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"I think we need some alcohol for this discussion, don't you? Let's go raid Lukus's fully stocked bar."
Aiden grinned. "Now that's a plan I can get behind."
Markus played bartender while Josh lounged on the couch and Aiden stood in front of the floor to ceiling windows, peering out into the Chicago night. Having drunk with the men in the past, Markus didn't need to take an order. He knew that mixing anything with Jameson Irish Whiskey would be a hit.
"I have to admit, the asshole does have an awesome loft and view of the city. A full gym—basketball court—theater. I never thought Tiff would be swayed by material possessions, but I'm wondering if that has something to do with her blind spot where he's concerned," Aiden muttered.
Markus had finished making their whiskey sours and delivered a drink to Josh on his way over to stand beside Aiden.
"That 'asshole' is my best friend, and he worked his ass off for all of it. No matter what you think of him, he runs several successful businesses," Markus said.
"That isn't why I hate him, and you know it. It's what he does to Tiff..."
Markus noticed the sour look on the younger man's face and knew it had nothing to do with the drink he had downed in record speed.
Sipping his own drink slowly, Markus asked quietly, "Do you really want to have this conversation? Or would you prefer to bounce along not knowing the details and keeping this wedge between you and Tiff?"
"I hate the wedge, but I don't know if I can handle the details. I can't fathom why she'd choose a BDSM relationship. The thought of him being violent with her—it makes me want to pound his face in every time I see him," Aiden admitted.
"Then let it go. Just know Tiff is happy."
Markus thought the discussion was over, but Josh weighed in from behind them. "Aiden, I've been your best friend since freshman year in college, and so I’ve earned the right to cry bullshit on you. We've worked security jobs at several sex clubs in Detroit over the years. You had no problem with any of the BDSM happenings until Tiff was involved."
Aiden spun around to shout back. "Shut the fuck up. You don't know shit about it."
Josh wasn't fazed. "The hell I don't."
Markus chuckled. "Trouble in paradise, boys?"
The two men were at least consolidated in their reply. "Fuck off."
Markus raised his free hand as if to surrender, while Josh pushed his best friend. "It isn't that he doesn't get the whole D/s scene. He just can't accept Tiffany living it."
Aiden fought back, his voice rising. "That's because she's a good girl. So independent. Strong. He's gonna ruin her."
Markus laughed out loud. "Christ, you haven't spent enough time around them." He moved to the nearby chair, plopping down and putting his feet up on the ottoman. Aiden had sat down on the love seat directly across from him, and waited for Markus to continue.
"I'm in a unique situation here. I'm the only person who knew both Lukus and Tiffany before they met each other. So listen up. Tiffany has changed Lukus ten times more than he has changed her. If you'd get your head out of your ass and spend some time with them—real time—you'd see how fearless she is. She couldn't shut down her sass to save her life, and Lukus wouldn't want her to. It's one of the things he and I love about Tiff and Bri. They're both so strong."
Aiden put his empty glass on the coffee table, reflecting until he asked quietly, "But why does she need it?"
Markus could hear the sadness in his voice so he backed down. "I honestly don't know. Why does Brianna love pain? Why does Lukus get off on doing shows? Why do I love coming home to my naked wife, on her knees in the foyer, waiting to suck me off every night before dinner?" He paused to register the shock on Aiden's face at his candor before continuing. "We all have hot buttons that make us tick. Lukus and Tiffany are a match. They're perfect for each other and you need to get on board with that."
The words were still hanging in the air as the three beautiful women emerged from the bedroom, all clad in skimpy silk pajamas. They headed to the kitchen, chuckling at some inside joke while ignoring the men.
Josh observed, "It's like an R-rated slumber party around here." He shuffled uncomfortably.
Rachel had fallen back, diverting into the living room space instead of the kitchen with Brianna and Tiffany. The dejected look on her face turned into a full-out pout as she stopped in front of Markus's chair.
"Master Markus," she said.
"Rachel."
Silence.
He prodded her. "What can I do for you, honey?"
She shuffled her feet nervously, acting exactly like the four-year-old little girl she loved her husband to treat her as. "Well, I was... a naughty girl... and Daddy said I can't have any ice cream, but Ireallywant ice cream."
