Strip Search (Too Hot Too Handle, #3)

by Valentine, Aubree

  “Too bad. My office. Now,” Cole barks and walks away from me.

  Annoyed by his demanding ways, I reluctantly follow him, slamming his door shut behind me for added emphasis that I’m not happy with him.

  Cole raises his brow and crosses his arms over his chest, I’m officially calling it his trademark move. “Is there a problem, Molly?”

  “Yes. A big one. About six-foot-five, standing right in front of me.”

  He has the balls to snicker. “Like I didn’t see that one coming. Besides me, anyone else piss you off this morning?”

  “Nope. Just you. You’ve got this really innate way of doing that, you know?”

  “Mission accomplished.” He blows me a dramatic kiss and drops his hands, circles his desk, and takes a seat in his chair. “Sit down, we’ve got some shit to talk about.”

  Inwardly I curse the way my heart squeezes at his playfulness with me. I hate that I miss this. That I hate the distance I’ve put between us.

  “Cole,” I warn, annoyed with this entire dance.

  “Relax, as much as I would like to give you another lecture about the situation with The Landing Strip, that’s not what I want to talk about.”

  “Okay,” I relent and take a seat. “What do you want to talk about?”

  “Your car.”

  “Not happy about that either, for the record,” I inform him.

  “Jesus Christ, if you were mine I would spank your ass for that mouth.”

  Oh, fuck no. Forget what I said about missing him.

  “Let’s get one thing straight – you had your chance. It was a mistake, remember? But since you brought it up, if I was ever yours, you would never. I’m not a child who needs to be disciplined, spanking my ass is unacceptable. Got it?”

  Forget the fact that the thought of his hands even touching my flesh has my pulse racing while I fight the urge to clench my thighs together and relieve the ache between my legs.

  “Ignoring everything you just said.” He winks at me.

  Picking up one of the paperclips on his desk I fling it at him, hitting him right between his eyebrows. The shocked look on his face has me fighting back a giggle.

  “Cute. Can you focus for five minutes? Please?”

  “Talk quicker. Time’s wasting,” I snap back.

  “Your car was tampered with.” Finally, the man cuts to the chase. Too bad it’s to deliver a blow I didn’t see coming.

  “Fucking lovely. What does this mean exactly?”

  “That’s what I’m working to figure out. My guys were not able to lift prints off anything, so we have no leads there. Security footage from here tells us that it happened while we were all focused on Dallas, which tells us it’s probably related somehow. Unfortunately, they were one step ahead, making sure they stayed covered. Is there anyone who would have it out for you? Enemies at the club? A pissed off ex-boyfriend?”

  I think for a minute, experience tells me, anyone can be a suspect at this point. One person sticks out more than others.

  “Lola, the Head Mistress. What I know so far is that she and Dallas do not get along. And she seems to dislike me a lot. I’ve brushed it off until now. Figured she was nothing more than a washed-up ex-stripper who was jealous of a little fresh blood in the place. A few of the other ladies have told me to ignore her, she’s like that with everyone.”

  Cole nods and quickly types some info into his computer. “Anyone else?”

  “Cole, who do you think did this?” Something in his voice tells me he’s not telling me everything.

  Blowing out a sigh, he runs his fingers through his hair. “I don’t know.” I give him a glare of his own, and he laughs. “Mol, I really don’t know. No more secrets, okay? I want you eyes wide open on all of this. If I knew, I would tell you.”

  His confession hits me hard. I’m probably reading to much into this, but I feel like we’re taking a step in the right direction and that maybe, just maybe, he’s starting to see my worth as part of this team.

  “Well. Until you figure it out, can I get back to work? The McCallister’s want us out in the next few days to install their security system, I was looking at the schedule to figure that out when you so rudely interrupted me.”

  He gives me a gentle smile and nod before I practically run out of his office to get back to work.

  Four hours later, I’m getting ready to head out for my lunch break when Cole summons me into his office again.

