by Brooke Page
Once they approached us, I realized just how short her dress was.
She snuck past Nathan, her eyes pinned to mine. A devilish smile crossed her lips as she slyly sat down on the bench next to me, scooting so her breasts were pushed against my arm. I couldn’t stop the mischievous grin from spreading across my lips. She brought her hand to my tie, playfully tugging it with her fingers. She batted her eyelashes then leaned into my ear.
“What brings a stuffy businessman to the club on a Friday night?”
I grinned wider. So she wanted to play. “This is my bachelor party.”
I felt her lips deathly close to my ear. “No strippers? Isn’t that what bachelor parties are all about?”
I turned my head so I could look at her. I was met with sparkling blue eyes and long, dark, and sexy as hell eyelashes. “Haven’t gotten to that part of the night yet.”
She smirked again then moved her eyes down to my lap then back to my lips. “What would your fiancé say?”
I licked my lips, enjoying this playful side of her. We had hardly talked the past few weeks, and it felt good to see her smiling. “Mmm, I’m not sure she would approve, but I think it’s customary for the bachelor to get a lap dance from a stripper on his supposed last night of freedom.”
Her pupils dilated then her eyes turned hungry as she thought. What was my baby doll plotting in her head?
“The point of a bachelor party is no women,” Nathan shouted. I turned my head from Becca, my eyes catching Heather damn near straddling Ray. She was wearing a dress almost as short as Becca’s, the only thing keeping her ass from hanging out was Ray’s hand holding the fabric down.
Heather turned to look at Nathan. “We’re the strippers, don’t you know?”
“Yeah, Mitch hired us,” Becca flirted, running her hand up my thigh, getting very close to the bulge that was growing in my pants. I spun my head in her direction again, giving her a sultry stare.
“You didn’t tell me you were a stripper?” I asked playfully.
She licked her lips and nodded. “Not sure if you can afford me though.”
“Probably better, I think my fiancé would get upset.”
“Oh Jesus,” Nathan shouted, throwing the rest of his drink back. “I’m going to the bar.”
Becca giggled. My smile widened. Her eyes caught mine again. “So, what strip club are we going to?”
I raised my brow at her. “We?”
She nodded her head while biting her lip.
“I don’t think my fiancé would like that either.”
“No? She sounds like a real stiff,” she said playfully, reaching for my tie again.
I laughed under my breath. “She’s actually amazing.”
Becca’s seductive look faded, and her eyes grew big. “Yeah?”
Swallowing the lump that was forming in my throat, I nodded my head yes to her. I’d been shutting her out ever since RJ left this world. That wasn’t cool of me at all. That look she just gave me put everything into perspective. I was hurting her, causing her to question where my heart was.
“My fiancé is the most loving, caring, and precious person in my life. I would never do anything to jeopardize her,” I murmured.
She bit her bottom lip again, but this time it was to try and stop it from trembling instead of looking devious.
“But, it might be hard to avoid someone as tempting as you the entire night. Especially if the waitress keeps refilling my glass,” I said, shaking my nearly empty cup.
Her eyes filled with lust. “I guess I’m going to have to stick around and find out.”
Her fingers traced the buttons on my shirt as the waitress brought more drinks. “Gin and tonic for my guest,” I said without taking my eyes off Becca’s.
“Top shelf,” she added.
I smirked at her. “You’re playing the part well.”
She shrugged her shoulder’s playfully. “Would your fiancé be upset if you danced with another woman?”
“I think she’d rather I sit and chat than grind against another woman.”
Becca pouted her lips.
“Pouting those lips sure makes me want to kiss them,” I murmured.
“I’ve been told my lips are like Pringles. Once you pop you won’t want to stop.”
“I think I’m willing to take that chance,” I said, my words filling with a sudden need to kiss her senseless. To get lost in her like I had so many times before.
She yanked on my tie, making our lips practically touch. “I’m still charging you.”
