to mark their territory whenever the opportunity arises,” Paige said with a laugh, and the other women agreed.

  Except for Summer, who craved that dominance but had yet to experience a sexually assertive lover. The thought of being marked, claimed, and owned made her shiver in delight. There was no denying the envy she felt toward her friends, who were with men who possessed those confident, take-charge traits.

  While the girls chatted, Summer kept an eye on Rick and the guy he was with, watching as the two of them approached Mac, who was talking to his best friend and business partner, Dean Noble. After a couple minutes of conversation, more inquisitive glances were sent her way. She bit her lower lip, wishing she was privy to their conversation that was clearly about her.

  “It’s time for cake,” Paige announced, and left their table to get the dessert, then returned. After she lit the few candles on top, Stephanie blew them out, and Kendall cut the re
d velvet cake and served each of them a slice.

  “Looks like the boys are starting to get restless,” Paige commented a short while later, her tone amused as she glanced in the direction where her husband was with his co-workers—all of whom were waiting for Stephanie’s birthday celebration to be done so they could take their significant others to more pleasurable parts of the club.

  “They need to learn patience, which isn’t a strong suit with any of those alpha men,” Raina said before taking a bite of her cake.

  “I think they’re doing pretty damn good considering all the obscene grinding going on between the couples out in the dance area, which is like watching soft porn,” Kendall said, laughing.

  It was the truth. Summer couldn’t ever remember being at a regular nightclub or bar and seeing the kind of dirty, filthy, pre-fucking dancing that was happening here at The Players Club. It was definitely arousing to watch just how uninhibited couples could be in front of an audience.

  “I don’t know about you ladies, but I’m way past ready to get tied up in Sawyer’s ropes,” Paige said, her voice infused with excitement. “I’ll see everyone later.”

  As Paige strolled across the lounge toward her husband, Raina and Kendall followed suit, which left Stephanie, Jillian, and Summer still at the table. Both of the other women appeared reluctant to leave Summer by herself.

  “Do you want us to stick around a while longer until you’re more comfortable?” Jillian asked her, slight concern in her tone.

  Summer shook her head, shivering as her long, wavy blonde hair shifted across her bare shoulders. “Actually, I think I’m good,” she murmured, her eyes automatically flicking to the two men still standing with Mac and Dean, both of whom were still watching her, their stares lingering with purpose.

  Stephanie followed the direction of her gaze, her own eyes widening in shock when she realized that Rick and the guy he was with were clearly interested in Summer. “Have you ever been in a threesome?” she asked, because that was the vibe the two men were giving off.

  “Ummm . . . no,” she admitted, feeling her face flush. “But it’s a super-hot fantasy, and there’s a first time for everything, right? Considering I’m in a safe, controlled environment here at the club, I figure why not go for it if the opportunity presents itself.”

  Her friend laughed. “You have a good point, and if the way the two of them are eating you up with their gazes is any indication, I do believe the opportunity is going to present itself, so get ready to double your pleasure.”

  Summer lifted her chin a few inches. “I am ready.” And she really was.

  “Wow,” Jillian said, blinking at Summer in complete surprise. “Look at you, being all bold and fearless.”

  She shrugged, though she couldn’t stop the smile of anticipation that curved her lips. “What’s the saying . . . no guts, no glory?”

  Stephanie looked impressed by Summer’s fortitude and gave a nod of approval. “Well, whatever you decide to do, have fun, and we’re all definitely meeting up for breakfast on Monday before work because I’m already dying to know how this evening plays out for you.”

  “Oh, me, too,” Jillian chimed in.

  Stephanie picked up her plate with her half-eaten birthday cake and carried it with her as she and Jillian made their way toward their husbands. Now that Summer was by herself, Rick and the stranger made their move. As she watched the two of them approach—so gorgeous, hot, and self-assured in their stride—her pulse quickened, and everything below her waist turned to liquid.

  Without a doubt, she craved them both, but could she handle all the heat and testosterone heading her way?

  God, she hoped she was about to find out.

  Chapter Two

  As they neared, Summer couldn’t take her gaze off the dark-blond-haired guy. Her attraction to Rick had always simmered beneath the surface, a flirtation they’d both indulged in but he’d never pursued up to this point. But her awareness of the other man was immediate and incendiary, and she knew that intense connection had to do with his sharp, laser-focused gaze that slid down the length of her body with unapologetic lust, along with the seductive smile touching his full lips that promised a night of sinful pleasure.

  Her dress molded to her curves, and by the time he was done devouring every dip and swell of her fuller figure, she felt as though he’d stripped away the nude-colored fabric and she was already standing naked in front of him. Her nipples beaded almost painfully, her belly fluttered, and she had to clench her thighs together to appease the throbbing ache in between.

