by Jani Kay
Mia gave me a lopsided smile. “We’ve all been through a tough ordeal, not just me or my family. What happened to Cobra impacted on all our lives. I’m just so grateful for all the support we’ve had from everyone.”
Bella wriggled in her arms and she placed the toddler back on her feet. She ran straight to the basket and started pulling out the toys I’d just put away.
Kids.
I shrugged.
A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. “It’s nothing. The kids are so good that they make it easy. And since Jamie became attached to Razor and spends most of the day following him around like a puppy when Razor’s around, it’s no problem at all. It kinda helps the day go faster, you know.”
Mia’s brows knitted together. “It’s odd, because Razor hasn’t ever really given the kids that much attention. I’m sure Jamie misses Cobra and being with his uncle helps.”
I nodded. “Yeah,” I mused. “Must be because Razor reminds him of his dad.”
It was odd now that Mia mentioned it. Razor had always treated the kids as if they were a bit of a nuisance and I was taken by surprise when he’d first shown up to get Jamie to shoot some hoops in the courtyard with the guys and then made it a regular thing. At first I thought it was just his excuse to come and check up on me, but he usually gave me a sheepish grin while ruffling the boy’s hair and pushed him out the door before I could even protest.
“Thank you, Lexi. You’re a life saver, girl. There’s no way I can begin to repay you for looking after my kids every time I’ve had to go to the hospital.”
“As I said, the kids help me get through the day. Otherwise I’d be working in the bar pulling beer from morning till night. You know how demanding the boys can be sometimes, especially when they’re bored.”
“You’re a good person, Lexi.”
My head jerked in her direction and I met her gaze. Her smile was warm and sincere, without a trace of mockery. Nobody had ever said words like that to me, not even my own damn family. I blinked fast. Something must’ve got caught in my eye.
Or maybe it was just that I was becoming sappy. Losing my edge and my mind. I needed a fucking break, to have some fun, and get away from everything for a while. The walls suffocated me and I needed to just breathe.
After everything that had gone down, it was probably just natural. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mia felt the same way.
“There is something you can do for me,” I said tentatively. I wasn’t sure how she’d take the idea.
She raised a perfect eyebrow. “Yeah?”
“Um, promise you won’t tell anyone?”
She threw her hands dramatically into the air and pulled a wounded face. “Lexi.”
“Sister’s code, right?” I checked just to make sure.
“Absolutely. Now spill.”
I sucked in a breath, then blurted, “I’m going out dancing tonight. I’ve made up my mind already. Come with me?”
Mia’s eyes widened and she gasped. “You can’t leave the compound.”
“Fuck that. Everyone is in and out all the fucking time. Um, no offence . . . but why don’t the same rules apply to everyone?”
“I understand your frustration, honey, but I go out under heavy protection and I’m disguised, too.” She pointed to the scarf and sunglasses she’d discarded earlier. She pulled the auburn wig from her head and tossed it down on the table while shaking out her long midnight blue hair. “It’s not much fun having to duck and dive all the time. And this wig makes me look old.”
“Well I’m going stir crazy. If you don’t come out with me, I’m going alone.”
Dancing wasn’t the only thing on my agenda, but Mia didn’t need to know.
“No, Lexi, you can’t. The guys will go ape-shit crazy if they find out.”
I picked up Mia’s wig and pulled it over my head, fluffing the long locks around my face as I moved toward the mirror and sucked in a breath. Hell, I didn’t even recognize myself with the slick auburn bob. This was perfect.
I swung toward Mia. “They guys never need to find out. We just need to be creative. What harm can it do? A night out will do us both the world of good.”
Mia covered her mouth with her hand.
“What’s so funny?” I looked back toward the mirror, appraising my reflection critically.
“You look pretty hot as a redhead. Just like your cousin, Rebecca, actually . . . but with ink. I could never imagine her with tattoos, but seeing you—”
I posed for Mia, mimicking Rebecca. Her Australian accent, her mannerisms. Mia held her stomach she was laughing so hard.
