by Karen Renee
I smiled. “Only because I’m making fajitas for dinner. Got everything sliced up and ready to go. So, hop in your car and get your ass over here. Sound good?”
She chuckled. “Yes, but you make fajitas?”
I rolled my eyes for a moment. “You know that song by Walk the Moon, ‘Shut Up and Dance?’”
“Yeah,” she drawled.
“Well, they need to make a new version called ‘Shut Up and Drive.’ Think you can do that for me, Sunflower?”
“Well,” she huffed.
I chuckled. “Drive safe, honey.”
“Okay.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too, honey. Bye.”
Half an hour later, Cecilia walked inside with my brother and I had plated the freshly grilled beef, chicken, peppers and onions.
“Hey, honey,” she called to me as she let her bag drop to the floor next to the sofa.
Gabe sniffed the air. “Jesus. He must love you. I can’t remember the last time he willingly made fajitas. He normally makes me do it and then complains that he does it better.”
She giggled, but I shot daggers at my brother. “Just you wait, Gabriel. You ever find the right woman, I will not hold back on your ass. As they say, payback’s a bitch.”
Cecilia choked on her laughter, and it was cute seeing her pressing her lips together in an effort not to smile. “Can I change or is dinner now being served?”
“Up to you, baby,” I said.
Gabe took two steps before he said off-handedly, “Thinkin’ letting the lease go on this place is for the best. I’ll be lucky to make it through tonight. Three months of this shit might kill me.”
“Shut it, baby brother.”
He turned hard eyes to me. “I’m not–”
“Whatever. Get out of here, and wash your hands or whatever you do before dinner.”
Cecilia
GABE ATE DINNER WITH us, but I had never seen someone devour their food so quickly. My dad ate quick and blamed it on growing up with two brothers and the constant fight for whatever was on the table, but Gabe’s food inhalation reset the bar. By the time he left the table, the alarm must have been written on my face because Brock patted my forearm.
“It’s alright, Sunflower. Nothing against you. Gabe’s just always had a thing for eating quick and leaving even faster.”
I widened my eyes at the table, but shook my head to get rid of my thoughts. “If you say so, B-Rock.”
After I stacked plates by the sink, Brock made it clear in no uncertain terms that I wasn’t going to help with the dishes.
I squinted at him. “Why? You did the cooking. I should handle the clean-up, or help at least.”
“Go change and relax,” he said to the soap suds in the sink. When he looked at me the light in his eye said more than his words. “That way, you’ll be ready for me when I’m done.”
A small smile curled my lips. Before I could move, my cell phone rang. With a look at the screen, I thought the incoming number looked familiar.
“Hello?” I answered.
“Miss Lyons, this is Diane Oliver. I’m calling regarding an opportunity at one of the resorts. They are seeking a performer for the character breakfasts, and I recalled your performance. Would you be interested in this position?”
I pressed my lips together for a moment, and finally said, “Um, you mentioned breakfasts, but I know there are also character dinners and such at the properties which offer the breakfasts. Would I be working dinners as well?”
“Initially, no. Pending a performance review, your hours might be increased after that.”
“Is the compensation similar to the position I auditioned for?”
She paused. “No. Your pay grade would remain the same as it is currently.”
I nodded once, not that she could see it. “May I sleep on it and call you in the morning?”
“Yes, but please call before nine-thirty. I need to advise the restaurant manager and get other balls rolling if you’re not interested.”
“Yes, ma’am. I will call you first thing.”
We said our good-byes, and I sighed when I put my phone back in my purse.
“That sounded like good news, Sunflower, but you sound down about it.”
“That’s because I am down about it. I mean, part of me doesn’t know what I was thinking. And another part of me hates that I want to turn the job offer down.”
“You want to turn it down?”
I gave a deep sigh. “Well, that’s what my gut tells me.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. It’s not the position I auditioned for, and it’s essentially a lateral move since there’s no increase in pay. I want to perform, but I feel like taking this job offer is settling for second best. Does that make sense?”
