Buckle opened it, and Riley smiled.
He saw the brief flash of shock.
“Well, well, well, as I live and breathe,” he said.
“So do I,” Riley said.
“You know I will have to check you down.” He glanced at Meghan. “Your girl too.”
He saw the surprise. Riley had never taken another woman with him. Bethany had been his world, and now, he had Meghan.
“Sure. Believe me, she’s not hiding anything.”
The door opened, and Buckle allowed him in.
“I’m not stupid. I know why you’ve come. David is here, but you know my rules. I will kill you, Riley, if you break them.”
“I have no intention of killing him tonight. You’re not his lap dog. I respect your … rules. This is your club. But he can’t stay here forever. You and I both know you close your doors and everyone has to leave. You’re not a hotel.”
“No, I’m merely a club for men to enjoy. I thought you were dead.”
“So did a lot of people. I do have one question. Is John in there with him? I need to know.”
“You didn’t hear? John was killed. David shot him for betraying him many nine years ago, not long after your death.”
It would explain why Riley had never heard anything about him, and in the past few years, he’d not seen him. Now his need to kill David heightened a little more.
He held his arms open and allowed Buckle to pat him down. He’d kept all weapons back at the car. He wouldn’t use them until he had to on the streets.
“You’re done. You’re fine.” Buckle turned toward Meghan. “Who did that to your face and hand?”
Meghan looked toward Riley, brow raised. “I don’t answer to him.”
“This is his club.”
“Don’t care.”
“She’s got a smart mouth,” Buckle said, amused.
Riley smiled. “She is far from submissive.” He thought about the way she had come on his cock, how open and free she’d been. She had been more than he could have imagined, and she had given him so much of herself. “He’s a friend.”
“I don’t allow anyone to hurt each other in my club.”
“It’s a BDSM club,” she said. “Doesn’t that, like, hurt people?”
Buckle laughed. “I like you. You’ve got fire and spirit. It means a great many things for people. However, this is my club. I make the rules and kill those who don’t abide by them. I believe it is essential in life to have a place anyone can go where they can … relax, enjoy the simple pleasures in life.”
“You give comfort to men who would rape and murder women just because they don’t want to have sex with them,” Meghan said.
Riley saw her hands were clenched, her anger simmering beneath the surface. He wasn’t about to stop her.
He’d had the same argument with Buckle before, or similar.
“My face,” she said, “was done on the orders of David Peace. You know why?” She didn’t give Buckle time to answer. “Because I turned him down. He wanted me in his bed, and I told him no. Riley saved me, not once, but twice. You think you’re doing the right thing, creating this safe environment. You’re merely a guy who houses monsters for a few hours.”
“Well, sweetheart, those few hours will grant you your chance to laugh in the bastard’s face, and walk out of here alive. What happens when you get past my gates is up to you. But there are reasons I do what I do. Believe me, I’m more than happy you’re here, and I welcome you both with open arms. No killing on my property and you both will leave with your lives.” Buckle turned to him. “I expected you to come to me, but I can see this is something you had to do on your own. We should catch up sometime.”
Riley got the message and nodded.
“Enjoy your night,” Buckle said, and turned back toward his own door. He was the one who controlled everything, and he’d be watching as well.
Chapter Nine
“What’s the plan?” Meghan asked the moment they were alone. She doubted they ever would be in a place like this. Cameras were everywhere, and it concerned her.
“You look sexy and happy. Hang off my every word and let me be the one in charge.”
“You knew that man?” She pointed to where Buckle had disappeared.
“Yes.”
“That’s all I’m going to get?” she asked when he made no move to tell her anything.
“There’s nothing you need to know.”
“I find that a little hard to believe.”
“I’ll tell you when we’re in a safe location. Believe me when I say this isn’t safe. It’s far from safe. Now, come.”
She was a little offended with his commands, but they were here for a reason, and besides, if she didn’t follow him, she was going to die. There was no choice here, or at least what little choice she had, had just been taken out of her control.