by Ellie Jean
“Sounds good to me.”
Turning my head to either side, I look at the strong women, lifelong friends, who are excited for the upcoming wedding. And I’m part of them.
Excitement bubbles in my stomach, replacing the pain from yesterday, my mouth stretched as far as it can, smiling.
“Thank you for asking me.”
“Oh Bluebell. You don’t need to thank us, we can see how Ocean acts around you and that you’re special to him. Blind Freddy could see it.” Lace’s voice is forthright.
“But…” Crystal turns from her lead. “You are going to have to spill how good he is in bed.”
Loud laughter surrounds me.
I join them, feeling light and with a bounce in my step, ready to take on whatever comes my way.
“No, I’m not telling you anymore. I’ve told you too much already.” Sipping on my coffee, the sun had been up for barely an hour and the girls were already hard at trying to get information out of me about Ocean. Expressing to them how I thought he was sexy, he had a body of a Greek god and the tattoos on his skin were carefully designed by himself, I didn’t see the need to reveal any other intimate details.
“You’ve told us nothing.” Crystal’s stirring the pot, giggling. “We want details.”
“Leave the poor girl alone. She’s known us for a day, and we are already badgering her.” Lace sits back on the cushioned bench seat eating a stack of pancakes.
Emerald raises her eyebrows and smiles. “We will want info soon. All of us are keen to know what he is like in bed, hard, demanding, dominant or romantic, being single and for so fucking long, never hinting at wanting a long-term relationship.”
Nodding my head, I store away that little tidbit of information. “You’ll have to get me really drunk to get me to talk.” Laughing, I can see these three are trouble.
“That can be arranged, we are experts at having a good time,” Lace chimes in.
“It sounds good, I haven’t had a girly night out.” Hushing my voice, I realize what I’ve said.
“What, never?” Crystal leans over, piercing me with her stare.
Shaking my head, I lower my eyes in embarrassment.
Emerald nudges me. “We are here to help.” I look up. “Looks like after our shopping spree today, we’re going to have the bachelorette night.”
Crystal starts clapping and Lace yahoos. I can’t keep a straight face.
Emerald looks at her watch. “Ladies, it’s time to go.”
“Really? I haven’t finished yet.” Gobbling down her food, Lace is heaving trying to breathe and eat.
“Our next appointment at the day spa can’t wait.”
“Oh, well, why didn’t you tell me that sooner.” Putting one last forkful of pancakes in her mouth, Lace stands fast, taking her bag. We all leave in Emerald’s gorgeous yellow Mustang, ready for a day of fun and indulgence.
“I still can’t believe I’ve been pampered for over five hours.” Skin fresh, my face and body exfoliated, scrubbed and polished, we all look radiant. Choosing a pearl blue for my nails, our pedi and mani were last on the list while makeup was applied to our faces.
“You look beautiful, Bluebell. Actually, we all look stunning.” Crystal beams at us all. “Time to try on some dresses for this special day, eh Em?”
“It’s next on the list.”
We’d completely skipped lunch and continued our way to the fancier part of LA, where the price tags are larger than my yearly earnings. Walking the shop fronts, admiring the clothes and fashion, I’m stunned by the number of women shopping in them. There’re people everywhere. Hand in hand with Lace, I smile as we stop and look at some of the outfits, bursting into laughter spotting some stuck-up chick who looked absolutely ridiculous in a romper and boots that made me think of a Dalmatian dog. Nose stuck in the air, this woman would think anything looked good on her. How wrong was she?
“Where are we going?” Crystal’s taken the lead on this aspect of today.
“To one of my stockiest, she’ll have what we need for us all, including something special for you, Emerald.”
Nodding our heads, my eyes still trying hard to keep a lookout for any signs of my brother. Expecting him to jump out of nowhere, even though today is filled with laughs with security near us, I can’t push my walls right down, alert in case he tries anything. I would hate for my new friends to be hurt because of me.
“This is the place.”
Crystal holds Emerald in place as we all look into a window covered with traditional wedding gowns.