“See how much fun we’re having?” I gyrated my hips and shook my ass while singing out of tune. “We could be sweating out all our frustrations on the dance floor.” I gave her a pleading look. “Say you’ll come?”
She twisted her lips, her eyes rolling up in her head.
“You’re right. I feel as if I’m fucking ninety nine years old. The past few months have turned me into a sour old woman and I don’t like it one bit. And Cobra was off today. He hardly spoke to me, totally distracted. Every time I asked what was wrong, all I got was club business. I’m fucking sick of it.” She scrunched her nose. “But how are we getting out? We’ll never get past the gates.”
“Now see, you’re underestimating me. I’ve already come up with a plan.”
Mia laughed. “It better be damn good, or else you’ll be the one explaining to the boys.”
A shiver ran down my spine. Razor would be mad as hell.
“It’s a genius plan. You just get ready and I’ll come get you at nine when the kids are asleep. Leave the rest up to me. This is going to be so much fun!”
Mia tapped her chin with her index finger. “Since you’ve claimed the red wig, I think I’ll be blonde tonight.”
“Nine o’ clock?” Adrenaline spiked my bloodstream already.
“Nine o’ clock. Don’t be late or I might panic and chicken out.”
I chuckled. “No way, babe. You and me gonna have some fun tonight and let our hair down.” I touched the wig I’d tucked under my arm. Fuck, I couldn’t wait to get all dressed up as a redhead and go out.
It had been far, far, far too long. I was so fucking ready to have fun.
But of course, there was more to it.
I didn’t know how I was going to handle it if I found Razor there.
16 — Lexi
As the truck stopped at a red light, I moved toward the back door and motioned to Mia to crawl closer too. She pulled her short dress down and slid across the floor toward me, her hand over her mouth to suppress her giggles. We’d already had a few tequilas before we’d snuck into the van and I was feeling a lot damn braver for it.
“Get ready to jump out when Ox opens his door and gets down. We have to be gone by the time he gets to the back,” I whispered. Luckily the boys had the head-banging music they listened to so loud there wasn’t a chance in hell they’d hear us, but I was taking every precaution just in case.
Mia nodded, her eyes wide and her lips parted. Perspiration formed on her brow and upper lip and her hands trembled.
I closed my fingers over hers and squeezed. “We’ll be fine, I promise. We’ve done well so far and we’re nearly there.”
This was what life was all about. Taking risks and living to the max. Already I was giddy with anticipation as I grinned at my partner in crime.
She looked different as a blonde and I couldn’t stop staring at her. The contrast between her olive skin and brown eyes with the light hair was hot and for a moment I wished I were as gorgeous as what she was. It didn’t matter what the woman wore either, her stunning figure was eye-catching, and I could just imagine the guys at the club tripping over their dicks to get to her.
“I think I’ve made a mistake,” Mia said in a raspy voice.
I touched my index finger in to my lips. “Shhh,” I hushed, “once we’re there you’ll be fine.”
As far as I knew, Mia hadn’t ever been out clubbi
ng by herself. I’d heard the story of how she’d hooked up with Cobra in Mexico when she was only a teenager and she’d been under his watchful protection ever since. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be owned by a man like she was, and the few days Razor had taken control had both scared and thrilled me. Mia seemed happy, and it was really none of my fucking business what she and Cobra got up to.
About five minutes later, the van slowed and I bobbed my head up to peek out of the window as we pulled into a driveway. I assumed we’d reached the depo where the guys were supposed to pick up the booze for the club. There were a few perks to working in the bar area, and I was glad I’d overheard a vital bit of information earlier in the day that started me thinking.
Stocks of beer and hard booze were dangerously low at the club and I’d heard Ox complain before he organized a pickup because there wouldn’t be a delivery until next week.
I showed Mia the thumbs up signal and shifted right up against the door. As soon as the van came to a complete standstill, I quickly opened the doors, grabbed Mia’s hand and pulled her after me. We’d worn sneakers for this part of our plan, our killer heels in a backpack I had slung over one shoulder. We both landed on the asphalt without a sound.