  “What do you want now?” I grumble. I really was looking forward to getting out of here for some fresh air.

  “You ditched me the other day. Have lunch with me now?”

  “Cole Davenport, if I didn’t know better, I would think you’re asking me out on a date.” It’s meant to be a joke, one that I regret the minute the words leave my mouth because of the look on his face. “Hey, I was kidding,” I immediately defend.

  “What if I was.” He pauses. “Asking you out on a date?”

  Oh fuck. I did not see that coming.

  “Making me nervous here, Gorgeous.”

  “Cole.”

  “Molly.”

  “One date. You buy me lunch; a drink and I get the afternoon off.”

  Cole bursts into laughter and stands up from his desk. “Glad to see your negotiation skills have improved over the years. Let’s go.” He puts his hand on the small of my back and leads me out of his office. While I try to ignore the butterflies in my stomach.

  ~*~

  Tonight, at The Landing Strip feels different. For one, I am on high alert and Cole is too. Before I left Cole Security, he pulled me back into his office and told me he updated Dallas on what was going on. Then he filled me in on our new game plan. Apparently, Cole’s now going to take an interest in me at the club.

  That was the topic at lunch and now I’m even more fucking confused than ever.

  If this isn’t a terrible fucking idea, I don’t know what is. The last thing I need is Cole distracting me with fake attention. So far tonight, he’s hit on me and every time I approach the bar he touches me.

  I’ve spent the first half of my evening telling myself that it’s no different than any of the other creepers in her, except I know it is. Because it’s Cole. Because every touch feels like something more. Something I crave.

  Right now, I’m so thankful for the fifteen-minute break Dallas just put me on.

  I’m heading back to the employee locker room when I hear a sniffle in the hallway. Turning my attention to the noise, I find another new girl. One who just started tonight. She’s hunched over and crying, silent sobs shaking her body, when I approach.

  “Hey,” I whisper, careful not to startle her.

  She looks up at me with red-rimmed eyes. “Oh...I’m sorry. I didn’t know anyone was back here.”

  Taking a good look at her, I realize she looks much younger than the rest of us. Alarm bells immediately ring out in my head.

  “Are you okay?” I keep my voice low and calm.

  She stands and shakes her head. “I’m fine.”

  “Roxy!” Lola shouts, heading our way with her hands on her hips. “I told you to get your ass out there and start waiting tables. I don’t have time for your dramatics.”

  “Yes, Mistress.” Roxy stands straighter and starts to move but Lola doesn’t give her a chance.

  In one swift movement, Lola rears back to swing at Roxy. Thankfully I’m quicker than her and I grab her arm before she makes contact.

  “Whoa, Lola! Calm down. Roxy here was heading back out when I bumped into her and she fell, hence the tears. How about you take a chill pill?” I do my best to let her know I’m not backing down and she’s not going to get away with this with the tone of my voice.

  Lola snatches her hand away from me and lands a blow to my cheek with her other hand. “Fine, you can take her punishment, you little bitch.”

  She. Did. Not.

  I’m ready to kick her ass, but she quickly scurries away and my training kicks in. I have to hold it together and pla
y the role for a few more minutes and let her disappear.

  “Thank you,” Roxy’s timid voice murmurs as soon as Lola is out of earshot.

  I extend my hand with a smile. “Harmony.”

  “R...Roxy.” She gives me a weak shake.

  “I have a feeling you and I are going to be best friends.” I wink and pull her in for a very gentle hug, hoping she’ll understand that she is not alone.

  “I better get out there before she comes back.”

  “Yeah, I’m working the floor tonight. I’ll see you out there soon, okay? If you need anything, find me,” I tell her.

  “Thanks.”

  Forgoing the locker room, I turn and head straight to Dallas’ office, careful not to be spotted by any of the goons around here.

  The hallway to his office is secured and guarded by Erik tonight. All I have to do is bat my lashes, and he lets me pass. It helps that Eric and I are on the same team here.

  Dallas is waiting for me in the doorway to his office and ushers me inside quickly.

