“Look, we all know that boy has some sexy blonde hair going on. And he could be hung like a cow. You won’t tell me, which is really messed up since we used to tell each other everything. So I’m just using my imagination.”
“Hung like a cow? Don’t you mean like a horse?”
“Cow, horse. It’s all the same.”
“You make a shitty cowgirl.”
“I like the music and the look. No animals or any of that crap. Leave that to someone else.”
“As much as I’m enjoying this conversation, we really need to get back to business.” I can tell Reina’s trying to hide a smile as she gives us one of her stern schoolmarm looks.
“Sorry, Rei. Did you get anything from his phone?” I ask Ainsley. I’d cloned it for her on my first day of work.
“No. The blackmailer hasn’t texted him, and he doesn’t really get any calls. He seems to use it to keep in touch with his mom, the other band members, and Marvin. He checks social media and has snapped some pics of you, but that’s it.”
“Pics of me?”
“Yep. They’re actually really sweet. You look beautiful, of course, but he picks times when you’re looking a little less predatory.”
“I don’t know if you just gave me a compliment, or insulted me.”
“I wouldn’t insult you.”
“No, you wouldn’t.”
These nine girls I work with are my extended family. We would do anything for each other. And we support each other unconditionally. What we do would be so much harder if we didn’t.
“Keep looking. Especially at this Marvin guy. If he makes Stella feel weird, we need to keep an eye on him,” Reina tells them.
“Is the boybander giving you trouble, Stell?” Matt asks as he walks in the room. “I could beat his ass. He deserves it after what he did at Gavin’s party.”
“No, he’s not giving me trouble.”
“And she liked what he did at the party.”
“Teeg!”
“What? You did. Secrets can get us killed. You know that.”
I do. I know that I need to tell them everything. It’s more than a little embarrassing to admit that I’m lusting after a twenty-one year old. Who’s in a boy band. What has my world come to?
“You’re hitting that?” Matt asks me with a laugh.
“No.”
“No? But you always take whatever guy you want.”
“So I can have anyone?”
“Hell, yeah.”
“Let’s go back to my place, then.”
I hear Reina gasp, but I’m doing this for her benefit. I know he won’t take me up on my offer. He may act like he doesn’t love her, but we all know he does. He’ll protect all of us girls to the death, but he’d never sleep with us. It would be going too far, even for him.
“Umm…yeah, no. Sorry, but I can’t.”
He looks at Reina to get her reaction. She’s not giving him what he wants, though. I think she might actually be done with trying to convince him they’d be perfect together.
“Why are you looking at me, Matt? I’ve never been a consideration in whether you’re keeping it in your pants or not.”
Yes she has. Tegan and I know that. We’ve seen him out. When Reina and Matt have a rough day, or she makes him feel too much, he takes someone home. Since Reina started dating Rick, Matt’s ignored every woman. Every night that we’ve seen him out, we see him flirt, but that’s it. He’s taken no one home in almost two months. We’re pretty sure he knows that he might actually lose her this time, and it’s killing him.
I won’t spill his secret, and neither will Teeg. The two of them are too important to all of us. And that information might just send us into our own version of World War III. The casualties would be too great, and I’m not sure we’d recover. They have to find their way to each other on their own.
“Just go fuck your little doctor, Princess.”
“He’s not little, Matt.”
“Can he do you like I can? Make you come so hard you black out?”
“Bastard.”
“I didn’t think so.”
Matt turns and walks out, dropping his cocky smile when he thinks no one can see him. I turn back to Reina, and watch her crumple into a chair. Damn the two of them. Maybe they do need help to make this thing between them really happen. I’m just not sure what we can do.
“Ladies, I need to go see Jane. Maggie’s having a party for me on Saturday at her house. I hope you all can make it.”
“Of course, Mal. I’m sorry you had to witness what just happened.”
“So am I, Reina. Just remember that we can all see how much he loves you, even if he insists on denying it to himself.”
“I can’t remember that. If I do, I’ll never be able to move on. And I can’t wait forever for him. I would if I thought I had a chance, but we all know I don’t.”
“That’s not true, Reina. There’s always a chance. Don’t give up on him.”
Instead of answering, Reina just drops her head into her hands again. Ainsley tells us that she’s got her, so Tegan and I leave them alone. They’re super close, and we know Ainsley will take care of her.
“That was intense.”
“Yeah, it was.”
“We need to go out and have some fun. You need to have some fun. You haven’t been out with me in over a week. If you’re not going to have Kace, you need to find someone else to go home with.”
“I’ll go out with you, but I’m not sleeping with someone else.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah. I didn’t get a chance to tell you, but we kissed today. It was so good.”
“In the loft? I thought it was bugged?”
“Yes. It is bugged, but I jammed the signal with my phone. I needed him.”
“He’s got a magic tongue, huh?”
“No tongue.”
“Then how was it amazing?”
“He pretty much paid tribute to my mouth. It was hot. Beyond hot.”
She looks down. “It’s the cowboy boots. I told you guys can’t resist them.”
“You’re delusional. Let’s go change so we can get you laid.”
“You’re going to be the best wing woman ever.”
“Hell yeah, I am.”
