Dark Kisses

by Kelly Myers

  Our silence continues for over an hour because we are the two most stubborn people ever. I honestly don’t have anything nice to say so I figure I should keep my mouth closed. He really hurt my feelings and I can feel towering walls around him right now. Like an impenetrable fortress.

  So very different from last night when he opened up to me about Madison and almost dying to get his vengeance. I study him surreptitiously from the side of my eye. I don’t even know who the man beside me is anymore. It’s like he’s a complete stranger, so cool, distant and closed-off.

  “What?” he asks in a dangerously soft voice.

  I should’ve known he’d feel my gaze even though I wasn’t even looking at him. He’s too perceptive. I bet he was a good cop when he followed the rules.

  But, Jax Wilder doesn’t follow the rules. He breaks them.

  No point in pretending I wasn’t looking. He’ll just know I’m lying, anyway. “Nothing,” I say.

  He sighs and I see a muscle jerk in his cheek.

  My cell phone rings and I reach into my purse and see “Unknown Caller.” My heart drops. When I don’t answer, Jax looks over.

  “Who is it?” he asks.

  “I don’t know,” I say and turn it so he can see the caller id. I feel my palms start to sweat.

  “Answer it on speaker,” he orders.

  I nod and do what he tells me. “Hello?” I say.

  The connection isn’t that great since we’re out in the middle of nowhere. But, between a bit of hiss and static, I hear a deep voice. “Easton? Hey, it’s Lincoln. What happened to you the other night? I thought we were going to have a drink and hang out.”

  My shoulders slump in relief. It’s just Lincoln Knight. “Hi, Lincoln. Yeah, sorry about disappearing like that. I, um, ended up leaving early.” So I could have sex with Jax all night, I think. I can feel his dark gaze on me, but I refuse to look over.

  “Well, let’s get together and make up for time lost.”

  This time, I look over to see Jax’s reaction. He is stone-faced and once again staring straight ahead through the windshield. He may not want me, but it sounds like Lincoln is interested.

  Problem is, I don’t want Lincoln. I want Jax.

  Fool, I think. Because he doesn’t want you.

  “Um-”

  “Where are you? You sound a million miles away.”

  “I went out of town for a few days. But, I’m on my way back to L.A. right now.”

  “Hey, that’s perfect. Tarantino is throwing a bash over at the Sunset Tower tonight. Make my day and be my guest?”

  I forgot how much fun Lincoln can be and I feel my mouth curve up. Until I see Jax’s knuckles turn white because he’s clutching the steering wheel so hard.

  Good. Let him be jealous.

  “I’d love to,” I say. Maybe Lincoln Knight is just the distraction I need.

  “Great! I’ll pick you at eight.”

  “See you then,” I say and hang up.

  I can feel Jax fuming in the seat beside me, but I don’t say a word.

  Finally, he unclenches his jaw long enough to lecture me. “You should stay home where it’s safe. Not out roaming all over town.”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  “Don’t be so naive.”

  “According to you, Daniel’s the bad guy and he’s occupied with the police right now. So, who cares if I hang out with some friends later?”

  “You don’t get it do you?” he asks, voice rising. “Every time you leave your place, you’re putting yourself in danger. How am I supposed to protect you when you don’t listen to me?”

  “I can’t stay locked up in that house for the rest of my life, Jax. And, even if I do, look what happened last night. Someone tried to break in!”

  “It’s still better to be there with the alarm and me watching over you then gallivanting all over the goddamn city!” he yells.

  “Maybe I don’t want you watching over me anymore!” I snap back.

  He flinches as though I just slapped his face. I instantly regret saying it. It’s not true, but I have to keep him at a distance and protect myself. Break this off before we get any more deeply involved. He may find it easy to stay emotionally uninvolved, but I don’t.

  “So, what’re you saying?” he manages to ask between gritted teeth.

  Here’s my chance. I gather up all of the strength I can muster and just say it. “I don’t think I’ll be needing your services any longer.”