In addition to Brock nodding his head, the gleam in his eyes backed up his words. “That makes total sense, honey. You auditioned for a position within the park, but they’re offering you a job at one of their resort properties. I’m sure it’s a great opportunity, but if your gut tells you it isn’t right, then you go with your gut.”
My gracious! Could he be more perfect? That was not the first time I had asked myself that question, but this time I felt it down to my soul. He was no doubt, no question, the man for me.
As I stood there staring at him, he grinned.
“Go, Sunflower. Relax. I’m almost done here.”
I PULLED ON A FUCHSIA sleep-set with a large moon and sun pattern printed on it. The suns and moons had faces and the suns reminded me of watching CBS Sunday Morning with mom and dad when I was young. The soft jersey fabric always relaxed me. As I stretched out in Brock’s bed, he sauntered into the room, closing the door behind him.
He climbed on the bed, scooped me into his arms and rolled so I was on top of him. His hand slid along the side of my head to the back toward my nape and he gathered up my hair there. I thought he was going to start something with this move, but his eyes were serious.
“Clint called.”
My brows pulled down. “Just now?”
He shook his head. “When I got off this afternoon. He’s got contacts with the police, and apparently those bastards in custody claim no knowledge of Marco and that they didn’t tell you he has a score to settle with you. Say they didn’t tell you jack.”
My body stiffened, and Brock stroked my back with his other hand.
“Honey, that’s not why I’m tellin’ you this. There are too many witnesses to what they did, both times. They aren’t gettin’ out, but Clint has a bad feeling.”
“And I’m guessing so does your brother, based on what he came by to tell us after it all went down.”
His chin dipped a bit. “Yeah, and I mentioned that to Clint. Now he’s contacting Vamp. I don’t know if they’re both gonna be workin’ on getting Marco to forget about you, but–”
I shook my head. “Won’t Clint lose his license?”
He chuckled. “Clint likes to push boundaries. He said he’s willing to get dirty, but honey, he isn’t likely to get caught.”
“Okay, so why are you telling me all this?”
His hand at my back stilled. “Because, even if those two are locked up, we still need to be cautious.”
I widened my eyes. “Of course I’m still gonna be cautious. It doesn’t take a detective to know those guys are replaceable and now that they’ve been taken in, Marco will probably send someone else.”
“Could be Byron,” he suggested.
I shook my head. “I know you have a high regard for my pussy, but really Brock, it’s not made of gold. Like I told you, prostitutes are a dime a dozen. Byron took over Marco’s turf and stable. He can expand on that, and sending men to come after me doesn’t do him any good. Marco, though, has good reason to be pissed at me. I signed a deposition against him, and he spent time behind bars because of it. He’s the one with an ax to grind.”
The twitch along his jawline happened so fast, I nearly missed it but the set of his face told me he wa
s clenching his teeth. Then he said, “I see your logic, Sunflower, but please keep in mind those assholes might work for Byron. Just stay vigilant when you’re coming and going to and from work and stuff.”
“I will,” I replied, as my hands roved his chest. “Now, is there some reason we had to have this conversation in bed?”
He smiled devilishly. “We would have wound up here any way, so this saves time.”
I cocked a brow. “Saving time, smart guy, would’ve been me helping you with the dishes.”
“Nope,” he said popping the ‘p’ just before he pulled my face to his for a long, wet, delicious kiss.
Chapter Thirty
Supposed to Be Punishment
Cecilia
“Oh my God,” I moaned loudly, and suddenly Brock’s mouth covered mine.
I drove my fingers into his wet hair to hold him in place because I could not get enough of the taste of water and Brock. Sex with Brock never disappointed, but shower sex threatened to become my all-time favorite with him.
He tore his mouth from mine and his body stilled. “Goddammit, I’m a moron,” he hissed.
“What? Why? And don’t fucking stop, Brock.”