I grinned then grabbed her bottom lip with my teeth, nibbling and sucking, making her body go lax against mine. Her hand gripped my tie tighter, trying to pull me as close to her as possible while her other hand found my cheek, grazing the stubble as I tried to coax her to open her mouth and let my tongue go exploring.
Still kissing her, I set my glass down on the coffee table in front of me then reached for her thigh. My hand formed to her skin perfectly, hiking under her dress just enough so I could feel all skin.
She still wouldn’t let me sneak my tongue inside but kept giving slow and steady kisses to my lips. We took turns sucking each other’s bottom lip until the waitress came back with our drinks, clearing her throat loudly to get my attention.
Staring at Becca’s beautifully plump lips from my tender nibbles, I told the waitress we were fine, hoping she’d leave again.
“Let me kiss you,” I rasped, digging my fingers into her thighs.
Her smile was huge as she slowly shook her head no. “See, MY fiancé wouldn’t approve of tongue.”
“Oh, but letting another man suck on those delightful lips is okay?” I questioned.
She shrugged her shoulders again.
“We’ve popped, now I don’t want to stop,” I whispered near her ear. I heard her sweet giggle as she pulled my tie to bring her mouth back to mine.
“What the hell? What are you doing here? This is supposed to be a bachelor party!” Michael said, plopping down next to Tyler. “Can you not grope my sister in public,” Michael scolded while smacking Tyler on the back.
I turned so I could face Michael, giving him a sly grin. “Sorry, can’t help it. Besides, I’m being tame compared to your other brother-in-law.” I laughed as I nodded across the seats.
Michael’s eyes widened in horror as he saw Heather, who was now completely straddling Ray. If he was grossed out by mine and Becca’s public display of affection, then he most definitely would be appalled with his baby sister’s.
Michael stood up and smacked Ray in the head. “What the hell? Stop man handling my little sister!” Heather slowly slid to the side of Ray, laughing hysterically. Ray was laughing as well, but kept his hands on her.
“Michael, weren’t you just grinding against some random chick? Now you’re going to give me shit for cuddling my husband?”
Michael’s eyes narrowed. “I would call it humping, not cuddling. Your ass was practically hanging out!”
“No, no, no. I made sure to keep my hands on both cheeks so her dress wouldn’t ride up,” Ray assured Michael with a sly grin then leaned in to kiss Heather again.
Becca and I laughed along with Heather and Ray. Michael finally gave in and let off a smile as he sat down next to me.
“Who knew my sisters were so sexually driven,” Michael grumbled.
“Don’t you know? That’s what businessmen do to women. You picked the wrong field my friend,” Nathan said as he walked back to our group with waitresses following behind him. “I got some shots! Pass them around, ladies.” Nathan gestured to the waitresses.
“Um, there’s more than shots, Nathan,” Becca said as she took a glass from one of the waitresses.
“Ah, that’s because everyone needs to have each hand full. Where the hell did Jay go? I saw her earlier,” Nathan said with a puzzled look.
Becca looked more confused than worried. She stood from her seat next to me, her warmth leaving my side. I watched her walk towards the railing to look out
at the dancers. How did I miss those heels? I had an instant fantasy of them being around my neck. Like a lap dog on a short leash, I followed her, my eyes never leaving her behind. Good thing the lighting was dim, otherwise my family might have seen more than they needed to. I covered myself with my wrist, just in case.
Walking behind her, I put my hands on the railing on either side of her, molding my body with hers. The curve of her back fit perfectly with my front, even with those heels she was a good six inches shorter than me. I kissed her shoulder gently and began to search the crowd for Jamie.
“Did she say she was going to dance?” I murmured in her ear.
Becca tilted her head so I could hear her. “She said she was going to get a drink. Unless she found a guy.”
I skimmed the dancers the best I could with the flashing lights and loud music. Becca’s citrus scent filled my nostrils, and my mind kept wandering back to her. I wanted to smell her everywhere, taste her everywhere. I wanted to get back to the hot and heavy that we once had. Before RJ was murdered.
