I giggle while taking a drag of my cigarette. I drop it to the ground and stomp it out with my heeled boot. I make my way over to Rigby, and seductively slide my hand along her chest. “I bet you say that to all the girls,” I bite my lower lip and smirk.
“Sweetheart, I say many things, but I ain’t never seen a woman as gorgeous as you.”
“In that case,” I grab his shirt front in my fists and yank him toward me. “Wanna fuck?”
Rigby’s eyes widen, and a shocked smirk creeps across his face. This idiot isn’t used to women like me; most men aren’t. “You’re a forward, little thing. What’s your name?”
“Lisa,” I tell him while twirling a strand of hair around my finger.
Well, Lisa, do you have any idea who I am?”
“Of course,” I let my voice rise an octave and giggle. “You’re Nate Rigby, lead singer of Canyon’s Reef,” Rigby smirks at my acknowledgment. “I have it on good authority that you’re the man to show me the night of my life.” I bite my lip seductively.
Rigby stares at me, sizing me up, gauging whether I’m being honest or not. I imagine the man is a little more cautious when it comes to women these days, as he should be. I bet he wishes he’d never met Ember.
I couldn’t be more proud of Ember for standing up for herself against this pig. I never doubted her strength, but being away from home means that Ember doesn’t have the support she needs. Both she and Eagle are two of my best friends and seeing how devastated Eagle was upon seeing that video got to me more than it should have. That’s why I’m doing this. No one messes with us and gets away with it!
No one here will recognize me, I’ve made sure of that. If the long wig, short skirt, and tight top are anything to go by, I’m even wearing thigh-high boots, and I don’t usually wear those damn things.
Of course, Ember would know me from a mile away, no matter how I’m dressed. However, I have no intention of being anywhere near Ember or anyone else for that matter.
“Maybe they were talking about someone else,” I sigh, dramatically while letting my hands drop from Rigby’s chest. “Such a shame. It’s a shame because I’m the kind of woman who lets a man do absolutely anything he wants.”
“Anything?”
I look at Rigby with a smirk on my lips. I lean into him, my lips against his ear. “Anything,” I whisper.
I stifle a laugh when he groans low in his chest. “I know a place we can go,”
I shake my head. I’m not stupid enough to follow the man anywhere. “Follow me.” I lead Rigby by the hand, and down the alleyway in which I not long existed. All the while, I’m smirking to myself. This piece of shit should be on his way back to his hotel room after the meet and greet he just attended. Hell, he should have security with him at all times. Where are they now?
Do I even care?
Not likely.
I lead Rigby toward a mobile trailer that I broke into earlier. I’m pretty sure it belongs to the arena, it seems to be used by security; if the monitors are anything to go by, at least.
I disconnected all CCTV surrounding the arena and the trailer. It’s amazing what you can do with a tablet and the internet these days. First thing you learn from seasoned bikers; if you’re going to pull off the job in hand, make sure you won’t be caught, and never leave evidence behind, including CCTV footage. I learned from the best, and I make no mistakes.
“Really?” Rigby raises his eyebrow as I open the door and pull him inside. “You’re not worried someone will find us in here?”
I shake my head. “I like the danger,”
“I bet you do.” Then he’s on me, and I’m fighting with myself, trying not to throw up in his mouth. I’m a good actress, in any case, and I’ll play my part, and I’ll play it well.
I let Rigby lift my shirt over my head. I bite my lip at Rigby’s wide-eyed stare, his eyes locked on my breasts, and he reaches out and grabs them in his sweaty hands.
I push him away from me and dance seductively for him while slowly removing my skirt. I dance in nothing but my tiny thong and thigh-high boots. I bend at the waist, sliding my hand down my leg before lifting and flipping my hair back.
“Jesus Christ, you’re gorgeous. Get over here,”
I make my way over to Rigby and let him hoist me up while kissing me. I wrap my legs around his waist and grind my pussy against his hard-on behind his jeans. Rigby isn’t turning me on even slightly, but I’d be a liar if I said jobs like this one don’t turn me on.