  28

  Jax

  Her words slam into me like another bullet. This time, though, it’s my heart that’s torn apart.

  I can’t believe that after everything that’s happened between us, this is how it’s going to end.

  What the fuck am I supposed to say to that? Okay, great, send you my bill. And, I’ll make sure to include a 10 percent discount-- a Platinum Services special for all of the mind-blowing sex.

  My eyes slide shut for a desolate moment and then I force them back open to watch the road. This is my fault. I shouldn’t have slept with her. I broke my number one rule and took a client to bed. And, now I’m being punished for it.

  I lift up the center console and pull out my pack of Marlboros. If I ever needed a cigarette, it’s now. As I light up, I can feel Easton’s disapproval. What do I care? I inhale, glorying in the way the smoke fills my lungs and the slightly high feeling I get after I exhale.

  It’s been too long, my friend, I think, and take another hit.

  When she coughs, I smirk. Good, I hope it bothers her.

  I don’t know if she’s expecting me to say something, but I remain quiet. In less than two hours, we went from being gloriously happy in Big Bear to her firing me and not speaking. I feel like I just went up against Sylvester Stallone in The Expendables and he kicked my ass into the ground.

  The whole thing leaves me lost and off-balance. I can’t just stop watching out for her. There may be some red flags around Daniel, but it’s only circumstantial. If I just leave now where will that leave her? Alone and with no one to defend her if need be.

  I won’t do that to her. I’m going to see this through to the end with or without her approval.

  When we finally make it up to her place, she slips out and is already grabbing her bag out of the back before I even have the car in park. What am I supposed to do? Jump out and chase after her? She obviously doesn’t want anything to do with me.

  And, I honestly can’t blame her.

  She slams the rear door and the whole car shakes. Without a backward glance, Easton stomps up to her front door and disappears inside. Going back to her world and leaving mine.

  She better set the goddamn alarm, I think.

  I glance at the clock and see it’s 5:45pm. That gives me some time to stop by the office and then return Ryker’s car. Washed and gassed up, of course.

  I take care of the Expedition then head over to P.S. I unlock the door and I’m surprised to see lights on. Ryker pokes his head out of my office. “Hey! Check out your new digs,” he says and motions me over.

  I drop my bag on the floor and walk into my office. Except it doesn’t look anything like I remember. There’s a fresh coat of paint on the walls and a brand new desk and chair that swivels all the way around. I smile and sit down in it, testing it out. “It looks great. Thanks,” I say and then notice a couple of framed movie posters up on the wall.

  “The Expendables”... and one of Easton’s movies.

  Ryker must notice my vexed expression because he looks from me to the poster and frowns. “Uh-oh,” he says, sitting on the edge of the desk “Griff thought it would be funny. I’m assuming Big Bear sucked?”

  “No. It was fucking amazing. But, she just fired me,” I say in a glum voice.

  “What? Why?”

  “Sharpe called this afternoon and the car that almost ran Easton down is registered to her ex. The moment I told her that, she got all pissy and defended the asshole. Which pissed me the fuck off. We got into a fight and I just dropped her
off at her place. So she can get ready for a date tonight with Lincoln Knight.”

  Ryker grimaces. “Jesus.”

  “This is why I don’t get involved too deeply. It’s too much fucking work.”

  “I hear you.”

  I sigh, prop my feet up on the desk, cross my ankles and lean back into the cushy new chair. I rub my palms into my eyes and wish that I could start this entire day over again. “Thing is, I can’t stop thinking about her. I should just walk away, admit it’s over. But, I can’t.”

  Ryker shifts, growing uncomfortable with where the conversation is going. He may be a big, tough former SEAL who knows 20 different ways to kill a person in under three seconds, but ask him to discuss feelings? Forget it. He clams up instantly.

  “Sorry,” I say. “I don’t mean to dump my problems on you.”

  He runs a hand through his short, dark hair. “Problems, I can handle. Women, not so much.”

