A Valentine for Two

by Lia Davis

  “Don’t worry about it. She does have nice tits though.”

  “Like fucking warm butter on the tongue.” After cleaning up his mess, Carter smacked him on the back, and followed Sully toward the main area of the club.

  “I have a caterers meeting at noon, then I have to see a couple of the venders as well.”

  “I’m meeting with the employees at two to go over what they’ll be expected to wear and how they’re expected to act on Valentine’s Day. Don’t need them scaring off our human patrons for the night.”

  Sully stopped at the door of his office and faced Carter. “Later, your ass is mine.”

  “You can count on it.”

  Chapter Three

  Sierra arrived early. The quicker she could get this done, the faster she’d be home sipping a mai tai and binge watching a couple of shows she liked. Yes, her life was that glamorous. A few moments later Jerry arrived, pulling in beside her. Good, now they could get this over with. After she got out of her car, she waved to her partner of almost ten years. “Ready to get this done with?”

  “Whenever you are.”

  She closed the door of her eco-friendly vehicle and made her way up to the back door of the club. The sign over the service bell, said to push it twice and wait. So she did. A few minutes later a woman wearing a skin-tight latex corset and leather mini-skirt answered. Her long, chocolate-brown hair had been pulled back into a severe ponytail that accentuated her dark, cat-eye makeup. Glitter encrusted ruby-red lipstick adorned her fully pouty lips. On anyone else, it would border on trashy, but with this girl, it highlighted her features. “Welcome to Wolfsbane. You must be the reporter Carter told me to watch out for.” She held her hand out. “I’m Celia, Carter and Sully’s assistant.”

  I bet you are. She took the girl’s hand and gave a quick shake. “Good to meet you, Celia. I’m Sierra Hanover, and this is my photographer Jerry Rodrick. I don’t mean to rush you, but I’m kind of on a deadline here.” She winced at her clipped tone. “What I mean is, I’d hate to turn in a shit project because we rushed it, instead of taking our time getting the full nuance of the place.”

  The girl nodded. “I understand.” She led them down a dark corridor to a set of stairs. “If you follow these stairs, Carter is in the first office on the left. I have to pry Sullivan away from his prep job for the club.”

  “First office on the left, got it. Thank you so much, Celia.” She smiled before beginning her trek to the office. When she arrived, she knocked once. The long hallway had been painted in a stark white, while the trim had been done a shade or two darker. The effect gave the space almost a 3-D quality to it. Different styles of brightly painted pictures hung along the wall, offsetting the brilliance with needed pops of color.

  Sierra took a seat on one of the butter-soft leather couches to the right of the door in the small waiting area. She sighed as it engulfed her in its plushness. However, she didn’t have long to enjoy it. A few moments later, a man she supposed was Carter appeared in front of her. Tall with an athletic build and bordering on slight, he reminded her of a classic Hollywood actor. Debonair, with a strong jaw and the bluest eyes she’d ever seen. His nostrils flared ever so slightly when he held his hand out to her, and she couldn’t help being a little self-conscious. Every single inch of her came to life in a wash of arousal and lust. The woodsy scent emanating from him fueled her desire, leaving her a bit dizzy and hypnotized.

  “You must be from the Los Angeles Daily. It’s good to meet you.” Her cheeks heated the moment his lips brushed across her knuckles. He glanced up at her, and the devilish twinkle in his eyes sent a thrill of longing through her. The corner of his mouth curled into a predatory, panty-soaking smirk. “I didn’t leave you waiting long, I hope.”

  British. The accent added a bit more to his sex appeal. But still, she guarded herself. Didn’t need to go climbing him like a tree during the middle of their meeting—even if the idea sound good right about now. Is it hot in here, or is it just me?

  She flicked her gaze to him, and he gave her a wicked grin.

  Caught. Shit.

  She shook her head, almost afraid to speak. “No, not at all. This is Jerry, my assistant.” The breathy quality of her voice irritated her. No one got under her skin. It’d been a quality she prided herself on, and in less than five minutes, he had.

