Kyle sniggered. “I have it in spades. In Vegas, they were big, bold and brash, and you had to learn to give as good as you got. Calypso is pretty cool. She might go to Ryan and ask him and he’ll tell her the same thing. He was the one who told me to stop the idea in its infancy. Not enough balls to do it himself.” Kyle laughed loudly. “And Mango won’t let them bug his man. He’s become über-protective. That’s why Ry hasn’t been around much. Too busy being loved up and pampered by a reformed Mango. Mind you, Ry deserves it after all he’s been through.”
Kyle frowned and stuck out his hip with a turned wrist on it that angled his elbow at forty-five degrees. “So, you really think I’m not too skinny? I don’t really care about the man whore comment because, well, there might be a grain of truth in that, but skinny? Pfffft.”
Eric pulled Kyle’s face toward him and planted a kiss on his lips. “No, you’re just the right shape and size. We fit together perfectly.”
Kyle smirked. “We do indeed. Like a mortar and pestle. Except my arsehole is tighter.”
Eric couldn’t help a guffaw at that. “Jeez, you have no filter.”
Kyle sidled up and wrapped his arms around Eric’s neck “And don’t you love it. Thanks for changing your shifts around to help me here today. It’s been a bonus.” His lips found Eric’s and he worked them into a deep and passionate kiss.
All thoughts of oversized drag queens dangling from sex swings disappeared from Eric’s mind.
Chapter Eleven
Kyle peered around anxiously at the throng of people waiting to see the fashion show in support of Ryan’s chosen charity—supporting brain tumour sufferers. Club Delish was full to brimming; the turnout had exceeded expectations.
“This is great,” he muttered to Eric, who stood beside him. “Ryan is as high as a kite on the numbers.”
Eric nodded. “I suspect it’s because of Ryan. His customers hold him in high regard. I guess this is an opportunity for them to see he is well.”
Kyle agreed. “It’s his first proper public appearances on stage as Delilah Delish since the operation. And of course, Laverne is with him tonight.” He laughed. “Those two together are always a hoot.”
Ryan’s best friend Lenny James a.k.a. Laverne was a well-loved character at Club Delish. It was her designs and those of her students that were being showcased tonight, with sales proceeds going to the charity.
Kyle sniggered. “I know Mango wasn’t particularly thrilled that Ryan was performing ‘only a month after he’d had fucking brain surgery.’ The sight of Ryan giving the deadly laser gaze froze my blood, I can tell you. His response to Mango, ‘Stop fucking molly coddling me and let me get back to being a normal man.’ He’s one scary dude.”
Eric rolled his eyes.
“No, really. After the argument, they went upstairs and I’m betting there was a slap or two, and then no doubt sizzling make-up sex. That’s the way that pair roll.” Kyle sighed. “God, I hope everything goes well. I’m a nervous fucking wreck.”
“Stop worrying.” Eric massaged Kyle’s shoulders. “It’s all going to go off perfectly.”
“You think?” Kyle nibbled on his nail. “There’s been so much organisation, I can’t help thinking I’ve forgotten something.” Maybe I didn’t order enough booze, or toilet paper. Oh God, did I make sure the kegs were changed earlier?
Eric chuckled. “Unless Calypso’s installed that sex swing you told her not to, I can’t see anything going wrong.”
Kyle darted a swift glance to the rafters above to check nothing unwanted was swinging down.
Eric stifled a laugh. “Baby, you did good. Ryan even said so himself, didn’t he?”
Kyle nodded distractedly. “I s’pose. He seemed pleased with all the arrangements, said he couldn’t have done it better himself.”
“There you go then. Relax.”
“Easy for you to say,” Kyle muttered, biting another fingernail.
Eric heaved a sigh and grasped Kyle’s hand, moving it away from his mouth. “I can think of better things you can do with that mouth of yours other than bite your nails.”
Kyle was about to reply when a female voice behind them startled him. “Hi, London. You look fabulous as usual. And this must be Eric.” Kyle looked over to see Lucinda and her date.
Luce’s eyes were speculative as she stared at Eric, and he hoped she wasn’t going to go too crazy on his arse. This was the first time they were meeting, and Luce had already intimated she was going to grill him about his intentions. After everything she had been through extricating him from Mario’s demented grasp, she was an overprotective mama bear.