The driver’s door opened and I yanked Mia’s hand. Ox would be around the back at any moment and I didn’t want to get busted.
“Hurry, we’ve got to hide.”
I pushed the door closed without latching it. I couldn’t risk the guys looking to the back and spotting us, so it would just have to do. I wondered what they’d think when they found the door ajar, but I didn’t really have time to ponder it as we had to run across the street as fast as we could and disappear into the crowd mulling on the sidewalk.
Looking back, I saw Logan at the back door of the van where we’d just escaped. He scratched his head and I could just hear his accent above the noise as he called to Ox. Damn, that was close!
*****
The pulse in Mia’s neck throbbed and we were both out of breath when we reached the club two blocks away.
“Change your shoes,” I ordered as I dug into the backpack and produced her heels. I’d never seen her wear those and I had to wonder if they were reserved for special occasions in the bedroom with Cobra because they screamed Fuck Me.
Hell, I even had shoe envy as I watched her grow eight inches and her tanned legs elongate. If ever I turned, I’d have my eye on the Mexican stunner for sure.
“What?” Mia said when she spotted my amused grin.
I shook my head. “Nothing. Pity my feet are smaller than yours. Those shoes are seriously fucking hot, babe.”
“Shit, do you think it’s too much?” She bit into the corner of her lower lip as she waited for my reply.
“Don’t be ridiculous. A woman can never be too thin, too rich or too hot. And you’ve got it covered, girl.”
She looked down at her feet and frowned. “Cobra loves when I wear these. I haven’t worn them in a long while. Um . . . I forgot they were so damn high. I’m not sure I’m going to be able to dance much.”
“I can tell they’re not really for dancing,” I said with a wicked grin. I imagined she mostly had her legs around Cobra’s ears and stayed on her back while wearing them.
“Maybe we should just catch a cab and go home? I have a bad feeling about this, Lexi. We shouldn’t be here.” Mia sounded like a broken record and her doubts irritated me.
“We deserve a little fun every now and again. So quit worrying about everything and just let go to night. We’ve come this far without getting caught, so let’s just go for it.” I hooked my arm into hers. “Here, let me help you up these stairs.”
The Scorpio Stingers had dealings with the club we were standing in front of, and I planned to make good use of those connections. In spite of my six inch heels, I had to stand on tiptoes to reach the burly bouncer at the back door’s ear. He stiffened and took a step back to put distance between us. Giving him my heavy come-to-bed eyes, I leaned closer, pushing my tits into his chest while grabbing hold of his biceps and squeezing.
“Hey, Jason,” I purred in my sexiest tone, “it’s me, Lexi.” I batted my lashes at him when there was no sign of recognition in his eyes and pushed my belly against his groin. Maybe that would remind him. “Yeah, I know I look a little different, but my friend and I are here to bring some excitement to the evening. You can always join us when your shift is over, baby, ‘cause a man with arms like these must be really good at working out.” I brushed my lips over his cheek. “And fucking.”
Men like Jason were always horny. All those endorphins from too many hours in the gym usually left them with raging hard-ons. I gyrated my hips against his growing erection.
Recognition flashed in his eyes. “Lexi,” he groaned.
I giggled. “Glad you remember me now, big boy,” I said, licking my lips slowly. It worked every time.
Jason grabbed hold of both my upper arms and pushed me away from him.
“Not going to work this time, babe. Razor guaranteed he’d cut my dick if I touched you. After the last episode we had with you and your cousins, I’m keeping my distance.”
His gaze burned into my skin as he checked out my tits in the low cut top. “Pity, cause I could use a long hard fuck tonight.”
All wasn’t lost yet. I still had a chance. When men thought with the little brain instead of the big one, the battle was already halfway won.
Subtly shifting my feet so that I was closer to his body again, I peered up at the giant of a man from under my lashes and smiled coyly. “Rules were made to be broken. That’s where the fun comes in, don’t you think, Jason?”