  “Good to meet you.” He shook her partner’s hand. “Sullivan is a little tied up at the moment, but he’ll be here shortly.” Carter ushered them into his office. “I have to say; this is one of the first interviews we’ve granted for the club and this building.”

  “Well, the building is steeped in history.” She gazed around the masculine, industrial space. Unlike the hall, this area had the original brick and mortar façade. Steel and wood shelving lined the side walls, while a giant oak desk dominated the space. To the left, another couch like she’d been sitting on in the waiting area faced her, along with a small coffee table and an entertainment center. The room fit the man in front of her. “Most of it is bad though.”

  He nodded. “It’s a tragedy.” Carter lowered his voice and leaned forward. “I’ll let you in on a little secret.”

  She crept closer, drawn in by the raspy tone of his voice.

  “I didn’t think the club would work. I thought we’d be shut down and forced out within the first six months of business.” He pointed to the richly finished, walnut sideboard. “Drink?”

  His admission surprised her, as did the quick change in conversation. “Cherry soda.”

  “A girl after my own heart.” He opened a fridge she hadn’t seen, and pulled out a can of regular soda, then grabbed the cherry syrup from between the bottles of alcohol. “I’m sorry I don’t have fresh cherries to add to your drink. I hope you don’t mind.”

  Heck, she’d been prepared for pre-made soda, she didn’t mind this one bit. After he stirred her drink, he lifted the stirring stick to his mouth and licked the dripping and excess syrup from it. Her heart skipped a beat. Again, the aching throb of her clit intensified. Who the hell was this man?

  “It’s okay. I would have settled for a can.”

  He laughed as he brought her the tumbler. “Anything for you, Jerry?”

  Her partner glanced at her, then to Carter. “Water?”

  “Sure thing.” He grabbed the bottle from the fridge. “Ice?”

  “Nah. I’m good.”

  He handed the bottle to her assistant, then took a seat behind the desk. “Where are my manners.” He scoffed and motioned to the wing-backed chairs in front of him. “Please, sit.”

  “Was your worry due to the criminal activity or something else?” She sat, easing back into the welcoming comfort.

  “Yes, all of it. This building is said to be haunted. Some people come here to” —he made air quotes— “investigate. Others to try and find the burned-out areas of the basement.” He folded his hands. “We’re not here to be a sideshow or to ogled like freaks.”

  She frowned. “Does it interfere with your business?”

  “The lookie-loos?” He swirled the amber liquid in his glass.

  “Yes.”

  “I feared they would. However, people have been...courteous.” He glanced up as the door open. “Ah, you made it. Sullivan, these are our guests.”

  The man stopped short and turned his golden gaze on her. Boom. Pregnant. The thought simultaneously surprised her and made her chuckle, which led to embarrassment. She cleared her throat.

  “It’s good to meet you. I’m Sierra Hanover, and this is my assistant Jerry Rodrick.” She motioned to her friend. Jesus, what the hell had she gotten herself into?

  He grunted and joined Carter. “Let’s get this over with.” The firm set of his jaw, coupled with the way he crossed his arms over his impressive chest, set her on fire. Together they were an impressive duo. Whatever soaked her panties when it came to Carter, deepened the harsh pulse of energy. Her womb clenched with it, and she placed her hand against her belly—a vain attempt to cove
r what she felt.

  “Miss Hanover,” Carter prompted. “Are you, okay?”

  Fuck no, she wasn’t okay. Her hormone, decided to do a freaking jig, while her pussy demanded both men shove their cocks inside of her so they could make twin deposits of their seed.

  “Yes. Sorry. I love your office. How about we do the podcast from the couch.” She pointed over her shoulder. “I think it’ll give an air of relaxation and fun.”

  “Perfect.” Carter replied.

  When she glanced up through her lashes at Sullivan, he growled. Fucking sexy. Mmm, what I wouldn’t give to—damn it. Get it together.

