by Alexa Riley
“Hey,” I answer, already knowing this isn't going to be good. Lawrence never calls me. Why would he unless something has gone really bad with my mom? Dread settles heavy in my stomach as I wait for the news.
“Have you seen her?”
“Really?” He has to know I haven't.
I turn my body and swing my legs over the side of the bed. I look down and see I’m completely naked and my clothes litter the floor. This bedroom is bigger than my whole apartment, but I don’t see Rogue anywhere. Can he ditch me in his own home? I wouldn't put it past some men. Rich guys think they can do anything they want. Hell, all men really.
“‘I’ve tried everyone else.” Lawrence lets out a long sigh.
I get up and start picking up my clothes. “I shouldn't have given her the money.” I toss my stuff on top of the bag I brought with me. She might be out on a bender or something. Who knows?
“Don’t blame yourself. I was the stupid fuck who let her count the money for me last night. We’d been slammed but I should have known better.”
“She stole from you? Seriously?” My mom could be shady at times, but I’ve never known her to steal from Lawrence. He was the hand that fed her.
“I don’t think she acted alone. Lesson fucking learned.” His voice is filled with both anger and disappointment. He’s not going to go after my mom, but he’s also never going to be there for her again. She burned that bridge, and there’s no rebuilding it. And if he can’t get a hold of her, I’m sure she already knows it.
“Lawrence, I’m really sorry.” He’s always been so good to her, and I can’t help but wonder what the hell she’s going to do now. Stealing from him is a deal breaker, and everyone knows it. I thought it was why she’d never done it in all the years she’d worked for him, but there must have been more to it.
“You know, your mom doesn't work here anymore.” I let out a humorless laugh as I fall back onto the bed. I know where this is going.
“I’m not taking my clothes off for money.” I run my hand through my hair, trying to tame it.
I have no doubt it’s a hot mess right now. My body starts to hum, thinking about how it got to be a hot mess to begin with. Just the thought of Rogue and my whole body lights up. He has this hold over me that I don’t understand. While it's fun and exciting, it scares the crap out of me too. I never let men close, but he keeps pushing right on it.
“You can serve drinks.”
“Yeah, I’ve seen the girls who serve drinks there. I'm not going topless.”
“Come on, Em. I’m fucking desperate. I’m down your mom and the two other bitches that helped her. You know you’ll make a killing here, and you don’t have to be topless. Just a little bit less than what you girls wear over at the casino.”
I bite my lip, thinking. What is really different about serving drinks at a casino and a strip club? I wasn't dancing, and he was right. I would make three times more. Plus, I’m desperate too. I need a job to live.
“Deal,” I agree, because what choice do I really have?
“I need you tonight.”
“I figured. I’ll get there as soon as I can.” Between what I wore last night and stuff I’ll be able to use from the dressing room at The Landing Strip, I’m sure I can manage an outfit. Either way, Lawrence will deal for tonight if he wants me there as quickly as possible.
“I’ll see you soon,” he says before hanging up.
I reach over and turn on the lamp next to the bed. I gasp when I look down between my thighs. I run my fingers along the red marks that I know are from Rogue’s short beard. I shiver, recalling the feeling of him eating my pussy for hours. After every orgasm, I kept trying to close my legs, but he didn't stop. I lost count of how many times I came, but he was starved. After that I passed out and must have slept for ten hours straight.
I look around the bedroom again and notice his side of the bed is empty. I get up and find something to wear and remind myself to not get attached to Rogue. He will get bored and be onto the next soon enough.
Even so, I know it’s going to be an argument about me leaving. Then again, if he’s always so worried about where I am, then where is he? He knows I have to work, but not necessarily where. He thinks I have a shift at the casino, and I might just keep that little detail to myself.
After I’m dressed, I venture out of the bedroom. I didn't get a good look when we got here last night since we’d been all over each other. I don’t know how we didn’t end up having sex, but it was probably due to me passing out.
I run my hand along the beautiful countertop and love how his place isn't overly done. It doesn't look like a woman lives here, but it still screams money. I look down at my faded jeans that I didn't buy that way and my thrift store tank top. I don’t belong here.
“Rogue?” I call out and wait. Did he leave?
I check a few surfaces to see if he left me a note, but there’s nothing. I guess I don’t need to leave one then either. I take out my phone and request a Lyft. As I wait, I snoop around some. Each room is like the last with basic essentials. Everything is in its place and clean with nothing bold or over the top.
My phone alerts me that my ride is here, and I venture back to the bedroom and grab my bag. I go to the front door and put my shoes on, but just when I go to open it an alarm sounds.
I have no idea what to do since I don’t have the code. I cringe and just walk out, hoping the company will call Rogue, and he’ll tell them it’s fine. He knows he left me alone in his bed.
By the time I finally make it to The Landing Strip, I start to think I’ve made a mistake. He burned down a gym to prove a point to me. What the hell did that even mean? Who burns down a building to get their way? It’s nuts, but it didn’t stop me from walking upstairs and packing a bag and going home with him. I think I might be a touch crazy too at this point.