Rigby turns and sits me on the edge of a desk in the middle of the room. He kisses down my neck, then my breasts before sucking my nipples one at a time. I refrain from rolling my eyes while faking a moan. Rigby sides his hands along my thighs, working their way toward my pussy.
I slip my fingers into the right side of my wig, and I smirk when Rigby looks up to see what’s in my hand. “Where did you get that?” He asks with narrow eyes.
“What? Don’t tell me you don’t wanna play,”
Rigby smirks before smashing his mouth against mine. He pulls away from me, and without question, he sticks out his tongue.
You stupid, dumb prick.
I take a pill from the baggy and pop it on Rigby’s tongue. He swallows it instantly. “Not joining me?”
I shake my head. “I already took two,” I part my legs slightly, and Rigby’s eyes widen with lust. “Why do you think I’m so desperate and ready to have you inside me? God,” I run my right hand over my breast, winding my hips a little and moaning. This man is too easy. “I want you inside of me for as long as you can handle. Don’t make me wait any longer, Nate.”
“You’re so fuckin’ hot. I guess I best catch up,” He takes the second pill from the baggy and swallows it.
Any second now and the world as you know it will fall down around you.
I wait ten seconds before jumping down from the table. “Well, this was fun,” I pick up my clothes and slip them on. “But it’s time I was leaving.”
“Leaving?” I chuckle to myself. The pills are already taking effect. Rigby looks at me with glassy eyes, and he’s already swaying on his feet. He stumbles against the table, and I wonder if his sight is failing him yet. “What the fuck did you give me?”
“I didn’t give you anything. I believe you took those pills yourself.” I fold my arms around my chest, all traces of amusement gone. The silly little fangirl act is over.
“I can’t breathe,” Rigby clutches his chest.
“You can’t? That’s a shame; I guess you should get some air.”
He’s not getting any air. Right now, the drug I gave Rigby is working its way through his body, and shutting down his heart.
He reaches for me, falling to his knees in the process. I don’t move, but I stare down at him, looking up at me with droopy eyes. “Help me,” He gasps.
I shake my head and laugh loudly. “Honey, this is me helping.”
“I don’t wanna die,” Tears fall from his eyes, and I can see the light slowly leaving them.
“Sadly for you, Nate Rigby, you are going to die. I could call for help, but you’ll be dead before anyone arrives.” I bend my knees, crouching down in front of him, and I rest my arms over them.
Rigby looks at me, sweat pouring down his face, and fear swimming in his eyes. I imagine a trillion things are flashing through Rigby’s head right now. Everything from his family to fame, and all the regrets he has, or maybe he doesn’t have.
“You should never trust a woman, you silly boy. Don’t you know that a female is more deadly than a male?” Rigby shakes his head slowly.
Men like Rigby piss me off, they think the world should bow down and worship them, and they are far too trusting when it comes to women. This one will pay the price for his stupidity.
“There’s something I want you to take with you, Rigby. You touched a Snakes Henchmen woman. You blackmailed her, and you wouldn’t take no for an answer. Today, you die for your actions.”
“I… don…”
“Ember,” I clarify. I ca
n see Rigby’s eyes trying to widen, and I laugh. “You should never have touched her, but you did, and now this is your punishment. Now, go to sleep,” I mock while getting to my feet and walking away.
I’ll leave Rigby where he is, and I’ll tip someone off about his whereabouts tomorrow. Nothing that happened here will come back on Ember and her band. Eagle and Trace will have made sure the video she made is destroyed.
The drug I gave Rigby won’t show in an autopsy, and the toxicology reports will state that Nate Rigby died of a heart attack. It’s well known that the man has a passion for too many drugs, alcohol, and partying too hard. Reporters will swarm this place, and they’ll tell the world Rigby died because of those facts.
“Done?”
“Done,” I nod at Eagle.
He smiles while throwing his arm over my shoulders as we walk away. “I owe you big time, Phoenix.”