* * *
Kace
I’m in the Voodoo Lounge at the Rio holding court with a group of women. Just like instructed. While I’m not really enjoying myself, it’s not exactly torture. Until the only woman I want walks in, taking my breath away. Like she always does.
Stella’s got on a tight black dress that goes past her knees. There’s a little cutout in the top of the dress, with thin straps going over her collarbone. How does she always manage to be the sexiest woman in the room, even when she’s got twice as many clothes on? Oh yeah, because she’s her. Sexy should be her middle name. Or her nickname. I’ll try that next.
For now, I have to sit by and watch the men in here immediately gravitate to her and her friend. I didn’t notice that there was someone with her when she walked in, but now I see the beautiful redhead next to her. She’s got on a low cut, very short dress. And cowboy boots. The guy leaning into her wants her to ride him hard. With the boots on. I can see it in his eyes, even from across the room.
Stella deflects the guys who hit on her, but she does let them buy her drinks. I want to punch them all. Every last one of those fuckers who think they’re going home with her. And God help me if she actually does leave with one.
“Kace, you’re ignoring us,” the blonde next me says in a loud, whiny voice.
Loud enough for the whole bar to hear. I see Stella’s head whip around to look at me. And the girls I’m surrounded by. Her eyes narrow, and she throws back her drink before standing, and walking towards me. I’m glued to my seat as she approaches.
“Hi Kace.”
“Hi Stella.”
“I’d like to dance.”
“So go dance. He doesn’t need some desperate ho hitting on him,” the bl
onde bitch says.
“What exactly do you think screams ‘desperate’ or ‘ho’ about me?” Stella asks, spreading her arms wide.
“I’ve seen you and your friend around. Always surrounded by guys. And always going home with at least one.”
At least one? Seriously? That is never happening again. Never. I won’t share her.
“Jealous, huh?”
“Listen, bitch, don’t make me hurt you in front of all these people.”
“I’d love to see you try. Now Kace, how about that dance?”
“I can’t.”
I see shock, then hurt, cross her face. Dammit. This is too much. The bastard who’s blackmailing me is asking for too much. But I made my decision, and I need to stick to it.
“You heard him. Run along now.”
I turn to tell the blonde to mind her own business, but before I can, Wayne is in front of me. He smiles at me before turning to Stella. “I’d love to dance with you, Stella.”
“Sure, Wayne.”
My blood is boiling as I watch them walk to the dance floor. He puts his arms around her as a slow song starts. My fingernails are digging into my palms as I watch them sway to the sexy music. I push the girls off me, and head for the door. I may not be able to have Stella, but I’ll be damned if I’m gonna sit by and watch her in someone else’s arms.
I’ve just gotten into my limo when my phone rings with an unknown number. What now? I mean, seriously, what more does this crazy person want from me. I’m both relieved and disappointed when I realize it’s not my blackmailer. It’s some lady named Mallory Daniels.
“I’m sorry to be calling on such short notice, Kace, but I wanted to invite you to a private party tomorrow.”
“All bookings need to go through my manager.”
“I don’t want to book you. I just thought you’d enjoy an afternoon out of the spotlight. With Stella.”
“Stella?”
“Yes. She’s like a daughter to me, and I’ve heard that she’s quite fond of you.”
“Not after tonight, she isn’t,” I mumble.
“There’s always tomorrow, young man.”
“Not for us. Thanks for the offer, but I can’t be seen with her.”
“You won’t be. The party is at Maggie Griffin’s house. It’s one of the most secure places in town. No one will know you’re with Stella.”
“You’re really sure about this?”
“I am.”
“Give me the info, and I’ll be there.”
It’s like I’ve been granted the wish I want more than anything. Well, not anything. Number one would be not getting blackmailed. That would allow me to fulfill the Stella wish anyway, so either way she’s part of my biggest wish. I just hope she’ll forgive me for tonight. I’m not sure how many times I can say “I’m sorry” and have her accept those words, but I think I may run out of chances soon.
If only I could tell her what’s going on. How I have to act this way. Then she’d understand. And maybe help me. That’s just a pipe dream, though. I can’t take the risk I’d be facing by letting her know just how fucked up my life really is right now.
Chapter 3
Stella
Last night was a disaster. I let too many guys buy me drinks as I watched Kace get pawed by his groupies. Then, I let the alcohol convince me that it would be a good idea to walk over and ask him to dance with me. Only to get shut down. I’m done with him, like really done. Well, as much as I can be.
I still have to do my job and try to figure out who’s blackmailing him. But no more flirting or kissing. I underestimated the kid—he’s got more play than I thought—and I won’t be humiliated by him again. Not when there’s plenty of other guys out there who want me. Like Wayne. Which is another problem.
He wouldn’t leave me alone after our dance. Even after I told him it was just a dance to me. Tegan intervened and went home with him, but still. I have to see him at work. Which I guess I could use to my advantage; although, toying with guys isn’t really my style. Teasing and playing is fun. But I wouldn’t ever lead a guy on when I know nothing’s going to happen.