  A flash of something dangerously erotic rolled through his golden orbs as the tension radiating from him increased. “Most live podcasts, or Facebook live broadcasts last between thirty to forty-five minutes. You’ll be able to see viewer questions as well as their reactions. I’ll start with my questions first. Then, if you see interactive inquires you’re willing to answer, we’ll go to them.” Again, she peeked at Mr. Tall, Dark and Surly. He gave no indication whether he was okay with the setup or not.

  “What will your questions consist of?” The deep timbre of his voice rocketed her libido to the stratosphere.

  “Mostly about the club. Some about the both of you and how you came to own this place. Plus, a few questions on the property—the history.” While she talked, Jerry set up his laptop along with the mics. She wanted a crisp clear quality for their broadcast, as several of their regular readers were excited to join in with the Wolfsbane Q&A.

  “We don’t like putting too much information out there about us,” Sullivan stated. “We like our privacy.”

  She figured as much. “You can skip questions that are personal. Go with the simple ones. I’m interested in your club.”

  Sullivan snorted. “Sure.”

  Well...asshole. “I’ll prove it.”

  Jerry cued up the page and showed her the total post views and comments already left for them. “Looks like you’re a hit already.” He placed everything so it wasn’t obstructing their view.

  “Sullivan, sit down. Looming over her, isn’t going to make this go any faster.” Carter patted the seat beside him.

  He huffed, but did as his partner requested. “Let’s get this over with.”

  She nodded to Jerry who started the broadcast. “Good afternoon everyone, it’s your friendly reporter, coming to you live from Wolfsbane.” She gave a wave. “Today I am pleased to interview Carter Goode and Sullivan North. As always, type in your questions and we’ll see how many we can fit in within the allotted time.” She scooted sideways. “Say hello to everyone.”

  The viewership on the screen began to slowly increase while smiley faces and blue thumbs up floated across the monitor. Both men waved, then said hello. “First thank you for joining me.”

  “It’s our pleasure, Sierra. How could we ever turn down a pretty woman?” Carter winked, and the cooling embers of her arousal began to regenerate.

  “So, how long have the both of you owned this club?”

  “We bought the building in two-thousand five, and opened about six months later.”

  “Did you know about all the activity with the building? The Church of the Heavenly Devine?” She didn’t want to push too hard, but she liked the mystique of the history too.

  “We did,” Sullivan grunted. “Made the building cheaper.”

  She laughed. “So, where did the name Wolfsbane come from? What made you chose this particular name?”

  “It’s a flower, my dear. A poisonous one.” Carter pointed to a vase she hadn’t paid attention to during her initial perusal of the space. Pretty, blue flowers were arranged perfectly in a crystal decanter. “When I learned their name, I said it was perfect for everything this poor building has experienced.”

  “Two sets of murders.” She paused. “The first time, I could understand. Supernaturals weren’t known to us, the second, do you think it was intentional?” The way Sullivan’s gaze bore into her left her unsettled. “The shooting ... with silver bullets.”

  “Yes.”

  “Some would say it’s a paranormal fixation. Witches were burned, as were vampires. Silver hurts wolves. People can’t separate fact from fiction.”

  Carter nodded. “Yes. I believe you are right. We know that the Heavenly Devine church was obsessed with this building. Sullivan and I believe both incidents were connected. Maybe not someone with the church, but someone who enjoyed emulating the original suspect.”

  “Yet, the first incident led to us coming out,” Sullivan interjected. “Fear will do horrible things to a person’s psyche, Miss Hanover.”

  She bit her lip and swallowed a groan. Fucking hell, she was going to die. Combust. Poof, be gone. “Yes, it does. Is that why you’ve made your club inclusive?”

  He shrugged. “It’s my business to make sure the doors are open Thursday through Saturday and that people are happy. Everything afterwards is pie?”

  “Pie?” She canted her head to the side. “Don’t you mean a piece of cake?”

  “Nope. Pie. Tasty. Satisfying. Sweet.” He sat forward, his lust-filled golden eyes locked with hers. Sullivan mesmerized her without even trying, she suspected. “Let’s be serious here for a second. We provide a service, and people come here to fulfill said amenity. Whether it’s a hookup, drinks because of a promotion, or an engagement party, we’re here to make the night magical.”