  She shifted on her heels, suddenly nervous as the duo stopped in front of her—but more than willing to see where this meet and greet led.

  “Hi, Rick,” she said, her voice breathless as she acknowledged the man she already knew.

  “Summer,” he replied, the corner of his mouth curling into a sexy, inviting grin before he indicated the man next to him. “I’d like you to meet my stepbrother, Declan Burke.”

  His stepbrother? She blinked in surprise as she met the other man’s mesmerizing hazel eyes, now glimmering with amusement over her shocked reaction. “So, you two are related?” she asked, still trying to process that bit of information.

  “Sort of,” Declan said, a touch of humor vibrating in his deep voice, despite his more guarded and reserved personality. “My mother married Rick’s father, and we got stuck with each other as siblings. Of course, I’m the better-looking of the two.”

  She smiled at his teasing comment. They were both gorgeous men in their own right—clean-cut, smooth-shaven, classically handsome Rick, with his black hair and green eyes and athletically honed body, versus the more rugged Declan, with his dark blond hair, a day’s worth of sexy stubble covering his jaw, and a well-built physique that conveyed subdued power and strength. His wide shoulders filled out the white dress shirt he wore, and there was no mistaking the muscular chest, tight abdomen, and sinewy arms concealed beneath the fabric.

  Black slacks hugged Declan’s narrow hips and lean thighs, and she caught herself just as her wandering gaze swept across the ample bulge filling out the front of his pants. He wasn’t hard—yet—and as she bounced her gaze back up to his, she couldn’t help but wonder, if he was that generously endowed when flaccid, how much bigger would he be when completely erect? The naughty images filling her mind made her mouth go dry, as did the insightful smirk on his face.

  She swallowed hard to moisten her parched throat and extended her hand toward him. “It’s nice to meet you, Declan.”

  Instead of sliding his much larger palm against hers in a traditional handshake as she was anticipating, he picked up her hand and lifted it to his mouth, then skimmed his lips across her knuckles in a feathery kiss. His gaze met hers, pure temptation heating his eyes.

  “The pleasure is all mine, kitten,” he murmured.

  His husky voice, combined with the intimate pet name he’d just given her, made her weak in the knees. “And here I thought Rick was the charming one.”

  Rick laughed. “Don’t let all that sweet talk fool you,” he said with humor. “Declan is only charming when he wants something.”

  “It’s true.” Declan shrugged unapologetically as he released her hand, and she immediately missed the warmth of his touch. “I wanted you the moment you walked into the VIP lounge.”

  His candid words were filled with a seductive determination she wasn’t immune to—nor did she want to be. “So, do you live here in San Diego?” she asked, curious to know why she’d never seen or met him at any of their friends’ gatherings before.

  “Only when I’m on leave from the army,” he replied.

  The knowledge that he was a soldier totally fit with his commanding presence and rugged persona. She didn’t know a whole lot about the military and different branches, but considering she gauged Declan to be in his early thirties like Rick, she assumed he’d been in the army at least a few terms. “Are you career military?”

  “Yes.” Declan hesitated a few
seconds before giving her a bit more information. “I’ll be heading back out on another tour in three weeks.”

  She tipped her head inquisitively. “What do you do in the army?”

  The corner of his mouth curved in a droll smile. “I capture bad guys.”

  His vague reply was clearly meant to deflect, but Summer found herself fascinated by his career and the man himself. “Where will you be stationed?”

  “In the Middle East,” he said, being evasive once again as to a specific location before his brow creased in exasperation. “And talking about my job is the last thing I want to do right now.” His voice was a low, frustrated growl.

  Grinning, Rick slapped his stepbrother on the back. “Don’t mind his surly attitude. It’s been a while since he’s gotten laid.”

  Declan cut an indignant glare at Rick. “Asshole,” he muttered.

  “Your dry spell can’t be as long as mine,” she blurted, the comment spilling out of her before she could censor it.

  That bit of information immediately piqued Declan’s interest. “How long?”

  Summer thought back to the guy she’d had a short-lived relationship with two years ago, and the mediocre sex and lack of chemistry that had led to her breakup with him. She’d had a few dates since then, but no other hookups, other than with her battery-operated boyfriend.

  “Two years,” she admitted, watching as Rick’s brows rose in surprise.

  The corner of Declan’s lips quirked. “Same.”

  Her mouth nearly dropped open in disbelief. Declan was a virile man, and it was hard to imagine him going without sex for that amount of time. “No way.”