For the first time when RJ’s death came into mind I didn’t feel like my heart was going to explode out of my chest. With Becca safely tucked to my chest and her head leaning back on my shoulder, I felt comfortable and relaxed. I was confident whatever was causing me stress with RJ and my grandfather was finally gone. Moving my hands from the railing to around her waist, I kissed her shoulder as tenderly as I could then nuzzled her neck.
“Is that…?” I heard her gasp then move her hand to cover her mouth. “Anderson’s here,” she whispered.
My head popped up from her neck, trying to find her line of sight. Quickly her head dipped down then turned to my cheek. “I think he’s watching us, Tyler.”
Finally finding him, his eyes were trained on Becca and me. He was sitting on the opposite side of the club with a few other men. His eyes were intense, and I felt him coaxing me to go talk to him. I stood tall from Becca, rubbing my hands on her sides.
“I’ll be right back,” I murmured in her ear.
“Tyler don’t,” she pleaded, spinning around to face me.
I put my arms around her again. “Baby doll, it’ll be fine. I’m going to go talk to him.”
Her eyes were unsure, but Detective Anderson followed us to Chicago for a reason, and I needed to find out why. I let Becca go then nodded to Nathan, silently telling him to follow me.
“What’s up,” Nathan asked once we were away from the group.
“That pain in the ass Detective Anderson is here.”
Nathan sighed. “How are we going to approach this?”
I glanced at Nathan as I thought. “Start with small talk like he does.” Nathan nodded and followed behind me.
“Detective Anderson, odd finding you in Chicago, at a night club,” Nathan said as we approached Anderson’s section.
Nathan had his arm out in greeting as I stood silently beside him.
“Hello, gentlemen. Would you like to join me?” he offered, giving his usual half smile.
“For a bit. As I’m sure you noticed, we’re with our family and friends,” I said in a low tone. It was hard for me to play nice with this asshole.
“Sit down,” Anderson said evenly. Both Nathan and I took a seat and couldn’t help but notice the few goons that were watching us like hawks. Why was I feeling like he wasn’t a normal detective?
“Here for wedding preparations?” Anderson asked.
I nodded my head. “We are. What exactly are you doing here, in Chicago, miles away from your jurisdiction, watching us?” I asked curiously. I wanted him to know I meant business and that it was time for him to cut the bullshit small talk.
“Tyler, don’t be so accusing. I’m not a bad guy. I’m just doing my job.” A small smile played across his lips. “RJ used to come to this club and meet with undisclosed clients. I find it odd all three of his boys show up to the very same club.”
“We’re not doing dirty business, if that’s what you’re insinuating,” Nathan said.
“Hmm, that’s interesting. Because I want to know why the dirtiest businessman out there keeps coming around your office.”
Nathan and I remained silent, meeting Anderson’s stare.
“What the hell are you doing with Chino?” he asked meaning no non-sense. “That man will run you right to a prison cell.”
“Chino is a client and nothing more. I assure you, our business with him is purely professional,” Nathan said almost as a laugh. “Keeping our grandfather’s name clean means a great deal to us.”
Anderson took a long drink. “Your grandfather? Or do you mean RJ? From what I know, they were very different men.”
I clenched my jaw, still baffled I was the only one who didn’t know my grandfather was a drug dealer.
Nathan’s voice was strong. “Both our father and grandfather cared about this company.”
“Right, just in different ways? Ethical and unethical?”
“You didn’t know either of them,” I said in a low, threatening tone.
Anderson laughed then leaned forward so his elbows were on his knees. “I don’t think you knew them very well either.”
I swore I saw red. It took every ounce of self control to keep from tackling that mother fucker. Nathan took a protective step forward, probably because he thought I wouldn’t be able to control my anger for much longer and would need to stop me from pummeling an officer.
“My brother and I have company we need to attend to. It was a pleasure, Detective,” Nathan said as a dismissal.
Anderson’s eyes wandered towards where we were sitting, and a suspicious smile crept across his lips. “Odd your company includes the very man both RJ and your grandfather periodically met at this very night club.”