“I don’t have a condom, honey.”
I gripped his hair and his eyes flared. “I started the pill last month. Don’t know why I didn’t mention it befo–”
He kissed me silent and thrust into me harder than before. My hands moved to his shoulders so I could hold on. His mouth left mine, and he took a nipple into his mouth, biting it enough to get my attention.
“Yes, honey. Do that again,” I demanded.
He pulled his head back and slowed his pace a little. “That was supposed to be punishment, Sunflower.”
I grinned. “I know, B-Rock. So, do it again. Please?”
With a groan, he captured my other nipple and repeated the biting, though this time he did it harder. I felt my climax building in me and I clutched his shoulders tighter. When I went over that edge, I threw my head back in the limited space.
He rammed three more times and on the last thrust he shoved his face in my neck and I felt his orgasm.
His face shifted so his mouth was at my ear. “Shit, Cecilia. I love your pussy, but I love it even more against me bare.”
Ten minutes later, I stood in front of the vanity and unwrapped the towel from my body. Already in his boxer briefs, Brock moved to leave the bathroom, but when my towel hit the floor he spanked my tush so hard I gasped.
“What was that for?”
“Not telling me sooner about the pill, woman.”
“I’m sorry!”
He grinned. “It’s also because you got off on my first form of punishment. Good to know you don’t dig the spanking.”
I arched a brow. “I didn’t say that.”
He groaned. “Neither one of us has time for round two.”
I smiled. “I think only one of us doesn’t have time for round two.”
He blinked. “Is that a challenge?”
I turned back to the mirror to apply my eyeliner, but I caught his eyes in the mirror. “I don’t know. Is it?”
He sighed. “And this is why we need our own place.”
AFTER A LONG KISS GOODBYE, Brock went to the University police station for another day at his internship.
I had forty-five minutes before I needed to hit the road, but I remembered Diane Oliver needed me to call her back. Even after a full night’s sleep, my mind and my gut told me the same thing. The job offer was nice, but it wasn’t the right fit for me.
Ten minutes later, I relayed the same information to Ms. Oliver. It felt like a lead weight took root in my belly because turning down an opportunity did not feel good. After a couple of deep breaths though, the weight lessened and I knew I had done the right thing. I would not settle, and no way would I change positions without an increase in pay.
Summer crowds kept me busy all day, and before I knew it my manager took my drawer for counting. On my way to my car at the end of the day, I realized my goals were shifting. Maybe being a full-time character performer was always a pipedream, but these days my thoughts circled back to the same conclusion. Amusement park life was not for me. I would always love the memories I made working inside the Magic Kingdom, but if I was going to move in with Brock, it wouldn’t be enough. Not just because of my pay rate, but also because the hours were taxing. I needed something that fulfilled me without leaving me dead on my feet at the end of a shift because what good was it to live with Brock if my job meant I was simply surviving in his presence?
Of course, police officers had extremely long hours and grueling days too, but he hadn’t landed a job yet. For that matter, I wanted to give this a fair shot and there were no guarantees that he would stay in Orlando after he graduated.
I shook off my thoughts so I could keep my wits about me. As soon as I closed the door, I locked it and stowed my purse on the passenger seat. The heat inside the car was stifling, so I started the engine and cranked the AC to high. When I buckled my seat belt, my cell phone rang.
Pulling the phone from my purse, I saw a 904 area code and answered since all of my family was in that area.
“Hello?”
“Cecilia?” Asked a familiar female voice.
“Yes,” I answered, but it sounded like a question.
“Girl! It’s Aisha. Don’t you dare act like you don’t remember me.”
I inhaled sharply, but managed to say, “You’re crazy, you think I could possibly forget about you, girl.”
“Well, that’s good to know, though I don’t know why you ain’t kept in touch. But whatever, bitch. I just thought you should know Marco’s been killed.”
I gasped. “What?”