  “So, the after. The money is your satisfaction?”

  He grinned. “Well, not all of it.”

  Jesus give her strength. If she thought Cater had a devastating smile, Sullivan’s knocked her socks off. “Say no more.” She glanced at the screen and laughed. Several of the female watchers posted fainting emojis. “Well, you have admirers, for sure.”

  “Everyone is welcome here, Sierra. So, come on down. Your first drink is on us.” Carter smiled and motioned for them to come see him.

  “I have one more question, then I think we’ll open it up to the fans.” She hated this. Why couldn’t they just talk about the history of the building? A real reporter would continue with the happenings of the place, not dallying on Valentine’s parties and bullshit. However, her boss counted on a kissy-kissy love article. Ugh. “What are you doing this year for Valentine’s Day?”

  Chapter Four

  Sitting there, listening to her, made his skin crawl. Not in a bad way though. The potent aphrodisiac of honey and spice, caused by her being so near, surrounded Sullivan in a blanket of desire. Lust pounded through his veins, and with each inhale of her amazing scent, he grew more uncomfortable. As much as he wanted the interview to be over with, he didn’t necessarily want her to leave.

  “We’re having an angel and demon party,” Carter answered, pulling him from his musings. “What better way to express love, than to have an opposites affair.”

  She sat there for a moment, almost as though she contemplated which they would dress as, angel or demon. For him, he’d always be his natural state.

  “Do you have any kind of activities or special offerings for the night?”

  He narrowed his eyes. What did she think they did? Offer up a virgin sacrifice to Saint Valentine? People didn’t come to their club for activities, as she put it, they came to drink, fuck and go home. Or, at least he did. “Women get in free after nine, if they’re dressed up. We offer drink bands at a set price, but the majority of the people who come to our parties, come to have fun. Don’t have to do anything special for them to enjoy themselves.”

  “They fall in love for the evening,” Carter added.

  Sierra frowned. “You don’t believe that, do you?”

  His lover blinked then glanced over at him. Oh yes. Carter did. In fact, his friend thrived on people finding themselves and their true partners in his club. He fed off their energy, and they’d end up with at least two or three girls between them, besides each other. Plus, since they were an open supernatural club, they’d seen many sets of mates find each other on the dance f
loor. “You don’t believe in love?”

  She shrugged. “I believe in convenience. It’s easier to have no expectation than to walk into a situation with your hopes high and your heart open. Because, eventually, you fall.”

  His demon didn’t like her answer. The minute he stepped into Carter’s office, he understood who she’d become to them. To be party to the results of someone fucking her over pissed him the hell off. “And, sometimes, people are assholes. They have no clue what they have until it’s gone.”

  “Perhaps. However, I tend to lean on the side of pessimism.”

  He chewed on her words for a minute. “When was the last time you had fun?”

  She jerked. Her surprised expression sent a thrill through him. He’d caught her off guard. “All the time.”

  He cocked a brow. “Sure you do.”

  She lifted her chin slightly. “My personal life has nothing to do with this conversation.”

  No, it didn’t. Yet, the longer he stared at the hazel-eyed beauty, the more he realized he was in over his head. She’d gotten under his skin without even trying, which didn’t happen very often. She’d also got his blood pumping. He could blame it on a lack of sex, if he hadn’t fucked Carter, but he had—last night and this morning. So, why did being near her have such a powerful yearning to fuck her, burn through his soul?

  “Forgive him, Miss Hanover. Sometimes Sullivan can be overly direct with his observations.”

  Leave it to Carter to soothe her. The asshole wrote the manual on how to be suave in a modern setting.

  She straightened her shoulders. “There’s nothing to forgive. How about we take a few viewer questions?”

  Sullivan stared at her the whole time they answered the less invasive inquires scrolling by in the comments. Sierra didn’t appear ruffled by his gruffness. On the contrary, the subtle hints of her arousal sang through his veins. Saliva pooled in his mouth, to the point he worried he’d start drooling all over her. Then, there sat Carter beside her, laughing at what the commenters said, being his normal playful self.