“Yeah, I don’t think so.” Emerald plants her feet and scowls.
“Not for you, for us.” Crystal pulls her arm up the step and she rings the bell. “It’s my best friend’s wedding and we are going to glam it up, girl.”
An intercom sounds. “Crystal Harding.”
A buzz lets us know the door is open and we all stroll in. The sweet smell of roses hits me first, then the shine from the jewels and chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
“Crystal, darling. How are you? We haven’t seen you in a while. How’s that hunky man of yours doing?” A slight built man waltzes through the room, decked out in a ruby red suit, smiling from ear to ear.
“I’m well as is Tanner, thank you for asking.”
“You look fantastic. Having that man’s baby obviously agrees with you.”
Smirking, I can’t hold back.
“Having his cock inside me, fucking me, also agrees very well with me, Sebastian.” Flicking her hair, she keeps going. “But we are here for the purpose of getting dresses not discussing my man.”
Laughing at Crystal, we all try and compose ourselves as the salesguy pulls at his jacket lapels, composing himself after the image put in our heads of Tanner and Crystal, together.
“Of course.” Looking at us, he moves to the lounge, ushering for us to sit. “Who’s the lucky bride?”
“I am, but we’re here for the girls, I’ve got mine sorted but these girls need something glamorous.”
“You do not have yours organized.” Crystal snaps her head and eyes Emerald.
“I know what I want and that is for you girls to find something, anything you want so you can stand with me as I marry my bastard.”
Huffing, Crystal gets up. “Okay, if that’s what you want?”
“It is.” Smiles all around, Crystal nods to Sebastian.
“We need your finest bridesmaid dresses out here. If we had time, I would have made them myself but since we don’t, these designs here are a close second to mine. We will find something gorgeous, ladies.”
Sebastian leaves and I look around at the rows of elegant dresses lining the walls. The girls are chatting, and Crystal is trying hard to talk Emerald around into at least looking at the dresses.
“You’re a pain in my ass, girlfriend.” Emerald rolls her eyes.
“Yep. But you love me.”
“Always. Now, leave me alone and get your butt into some of these.”
Crystal does as she’s told and starts looking at the gowns on the rack rolled out by our friend.
“Bluebell, get up and find something. I can’t wait to see the look in Ocean’s eyes when he sees you.”
The other two are sorting through the dresses as I look up to Emerald. “You’re being so nice to me. It does mean a lot, but you hardly know me. I’ll be feeling lucky just to be witness to you being married. I don’t need anything else.”
Sitting next to me on the couch, Emerald wraps her arm around me. “Bluebell, if you could see how different Ocean looks at you compared to any other person, then you wouldn’t doubt that there’s something special at work between you two. Do you feel a pull when you’re near him, heat up and lose all reality? Are you constantly thinking about him? Do you miss him when you are only a few feet away but can’t see him?”
She’s described it exactly. “How did you know?”
“’Cause that’s what it was like for Slate and me, although I wouldn’t let him know that, his
head would swell too big being the arrogant, bossy bastard that he can be. And for the girls it was the same. It is new, it’s early but there’s a brightness when you are both together unlike any I have seen. Even Crystal and Tanner, Lace and Caden don’t have it. Don’t get me wrong, they are perfect for each other, a love known by only their own boundaries but you and Ocean, I can’t pinpoint it but it’s more. It’s unique and rare.”
Heat flames on my cheeks, redness taking over my face. “I don’t know what to say. Really, you see that?” Warmth spears me thinking about Ocean, intensifying with the knowledge he was the boy all those years ago.
“I don’t just see it, there’s an energy you feel when you’re together.”
Raising my eyebrows, I smile. “Thank you.”
“Now, no more sappy stuff, you need a dress and I need to appease my best friend’s nagging ass and look at least a few dresses.”
Laughing, I wipe my face where a few tears have leaked out. Overwhelmed with kindness and Emerald’s insights, I push my shoulders back and go searching. I need to find something Ocean will love. Emerald’s phone rings. She shoos me away to the dresses, but I overhear her asking if Kyle is alright. It must be Slate on the cell.