  “Tell me about it. I can’t believe she’s going to a party with that guy tonight. I mean, after we-” my voice cuts off, but Ryker can guess the rest of it. “This is why we don’t sleep with the female clientele,” I reiterate.

  Ryker crosses his large, muscular arms and narrows his eyes. “Damn, Jax, she got under your skin.”

  “I really fell for her, Ryker,” I admit and let out a long sigh.

  “What’re you going to do?”

  “Regarding the case, I’m going to see this thing through to the end. With or without her approval. Regarding her?” I give a miserable shrug. “She doesn’t want anything to do with me and I don’t blame her. Even if she gives me another shot, I can’t give her what she wants. I’m not the guy who does relationships and I have too much baggage.”

  Ryker nods. “I hear you, brother.”

  And, he does. Ryker, Griff and I are lost souls. Far too damaged to have any kind of normal relationship with a woman.

  “Just keep your head up and clear. Don’t let things with Easton distract you from what’s going on,” Ryker warns. “And, if you need any help, call me.”

  “Appreciate it.”

  We head out and I toss Ryker his keys. Then, I slip my helmet and gloves on, kickstart my motorcycle and head over to West Hollywood. Back to Blue Jay Way and Miss Easton Ross.

  I pull up across the street and down the block a little, ditching the Norton behind a tall hedge. Then, I wander up and position myself across the street. Luckily, the place is under construction so I can hunker down behind a pile of pavers with no one the wiser.

  I glance down at my watch. Nearly 8pm. Time for the Golden Boy to arrive and pick up my woman so they can go party the night away. I suppress an irritated groan and look up, studying the house. My stomach tightens when I notice the front door is open about an inch.

  What the fuck?

  Hot dread pours through me as I jump up and jog across the street, reaching for my Glock. I make my way carefully to the door and push it open with the gun’s barrel. Lights are on in the back of the house, but it’s too quiet. I don’t hear the usual chatter of her entourage who should be putting on their finishing touches right about now.

  I push the panic down that’s trying to overtake me and silently make my way back to her bedroom. Elbow bent, pistol close to my body, I step into her room expecting to find the worst case scenario.

  Instead, I see Easton sitting at her vanity, all alone.

  When she catches my reflection in the mirror, she spins around with a cry. “Jax! What’re you doing here? You almost gave me a heart attack.”

  I lower the gun, my gaze sweeping from side to side. All is clear.

  “Your front door was wide open! Why isn’t the alarm on?” I bark.

  She appears a bit flustered and smooths a hand over her perfectly-styled hair. “They just left. I guess the door wasn’t shut all the way.”

  “You guess?” I sneer.

  “Why are you being such a jerk?”

  “Why are you being so careless? I expected to find your fucking corpse.”

  My words are harsh and finally seem to get her full attention.

  “I should’ve walked them out and set it.”

  “Yeah, you should have. I don’t know what I have to do to make you understand that.”

  Easton stands up and, for a moment, all of my anger melts away. She looks stunning and my heart slams against my chest. She wears a slinky silver dress that is too short and diamonds wink at her ears and dangle from her wrists. Her green eyes look smokey with a pop of metallic and those bright red lips turn my insides to mush.

  What did she call the color that torments me day and night? Oh, yeah, American Doll.

  I burn for her and it takes all of my willpower not to yank her up against me and bury my face in her jasmine-scented locks.

  Suddenly, I hear someone behind me. I pivot, lift the Glock and aim at Lincoln Knight’s heart.

  “Whoa,” he says and lifts his hands.

  “Sorry,” I mumble and slip the gun in the back waistband of my jeans.

  “Didn’t we meet the other night at The Vortex?”

  “Yeah,” I say and swing my gaze back toward Easton. There’s so much I want to say to her, but what’s the point? She’s made her feelings clear and she doesn’t want me in her life.

  More importantly, I don’t fit in her life or anyone else’s.

  “Did I, ah, interrupt something?” Lincoln asks, looking from her to me.

  I finally pull my gaze away from Easton’s blank, emerald eyes. “No. I was just leaving.”

