Rachel looked uncertain before responding, “You haven’t harmed anyone, who’s gone against you before, have you? Like made an example out of someone?”
Red scoffed, “Of course not. We have built our fucking reputation from trust, not brutality. Everyone knows that in payment for their silence, they can always trust us to help them out, should they be in a tight spot. Once again, the Romanos are known to help the community rather than destroy it. The Baileys have always upheld that standard and people know they can count on us, if need be. Anyway, enough about me, tell me more about the fine Rachel Evans. You got a boyfriend?”
She blushed, her cheeks turning an endearing pink, “No, I haven’t had one in a long while, hence my hesitation with men.”
“A woman as gorgeous as you without a man by your side? Hard to believe. What’s the story? If someone hurt you then you can always tell me,” he placed a hand over hers.
She stared down at his hand before pulling hers away, “I’d rather not talk about it. So, what happened to that drink? I reckon, I can fit one in before going.”
Red stared hard at her across the table, trying to understand why she was so closed off, before signaling for another round at the bar. Ciara winked and started pouring the drinks. When she came to drop them at the table she leaned over rather suggestively, giving Red a peek of the top of her breasts, while all the time ignoring his dinner companion entirely. When she headed back, Rachel was looking flustered…
And perhaps a little jealous?
“Why so glum? Aren’t we celebrating?” he raised his beer and reluctantly she took her own and clinked against his.
“It was such a rush today. Of course, I’ve shadowed lawyers before and helped out where possible, but I didn’t know, I had it in me to actually win my first case. I guess the fact that no one provided a statement helped quite a lot, so I think I should at least thank you for that.”
Red watched her eyes light up as she spoke about her work. He liked that he had been a part of that. Even if his role included him getting into trouble in the first place. Between saving that woman from getting drugged and making Rachel happy, he started to think it was worth all the trouble.
“Well there is one way you can thank me,” he narrowed his eyes teasingly, “Why don’t you come over to my place tonight and you can show me just how thankful you are.”
Rachel was mid-sip when she choked on her drink. Droplets of beer spattered on the table as she looked up at him.
“As thankful as I am, Red, I am not having sex with you just because you got into a bar fight. I think maybe we should call it a night, I’ve got someone to meet later.”
“I don’t understand, why you’re denying the chemistry between us, but fine. I’ll stop. Let me pay the bill at the bar and I’ll escort you to your car.”
Red didn’t wait for a response as he headed towards the bar.
Why does it feel so damn bad to be rejected this time around? I’m a Bailey. We don’t get emotional. We get the job done and move on. Snap the fuck out of it, Red! It’s just another woman.
Ciara grinned across the bar at him, “I saw what happened over there. She must be nuts. Her loss. Anyway, are you sure, you can’t stay a little longer? My shift ends in an hour.”
Red winked, but his heart wasn’t in it, “Sorry Ci. Maybe another time. I’m going to escort my lady friend out and then I better be heading home. I didn’t get much sleep in that cell.”
The bartender looked disheartened, but soon was distracted by some of the locals calling her over to serve them. Red turned around to find Rachel already waiting at the door, ready to go. He held the door open for her as she left and led her to her car. Before she got in, she spun around so quickly that Red bumped into her, forcing her back in to the car door.
“Shit...” Red began.
“Thank you for the case and thank you for dinner. I didn’t know how to say it earlier and I don’t want to seem ungrateful. As good-looking as I think you are, I just can’t risk my career for a man. I hope you understand,” she mumbled.
He hooked a finger under her chin and tilted her head up, so she was looking directly at him, “I understand perfectly. Thank you, Miss Evans.”
Their breath mingled and the air was thick with unspoken words between them. Red had to hold himself back from closing the couple of inches distance between them to lay his lips on hers. Everything about her tempted him and drew him in, like a moth to the flame.
Don’t bring her into your world.
