Ken looked flushed and surprisingly frazzled, but he shrugged and adjusted his loose-fitting yoga pants with one last not-so-subtle glance at the hard shaft still visible through the opening of Brady’s jeans. “The door was open—why wouldn’t you take a peek?”
Brady swore and shoved himself back into his pants, looking miserable and grumpy. “Could you leave us, Tanaka? I need to talk to Miss Rivera about security. Alone.”
Ken smirked. “Of course. And you’re welcome. Anytime I can be of service again, be sure to let me know.”
Tasha frowned. Why did it sound like he was talking about more than that kiss?
Stopping on his way out, Ken bent down to kiss her forehead. “Unintentional as it was, cock blocks have consequences,” he whispered. “Tonight may just be a demonstration, but you and I now have a play date at the club.”
Oh, dear. She nodded. “Agreed.”
He raised his voice. “I’ll meet you outside. They have a delicious breakfast buffet and Haley is by the pool teaching anyone who’s interested in breath play. I think I saw your secret boyfriend wandering in that direction before I came in here.”
After he’d left, Brady instantly pulled his little bug detector from his pocket and showed it to her. “Nothing. We’re good to talk. Burke’s got them practically everywhere else, along with enough hidden cameras to start his own reality show, so I’m assuming this is the inner sanctum. If he’s going to make Stephen an offer, it would probably happen in here.”
Tasha crossed her arms and tilted her head. “Fascinating. Want to tell me what Ken was doing in here, other than practicing his own brand of breath play?”
“Your friend was already in here when I arrived.”
“Why?”
Brady’s expression was stone. “You’ll have to ask him.”
Tasha spied a laptop on the desk and bit her lip. Was Ken really here to be a responsible mentor? Up until now, he’d never shown any more interest in Burke’s events than she had.
What was he up to?
Brady sent her a curious look and she shook her head, laughing. “I swear this party is turning into a kinky version of Clue. The rope master, in the study, with Mr. Hot Body.”
He snorted. “I did imagine knocking him over the head with a candlestick.”
Tasha moved closer and noted the pulse at Brady’s temple, the flush in his neck…the especially snug fit of his partially buttoned jeans. “You don’t have to be embarrassed to admit you like him, Brady. Or about anything I saw. This is me you’re talking to. I’d be willing to bet I’ve witnessed more guy-on-guy action than you have.”
“Thanks. That’s comforting.” He ran a hand over his head and squeezed the back of his neck. “It was nothing. He was just going for shock and distraction. It wasn’t…we aren’t…”
“He’s not your type either? Man, you are as picky as he is.”
Brady met her gaze. “Why do you think he’s picky?”
Tasha shrugged. “I don’t think. I know. The man has serious standards, even when he plays. He says sex for the sake of sex is wasted energy. Energy he seemed more than willing to expend on you, Hot Body.”
Brady looked uncomfortable. “Flattering as that is, this is not my scene. And Tanaka is not my type. No offense, Tasha, but your club friends make me nervous. I don’t get it. Any of it.”
She chuckled. “You’re an apple pie guy, Brady. I’m not surprised. Too bad though. I hear he’s more skilled in that particular area than he is with rope. And that man is a god with rope. You’ll see tonight. Did you talk to Stephen?”
He nodded, grateful for the change of subject. “I did. Are you sure you’re up for that? You two seem to be enjoying yourselves. More than that. I’ve never seen him like this. He’s usually so coolheaded.”
“We only have two nights left, and Stephen wants this to be done. He’s willing to do whatever he has to, and you and I are here to help make that happen and keep him safe.”
The look he sent her was dubious. He knew there was more going on between them. He’d have to be blind not to. “And when it’s done?”
“I get to sleep in on Saturdays again and you decide what it is you want to do with the rest of your life.”
They shared a moment of commiseration, neither of them looking forward to the prospect.
“He’s one hell of a kisser,” Brady offered softly.
Her lips parted. “Ken?”
“I’ll deny it to my grave, but it took a lot of willpower to keep my legs from buckling. I think the rumors of his skill are justified.”
Wow. “Too bad he’s not your type.”
Brady nodded. “And you’re in love with him.”
“With Ken?” She gaped at him. “Why would you think—”
“With Stephen. I thought if I told you something true, you’d reciprocate by admitting how you feel.”