He pushed that memory from his mind and smiled brightly. “Hey, gorgeous. I’m glad you made it. And who is this beautiful woman beside you?”
Luce laughed, eyes sparkling. “This is Lanie, my date. Lanie, my best pal, Kyle.”
Lanie was tall, thin and blonde, and had an air of class Kyle suspected belonged only to the very rich. He presumed this was the Lanie with whom Luce had flown to Paris. Lanie had a charming smile and shook his hand warmly. “I’ve heard a lot about you from Lucinda. You two have shared some real fun experiences, huh, from your Vegas days?”
Panic shot through Kyle’s chest and he flicked a worried glance at Luce. She shook her head slightly and instantly Kyle was relieved. “I’m sure she’s told you a lot of lies about me too.” He bent over her hand and brushed his lips across her knuckles. “Don’t judge. She’s a continental bitch.” He turned to pull his man forward. “This is Eric.”
Lucinda inclined her head toward him. “Good to meet you at last, Eric. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Eric looked a little awkward. “Likewise. I’m really pleased to meet the woman who keeps him on the straight and narrow.”
Kyle watched proudly as everyone shook hands. Eric looked sexy tonight in his black chinos, open dark blue shirt with just a hint of chest hair, and sleeves rolled up to his elbows, which put his strong forearms on display. Kyle had convinced Eric to use a little hair product tonight to tame his unruly curls, and he looked like a model about to walk down the catwalk.
Knowing Luce as he did, Kyle headed her off at the pass before the awkward Eric grilling began. “Well, you know where the bar is, Luce. I suggest you get you and your girl a drink and then sit down to watch the show. It’s filling up quickly and I’d hate for you not to get a seat. I need to check on a few things.” Kyle kissed Luce on her cheek then crocked a finger at Eric. “C’mon you. I need some help backstage to make sure all the queens are ready to start in fifteen minutes.”
“Oh, is that what they’re calling a quick shag in the back nowadays?” Luce said archly. “And not so fast, hotshot. I want to get to know Eric a little better first.” She smiled like a Cheshire cat.
Kyle’s heart sunk. That smile meant business.
“Eric, baby, what are your intentions towards my bestie? He’s super special to me, and I want to make sure you treat him right.” Beside her Lanie cast a sympathetic glance Kyle’s way.
Eric crossed his arms across his chest and grinned at Lucinda. “My intentions? Wow, how much time do you have? Because my intentions are really detailed.”
Kyle held back a chuckle. Luce looked taken aback, which was rare.
“I need to know you’re not going to break his heart, and you’re not in it just for the sex. Which I imagine is wild, given the looks of the two of you.”
Kyle blushed scarlet. “Luce, for God’s sake. I can look after myself. I don’t need you being all mother hen on my arse. We’ve had this discussion before.”
Eric drew him closer, putting a possessive arm around his waist. Kyle sank into the cuddle as his boyfriend’s hand drifted down to stroke his arse.
“I can assure you, I have exceptionally good intentions toward Kyle, and he’s special to me.”
Kyle fluttered his eyelashes. “Aw gee. You gonna be my papa bear?”
Eric mock-growled, “If you like that sort of thing, boy, I’m not obje
cting. I have a leather harness with your name all over it.”
They stared at each and then burst into laughter. Lucinda tossed her hair back but Kyle saw the pleased look on her face.
“Well, all righty then. Come on, Lanie. Let’s get those mojitos we promised ourselves. Let these boys have their dirty fun ‘helping each other backstage.’”
She pointed a finger at Eric. “But if anything happens to my friend, you’ll have me to deal with as well.”
She took Lanie’s hand and dragged her through the milling crowd.
“She’s a little scary,” Eric confessed as they watched them go. “And I wouldn’t want to face her in a dark alley.”
“Yeah,” Kyle said fondly. “She’s great. We’ve been through a lot together.”
“Maybe one day you’ll tell me all about it,” Eric murmured.
Kyle ignored that remark, took Eric’s hand and drew him through the crowds toward the stage.
“So, is ‘helping him backstage’ a euphemism?” Eric asked.