The thought stabbed him in the back of the brain and he pulled back as though someone had physically hurt him. Rachel looked bewildered, but Red was in no mood to explain. Without another word, he nodded at her before striding over to his bike and throwing his leg over. He could feel her watching as he shoved away the kickstand with his shitkicker and turned the engine on. The noise canceled out everything around him and he pushed off, riding out of the parking lot.
Don’t let yourself get close again.
Chapter 4
RACHEL
The steam embraced her as the water streamed onto her scalp. She buried her fingers deep into her hair and washed away the sins of the day. Rachel couldn’t wash away the feeling of his fingers on her chin from her memory however.
But then again, I don’t want to. That man made me feel things I haven’t felt in a long time. At least I managed to keep things professional. Pearl and my uncle have nothing to worry about…but do I?
She shook the thoughts away as she rinsed out her hair and turned off the water. Stepping out the shower, she wrapped herself in a fluffy towel and stared at herself in the mirror. She didn’t look any different, but she sure felt different inside. Her dinner with Red had hit some buried feelings, she didn’t think she would feel again.
Rachel felt wanted.
The new found confidence made Rachel pick out some more daring clothes from her wardrobe, before going out to meet Alyssa. She picked out a rose-colored, strappy bodycon dress with a scoop back, which exposed most of her spine. Pairing this with matching stilettos, she hooked a lace choker around her neck. This was the first time in years she had ever worn something so revealing and sexy. She looked at herself in the mirror and was shocked to see the glamorous woman staring back at her. Her red hair hung loose in waves down her back and she tucked a stand away before grabbing her bag and heading out the door.
Alyssa had found a pop-up bar further downtown for them to meet at. Rachel was relieved, she wasn’t suggesting to go back to Bill’s bar. Outside her apartment the cab was already waiting and she jumped inside. The radio played mellow music as they wound their way around the city and evening traffic.
After paying her fare, she jumped out and saw Alyssa waiting outside the bar. She couldn’t help but giggle when her friend’s mouth fell open after seeing her in her new outfit. Rachel spun around, giving her a full 360 view before running up to her and hugging.
“What the fuck has gotten into you and where has my Rachel gone? Although I must say, I can’t disagree to seeing this side of you. Damn girl, you look gorgeous! Are you sure you’re not swinging for my side because I would take a bite right out of you here and now!”
Rachel beamed under her friend’s assessment and released her from the hug.
Who knew that such a simple dinner with a client could bring a whole change about me?
“I’ll tell you all about it over drinks. And tonight we have something to celebrate!”
“Wait, what are we celebrating? I know you wanted to meet up, but you wouldn’t tell me why. Did something exciting happen? Is it work?”
“Yes! I got my first case and I won it!” Rachel squealed.
Alyssa’s shriek filled the night air as she leaped upon her friend and they both jumped up and down in joy. They both knew how much it meant to Rachel, that she had finally progressed to that milestone in her career. Alyssa practically dragged her into the bar as they got ready to celebrate the success. She was leaning over the bar, using her n
atural charms, and within seconds had shots laid out in a neat line before Rachel had a moment to think.
The brunette nudged the amber colored shot over to Rachel and they both clinked glasses before downing the liquid. The tequila burned the back of her throat and sent fire burning in her stomach, but tonight Rachel didn’t care. She was flying on cloud nine.
“You have to tell me all about the case! I can’t believe my girl is out there busting criminal ass!”
Rachel’s heart dropped and she looked down at her shoes before replying, “Actually I’m more in the line of saving them, Lyss. It turns out Uncle John might not be the man I thought he was.”
Concern was etched into Alyssa’s face, “What are you trying to say? What’s wrong with your uncle?”
“You have to swear that whatever I tell you goes nowhere. This has to be a secret,” Rachel locked eyes with her friend.
There was fear hidden in the back of her eyes before she whispered, “You know I would never tell anyone anything between us. But you’ve got me worried now. What could be so bad that I have to keep my mouth shut?”
“My uncle is working for the mafia.”
“What?” Alyssa screeched, before Rachel clapped a hand over her loud friend’s mouth.
