Rush

that he was unreachable.
    All three men had their kinks and were unapologetic about it—another of their discoveries
     during their college days. They’d made enough money and reached a level of success
     beyond their wildest imaginations that they had no issue finding willing participants
     for sex, or even a longer relationship, as long as the women always knew the score.
    It was an unspoken agreement among the three of them that they played hard but lived
     free. Especially after the debacle of Gabe’s marriage.
    Just as Gabe and Ash had rallied around Jace when he’d stepped in to raise Mia, Ash
     and Jace had been an unbending source of support for Gabe when Lisa had divorced him.
     And they’d been his staunchest defenders when Lisa had made baseless accusations that
     forever tarnished Gabe’s reputation both personally and professionally. To this day,
     Gabe still didn’t understand what had made Lisa snap. But he’d always be grateful
     to Jace and Ash for their unconditional support during some of the worst months of
     his life.
    Had he been the best husband? Maybe not, but he’d damn well given Lisa everything
     he thought she’d wanted and desired. Their sexual kinks were consensual. He’d never
     forced her to do anything she didn’t damn well want, and it still made him seethe
     to remember all she’d accused him of.
    He’d been crucified in the media and in divorce court. AndLisa had walked away, the seeming victim of a manipulative, abusive bastard.
    Never again had he entered a relationship without full disclosure and legal documents
     signed by all parties. It may be viewed as extreme—or even ridiculous—by some, but
     he had too much to lose to ever risk having another Lisa go after him.
    “I thought you two were supposed to be on a plane to California,” Gabe said impatiently.
    Jace’s eyes narrowed. “We’re leaving in half an hour. Our pilot called and there was
     a mechanical issue with the jet. Earliest we can take off is eleven when he can get
     a replacement fueled and flight plans filed.”
    Gabe did a mental calculation. They should be gone well before Mia arrived. He just
     had to hope she wasn’t the superpunctual type who arrived early for everything. As
     fastidious as he was about time and hating people who weren’t punctual, this was one
     time he’d be forgiving of tardiness.
    Under his desk, his fingers curled into fists and then relaxed as he flexed them back
     and forth. Mia had been all that had occupied his mind ever since she’d walked into
     the ballroom the night before. Now that he’d allowed himself to think of her as more
     than his best friend’s baby sister, he was consumed with an edginess that defied explanation.
    He could only describe what he felt as…eagerness. Anticipation. Adrenaline pumped
     through his veins. She had shaken his carefully ordered world and tilted it on end.
     He could hardly wait to have her under his hand, his direction. His blood heated just
     thinking about it.
    Christ, he had a hard-on just thinking about her, and he was sitting in front of his
     two best friends. Awkward didn’t even begin to cover it. He just hoped like hell they
     stayed where they were and didn’t take notice.
    And then because he knew if he didn’t mention it, Jace wouldonly raise more questions about why Gabe hadn’t mentioned it to him, he looked at
     Jace and said, “You missed Mia at the grand opening celebration last night.”
    Jace straightened in his chair, a frown marring his face. “She was there?”
    Gabe nodded. “She wanted to surprise you. She arrived shortly after you disappeared
     with the brunette.”
    Jace let out a curse and blew out his breath in disgust. “Damn it. I had no idea she
     was planning to come. I wished she would’ve let me know. I would have made damn sure
     I was there. What happened? Did you talk to her? Did she stay long?”
    “I took care of her,” Gabe said casually. “Told her you were called away. Danced one
     dance with her and then sent her home in a car. You would have had a heart attack
     at what she was wearing anyway.”
    One corner of Ash’s mouth twitched upward. “Our little Mia is growing up.”
    Jace scowled at him. “Shut the hell up, man.” Then he looked back at Gabe. “Thanks
     for looking out for her. Not the scene I would have wanted her at, especially if you’re
     right about what she was wearing. Bunch of old farts all looking to step out on their
     wives, and Mia