Lost in Paradise (Paradise Club #2)(10)
“Who is going to screw over my sister. She’s vulnerable at the moment, you know,” Ivy states, pointing her finger at me.
“Nate’s spoken about your sister before. He seems smitten which is an unusual word to associate with my brother with.” Ivy’s brow arches. “Look, my brother is a good guy. Yes, he owns a sex resort and clubs, but he rarely mixes the two. This is business for him, and he lives and breathes business. This club may be in an unconventional field, but it’s no different from owning normal hotels or clubs,” I say, defending my brother.
“Did you know my sister had to organize her boyfriend’s engagement party?” Ivy explains. Did she say that right? Maybe she’s confused. “I can read your face, Alex. And yes, I am tipsy, but no, you heard me right. Her boyfriend of six months told her he was on some business trip or something, but really he’d gone home to get engaged to some girl his parents wanted him to marry.” My brother forgot to mention that part of the story. “So, I’m worried that your brother might take advantage of her during—”
“Nate would never do that,” I interrupt her with my honesty.
“Cam says the same thing, but I’m her sister … it’s my job to worry about her.”
“I understand. She’s family.”
“I’m sorry, this has been a weird night. Look, Nate seems great …” She stills then bursts out laughing. “That rhymed,” she says, shaking her head. “You’ve been so lovely, and here I am questioning your brother’s integrity. It’s rude and that’s not me, so I apologize,” she says, looking over at me. She’s being serious. I can read on her face that she feels bad. The thing is, I wasn’t offended at all. If I’m honest, I have my own doubts about her sister, but after hearing about what she’s been through, I think Nate and her should sort it out between themselves.
“You have nothing to apologize for,” I tell her as I reach out and place a hand on her leg.
“You’re too kind. I think I’m a little overwhelmed by everything, so I’m worrying if I’m putting my foot in it,” she explains to me. This woman is like none I’ve met before. She is equal parts shy and confident. I’m intrigued.
“I’m assuming you’ve never been to a sex club before?”
“I haven’t had sex in two years, let alone gone to a sex club.” As soon as the words are out of her mouth, she quickly covers her mouth with her hands in shock that she just divulged that much personal information about herself.
Two years, and she hasn’t gotten laid.
“I can’t believe I said that. I promise I’m not a nutter,” she adds. “I mean, it was two years ago until earlier today.”
Wait! What did she say? She got laid today? Breaking her drought.
“I don’t know what is in these margaritas, but they are strong, and I seem to be spilling all my secrets. You know what, maybe it’s best I should leave you to it. You seem like a great guy, Alex. You’re handsome, kind and patient … there’s probably a million other girls inside who are more deserving of your attention than me,” she says quickly as she stands. She wobbles a little on her feet and then mumbles to herself, “Seems like I’m a lightweight too.” She pauses for a few seconds, then says, “It was a pleasure meeting you, Alex. I’m sure I’ll see you around. Enjoy your night.” And with those few words, she stumbles away.
4
IVY
What the hell was that, Ivy. You had this tall, dark, and handsome guy in front of you, eating out of the palm of your hand, but one after the other you had verbal diarrhea. I’ve completely humiliated myself. He probably thinks I’m a right crazy woman, especially after witnessing Liv’s fight with Axel. He probably thinks he’s dodged a bullet. What happened to the girl from earlier who had wild sex with her host? Where was she sitting down at that table with Alex?
What I should have been doing was fluffing my hair, pouting my lips, and pushing my boobs in his face like I see all the other women do when they flirt. He seemed interested, but I’ve blown that. At least you have Granger on call. See, there’s that silver lining.
“Ivy, Ivy, wait!” I hear my name being called by someone. I turn around, and Alex is running after me. Did I forget something? “Ivy, where are you going?” he asks as he reaches me.
“Back to my room. I thought—”
“You thought what?” he interrupts.
“That I’ve made a fool out of myself.”
“No, you didn’t,” he reassures me.
“I didn’t?” I ask, seemingly confused that he’s not seeing what I am seeing.
Alex takes a couple of steps closer to me. “I liked talking to you. I was looking forward to us continuing to talk tonight,” he explains.
“You were?”
“I remember the first time I came here to The Paradise Club … I was so nervous. I was thinking someone is going to put a ball gag in my mouth while they tie me to a cross and slap my ass with a whip,” he confesses to me.
Is that something they offer here? Yeah, that would freak me out too.
“That kind of stuff is in the BDSM areas and not really for amateurs. Anyway, while I was walking around waiting for someone to jump out and make me their sex slave, which they didn’t, I met this older woman who could see I was nervous, so she offered to show me around to ease me into the world,” he explains.