9781631053580BlackjackHolt by Desiree Holt Page A

they turned into the parking lot for Club Fantasy.
“You’ll enjoy the club.”
    “And
Blackjack.” Tanner Sloat’s deep voice rumbled from
the driver’s seat.
    Yes,
Blackjack. The Dom Tanner had arranged for her to meet tonight, along with her
first introduction to the new card game at Club Fantasy. The
game that had brought Kelly and Tanner together. A little shiver of
anticipation raced over Nia’s skin.
    Kelly
shifted in the front seat, turning as much as her seat belt would allow. “It
seems so long since we’ve done this together.”
    “Because
five years ago you moved from Dallas to San Antonio,” Nia pointed out.
    “To
take a fabulous job,” Kelly reminded her.
    “I
know, I know. But I miss going clubbing with you.”
    “And
that’s why you came for a visit. And you got to meet the fabulous Tanner
Sloat.” She touched the thin gold collar that circled her neck. “Master of all Masters.”
    “And
don’t you forget it,” Tanner chuckled, pulling smoothly into a parking place.
    “As if.”
    Nia
had to tamp down the tiny bit of jealousy that surged up at the intense
connection in their voices. Kelly had searched for a long time for just the
right Dom. She’d had so many disappointments. Nia had held her hand through all
of them. Now it thrilled her to see her friend so happy. But she couldn’t help wondering
if she would ever find that for herself. That one person with
whom she had an instant link. Someone who lit up sparks in her body and
aroused her just by looking in her direction. She’d seen the instant spark in
others. Kelly told her that’s how it was with Tanner. But to Nia, it seemed as
if she’d been seeking it forever.
    She
forced away the negative thoughts. “I’m thrilled for you. You know that.”
    “I
do. And maybe tonight you’ll find the Master of your dreams,” Kelly teased.
    “Maybe. Possibly. And if not, no biggie.” She unbuckled her seat belt. “I’m excited just thinking about this card game.”
    “What
could be more appropriate for a sub whose scene name is Queen of Hearts,
right?”
      “Right.” She did
think it was an incredible coincidence.
    “And
who’s getting ready to play Cut the Cards with a hot
Dom.”
    “You
know he’s hot?” Nia grinned. “Have you met him?”
    “No,
but Tanner’s recommendation is good enough for me. He knows not to put you with
just anyone.”
    “Damn
straight,” Tanner told her. “Kelly would hand me my ass if I did, and I might
be the one getting to feel the whip.”
      “So…” Kelly half-turned in her seat. “You
ready?”
    “I
am. Let’s go.”
    They
climbed out of the car and she waited while Tanner locked it.
    “Let’s
move,” he said.
    “You’ll
love it.” Kelly winked and linked her arm though Nia’s.
    Tanner
pushed the button set into the frame of the heavy carved front door. It swung
outward and Nia followed him and Kelly inside. The vestibule was circular in
shape, large enough for a stand to hold a guest book and a small bench, with a
hallway leading to the rest of the club. Nia stood behind her friend while
Tanner checked them into the club.
    “Good
evening, Anton. We made arrangements with Reulas for our guest. Nia March. Queen of Hearts.”
    The
doorman nodded and checked their names off in the open book resting on the
stand. “Yes, it’s right here.”   He
looked at Nia. “I’ll need to see your membership card from your home club.”
    Nia
slid it out of the little pocket of the leather miniskirt she wore and handed
it to him. She waited while he scanned it and handed it back.
    “Enjoy
yourselves this evening.”
    “Thank
you.” Tanner led the way down the little hallway, Kelly and Nia following
appropriately behind him.
    When
they moved into the main area Nia saw that it was divided into two sections, a
lounge and a performance area. The lounge was almost completely occupied, most
of the tables, couches and armchairs filled with people talking in soft tones.
Some of the subs