Daniel nodded and went back to what he was doing.
“Did you need me to do anything?”
“You could set the table.”
She gave him a squeeze, and then went to the cabinet to find what she needed.
While the pizza was in the oven, Daniel whipped up a salad faster than she thought possible. He carried it to the table as the timer went off, letting them know the pizza was ready.
They polished off their dinner and headed into the city. Normally when Ali worked at the club, she had to be at the club early. Since she’d covered for Bridget the day before, tonight Bridget was returning the favor.
Halfway to the club, Daniel’s received a text. Five minutes later, his phone dinged with another incoming message. He ignored both until they reached the club.
She couldn’t see what either text said, but he didn’t appear bothered by whatever the messages were. After typing a quick reply, he tucked the phone in his pocket.
He went to get her bag from the back, then came to the passenger side and opened her door. She took his offered hand and let him guide her into the brick building that housed Serpent’s Kiss.
Bridget was in place in front of the coat check when they entered the lobby at six thirty on the dot. She greeted them both with a knowing smile but kept her comments to herself. For now. Ali knew that would change once they were alone.
Daniel handed Ali her bag, gave her a lingering kiss that had her head spinning, then disappeared into the main part of the club, leaving her heart racing and her feeling a little dizzy.
When Ali finally turned around, Bridget was fanning herself. “Now I know why everyone was talking about your scene last night.”
Ali felt her cheeks heat.
Bridget laughed. “Go get changed. I’ll watch the front for you.”
Not arguing, and needing a few minutes to collect herself, Ali ducked into the club and made a beeline for the locker room. Daniel was at the bar, getting a drink. He looked up as she passed, and she could feel his gaze follow her as she traversed the main floor of the club.
The dress she’d chosen for tonight was black with sheer long sleeves and reached mid-thigh. She’d worn it many times before. In fact, it was one of her favorite club outfits. No doubt, Daniel would prefer her in something a little more revealing.
Changed, she made her way out of the locker room and was halfway to the door leading to the lobby when she spotted Daniel talking to Shara. Ali didn’t know the other submissive that well, but she did know that Daniel had played with her before.
Jealousy spiked inside her and she froze in place, unable to tear her eyes away. Daniel looked up and met her gaze. He said something to Shara and walked over to where Ali stood.
He stopped in front of her, taking in her outfit. “Is something the matter?”
Ali shook her head. “No, Sir. I was just going to relieve Bridget.”
Daniel nodded and she made her exit.
Bridget was chatting with Ryan when Ali emerged from the club. “There she is,” Bridget said.
“Sorry I took so long.”
“No worries.” Bridget nodded in Ryan’s direction. “I was picking Ryan’s brain.”
Ali stepped behind the tall desk. “Are you having legal trouble?” Ryan was a lawyer at a large firm in the heart of downtown. She wasn’t sure what type of law he practiced.
“Not me. My sister’s having some issues with her neighbor.”
“Do you have something to write on?” Ryan said. “I’ll jot down my number. Have your sister call me and I’ll see if I can help.”
Bridget handed him a notepad and he scribbled his number on the paper. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”
“Anytime.”
Ryan slid the paper with his number on it across the desk to Bridget as the door leading to the club opened. It was unusual for people to be exiting the club this early in the evening—most members were arriving, not leaving—so everyone’s head turned to see who it was.