  We all head down to the front door, a dysfunctional little trio.

  “If you need anything, for any reason, I want you to call me. Okay?” I tell her.

  She gives a little nod then meets my gaze. “I can’t live my life in fear, Jax.”

  “Just be careful.” I pierce Lincoln with a dagger look that he probably doesn’t deserve and then I walk out.

  But, I don’t go far. I watch them walk out and, thankfully, she sets the alarm. Then, she gets into the passenger seat of Lincoln’s Mercedes and they head down the hill toward Sunset Boulevard.

  I hop on my Norton and follow them at a distance, my headlights off. Lincoln had said the party was at the Sunset Tower Hotel which is about a two-minute drive up Sunset from Easton’s house, across the street from the world-famous Saddle Ranch.

  If she thinks I’m just going to turn around and go home, she has another thing coming. I plan to stay near her at all times whether she likes it or not.

  They pull up and valet the car. I wait until they go inside then park my bike out front in a spot designated for motorcycles. That’s the great thing about having a motorcycle in LA-- plenty of front row parking and easy to weave in and around all the endless traffic.

  I’ve never been in this hotel, but if you’ve seen one upscale Hollywood hotel then you’ve seen them all. I leave my helmet with my bike, stuff my gloves into my leather jacket and walk through the front door.

  A lot of guests mill around in the lobby, but if you want to know where the real party is happening, best to follow the trail of pretentiousness. And, that leads me straight to the pool and attached bar and restaurant.

  There are hundreds of Industry people mingling and talking business and pleasure. Lots of A-listers, I presume. Honestly, I don’t recognize anybody and I’m too busy searching for one raven-haired starlet in particular.

  When I finally spot her, she’s surrounded by an adoring crowd, as usual. People fawn all over Easton and Lincoln and I feel jealousy nip at me.

  I can’t deny it-- they look good together. And, the fact that they used to be a couple irks me. I know she said they barely saw each other because their careers were so busy, but let’s be honest. They slept together numerous times over the course of the year or two or however long they dated.

  The thought makes me want to vomit.

  Lincoln Knight is of average height, maybe 5’10’’ on a good day. His blond hair and blue eyes reinforce his All-American, Golden Boy l
ooks and reputation. Unfortunately for him, that reputation is in the toilet because he couldn’t stop snorting coke and fucking hookers.

  What the fuck, Easton? I think. First Lincoln, then Daniel and finally me. Boy, does she know how to pick ‘em. We’re all about the biggest bunch of losers and she could have any man in the world.

  She must be drawn to the bad boys. Or, her picker is just completely off.

  “My bad boy…”

  I’ll never forget the way her body stretched out on that counter, sticky with chocolate cake batter, open to me. The way she cried out, begging me not to stop.

  “Don’t fucking stop!”

  I love hearing that prim, little mouth of hers curse. She’s so well-spoken, so classy and always so put-together. So, of course, the perverse bastard in me thoroughly enjoys when she breaks down, especially in the throes of passion, and swears like a sailor.

  Lincoln may possess the angelic look, but Easton’s raven hair, flashing emerald eyes and to-die-for curves make one think more devilish thoughts. She definitely tempts me to no end and fills my head with carnal desires.

  I keep saying how I’m going to protect her, but, in reality, I need to protect myself. Easton Ross has the power to destroy me so I need to finish this job, keep my walls up and then walk away.

  Unfortunately, it’s probably going to be the hardest thing I ever have to do.

  29

  Easton

  The upscale Art Deco Sunset Tower has drawn A-list celebrities since it was a luxury apartment building back in the day for stars like Marilyn Monroe. Tonight is no different and I spot numerous famous faces.

  It’s funny how people assume that just because you work in the same Industry, everybody knows everybody. I can’t tell you how many times people have asked me about other celebrities like they were my best friend. Sorry to say, I do not know Angelina Jolie, I’ve never met Sandra Bullock and Margo Robbie isn’t my next door neighbor. Just a nice girl I did a film with last year who I’ve since lost touch with.