Alyssa shook her head free from her friend’s clutches before speaking in hushed tones, barely audible above the noise of the crowd, “So the man you spent years admiring, who you based your entire life of becoming, is a crook? And now you’ve just rolled over and accepted it? I thought your moral compass was strong.”
The disappointment in her friend’s face tore at Rachel’s heartstrings. She felt guilt rip through her entire being but then remembered Red’s face after the prosecutor announced his freedom. Red wasn’t a bad man, he was just working whatever job he could to get by.
Plus the only reason he got into that fight in the first place was protecting a woman’s honor. I doubt Mason would have done the same for me. He might have for Amelia.
The thought left a bitter taste in her mouth and she slunk out of her thoughts. Alyssa was still standing there, hands on hips, looking expectantly at her friend for an answer.
“Lyss, it wasn’t my ideal situation either. When my uncle first told me about it, I was ready to walk out the door, but then I realized that everything I had worked hard for would be for nothing. The person I defended today was not a bad man.”
“Man?” suddenly Alyssa’s face lit up, “Is that the reason for the sudden wardrobe change? It still doesn’t excuse you for your choices, but I wouldn’t be amiss to hearing more about this guy.”
Rachel’s smile was enough to send Alyssa into meltdown as she grabbed two more shots from the bar. They clinked and downed the drink, steadying Rachel’s nerves before she told her friend about the case. Alyssa hung onto her every word and afterwards leaned back onto the side and smiled knowingly at her friend.
“So this Red took you out on a date afterwards? I can’t get you to meet up with any normal guys but a criminal walks into your life and suddenly you’re having candlelit dinners together?”
“Firstly, it was not a candlelit dinner. Secondly, I told you he was defending a woman from being drugged, and god knows what more. That hardly sounds like an evil criminal to me. He’s just a man who’s working for the mafia, that’s all.”
“Are you going to be seeing him again?” Alyssa looked hopeful.
“I should hope not. The only reason I should see him again is if he gets into trouble and he’s said he won’t be caught out again. Plus I’m a professional, Lyss, I can’t be dating my clients. No matter how mouthwateringly gorgeous they are.”
Alyssa squealed before containing herself and locking eyes with her friend, “You need to see him again. Screw professionalism, you’re working for the mafia now. It’s not like they give a damn who their lawyers are fucking.”
“Lyss!” Rachel shouted while swatting her shoulder, “I will not be having sex with anyone, thank you very much. I’m not just going to clamber into someone’s bed the minute after meeting them. Red is a great guy, but I’m his attorney, not his fuck buddy.”
“Bet you wish you were,” Alyssa winked, her long eyelashes sweeping down onto her upper cheeks.
“Contain yourself, woman,” Rachel laughed and they both did another shot of tequila.
The night seemed to blend away in a blur of amber liquid and men trying to get their numbers. Rachel always found it funny how Alyssa led them on, only to disappoint them with the truth of her lesbianism.
Although it seems every time she tells one of them, the men would look at both of us and presume we are together. Most go away with a wistful smile, probably living out some lesbian porno in their head. Sick bastards. I still remember my kiss with Lyss. My little test to see whether I felt that way towards women. As pleasant as it was, there was just no spark between us. I guess that’s why we are best friends. We know nothing would work out between us, so it takes away that awkwardness. We can just be ourselves with one another. Although right now it appears the tequila might be taking over.
The room span round in circles and Rachel tried to gain her balance. She reached out and gripped onto Alyssa before realizing her mistake at grabbing another drunk person. They both tumbled onto the floor, giggling like schoolgirls before a bartender came around to the front and hauled them onto their feet.
“I think it’s time to go, ladies,” he directed them towards the door.
Alyssa shook the guy’s hands of her and he took the initiative to free Rachel too, before she turned on him. The friends linked arms as they swayed themselves out the door and down the street to a taxi rank. Rachel helped her friend get into the cab before giving her a quick peck on the cheek and a thank you for taking her out to celebrate. Head spinning, she jumped into her own one and gave the driver her address, before leaning her head onto the cold window to try and sober herself up. Even in her drunk state there was only one thing on her mind.