  “What’s up?” he asks as soon as the door is shut.

  I give him a look that he interprets very well.

  “It’s safe,” he answers.

  “How much do you know about Roxy?”

  Dallas shrugs, “Not much. Lola hired her. Wanted her up on stage tonight. I said no. But she’s on the roster. Ahead of you at that.”

  “Have you actually seen her?”

  “No, not yet. I was going to make an appearance in a little bit and check on things.” Dallas looks at me again then shakes his head. “Wait. What the hell happened to your cheek?”

  I hold up a hand and stop him. “We’ll get to that. But, something’s off with Roxy. For starters, I think she’s underage.”

  He freezes. “What?”

  “She looks like she’s twelve. And, I’m pretty sure Lola’s been taking swings at her. That would be where the red mark on my face came from.”

  “Shit.” Dallas slams a fist on his desk. “You’re sure?”

  I nod. “Call it a very good hunch.”

  “Goddamnit. I can’t let her up on that stage.”

  “No. No, you can’t.”

  “You’re going to have to take her place. Son of a fucking bitch.”

  “Dallas, if she’s a minor, you’ve got an even bigger problem here.”

  “Yeah, I know. I know.” He runs his hands over his face. “Can you befriend her? Give me a day or two to work this out but can you keep her close?” Flipping through papers on his desk, he looks up at me. “Can you work the next two nights? Please. Roxy’s on the schedule too.”

  “Whatever you need,” I tell him.

  “Did you tell Cole?”

  “No. I came straight to you.”

  “I’ll handle it. Hurry back out there before tongues start wagging more than they already have. Cover up that mark on your face first though,” Dallas adds as I open the office door.

  I hope like hell Dallas figures out a solution, and quick. If Roxy really is underage and word gets out, the club can get shut down. We’re too close for that to happen yet. I can feel it. As much as I hate to admit it, that means, I have to trust whatever he does with Roxy.

  Chapter Twelve

  Cole

  This entire situation keeps getting worse.

  Torturing myself by pretending I’m interested in ‘Harmony’ is the easy part. Too easy. And that is the problem. Every touch. Every flirty interaction has me craving her more.

  I was so fucking stupid to settle on this plan and think that I would be able to ignore reality.

  Especially after today. I know she walked away thinking I wasn’t serious about the fact that I was asking her out on a date. But we also needed to talk about the change in plans as far as this case goes. Clearly, I’m shit at relationships, because I probably should have discussed work, at work. And left lunch for us to enjoy each other’s company.

  Tonight, we agreed to leave the club together, in an effort to keep up this ruse. We made sure that every key player, including Lola, saw us leave and we’ve got to go the extra mile to seal the deal because someone’s checking up on us, too.

  Thanks to a tip from Cody when I left the club, it appears that someone’s following us, so I’m leading her away from her apartment and back to my place instead. There I know we’ll be safe.

  The entire car ride, we’ve played the part, unsure of how much our follower can see. Gentle touches. Flirty laughs. God, I even leaned over and kissed her at a red light.

  Twenty-five minutes of pure torture.

  As soon as my truck is tucked securely in the garage, Cody texts to let me know that our follower has driven off and that the house is secure. I let out a sigh of relief and look over at Molly in the passenger seat. She went silent on me about five minutes ago, but I was so focused on getting us here safely that I didn’t notice she’s fallen asleep on me.

  I shouldn’t sit here and watch her sleep. I shouldn’t be admiring the beauty that is simply Molly. Even under the skimpy clothes and caked on makeup that she’s currently hiding behind to play a role. She’s breathtaking.

  Regardless of how hard I want to deny it...this woman owns a piece of my heart.

  It wasn’t always this way though. I tried. So, fucking hard, to keep her at arm’s length. It was easy to do at first. Especially when I thought Cody might have the tiniest bit of interest in her. Spoiler alert...turns out Cody had no interest in Molly and had zero trouble putting her in the friend zone.