“Yeah, you do,” I wink in Eagle’s direction. “God, I need a shower. That pig had his hands and mouth all over me.”
“I’m sorry, Firebird.”
“Don’t be,” I laugh and take his hand in mine. “I did what was needed, and I’d do it again. But you do owe me a little something,” I wink seductively.
Eagle laughs because he knows I’m talking about sex. My friend, he may be, but the man is gifted when it comes to using that anaconda of his.
Eagle kisses my head. “Let’s get you in the shower,”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Ember
I think I’m still a little in shock. It’s been three days since Nate Rigby was found dead due to a drug-related heart attack. No one saw it coming, and the whole world is still talking about how Nate was found alone in a mobile security unit. He’d been drinking and located somewhere quiet to take his drugs. No foul play was reported, it was a mere tragic accident of Nate’s own doing. It doesn’t make it any easier to deal with.
I have a horrible feeling inside of me that Tank had something to do with Nate’s death. He turns up with my brother and uncle, all of them knowing about the video, and suddenly Nate’s dead?
I don’t want to think like this, but it’s hard not to, especially when I know my father so well. Tank told me the moment I was old enough to understand his words that if anybody ever hurt me, he’d make them pay. He did nothing about Toby at my request, but I doubt he would have let Nate get away with what he did.
I’ve been avoiding calling home because I wouldn’t be able to stop myself asking for the truth.
I don’t have a clue how Tank could have caused Nate’s heart attack. However, I’m assuming whatever drugs were in Nate’s system are what Tank would have given him.
It’s not the nicest thing to believe about one’s father or even brother, but I know my family well. There’s no way they would have let Nate get away with what he did, no matter what I said.
“Penny for ’em,”
I smile at Marco through the dresser mirror. I should be getting ready. Tonight is the premiere of our music video, yet I can’t seem to find the excitement I know I should be feeling.
We should be leaving soon, and I’m not yet dressed. I’ve styled my hair in a fashionable updo that’s pushed to the side with curled strands hanging over the clip. I’ve also applied light makeup to my face. I felt like going in a classier direction tonight. I should be in my blue dress by now, but I got lost in thought again.
“I’m sorry, Marco, I was miles away.”
“I noticed,” I watch Marco, still through the mirror as he sits on the edge of the bed. “You do a lot of that lately.”
I drop the makeup brush in my hand onto the dresser and turn in my seat. “Marco, I’m sorry. It’s just the Nate thing really threw me.” It’s not the fact that the tour is over - there is no tour without the main man. It’s the fact that I’m terrified of what my father is capable of.
Marco nods his head, but he says nothing. He’s annoyed with me for thinking about Nate so much. I haven’t spoken to him about my fears. I don’t know how he’d react to how far my father is willing to go to protect me.
What I do know is that if Marco and I intend to build a future together, then he needs to know. I can’t keep the truth of who my family is and what they’re capable of from him. I never want to keep secrets from Marco. I guess I just don’t know how to bring the subject up with Marco. Now isn’t the time to do that, however.
“Marco, please don’t be angry,”
Marco’s face softens, and he gets out of his seat and crouches down beside me. He takes my hands in his own. “Beautiful, I am not angry with you. I know it was a shock finding out Nate had died. It was a shock to all of us. I’d never wish death on anyone, but it was bound to happen one day, Ember. The amount of drugs that man took I’m surprised it didn’t happen years ago. You have to put it out of your mind now, Ember.”
I sigh and nod my head. “I know you’re right,”
“We have a music premiere to get to,” Marco winks, and I chuckle.
“Anybody would think we’re off to a movie premiere the way you’re acting.”
Marco laughs loudly. “I’m excited!”
“I couldn’t tell,” I roll my eyes playfully.
Of course, tonight will be nothing like a movie premiere. We’ll be in the hotel screening room, with the record company bosses, Matt, Caren, a few others, and of course, the band.
I have to admit that I’m nervous about seeing myself on the screen. I’ve never acted a day in my life, and I pray that I haven’t made a fool of myself.