“Ember,” Lawrence calls when I enter the club. Like always, he’s sitting at the bar keeping an eye on things with an unlit cigarette hanging from his mouth. It will make me feel a whole lot better if he’s sitting here making sure no one messes with me.
“Call me Cherry tonight, please.”
“Cherry it is.” He looks at my street clothes and waits for me to explain.
“I got stuff.” I pat my bag. “It’s not much, but you get what you get with a last-minute call.” I shrug. “Still no word?” He shakes his head no. “I'm sorry, but it’s my mom.”
“Do yourself a favor and let her go. You can’t save people; they can only save themselves.”
“If it was only so easy,” I murmur, looking around the club. It’s already busy even though it’s still so early. Then again, it’s Vegas. “I’ll go get changed.”
It doesn't take me long to pull it together. Not when you’re in a room full of other women more than willing to help. Plus I already know a handful of the ladies who have been here forever.
The only underwear I have are the same ones I wore last night. I don’t know how I missed packing a new pair. The inside is still covered in Rogue’s cum and I can smell him all over me too. One of the other girls asks me who I’ve been rubbing up on and my cheeks burn.
I debate covering up the small marks on the insides of my thighs with makeup, but between the fishnet pantyhose and the dim light of the club, no one will notice them. No one should be getting that close to me since I’m only serving drinks.
“You look hot.” Sable bumps her hip with mine as she hands me a small serving tray that lights up. I’m taking that as a major compliment since Sable is the prettiest and most popular girl here. “You think you can handle this? Some of the men can get a little handsy.”
“I think I can.”
“Don’t think, Cherry, know. You look like a sex kitten, but if they get a whiff of that innocence underneath, they’ll eat you alive.”
That’s not scary at all. “How does your boyfriend handle you getting naked for other men?”
She gives me a wicked smile. “He likes to watch.”
“To watch you dance?” She lets out a laugh, letting her robe fall off her shoulders before tossing it over her chair in the back.
“Oh, sweet naïve Cherry.” She steps closer to me and twirls the end of my hair around her finger. “He likes to watch me with other men.” Oh wow. The thought of Rogue with another woman makes my heart hurt. He hasn't even been with me all the way and I don’t think I could handle that. “Women too.” She gives my hair a tug before letting go. “Think about it.” She winks before she leaves the dressing room and walks onto the main stage.
I stand there shocked for a moment. I have a feeling Rogue wouldn't care much for me being with anyone else, man or woman. He’s possessive when we’re together, although I don’t know if it’s how he always is or if it’s me that pulls it out of him. I know it’s silly to think I’m getting something different from him because he’s clearly done this a time or two.
I let out a sigh and push away that silly feeling that I shouldn't be at this club. Rogue and I are a fling. It’s hot and wild now, but it’ll burn out. Right?
I should have known better. I really should have. If he was willing to burn down one building, he’d be more than willing to burn down another.
Chapter Twelve
Rogue
Earlier that day…
My phone rings, and I grab it off the bedside table and switch the sound off before it can wake Ember up. She’s curled up next to me sleeping so damn good that I hate to think about anything disturbing her. When was the last time she slept? She’s been out cold for hours, she has to be getting hungry by now…
My phone vibrates this time, and I look down to see a number I don’t recognize. When I hit ignore, it calls me again right away.
“Shit,” I whisper as I force myself to disentangle from her and walk into the bathroom.
My cock is painful after not getting any release last night. That quick one at the hotel wasn’t nearly enough and being curled up next to Ember’s curves all night only made it worse. I grab the hard length over my boxer briefs and squeeze it to try and get it to go down. It doesn't work.
My phone vibrates and I answer it as I close the bathroom door.
“Rogue.” I’m shocked when I hear Angus on the other line. “Listen, I’ve been arrested. I need you to come get me. I told them you’re my lawyer.”
“What the fuck did you do?” The hair on the back of my neck stands up as I go over to the closet and grab a pair of jeans.
“I’ll explain later. Just hurry. You’ve got to get me out of here fast.”
“I’m on my way,” I say before hanging up and putting on an old gray T-shirt. I slide on some shoes and then grab a hat and pull it down low. I tuck my phone in the back of my jeans and take some cash out of the safe. I don’t know what the fuck my brother has gotten himself into, but I need to be ready.
I think for a second about leaving Ember a note, but I don’t have anything to write with, and I need to leave. Fuck, should I wake her up?
As quietly as I can, I walk over to her side of the bed and lean down. I kiss her neck and inhale her sweet scent as I close my eyes.
“Hey baby, I’ve got to run out, but I’ll be back.” She makes a humming sound, and I kiss her again. “Don’t leave, I’ll be right back as soon as I can.”
She keeps her eyes closed as she nods and snuggles down into the covers. I want nothing more than to get back in bed and slide my dick between her legs, but I have to go.
When I get to the door, I set the alarm and grab my keys. I make sure she’s locked up safe and sound as I hop in my car and take off toward the city jail. Being a divorce lawyer, people would think I wouldn’t have a lot of experience with visiting the jail, but it’s no longer shocking to me how often I have to come here because of a domestic dispute.