  I should have taken a lesson from Cody and done the same. Shutting off any and all feelings. Something that, back in my Marine days, was much easier to do.

  Somewhere along the line though, things changed. I realized what was right in front of me all along.

  Something I’m not sure I’m worthy of.

  It’s too late now. This woman is as good as mine.

  “Mol.” I reach across and gently rub her shoulder.

  She lets out a tiny moan and of course, my dick takes notice. Trying again, I give her a gentle shake but she’s out cold. Jumping down from the truck, I head over to her side and open the door. I debate trying to wake her once more but when I reach in to unbuckle her, she leans in closer and it feels too good. Too right.

  Cody’s standing at the kitchen counter when I walk in the door. Seeing Molly in my arms, he laughs and shakes his head. “Wondered what was taking you so long to get your ass in here.” He smirks.

  I ignore him and instinctively carry her to my bedroom. I could have easily put her in the guest room for the night. Should have, and yet, here I am, tucking her into my bed. Something I’ve never even considered doing with anyone else before.

  I refuse to overthink that fact or linger to watch her. Instead, I turn out the light and walk out, gently shutting the door behind me.

  Of course, Cody calls me on my choice as soon as I come back downstairs.

  “Fuck off,” I tell him as I grab a beer from the fridge and pop the top off. “It’s been a long day.”

  “There’s some weird shit going on too, man,” Cody says as he takes a seat at the countertop across from me.

  “In case you haven’t noticed, this whole thing has been a series of weirdness. But, I’m guessing you mean something in particular.”

  “It was one of Dallas’ people following you. Problem is, I’m not sure if the dude is legit or not and Dallas isn’t answering right now.”

  I close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose. “He was there until close tonight. We never discussed a tail. So, he’s not telling me everything, or something’s up.”

  “My money is on the last one,” Cody responds.

  Blowing out a breath, I open my eyes and take a hard look at the kid. Shit, he’s not much of a kid anymore. The poor bastard looks more and more like me every day. We’d probably look a whole lot more identical if not for his darker hair, the only thing he seems to have inherited from our mother.

  He’s been with me since I opened the doors
on Cole Security, my right-hand guy. He’s worked his ass off and caught on to every damn thing I taught him. Hard to believe we’ve been doing this for ten years. Cody stepping up to fill in and running the show a few times when Marine duty called, and I deployed. All the more reason why I trust his gut on this one.

  Something is way off.

  “Cole. I think they’re running more than drugs here,” he finally confesses after a few long moments of silence.

  “You got proof to back it up?”

  “I’m close. These containers they’re shipping, it’s not adding up to just drugs. Too many, too often. And if it was only drugs, shipments of this magnitude? They would have slipped up by now. They’re escalating.”

  “You’re right about that much. You shared this information with Dallas yet?”

  Cody shakes his head, no. “I wanted to be sure first.”

  “You still don’t trust Dallas.” It’s a statement, not a question. I know Cody still doubts Dallas is completely clean in all of this.

  “Tonight is the perfect example of why.”

  “I trust you. Keep me posted. Tomorrow, we’ll take a close look together. I’m going to turn in for the night.”

  Cody gives me a knowing smirk. “Good luck.”

  “Cody. Don’t make me beat your ass,” I laugh as walk out of the kitchen.

  When I slip into my room, I’m surprised to find the lights on and water running in the ensuite bathroom. I’m about to back out of the door and give her some privacy when she steps out of the bathroom in nothing but a towel. Under normal circumstances, I’d be hard-pressed to focus on anything else but the giant bruise on her cheek catches my attention.

  “What the fuck?” I growl, moving toward her.

  “Cole,” she gasps. “I was, I need...Can I get dressed first, please? Can I borrow a tee-shirt or something?”

  The plea in her voice makes me stop. I’ve got a million fucking questions right now but she’s right. She needs clothes on first. I already feel like I’m short-circuiting here. Angry about the mark on her face, rock hard because she’s wearing nothing but a towel.