I stand in front of Marco while he zips up my dress, and I smile when he kisses my bare shoulder. I turn to face him and smile at how handsome he looks right now. Marco is wearing black dress pants and a black button-down shirt. His shoulder-length, dark, wavy hair is slicked back, and he smells amazing.
“You look beautiful,” Marco looks me up and down with an appreciative smile on his face. No one has ever made me feel as beautiful as Marco is right now. The way he looks at me makes me feel incredible.
“You don’t look too bad yourself, Mr. Russo.”
“This old this?” He mocks, making me laugh. Marco offers me his arm. “Shall we?”
I slip my arm into his. “Let’s,”
The screening room is packed by the time Marco and I arrive. For a moment, I thought Marco and I were late. It turns out we weren’t; everyone else was early.
Marco and I take our seats on the front row, next to our bandmates. Marco squeezes my hand affectionately as the lights dim.
The screen comes to life, and music fills the air, my voice, and Marco’s. Seeing myself up on that screen is surreal, and I’m scared of what everyone back home will think.
I can’t help smiling when I see Marco lift me from the ground, and I love the montage of our on-screen relationship. I have to admit that what we made fits the song so well.
As soon as Fallen Cambridge comes to an end, I turn to Marco and wrap my arms around his neck. He wraps his arms my back, and I notice Colin and Hannah doing the same. Bob and Saint are laughing and looking at the people applauding behind us.
There are so many congratulations happening that I’m lost in the crowd for a few moments. I lose sight of Marco because everything is crazy. I can’t take the smile off my face, though, because this is one moment I will never forget.
All the work we’ve put in over the past few weeks has paid off. The music video is better than I imagined it would ever be, and I know the fans will love it. The pre-sales for the album are through the roof, and I finally realize that my life will never be the same after this.
* * *
“Are you sure you’re okay with this, Marco?”
Marco agreed to come home with me to meet my family. It was selfish of me to ask when I won’t be joining him on his trip home, but Marco loved the idea. I felt guilty, though, because I know we need time apart. We can’t be together 24/7; it’s not healthy for any relationship. After almost three months of living and working together, time alone will
do us good.
Marco and I agree that we’d visit my family, and he’d go home to see his family. We have to do the TV interview next week, promoting our album. We also have a magazine interview, radio interviews, and even more TV shows to appear on. We also have a signing organized for the day before the album drops. Anyone who bought tickets to attend will get their album early, and we’ll sign it for them.
After the signing, we have two days before we leave for Europe. We’ve been added to the tour dates we were hoping for, and we’re excited about it. However, before we go, Marco will take me to meet his family. We’ll be having dinner with them, and I’ll finally get to meet the people who raised this wonderful man.
“Why are you so nervous?” Marco laughs. I don’t know how he isn’t nervous.
I’ve never brought an outsider to the club before. Not even Toby came here. He met many of the bikers and their old ladies, but he never stepped foot in the clubhouse. I know he’s in there right now, however. Phoenix texted me to tell me that both Lydia and Toby had turned up, hoping to see me.
Either they’ve got a screw loose, or they’re dying for me to tell everyone the truth in my own words. Why on this earth would they think for a second that I’d want them here? Haven’t they hurt me enough?
Maybe they’re not thinking that way, Ember. Isn’t it possible that Lydia and Toby want to apologize for hurting you the way they did?
I really don’t care right now. I’m not ready to hear anything from either of them; I just want them to leave me alone. I’m over Toby, but I’m not over the betrayal and the pain the two of them caused me.
I may never have brought Toby here, but Marco is different, he’s special to me. I love him so much more than I have ever loved another person. I want him to meet my family; I want them to meet him and to know him. I don’t need their approval, but it would be nice if they saw in Marco what I see in him. Tank, Eagle, and Hammer know what Marco means to me because they’ve seen it for themselves. Everything inside of me hopes that my mother will see it too.
Ember: Next Gen (Snakes Henchmen MC Book 12) Page 20