I thought that over the years I was jaded to the idea of marriage. Maybe I was, but after meeting Ember I finally understood why all those couples never made it.
None of them ever felt the way I feel for her, and it showed. If they did I’d be out of a job.
My parents are that way, and even after all these years they look at each other like they just fell in love. Maybe deep down I was afraid I’d never find that kind of devotion, and that’s why I became a divorce lawyer, but after seeing Ember I’m done for.
When I get back home, I’m going to show her how I feel. I’ve already spent my whole life without her. I won’t waste a moment longer.
The jail is busy for a Saturday afternoon, but that’s to be expected. It’s Vegas and the weekend is always heavy on arrests. When I get inside, I give them my name and I’m scanned in. They take me back to the holding area and I pace while I wait for Angus to be processed. It takes longer than I anticipated, and by the time he finally walks out it’s been hours and I’m ready to murder him.
“What the fuck did you do?” I hiss as I walk up to him and grab him by the back of the neck.
“Let’s go.” He pushes my hand away and stomps out the front door.
“Angus!” I call once we’re outside and he’s practically running ahead of me. “What the fuck is going on?”
“She got away, okay?” he shouts back and then throws his hands up like I’m supposed to know what that means.
“What?”
“Bambi.” He sighs and then rubs his eyes with the back of his hands. “I don’t even know if that’s her real name. Goddamn it!” He spins around and kicks the trash can, but it’s bolted to the ground. “Fuck!”
I lean against my car and cross my arms over my chest. “You’re going to have to talk sense at some point, but go ahead and break your foot while I wait.” I’ve never seen my brother so out of sorts before.
“It was a mistake.” He shakes his head like he can’t get his thoughts in order. “She was supposed to come to Franky’s room and strip, but they had the wrong room number on the reservation.”
“Okay,” I say, still waiting for an explanation of why he was in jail.
“It was like Dad always said.” He stops and stares at me with wide eyes, but I see the truth in what he’s trying to tell me. “One look and I was done. I didn’t care that she was a dancer or escort or whatever. I saw her and I knew, Rogue. I knew she was the one.”
I drop my hands and take a step toward him. Our dad always said we’d know when we found the one and the thought has been eating at me since Ember walked in that poker room. “Are you sure?”
He nods and swallows hard. “I’ve got to find her. She came to the room with a bouncer and I couldn’t get her to stay. I let her go and went to the escort service today to talk to her again.”
“What the hell did you do?” My mind swirls with possibilities of how he ended up in jail over this woman.
“They told me she was in the back with some guy, and I lost it. I forced my way in and when I got to the room, some guy was on top of her.” He shakes his head. “I don’t know what happened after that. I woke up in jail with bloody knuckles and a headache.”
He’s pacing now like a caged animal, and it’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him to let her go. That’s exactly what I would have said before I met Ember, but now I’m thinking think about what I’d do in that same situation.
“Let me call in a favor and see what I can do.” Angus stops and stares at me.
“Can you do that?” There’s hope in his eyes, and I nod. “God, Rogue, I know you don’t like to call in favors, but I swear she’s it, man. She’s the one.”
I take out my phone and pull up a number I have saved in a folder I don’t like to use. Calling Theo will mean I owe him big, but if the shoe was on the other foot, Angus would do this for me. I don’t hesitate as I dial the number.
While I’m on the phone, I get all the info I can from Angus and relay it to Theo. He only says a few words before he tells me he’ll have the address in an hour. He also reminds me that now I’m on his books for tonight, and when he needs his favor called in, I better come running. Great.
I hang up
, and just when I’ve finished telling Angus everything I know, my phone rings with a call from my security company. Thoughts of Ember send me into panic as I answer it and give them my confirmation code.
“It appears the front door was unlocked and a young woman exited the house,” the security team member tells me.
“Where the hell did she go?” I ask through gritted teeth, knowing they have no way of knowing that information.
“From what we can see, she left in a rideshare vehicle, sir.”
I hang up because I know they don’t have anything else useful to offer. I squeeze my phone so tight in my hand that I’m afraid it’s going to shatter.
“What happened?” Angus asks, and if he didn’t look so broken, I’d be the one going to jail this time.
“Now my woman has gotten away.” I stomp around to the driver’s side and open the door. “Get in. I’m taking you home and then I’ve got to pay a debt to Theo while trying to find Ember.”
“How the hell did this happen to both of us at the same time?” Angus looks around like the answer is going to jump out at him. He really is fucked up over this Bambi woman.
“I don’t know, but you better keep your ass out of jail. I’m not letting her slip between my fingers again because of your shit.”
“Don’t you worry about me,” he says as he gets in the car. “The second I find her, I’m taking her underground.”
“I wish I’d thought of that,” I agree as I pull out of the parking lot.
Chapter Thirteen
Ember
I set my tray on the bar, waiting for my next round of drinks. I’m not so sure I can handle the floor here. I’ve lost count of how many hands I’ve dodged, and I’ve only been at it two hours. Even I know the crowd is worse the later it gets and the drinks kick in. If I knew how to make drinks, I would request to be behind the bar.