Radiance by Shayne McClendon Page A

told Quinn it was better if I stayed behind because I’d offend the locals.” 
    “An unfortunate truth.  You really have to keep your number of arrests within reason, Tawny.” 
    She released a heavy sigh.  “I know.  The lawyer the guys put on retainer for me is so awesome though.  I think the sweet thing secretly wants to go straight to be with me.” 
    “You’re a mess .” 
    “Yes, yes I am.”
    For a couple of hours, they talked randomly and it was always enjoyable to spend time with a woman who seemed to know interesting facts no one else knew. 
    Suddenly, Tawny froze and gave a low whistle.  “Look who just walked in.” 
    Following her line of sight, Brie gasped when she saw Harper and Elijah choose a table diagonal from theirs and order drinks.  The corners of the club were dim and intended for privacy.
    The men were more relaxed than she’d ever seen them.  She let her eyes take in their movements as they shrugged suit jackets off their shoulders and hung them on the backs of their chairs.  Elijah’s shoulder holster stood out starkly against his crisp white dress shirt. 
    “In all seriousness, they’re fucking hot.” 
    Brie was unable to form a rational response but wholeheartedly agreed.  She held herself immobile, knowing too much movement would draw Elijah’s attention.  She wanted the opportunity to observe them without their knowledge. 
    As if she read her mind, her normally energetic friend was motionless and quiet as well. 
    For a long time, they watched the pair. 
    Finally, Tawny said softly, “You should go over there.  They want you more than you realize.  I kid you not.” 
    “What do you mean?” she asked, almost breathless. 
    “I know people who know them.”  There was a pause.  “They’re committed to you.” 
    “Elijah, perhaps.  Harper…is uninterested in my emotions.” 
    They settled into silence again and Brie was enthralled.  Gone was Harper’s scowl and she was happy to see a smile on Elijah’s face as they talked with their heads a few inches apart. 
    Harper reached out and curled his palm around the back of Elijah’s neck.  The men stared at each other intently and Brie realized she held her breath. 
    The move was sexual .  Of that, Brie had no doubts. 
    Her vague suspicions that the two men shared a far deeper relationship than the world knew were confirmed.  Finally, clarity over a question that hadn’t been fully formed consciously.  She gave a low moan. 
    Tawny whispered, “Jesus.  That’s stimulating.” 
    “Oh my god… ” 
    “Did you know?” 
    “I think…part of me wondered.  I didn’t know for sure.  There was a little thing but…I kept losing it.” 
    “You didn’t ask Hudson?  He and Natalia must know.” 
    Brie shook her head.  “Whatever Elijah and Harper want with me is between the three of us.  I can’t discuss them with Hudson.  They’ve known one another too long and their relationship is often antagonistic as it is.  I want to be careful.” 
    “Excellent approach.”  Tawny was quiet for almost a minute.  “Does it turn you off?” 
    “God, no .  Not even a little bit.  In fact, I had no clue how much it would turn me on .” 
    They were silent as the men spoke softly to one another, Harper maintaining his hold on his lifelong friend.  Then he pulled him nearer and whispered at his ear. 
    Elijah’s face was nearer the women watching.  His eyes closed as Harper pressed close. 
    Every cell in Brie’s body was hot. 
    Suddenly, Elijah’s eyes opened and he found hers across the room.  His lips moved and Harper pulled back, both of the men staring at her.  Faces side by side, almost touching, the darker man’s hand tightened on Elijah’s neck. 
    Until she rubbed her palm over her lower belly, Brie didn’t know she was telegraphing her reaction.  Releasing her lower lip from between her teeth, she took several careful breaths. 
    “They’ve got you in their