“A euphemism for what?” Kyle was distracted by the sight of one of the patrons stripping off to reveal a nice six-pack.
“For us having raunchy sex.” Eric flashed him a wicked grin.
Kyle wished it was. “Sorry to disappoint you, baby. It’s an actual thing. Speaking to the raving drama queens in the back and making sure when the fashion show starts in”—he looked at his watch—“ten minutes, everyone is ready to go.”
Good thing they’d checked. The queens were rebellious, disorganised and ornery. Kyle had to go on stage with a harried apology to the patrons that the show was running late. Finally, everything and everyone was sorted, and he and Eric were able to sit toward the back of the house, both with stiff drinks in their hands, while they watched as Delilah Delish swanned onto the stage.
Kyle’s part was over. Now it was up to the performers and models on stage. He took a deep swig of his drink, leant back and closed his eyes in relief.
Eric nudged him. “She looks pretty good, doesn’t she? I wish I could wear a white fringe dress and a black feather boa like she can.”
Kyle stared at him. “Is that a secret fantasy of yours then? Dressing in drag?” He rather appreciated the idea. He could see that russet hair against a background of pale green headwear and Eric’s long, muscled body squeezed into a—hmm, perhaps a dress like the one Alexander McQueen designed. Shades of deep red, bronze and white with a black feather trail.
Oh, yeah. Kyle’s dick really liked that idea.
Eric raised an eyebrow. “Would it get you hot? Because I’ll do anything that makes you want me.”
Kyle leaned forward and ran a finger over Eric’s lips. “You don’t have to do anything to turn me on. You just do.” He noted with satisfaction the darkening of Eric’s green eyes and the unconscious lick of his lips. Who’s the man? You can still do it to him with just a few words.
“Could my front of house manager please stop making out with his delicious man in plain sight and pay attention to what I’m saying?” The words from on stage echoed in the room. Startled, both looked up to see Delilah glaring at them from heavily made-up eyes. “There’s time to suck his dick later.”
Kyle snorted with laughter and Eric waved at Delilah who blew him a kiss.
“So, my darlings, you all know I’ve been a bit in the wars lately.”
The room erupted in cheers and cries of “Welcome Back, D. We love you!”
Delilah acknowledged them with an incline of her perfectly coiffed wig. Only someone who knew her well would notice she was quite overcome with the support in the room. She cleared her throat, a sound that resounded into the microphone wired on her front.
“Of course, someone in this room”—she cast a withering stare at Mango who sat at the front of the stage—“was an overprotective papa bear and went all dom on my arse, not letting me do as much at the club as I’d have liked.”
Mango stood up, a wide grin on his face, and gave a stately bow. He sat down, his gesture having everyone in fits of laughter, interspersed with ribald comments about what he was doing with Delilah’s arse.
Sitting beside him was a tall, statuesque black man who said something to Mango. He burst into laughter. Kyle grinned. He’d met Brook Hunter, Laverne’s boyfriend, only a few times and had really enjoyed his company.
“In my considerable absence”—an icy stare was once again thrown Mango’s way—“my right-hand man, Kyle Tripper, has been running our club.”
Kyle noticed the slight emphasis on “our” and his body flushed with warmth at the acknowledgment of his part. Eric squeezed Kyle’s hand and looked at him with affection.
“He is my greatest asset, other than these.” Delilah cupped her breasts to the support of laughter and jeers. “And I’m fortunate to have him. I’d like to say a huge thank you, my love, for organising tonight and making it such a success, despite the whinges from the bitches backstage. I think we owe this young man a round of applause. He already has my eternal thanks for keeping Club Delish going while I was otherwise indisposed.”
Kyle’s face heated up as everyone clapped and hooted, and Mango nodded thanks and gave him a thumbs-up.
When the merriment was over, Delilah turned to face the stage wings. She curtsied and as she did so, another queen made her entrance.
Laverne was clad in a slinky black ensemble with grey sleeves resembling bat wings. She glided in on ten-inch heels and the audience erupted into catcalls.
