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“Oh, thank God you’re okay, Bri. I was so worried about you when you didn’t show up at the salon this morning and then I couldn’t reach you on your cell. I thought sure Jake had abducted you and carried you back out to the cabin to finish you off.”
Brianna was alarmed at the thought, but relieved her friend cared enough to try and find her. “I’m fine, Tiff… well as fine as I can be, all things considered. I’m so damn sorry I got you dragged into this whole mess.”
Tiffany was part laughing, part tearing up as she held onto her friend. “You should be sorry! Not only did you scare me half to death, but I’ve been screamed at and treated like shit by your husband. Then I almost died on the Eisenhower trying to keep up with Mr. Speed-Demon over there.” She paused to shake her thumb in Lukus’s direction. “Next, I sprained my ankle trying to defend myself from a would-be attacker in the alley. My limbs are numb. It’s like I’ve fallen down some rabbit hole into this … BDSM Neverland and worst of all? I’m sitting here hugging mynakedbest friend while she mashes her tied-up boobs into me. I didn’t think we were this kind of friends, Bri.”
Brianna heard a rare chuckle from Lukus. Glancing at him as she held her cheek against Tiffany’s shoulder, she confirmed genuine amusement shining in Lukus’s eyes; a rare smile lighting up his face.
When their eyes met, Brianna mouthed the silent words ‘thank you’to him. If anything, his smile got brighter before he turned and left the bedroom, closing the door quietly behind him.
After watching him leave, Brianna pulled back to get a good look at her best friend. “Tiff, you’re the best friend a girl could ever ask for. I’m so glad you’re here. I have so much to tell you, but first, tell me more about how Markus looked when you saw him.”
Chapter Six
Lukus
Lukus closed the door, shaking his head as the two women clung to each other chatting a mile a minute. He decided he was in desperate need of a drink.
Figures. I have two of the finest women I’ve ever had in my bed, together at the same time, and Istillcan’t get laid. I seriously need to find someone to fuck and soon.
Lukus wasted no time in pouring himself a whiskey. He shouldn’t be drinking. He already felt more out of control than he had in years. He wasn’t sure why his friends’ problems should be impacting his life so much, but without a doubt, Brianna’s infidelity had triggered events that had him struggling to maintain his perspective.
After knocking back a quick shot, Lukus sunk into his favorite chair and looked out over the Chicago skyline. It was late afternoon, one of his favorite times of the day to take in the busy city as the sun reflected off the distant lake and tall skyscrapers. Lukus allowed the view to calm him as he sorted out what he had to do next. He couldn’t afford to turn into an emotional pussy over a few wayward women who, if all went as planned, would be out of his hair for good by midnight.
Digging into his pocket, he pulled out his phone and called Derek.
“Hey, glad you finally made it back.”
“Yeah. I got back a few minutes ago. For the record, this day really blows.”
“What now? Did Markus kick your ass for wanting to screw his wife?”
“He wanted to at first, but I managed to defuse the situation. You still in the security office?”
“Yeah.”
“I think you’d better come up. We have a lot to talk about.”
“That doesn’t sound good. Maybe I’ll stay down here.” Derek tried to laugh before Lukus cut him off.
“Just come up, will ya? I’m so fucking sick of everyone arguing with me today.”
“Screw you, man.” Derek hung up on his friend.
Lukus barely had time to get up and pour two shots of whiskey before he heard the elevator arriving at the loft. Derek strolled in. He had a scowl on his face until he saw Lukus holding out the shot glass like an olive branch.
“Alright,” Lukus said apologetically. “I’m not going get all mushy, but I’m sorry I’m taking my shitty day out on you.”
Derek reached out to grab the shot, downing it before he answered his friend. “Don’t sweat it, man. It’ll take a bit more than your piss-poor mood to hurt my feelings. I’m not one of the submissives.”
“Thank fuck for that. We have more than enough of those around here.”
Plopping down in Lukus’s favorite chair, Derek responded. “I don’t think you’re upset we have too many submissives around here.”
Moving to sit on the nearby couch instead, Lukus retorted, “Oh really. And just what do you think has me all upset, Dr. Parker?”
Derek just grinned. “Touché. I’m just saying I think your biggest problem is that we seem to have a boatload of women around here whoaren’tsubmissive, at least not submissive enough to behave. I saw your little encounter in the alley on the security cameras. Who’s the good-looking blonde you hoisted over your shoulder and carried in like a caveman?”
Lukus shot an annoyed look at his friend before answering. “She’s Brianna’s best friend, Tiffany. You know, the one who works at the salon with her. She’s also the woman who flat-out lied to Markus yesterday to protect Brianna.”