Guys in professions like those Jason was in lived for the adrenaline rush that conflict and drama brought them.
It takes one adrenaline junkie to know another.
“It’ll be our secret.” I indicated between the three of us. “Come find me later for your reward. You know I’ll make it worthwhile, baby.” I placed my palm over his erection that strained his black uniform pants and gently rubbed back and forth.
Jason grinned. “I’m gonna keep you to your promises.” He jerked his head toward Mia. “Is she part of the reward package too?”
Glancing at Mia, I panicked. Her mouth had dropped open and she had a deer in the headlight expression on her beautiful face. If I wasn’t careful, Mia was going to do a runner—heels or not.
I pouted, letting my lower lip extend, “I’m hurt, baby. Are you saying I’m not enough for you?”
Jason quickly tore his gaze away from Mia and shook his head. “No, of course not. I bet you’re fucking wild in bed. It’s just that threesomes are even more—”
I grabbed hold of his balls, twisted them in my palm and then dropped my hand and took a step away.
“It’s me only or no deal. I don’t share. What’s it going to be, big boy?” I turned to Mia, hooked into her arm, and turned away as if we were leaving.
Jason swallowed hard. “I’ll come find you at the end of my shift.” He looked at his watch. “That’s at midnight. Exactly in two hours and thirty three minutes. Be ready to pay up big time.”
He pinned the code into the panel on the door and held it open.
Grabbing Mia’s wrist and pulling her in behind me, I scraped past Jason, brushing my body against his hard muscles. “Your cock is going to thank you later.”
He groaned as we disappeared into the dimly lit hallway.
17 — Lexi
“My feet are killing me and I wanna go home,” Mia wailed. “I’m worried about my kids, too. What if one of them, or worse, both woke up and they’re looking for me?” She placed both hands on her hips and cocked her head at me. “Give me my sneakers, I’m catching a cab home. This was a stupid idea.”
I stuck out my tongue at her. “Killjoy.”
She shrugged. “Call me whatever you want. I don’t feel fucking safe.” Her whole body shuddered as if she needed to prove her point. “There’s this creepy guy whose been stari
ng at me all night. He gives me the shits.”
I downed the last of my drink and smashed the glass down on the sticky table. For some fucking reason I just couldn’t have the fun I’d been craving. Razor’s damn face kept coming to mind every time a guy just came near me and I just couldn’t loosen up, even with copious amounts of liquor in my system.
I looked at my watch. Twenty-two minutes to midnight. Jason was going to come for his reward soon, and where in the past I’d be peachy keen to make good on my promise, the thought of sex with a near stranger wasn’t nearly as appealing as what I’d believed.
One more glance at Mia’s pained expression and I nodded. “Let’s go to the bathroom. I need to pee before we go, and we can change our shoes. I left the backpack in a locker.”
Relief flooded Mia’s face. “Maybe this was a dumb idea. It wasn’t nearly as liberating as I thought it would be.”
Mia gave me a wry smile. “At least you’re honest and not fighting me about going home.”
An alcohol inspired giggle burst from my lips and I clapped my hand over my mouth. I wasn’t going to admit to anyone—including myself—that I was as ready to leave and go home as what she was.
Why was it that all night I’d been longing for Razor’s arms around me, his eyes staring into mine? I’d even caught myself watching the entrances as if he’d miraculously appear out of thin air.
Well if that did happen, you’d be in a world of shit, Alexis Clarke.
I had no illusions that it wouldn’t be a romantic gesture. No, it was sure to be a possessive one. Testosterone fuelled and all alpha male. And Lord help me if he caught me dancing with a guy. His fury would be uncontainable.
As we stood in the line to the bathroom, the creepy dude appeared out of nowhere. Was he following me? A shiver ran down my spine. His eyes locked with mine and he flashed me a smile. I quickly averted my gaze in case he got the wrong idea and thought I was interested in hooking up with him.
I rubbed my arms. He made my skin crawl.