“He found Byron’s crib. I was there. It was ugly as fuck. He killed two of Byron’s boys before Byron got the drop on him. Bullet to Marco’s head. No quicker did he hit the floor than all hell broke loose.”
“What?” I breathed.
“You heard me. Lucky for me, I had my phone on me and the asshole hadn’t taken his cut from my earnings,” she chuckled mirthlessly before she added, “I hope you’re doing good down there in the big O.”
“Sha-sha,” I used a nickname she had let me call her. “Please, God. Tell me you’re not under Byron’s thumb.”
Her voice dropped an octave when she drawled, “Girl.”
“I want to help you. It’s hard, but seriously, Sha-sha. You can kick that shit.”
I heard her sigh. “CeeCee, you’ve always had that rose-colored-glasses problem. You broke free, but not all of us can. There is no gettin’ out for a girl like me. For a while I thought there was no gettin’ out for you either, but you’re one of the lucky ones. Don’t waste your chance.”
“Honey,” I started, but she cut me off.
“Marco can’t get to you any more, CeeCee. I made sure you know that. So, stay clean. Hear?”
I opened my mouth to reply, but she had hung up.
“Dammit!” I hissed.
I leaned back in my seat to get my galloping heart rate under control. Turning my phone over in my hand, it displayed the time as 7:43, and I debated what to do. I needed to hit a meeting because even though hearing from Aisha was great, she still reminded me of getting my next hit of coke. Yet, Brock needed to know about Marco’s untimely demise. I put a call through to my man.
“Yo, Sunflower. Where you at?”
I sighed. “Still in the parking lot, unfortunately. I’m really feeling the need for a meeting tonight because of a call I just got.”
“Really?” He asked, that single word heavy with concern.
“Yeah. A woman who helped me out greatly when I first started turning tricks called me.”
“What?” he clipped out.
“Byron killed Marco earlier today, Brock. I guess Marco took out two of Bryon’s men before getting shot. She wanted me to know I had nothing to worry about any more and to stay clean. No better way to do that than to hit a meeting this evenin
g.”
He paused for a moment before he said, “I thought I made this clear last night, but I’ll say it again, honey. There’s a possibility those assholes who came after you are actually with Byron. I know you refuted that, but honey, can you humor me and stay vigilant until we know for sure.”
I sighed. “Yes, Brock. I can do that. But, if I’m gonna find a meeting tonight, I need to split so I can get home at a decent hour.”
Another pause on his end, but it was shorter. “All right, honey. I can order in some dinner for you so you don’t have to do that on your way home. You want that?”
I smiled. “Yeah. I would love that, B-Rock.”
At that moment it hit me. He absolutely was the latter part of his nickname. My rock. I loved him even more because of it.
Brock
It killed me to rain on Cecilia’s parade over the phone, but she had to stay focused. On the one hand, Marco being dead was definitely good. On the other hand, if those bastards who came after her were Byron’s foot soldiers then nothing had changed. The idea of misdirecting a victim’s attention to the last threat made a damn clever ruse. Yeah. If I were taking over someone else’s turf and whores, I’d damn sure want Cecilia back under my control. I’d do anything to make that happen. Including sending my thugs after her, but telling her the old pimp had a score to settle.
I hadn’t told her as much, but I thought Cecilia had it all backward. She could claim hookers were a dime a dozen, but one bent to Byron’s will was not a dime a dozen.
I snagged my phone off the coffee table, and dialed Vamp. He answered on the second ring.
“Brock.”
“Hey, man. Cecilia just told me Marco’s been killed.”
Silence stretched for a moment. “Seriously?”
“Yeah. She’s goin’ to a meeting now, since this girl who called her reminds her of that life. I hinted to her that her troubles might not be over yet.”
“Why?”
“Because I would not put it past Byron to pressure a woman to manipulate Cecilia. If he wants her under his thumb for whatever egomaniacal reason, he will stop at nothing. If I were in his shoes, I sure as hell wouldn’t.”