Joining the ladies, I rustle through hundreds of dresses, gathering a few on my arms, hoping everything is okay. There’re no price tags but for this occasion, I don’t mind spending some of my minimal savings. What else do I have to spend money on?
“What do you think?” Spinning my head across to Crystal for about the eighth time, her champagne-colored dress looks amazing, highlighting her gorgeous figure.
“That’s the one.” Lace rounds the corner fitted in a red flowing dress that hugs her boobs but allows for her baby bump to be comfortable.
“I agree, both of you look gorgeous.” Sizing themselves up and down in the mirror, I keep walking to the dressing room holding sapphire-colored dresses. My shoulder aches a little but I ignore it, there’s no time for self pity here. Blue sets my eyes off and it’s my favorite color.
The first two look okay, but putting on the sweetheart neckline, A-line fitted dress, I know this is the one. It pulls in my curves and accentuates my smaller boobs fitting like a glove. Smiling, I walk out and join the others.
“Woohoo girl, if I was bisexual, I’d be all over you.” Crystal dramatically licks her lips. Lace and I burst out laughing.
“I guess you like it?”
“We all look totally awesome.” Lace spins in her dress, the ends flying up.
“Yes, we do.” Running my hands down the silky material, I feel beautiful. “Where’s Emerald?”
Right on cue, a tall, slim figure appears to the side of us. All of us gape in awe taking in the radiant sight before us.
Emerald beams, walking across the floor to stand in front of the full-length mirror, covered in an off-white satin dress. One shoulder exposed, the other adorning a glittery clasp over the shoulder, the material draping down her slender body, fitting her perfectly until it reaches the ground. Another diamond jewel attaches at the opposite hip to the shoulder where gathers of material accentuate her drawn-in waist. Her dark, long hair pulled back is breath-taking. She looks elegant and ravishing. A queen fit for her king.
“Wow,” all of us say at the same time, moving toward her.
“You look truly devastating in that dress.” Lace walks to the other side, taking her all in.
“It feels right.” Her smile gets wider looking at herself.
“You’re going to blow Slate’s mind wearing this.” Crystal runs her hands over Emerald’s hips, making a small adjustment.
“Do you think he will like it?” Sounding a little unsure, her eyes flash to Crystal’s.
“You’ll be lucky to get to the vows in looking like that. He’s going to be bursting to get you alone.”
“This is the first dress I’ve worn that I actually want to wear. I won’t be letting him tear it off me in any hurry. He’s into delayed gratification, this will be one of those times.” Laughing, we all hug, admiring how fine we all look. Sebastian walks over holding a silver tray with filled champagne flutes.
“Congratulations ladies.” Taking a glass, we all raise our glasses.
“To Emerald and our fine asses.” Crystal’s excitement is intoxicating as we all copy her words in full chorus mode. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much and taking in the enormity of these new friendships. Drinking down the glassful, Emerald refills the glasses. Lace choosing to opt out of more. Warmth spreads through me, gushing at ourselves and doubled by the wine circulating in my veins.
“Ladies, it’s time to party.” Emerald clinks our glasses. “The day isn’t over yet, it’s only the beginning.”
Swallowing the cool liquid, I wonder what’s in store for us next.
“Fuck.”
Slamming my cell down, it had been hours and I was still no closer to finding Phoebe’s brother. Checking in every hour with the security on the girls, we could breathe easy knowing he hadn’t been near them. At least that was some good news.
“I’ve got nothing.” Dragging in the smoke, I contemplate my next move. “How can this prick be off everyone’s radar when he’s done a hit on one of the main men of the Triads?”
“He must have been brought in for a single contract by someone wanting to aggravate them.” Caden’s been helping me with calls, coming up with nothing like me.
“But who wants them rattled? That’s the part we’re missing. As far as I can work out, this gang isn’t high on any take over opportunities.”