Delilah sported a wide grin as the two women air-kissed, the sound of smacking lips exaggerated before Delilah said, “The delightful Laverne and her assistant Leslie Scott will now announce her designs and the next models. I wish you a wonderful night right through until the end of the show. I’ll be back soon, sweethearts. I promise. Just got a little rough and tumble to go take care of.” She made a lewd and lascivious gesture to Mango who shook his head in amusement.
Laverne took centre stage. Kyle perked up when a figure he knew quite well swished in next to Laverne. Willowy and black haired, Leslie Scott was the epitome of style in a hand-cut lilac suit crossed with a dove-grey shirt and a darker grey waistcoat. He was a delicious sight to behold, although Kyle knew Leslie’s boyfriend, Oliver, would have his guts for garters if he’d ever made a move on him. Besides, he had his own man now.
“Bitches,” Laverne shrieked as she surveyed the crowd. “Let’s get the party started. The gorgeous Leslie here is going to accompany the models on their way down the catwalk and add a little bit of glam to the proceedings. Because they sure as fuck need it with the bunch of queens we’ve got down here.” She smirked and batted her long eyelashes at the audience.
“Looks like the models are ready for us. First up in an ensemble of violet taffeta and silk bronze trim, designed by me of course, world-famous fashion icon, Laverne Debussy-Smith. And here is the oh-so-edible and charming Calypso Cockbottom.”
Laverne flourished a hand toward the woman currently mincing onto the stage as she resumed speaking. Leslie walked over to Calypso, holding out his elbow.
“All these dresses are available to purchase at extremely affordable prices, with all the proceeds going to Club Delish’s chosen charity, Going Grey, which supports the work being done on research into brain tumours. Buy a dress for you, your wife, your mistress, your boy, your boyfriend, your favourite drag queen…we thank you for any support you can give us.”
Eric laughed beside Kyle. “My God, this place is a hoot tonight. I’m loving all the cattiness.”
A voice shouted Kyle’s name, and he turned to see his new friend Louis, who looked resplendent in a charcoal grey suit, wine silk shirt and a white and burgundy spotted tie.
Despite being happy to see Louis, Kyle was also a little apprehensive. He hadn’t told Eric about his new friend yet. I hope they get on with each other. Louis can be a bit—intense.
Kyle stood up to greet Louis, and as he did, he was pulled into a hug and a smacking kiss was planted onto his cheek.
&
nbsp; “Hello there, my gorgeous man. This place looks amazing. Those queens look fantastic in those outfits. I may have to invest in one. Perhaps I will wear it out next time we go to dinner.” Kyle was enveloped in another hug fragranced with Paco Rabanne and the faint smell of cigars.
“Hi, Louis. It’s good to see you too. You’re looking as handsome as usual.”
Louis finally let him go and Kyle looked over at Eric, whose face was filled with what looked like astonishment and, he hoped, perhaps a tinge of jealousy.
He hastened to introduce the two men. “Louis, I need you to meet Eric. Eric, this is my friend Louis. We met while you were away.”
Louis held out a hand to Eric, who took it. “So, you are the man he talks nonstop about. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He stepped back and waved a hand toward Kyle. “At the time we met, I was trying to talk him into having a drink with me with an intention to perhaps enjoy a little more of his company. He politely declined. I can see why now. You look enticing in that ensemble. I had no idea black chinos and a grey wool blazer could look so alluring on a man. And I love the black oxfords. Very chic.” He grinned, showing white teeth. Kyle stifled a chuckle at the dumbfounded expression on Eric’s face, not having been able to get a word in edgeways.
“Babe, Louis will grow on you. He tends to have no filter so he spews stuff out at an alarming rate without even knowing he’s doing it. And you know what, I don’t think I told you how hot you look tonight. Because you do look sexy as fuck.”
Eric blinked and then slowly nodded. “Yeah, thanks, to both of you. So, you two have been seeing each other then?” His gaze landed on Kyle. “You hadn’t mentioned it before.”
Kyle shrugged. “What with everything going on, it slipped my mind.” He turned to Louis. “I reserved you a seat down the front. It has your name on it. Grab yourself a drink and enjoy the rest of the show. I’ll catch up with you later.”
Louis reached over to hug Kyle again. “Indeed, we will. Do not leave without saying goodbye.”
Survival Game (Men of London Book 9) Page 12