C Crue Afters (Ruthless Kings)

Chapter 1

Chapter

One

ZOE

Iend up having the best time at Trick and Laurelyn’s wedding thanks to a surprise from C. He asks me to dance, which he’s never done before. Being a professional dancer, I’m at home on any dance floor, but I understand that a lot of men aren’t.

Still, deep down, I’ve felt like I was missing out when C and I were in clubs, and a slow jam never led to my being pulled into his arms for a dance.

From what I could piece together, C’s never set foot on a dance floor at an event, so when he draws me onto the floor at Trick’s reception, I know he must have taken at least a few lessons.

Not surprisingly, he’s a strong lead. It makes me fall in love with him all over again because this is the best present he’s ever given me.

During the final song of the night, I cling to him, so happy and so tipsy as we glide across the floor. My formal dress is a heavier fabric than I usually wear, but I’m hugging him so tightly I can still feel his big, hard muscles and the hint of his big, hard cock.

“I know you know, but you might not mind hearing…”

“What’s that, baby?” His voice is low and sexy in my ear.

His beard’s stubble scrapes my cheek in the most mouth-watering way, and I practically squirm with anticipation. I wish we were already home. “You can do anything you want to me tonight.”

His hand slides down to my ass and squeezes. “And I’m looking forward to it.”

“Me, too.” It’s hard to breathe for a moment. Even after being together for more than a year, he still takes my breath away at times.

“There’s an exclusive club that offered me a membership.

Could be a good time, if you’re interested in trying new things.

” The offer’s delivered lazily and with no pressure, but he must know it’s an irresistible tease.

Is it a sex club? His idea of interesting new things for me to try at that kind of place will surely be very sexy, but also very scary.

My body’s excited reaction is telling. “What kind of new things?” I whisper, a hard pulse throbbing between my legs.

“Your body being on display.”

A slow burn starts inside me.

“And being on display while I fuck you,” he adds.

My teeth sink into my bottom lip, my breath getting even shorter. “With how many people watching?”

“Enough,” he says with a small smirk.

“Could we wear masks?”

“No. The other members will know who you are, and who you belong to.”

My thumb strokes the side of his neck as I stare into his eyes. “I feel like I should say no, but what I really want…is to say yes.”

“We’ll talk about it some more.” He kisses me in a slow tantalizing mating of our tongues.

When my head stops spinning, I ask softly, “Will our friends join, too?”

He shakes his head.

I realize that’s probably because the others aren’t as adventurous in that way. Trick’s new wife seems pretty conventional, so I’m not sure how much kink he gets into with her. And Sasha and Rachel are very private.

“Do I know any of the other members?” I ask, trying to restrain myself from leaning into him.

“You might know of them. The members are rich and powerful. If we join, we’ll have to keep it a secret.”

My nipples tighten, and I press closer. “Do you want to, C?”

“Sure,” he says, as cool as ever. Connor did not rise to the top of a deadly crime syndicate by being excitable. That’s my department. Endless enthusiasm and always as effervescent as a splash of champagne. We compliment each other.

“It’d be a next-level experience for us,” he says. “Doing things we already like, but in a bigger venue. There’s no rush. You can think about it.”

“I think yes,” I say, throwing caution to the wind.

He chuckles. “You and quite a few cocktails think yes. Let’s give Sober Zoe a chance to weigh in.”

“She’s not as much fun.”

“Sure, she is. Every version of you tastes as good as sangria, whether you’re drunk or not.”

I beam at him. C gives good compliments. He gives good everything. “Is the club expensive to join?”

“Very. I doubt anyone whose net worth is less than a hundred million even knows it exists.”

My eyes widen, and a small gasp escapes my lips. I know C is rich, but I guess I didn’t realize how rich.

“Did you just hit that number? Is that why they invited you?”

He flashes me a smile. “I hit that number a while ago, so no. I’d imagine they wanted to be sure someone like me would fit in and not cause trouble.”

“Because of your background?”

“And because of my foreground.”

An inescapable laugh bubbles up. Then sentiment takes me over, like water overtaking a beach at high tide. “You’re a good person, C. You do bad things, but deep down, you’re good.”

“If you say so.”

“Well, you’re good to me,” I say, my head buzzing.

“Likewise.”