“They keep pretty much to the party scene, drugs and weapons. They don’t step on our toes or anyone associated with us, so they aren’t on our radar.” Drinking a coffee, he sits at the round table in our main office. “Having a large following, they will be gearing up for retaliation, no doubt. A high-ranking senior doesn’t get murdered without blowback.”
Nodding my head, Slate and Tanner walk in. Tanner looks pissed.
“Have you been playing nicely, T?” My lips turn up.
“He’s a fucking asshole. What Crystal sees in him I’ll never know.” Pouring himself a drink, he tips it back.
“If you weren’t so hung up on being jealous, you’d see they are friends now. Nothing more. She’s had your baby, it’s time to move past it,” Caden tries to pacify him.
Shrugging his shoulders, he grunts.
“Where is he?” I join him in a drink.
“In the back room of The Gem.” Slate drops onto the seat, rubbing his head. “The selfish prick whined all day about having to be babysat by us. As if we haven’t got anything better to do but watch his ass.”
“I’m sure Emerald appreciates it.” She loves her brother, tending to overlook his problems.
Slate nods. “Yeah, she better.”
A cell rings, Slate answers. “Were your ears burning?” Seriousness leaves his face.
“You’re where?” Our ears prick up, listening in on the conversation. “How could I forget that fine ass of yours bending over the table, slamming the balls around while you ran your smart mouth off.”
Much has happened since that first night. I chuckle to myself remembering how he has tried to tame Emerald.
“Yeah? You’re having it now?” We look to his face, relieved to see it’s still light. “Give us an hour and we will be there.” Ending the call, he smirks.
“Our girls are fucking trouble. They’ve been at Charlie’s all afternoon. Emerald decided it was a good time for her bachelorette party.”
Raising my eyebrows, we shouldn’t expect anything less. Letting them lose together, first time out since baby Jayce was born, celebrating the engagement, it was bound to happen. “How far gone is she?”
“Not slurring yet, but well on the way.”
“I say we go now. My girl’s not seasoned to keep up with your women.” Stubbing out my blunt, I start walking to the door.
“Your girl?” Tanner cocks his arrogant head.
“Yeah, Phoebe’s
mine.”
“We know.” Clapping me on the shoulder, Caden walks with me. “Let’s go get our women.”
The live music is pumping at Charlie’s Bar and a mass of people are crowded around the small stage. The bar’s full with a few patrons lined up behind the first row waiting to get a drink.
“They’ll be down the back.” The people part like the Red Sea, allowing Slate to lead us to where our women are. We keep a low profile, only going to public venues other than our establishments when the girls insist or do what the fuck they want and the others have to go and claim their asses, reminding them of the world they now inhabit. Even with their skills, any low life trying to make a name for themselves could take anyone of us out if security isn’t tight.
People know who we are.
They know what we do.
And they fucking know to stay out of our way.
Sure as the nose on my face, Emerald and Crystal are holding cues, next to the exact table we first tracked her down a year or so ago. A cider in one hand, talking animatedly to some dickhead that is leaning close to her face, Slate strolls toward them without missing a beat.
My head turns, finding Phoebe perched on a laid-back seater, chatting with Lace. She looks calm and happy watching Crystal sticking her ass out, about to take a shot. Heat spreads watching her like this, knowing how much she struggles with insecurities.
I want to keep that smile on her permanently.
“What the fuck are you doing?” High pitched, Emerald catches everyone’s attention.
My eyes turn, Emerald moves closer to the dickhead who hasn’t realized that he’s next to the girlfriend of the leader of The Savage Shadows or what Slate’s about to do to him for being within a mile of his woman. Emerald’s loud voice at her fiancé should be a dead giveaway, but this guy’s obviously stupid.
She only has to talk about another guy and he’s a jealous prick. Seeing her close to one, fuck, we’ve seen many times how it can end.
She enjoys messing with Slate, and I’m guessing the make-up sex.
Finally, he catches on, wide-eyed and panicked, the guy takes a step away from Emerald and bumps into Crystal who is trying to take a shot at the red ball. “I’m leaving.” Pathetic and weak, Crystal pushes her elbow into him moving him behind her so he can make a quick escape.