Page 37 of Survival Game

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.”