Red.
Chapter 5
RED
“What the fuck were you thinking?”
Van had practically leaped on Red as soon as he had walked in the door. Red sighed and walked into the great room, Van stormily following him. He knew his big brother was going to be angry, but he was well and truly pissed off.
“You tried to take on the Martinez gang by yourself? You could have been killed, you fucking idiot! And then where would it leave us? We have had enough drama in our family as it is and now you do something stupid like that? You’re lucky I haven’t told Ace yet or he’d be around here bouncing your head off the wall to get the point into you. How many times have we said to call us if you need back-up? Even if you don’t contact the twins, at least tell us! We’re your family! You’re just lucky the guys there backed you up or you would be face down in a ditch by now.”
Van’s face was distorted with fury and Red could practically see steam coming out his ears. He listened to his brother, his features masking his own emotions storming inside. He swiftly walked over to the fridge to pull a beer out.
Yes, I know I fucked up, but I wasn’t going to let that woman get hurt. I’m never letting a woman get hurt on my watch. Never again.
Red pulled the tab and took a long refreshing gulp of his beer. Van was still staring at him as he walked over to the patio door and yanked it open. Walking out to sit in the night air.
“Listen Van, I’m not in the mood for your lecturing tonight. I’m sorry I made you worry but there was this woman…”
“There’s always a fucking woman with you, Red!” Van was boiling now, “When will you grow up and take responsibility for your own actions? I can’t be fucked with this right now. Clean yourself up or clear yourself out of this house. I’m warning you, Red. Start acting your age. I’ve got to get back to the warehouse tonight. Keep yourself out of trouble and stay at home.”
Red watched as his brother stomped through the house, only stopping to pick up his keys before heading to the garage. He heard
the garage door clank open, before the roar of his brother’s bike came to life and then faded away in the distance. Red sighed and stared down at his beer.
“It appears being the good guy doesn’t always pay off,” he mumbled to himself before draining the rest of his beer and standing up.
He crushed the can between his hands before throwing it in the recycling bin and heading off to the bathroom. He stripped off and looked at the wound in his side. It had stopped bleeding, but the cut looked vicious. Red fumbled in the cabinet before pulling out antiseptic and dabbing it carefully onto the wound. It stung at first, but he soon got over it.
He looked at himself in the mirror. His hair was greasy and limp from spending the night in the cell and he could smell himself. Never a good sign. He quickly turned the shower on and stepped in, careful to keep his cut as dry as possible. After washing his hair and cleaning himself, he clambered out and dried himself off. He went into his bedroom, threw some boxers on before collapsing onto his bed. The mattress absorbed him as the weight of the day held him down.
I’ve been arrested. Been told off by my brother. And I’ve met the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes upon only to be rejected. Could this day get any worse?
Just then his phone buzzed. Red fished his mobile out of his discarded pile of clothes before looking at the screen. The twins. A party. Tomorrow night. Attendance is mandatory.
Fucking brilliant.
Red shut his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
***
Van still wasn’t home when Red woke up late morning. The sun was shining through his windows, where he had forgotten to shut the blinds from last night. His brain was foggy as he stumbled into the bathroom and washed his face. He winced as he felt a pain in his side, only to remember the cut from the bar fight. It had no signs of infection, so Red quickly dressed himself in some comfy clothing before wandering out to the patio, with a cup of hot coffee in hand.
Red felt the blaring heat even in the shade. Today was going to be a hot day. He unlocked the screen on his phone, looking to browse on his social media like he did most mornings, when he was greeted by the text message from the twins. He groaned and flicked it to the side, so he could continue his usual routine of checking out chicks online. It appeared the twins had also sent a mass invite on social media too.
The Bailey Brothers Box Set- the Complete Trilogy Page 23