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She could feel herself paling.
“As I said, the program’s been isolated,” he said. “It in no way achieved its programmed parameters. But considering the two members that were also part of those parameters, and in light of other concerns that have been raised, we wanted to alert you to the problem and get as much information as possible. Identifying the member who placed that program is of the utmost importance.”
Of course it was. Some of the members who had been a part of Sinclair’s Men’s Club since before Ian Sinclair was given guardianship of it were more than just of the utmost importance. Hell
, even the man her father had stated would be his vice presidential pick if he was to run for the presidency was a member.
“I think I need a real drink,” she said, shock resounding through her.
As she covered her face with her hands for a long moment she was only barely aware of Courtney rising from the table. When she lowered them again and inhaled with a slow, even breath, she realized, as much as she wanted it to be, the past wasn’t over.
“Alyssa, the club files are completely safe,” Ian gave his assurance as well. “This isn’t the first time a member has attempted to betray his agreement with the club, and it won’t be the last. We have some of the most advanced minds in computer protection working on this. There is no danger to your secrets, nor any other members’. We make certain of it.”
“I know that.” She nodded, swallowing tightly. She had no doubt the files were safe, if any electronic files even existed. She doubted there were any. “Are you asking if I know who’s trying to steal information about me and your other two members?” She lifted a brow with bitter mockery. “Sorry, perhaps you should ask Shane Connor and Sebastian De Loren that question. They may be able to help you far better than I.”
“You have no doubt Shane and Sebastian are the other two members,” Ian said gently. “Why is that?”
“Really, Ian?” She felt like screaming, raging. When the hell was it going to end? “Shane and Sebastian are the only two members I’ve had a relationship with. If the members are associated with me, they’re the only options.”
As she spoke Courtney set a drink in front of her before sitting beside Ian once again.
“Thank you.” Nodding to the other woman, she picked up the drink and took a healthy swallow.
It nearly stole her breath.
It had been years since she’d allowed herself the pleasure of the smooth, potent whisky Courtney had brought her. Not since her last night at the club actually. When she had helped Courtney break Ian’s famous control and relent to choosing a third to share his lover with. There in the main bar of the club she’d done no more than caress Courtney through her clothes when Ian entered the room. It had been enough to show him his lover was far more adventurous than he’d wanted to consider, though.
It felt like eons ago when in fact it had been only weeks before Harvey had shoved that damned knife in her side.
“Do you have any enemies that you’re aware of, Alyssa?” Ian asked her then. “Inside or outside the club?”
“The only enemy I knew I had is dead.” Lifting the glass, she finished the drink. “And we’ll leave it at that.”
“Sebastian didn’t exactly appear a friend Saturday night, Alyssa,” Khalid pointed out, speaking softly as he lounged back in his chair and ignored his wife’s warning look.
Landra had already warned her of the slight confrontation Khalid and Sebastian had been involved in over her. Khalid was intensely protective, but where it came to Shane and Sebastian, his protection wasn’t needed. No matter what he believed.
“Don’t do this, Khalid,” Alyssa asked softly. “Don’t destroy the perfectly nice friendship we have. Please.”
Silence filled the table. She was aware of Ian, Chase, and Khalid exchanging wary looks while Courtney and Marty simply watched her compassionately.
“Sebastian and Shane are not my enemies—” she’d wanted only to reassure him, but of course, that simply couldn’t be enough for him.
“Sebastian didn’t appear to be in the friendship category, either,” Khalid pointed out as the fingers of one hand played with the butter knife lying next to an empty plate.
Alyssa turned her gaze to Ian. “I’m about one more question away concerning that subject from walking out. Are we clear?” she warned him, careful to keep her tone as well as her demeanor not just firm but also non-confrontational.
They were all friends, but ignoring her request to let this subject go would result in a definite cooling-down period where those friendships were concerned.
“Enough, Khalid.” Ian’s voice held an undertone of steel. Khalid wasn’t guaranteed to pay attention to it, though.
Khalid’s lips thinned for a moment, his fingers lying still next to the cutlery now.
“Should you need a friend,” Khalid said then. “I or Marty, or both, would be more than willing to be one.”
“You are friends, Khalid,” she sighed, so weary she could almost feel the exhaustion pulling her down. “Friends I value. All of you are. But they’re…” She paused, uncertain how to describe what she wanted to express.
“They’re more,” Marty offered the explanation gently.