Nathan and I shared questioning glances.
Anderson nodded his head to our section. “Seems Mr. Chino has joined your party.”
Both our heads flashed to our section.
Chino was amongst my family, sitting too fucking close to my fiancé. Fury filled my lungs as I darted past Anderson’s goons and bolted to Becca.
I told that asshole to stay away from her, and there he sat, smirking playfully at Becca as though they were old friends. He even had his arm around the back of the booth, and I could have swore I saw him touch her shoulder. That was my shoulder. Only I could touch it.
Stalking past Michael flirting with the waitress and Heather and Ray molesting each other, I grabbed Chino’s suitcoat collar and yanked him from MY seat next to MY fiancé.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I growled.
Chino raised his hands offering peace. “Tyler, I was just saying hello.”
I noticed his thugs take a step towards him, but he put his hands up, ordering them to stay put.
“I thought I told you to stay away from Becca,” I snarled in his face. I was close enough to smell the alcohol on his breath.
Chino’s eyes had a cheeky gleam to them that only made me want to bury him to the ground. “I think it’s up to her who she can and can’t talk to.”
“Tyler stop!” Becca begged, jumping from her seat.
I gripped his collar tighter, my knuckles turning white. “Don’t fuck with me. One of these days I’m going to snap, and you’re going to regret infiltrating this company.”
“I already own this company,” Chino whispered. “Try and stop me. See what happens.” His head cocked to the side towards Becca.
The second his grubby eyes found Becca, swooping down her body like he were picturing her naked, I whipped his head by the collar directly into my other fist.
Nathan and Ray were by my side in a heartbeat, freeing my grasp on Chino’s now bloody shirt. I got his lip good, possibly knocked a tooth loose.
Chino held his hands to his thugs again as he wiped his mouth with his sleeve. “Don’t you know it’s rude to hit your elders?” he said in a menacingly low tone.
“I’ve got a lot more coming your way if you don’t stop with your bullshit,”
I growled, flexing against Ray’s and Nathan’s grasps.
Chino’s snaky smile spread across his face, fat lip and all. Slowly walking towards me, I saw his pupils dilate. Even though he had his cocky smile, his eyes held the devil. Luckily I was floored and ready to pound his ass, otherwise I might be intimidated.
“You think I’ve got a lot more coming my way?” he whispered in a dangerously low tone. One more step, and he was so close I could smell the blood trickily from his lip. “You think tear gas is bad? You think drugs hidden in your house is bad? Even. A. Bullet. To. The. Head… is easy compared to what I’m capable of doing to your good for nothing punk ass.” His voice went from a smug businessman to a crook off the street in the blink of an eye. His tone matched his stare—low, promising, and daunting.
The palms of my hands must have been bleeding from my nails digging into them. My ire was about to fly out the window, taking down Ray and Nathan so I could teach Chino a lesson. He just admitted to purposely hurting Becca, endangering my house with drug dealers, and killing my father.
Nathan felt my rage surfacing. “Anderson is watching you, along with everyone else in this bar,” Nathan said calmly. “Let it go… for now.”
As Chino took a step back, smug smile intact, Nathan spoke directly to him. “Conklin won’t be backing your business nor start any new projects. Once your current projects are built, we are through. If you want to completely stop, I will order our attorney to summon the paperwork.”
Chino eyes grew darker as Nathan stared him down. Nathan may not be all muscle, but he sure packed a punch with his words.
“Nathan… and I thought you had potential,” Chino said tutting disappointedly. “I think you boys should sleep on that statement because I’m not going anywhere,” he promised.
I jolted again, but Ray and Nathan held me back. “Anderson is watching,” Nathan repeated, but more firmly.
I clenched my jaw as my eyes swept around my surroundings. Anderson was standing on his side of the club, eyes glued in our direction. The waitress had gotten a bouncer, who was standing only a few feet behind Chino and was grasping his knuckles. My soon-to-be family was off to the side looking unsure.