“Lucas would just try to plan the hell out of this little mission, sucking all the fun out of it,” Rowe added.
Snow shook his head. His friend had the strangest idea of what constituted fun. “Lucas knows enough of what’s happening. We’ll loop him in later.”
“The next club meet is in two days. But remember, no going after this Donald yourself. He’s wanted for fucking rape, so he’s going down when he’s caught.”
“Got it.”
Rowe looked outside. “He going to be okay?”
Snow followed his gaze to find Jude leaning on the railing, the wind ruffling his hair. “He’s one of the strongest people I know.”
“You sure attract a type.” Rowe rinsed out his coffee mug and hugged Ian. “I gotta make tracks. I’ll call you later. Thanks for breakfast. It rocked.”
“You’re the only one who finished.”
“It’s good,” Snow insisted. “I just got a little nauseous at the reminder of the video.”
Ian, who knew Jordan through family gatherings, went pale again. “Rowe said that guy is wanted for rape…”
Snow nodded, lips tight. “The video was bad.”
“Oh, God.” He shut his eyes. “And Jude watched it?” His eyes flew open. “Anna didn’t, right?”
“Anna doesn’t know about it and never will, if we’re lucky.”
“Good.” He hugged himself and Rowe wrapped his arms around the thinner man. They were the same height, but Rowe was built like a tank while Ian was slender. Ian had thankfully never been caught up in any videos, but the life he’d led before Snow and his friends had found him had been horrifying. He’d been basically sold by his parents to pay off a debt as a teen and had lived with a horrible man for years. So, videos no, but Ian was well aware of what the people in those circles did and last Snow heard, he still had nightmares.
He wondered if those had eased at all.
Rowe left and Snow got up to help clean the kitchen. He could see Jude through the window over the sink and his heart ached for his partner.
“I’m so sorry about his brother, Snow. I really like Jordan and I’m pulling for him. Do you think Anna would appreciate some company today?”
“She loves you, so of course she would.”
“Are you really up to going to that club?”
He turned and leaned against the counter. “Honestly? No. I said good-bye to all that and did so happily.”
“I know.” Ian smiled. “Jude is so good for you.”
“He’s incredible. I couldn’t be happier.”
“You know what’s incredible? All of us finding the perfect mates. Just a few years ago we only had each other, and now we have these extended families—especially you. I got such a kick out of the last family gathering Anna invited me to. So many people!”
“Jude’s family is daunting, but for the most part, they’re lovely, accepting people. We haven’t had any issues with them.”
Ian looked outside. “You can’t let Jude do anything he’ll regret. He’s a good man, Snow. One of the best I’ve ever met.”
“I know.” Snow stared at Jude, his love for the man swelling in his chest. “I won’t.”Chapter 16This was nothing like the sex club that Snow had taken him to years ago. This one was in someone’s home. A sprawling monstrosity set back in a treed neighborhood. Rowe was there for backup, and he gave them a wave from his truck as they parked down the street. They weren’t wearing earpieces this time—he was only in place for an emergency since they planned on calling the cops.
Thankfully, it wasn’t raining tonight, but the cold wind was a bitch. Jude was glad for the thick Tom Ford coat he’d borrowed from Snow. He looked at the man, admiring the fit of his brown Brioni cashmere topcoat. It suited his long, lean frame perfectly and he remembered when Ian had talked him into the purchase. Ian sure knew his stuff. Snow looked so sharp in it. They both wore suits under the fancy coats, but Jude still half expected them to be turned away at the door.
The man who greeted them recognized Snow instantly.
“Ah, haven’t seen you in years, Ashton. Last I heard you’d hooked up permanently.”
“Still have, Bill.” Snow nodded toward Jude. “We were interested in observing only tonight.”
“Spicing things up, eh? Well, tonight’s show is a little bondage session that starts in about fifteen minutes, so you’re just in time. And this one is extra special tonight. Wait until you see.”
Jude’s gut churned. He didn’t have a problem with BDSM, and in fact liked things a little rough here and there, but he had a gut feeling this wasn’t going to be like any show he’d seen before. Not that he’d ever frequented these kinds of parties…
They walked inside to find the place packed with people. It never failed to surprise him how many were involved in this underground scene. But tonight wasn’t about men who looked underage like the last place Snow had taken him.