At least today will be fun. Maggie always throws a great party, and since this one’s just for her family and all of us from the Society, we can just be ourselves and have a good time. My mom’s coming, too, and I’m looking forward to spending some time with her. We see each other every day, but things are so hectic with the band that we barely get to talk.
I’ve only been here an hour, and I’m already having a great time. I’ve been playing with the Griffin toddlers while I chat with Yasmin Griffin. She owns a local bookstore and her style is very 50s and cool. I helped her husband, Scott, surprise her by having a Project Runway designer make her some dresses when we were all in L.A. last month. She gave us an impromptu fashion show, and Scott’s thanked me at least ten times already. I told him it was my pleasure because honestly, it is. Although I dress everyone for their missions, and sometimes for the parties and balls we attend, I don’t get to use my fashion degree or connections as much as I want. Especially not on someone who loves cool vintage clothes like Yasmin.
“Who the fuck invited him?” Matt asks, interrupting me from my thoughts.
I turn to see Kace walk into the great room, his hands in his pockets and a sheepish expression on his face. When our eyes meet, he gives me a half-smile searching my eyes for a reaction. I’m shocked, but I try to keep myself looking indifferent.
“It wasn’t me,” I say.
“I invited Kace,” Mallory says. I look over at her. She must have lost her mind. “I know what you’re thinking, but I wanted to get to know him a little better.”
“After Gavin’s party, I know more than enough about this asshole,” Zack says as Kace walks closer to us.
“I already apologized to Stella, but I need to apologize to you as well, Gavin. I wasn’t myself that night. I really didn’t want to cause a scene at your party.”
Gavin’s not having it. “Yet, you did. No one forced you to maul Stella.”
“No one held a gun to my head, no.”
But someone did force him to make a scene. Not necessarily with me—I was just collateral damage. As angry as I am at him, I still care. And Mallory would’ve only invited him here if she had a reason. So I have to intervene.
“I’ve accepted his apology and moved on. He knows he was wrong.”
“I do. I know you don’t need the money, but I’d like to donate. And I’ll do anything else I can to help.”
“The kids would probably love it if you came to graduation. Our first class will finish their basics in two months.”
“Sure, I’ll be there.”
“It’s great that you apologized for the party, but what about last night?” Tegan asks him, glaring as he looks over at her.
“Teeg.”
“No, Stell. He can’t just pull that shit with you and then walk in here like some sad little puppy with his tail between his legs. That was fucked up.”
“What happened last night?” Matt asks, standing and walking towards Kace.
Shit. I step in front of him. “Nothing that I can’t handle myself.”
“Not a good enough answer. What kind of guy needs a girl to defend him, anyway?”
“You did not just say that,” Reina is shaking with anger, just as Matt realizes his mistake.
“I didn’t mean it like that. You know I didn’t, Rei.”
“Whatever.”
He starts to go to her, but Rick stands up and gets in his face. “I don’t know why she’s upset, other than that she’s a strong woman. But you don’t need to come any closer. I can take care of my woman. I’m not scared of you.”
“You should be.”
“Why? She chose me. No matter how many times you look at her like you want to take her to bed, she goes home with me.”
Matt clenches his jaw and storms out of the room. Reina starts to follow, when Rick grabs her arm. “Where are you going, Reina?”
&n
bsp; “I’m going to talk to my friend, who I don’t need you to say shit like that to ever again.”
“Your friend? He wants to be more than your friend. What I said to him is long overdue. He needs to know you’re not his.”
“Well, I’m sure as hell not yours. Don’t ever call me that again.”
“If you walk out that door, I’m never calling you again at all. I mean it.”
“Please don’t.”
“So, that’s how it is? Really?”
Reina doesn’t answer him, as we all hear Matt’s motorcycle revving outside. She just runs out the door. I hope she catches him. For both their sakes. We all glare at Rick before he gets the hint and leaves a few minutes later.
“She caught him. They left on his bike,” Scott tells us looking up from his phone. I’m sure he has an app or something with the security cameras here on it.
“That was…umm, yeah. Should I go, too?” Kace asks.
“Yes,” Tegan tells him.
“No. You can stay. I don’t know why you’re here, but you were invited. So, enjoy yourself.”
I go back to the kids, while everyone starts talking and acting like we didn’t just see Matt and Reina practically declare themselves. Again. I’ve only just sat down when Kace drops to the floor beside me.
“You look really pretty, Stella.”
“Thanks.”
I’ve got on a sleeveless dress that’s pink down the middle, with black, brown and white on the sides. It’s got a little flared skirt, so I’m sitting carefully. My hair is in a ponytail and I have black flats on. It’s fun, and almost sweet. Not my normal work look.
“I was hoping I could take you up on that dance you wanted.”
“It was a one-time offer, I’m afraid. I’m not asking again.”
“Oh.”
“You could ask me, though. If you want.”
“Will you say yes?”
“You won’t know until you ask.”
“Will you dance with me, Stella?”
“No.”
“I should go.” He says that, but he doesn’t get up.
“Did you really think I’d make it easy for you after you embarrassed me last night?”
“Maybe. I’m pretty loveable,” he says with that damn smile of his.
“What you are is cocky. Although, I thought you’d realize by now that I won’t be falling at your feet.”
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