by Jana Mercy
“Elvis gambles?”
“Lost a bundle to a real shady character. I set him up with a pal of mine to bail him out to save his sorry hide.”
“Why would you do that?”
“To get access to Heavenly Hunks books.”
“But Mr. Hooper does the books.”
“Really?” Ken snickered. “Is that what you think? Now I know you’re really blonde.”
Dear Lord. Ken was behind the discrepancies in the books.
A swoosh of air zoomed past Sophia’s head so fast she hadn’t a clue what was happening until Ken slumped over on the desk.
She turned to see Gray standing next to her, flexing his fingers from where he’d popped Ken.
No. She still had too many questions. About what he knew about her parentage and how he came by the information. About how he’d been bleeding Aunt Genevieve’s funds dry and how she could use the information to prove her aunt’s innocence.
Glaring at Gray, she took her frustration out on him. “Playing the role of knight in shining armor once again I see. Why don’t you mind your own business? If I’d needed your help, I would have asked for it.”
His gaze narrowed. “You don’t sound too appreciative.”
“He wasn’t hurting me.” Okay, so maybe he would have but she needed to know what the drunken jerk knew.
“You’re welcome,” came Gray’s bitter reply.
Her gaze traveled over the man who conquered and thoroughly possessed her what seemed like eons ago. Had it really only been this morning that she’d awakened cradled in his arms? When her world hadn’t been turned topsy-turvy. “Why aren’t you lapping up the rewards of your efforts along with the other strippers?”
His eyes averted to the unconscious man slumped over the desk. “I needed to find you.”
“Why? You said all you needed to say when you stepped onto that stage.” Perhaps he’d not come to find her at all. Perhaps, he’d been meeting Ken to exchange the vial.
She saw the hard-edged resolve, the icy wall he’d hidden behind when they’d first met and blurted out a question she really wanted to know the answer to despite reason warning she shouldn’t ask. “Are you a criminal?”
He looked shocked. “Hell no.”
“That’s good.” But she didn’t believe him. She’d seen him take the vial from Robbie. Which should make things so much easier. But love didn’t go away simply because the recipient of your affections had different values and beliefs than yourself.
Just because he lied to you and used you.
“Why didn’t you watch my strip and why would you ask me if I’m a criminal?” His words accused her.
Had he been hurt that she’d left? Good, because she had a feeling years would go by before the pain in her chest eased.
“I know what you look like naked.”
So what if she was being more than a little sarcastic? What did it matter anyway? It wasn’t as if he were declaring undying love. Maybe things were better this way. With them apart.
“You put a lot of effort into helping me prepare for tonight’s show. I thought you’d want to see how I did.”
“Then you thought wrong.” She flicked one last look at where Ken lay on the table. His chest rose and fell in rhythmic breathing. She’d send someone after him in a little while. After she called 9-1-1 and her boss. Now was time to launch an official investigation and link Ken to the discrepancies. And hopefully not reveal Gray’s connection—whatever it was. Regardless, any semblance of being able to wait had long passed.
“Sophia, wait. We have to talk. I have to tell you—”
“I don’t want to know.” Knowing would only make her have to reveal the information to Jeremy, to the police.
Head held high she strode out of the room only to have a hard male body bump into her full force, practically knocking her off her feet.
“Miss Sophia?” An arm crooked around her neck and dragged her to her feet. “How nice of you to provide me with a ticket out of here.”
Chapter Eighteen
A chill ran over Gray’s spine at what he heard happening in the hallway. Robbie grabbed Sophia and used her as a shield. Against whom?
Conners, Bird, or Joey? Maybe all three. How many other agents were here?
Quietly, Gray slipped out of view.
Did Robbie know he was in here? If Robbie heard anything and looked in, he’d only see Ken’s lifeless body lying on the desk.
Gray scooted to the wall edge next to the doorway. If presented with an opportunity to free Sophia, he wouldn’t miss his chance.
“Robbie? What are you doing?” Sophia’s strangled voice asked.
“Shut up, Miss Sophia. I need to think.”
The thought of Robbie’s tight grip on Sophia’s throat made Gray want to lunge forward and tackle the creep but training insisted he bide his time. Any fast movement could set Robbie off, could cost Sophia’s life.
Why the hell hadn’t he arrested Robbie earlier and not give him the chance to harm Sophia?
“What you need to do is drop your weapon. Now,” Joey ordered.
Gray cringed. Robbie had a weapon. Probably a gun.
Aimed at Sophia.
Joey probably did too.
Adrenaline raced through his body along with an evil hand that twisted his gut. One wrong move and Sophia could die.
Where were Conners and Bird? If they came busting onto the scene, would Robbie panic and shoot? He couldn’t risk it. Nor could he idly stand by while Sophia’s life was on the line.
“Robbie,” he called and stepped into view with his hands in the air. “It’s Gray. Don’t do anything hasty.”
“Shit,” Robbie cursed and poked the gun deeper into the underside of Sophia’s chin. His actions knocked her cowgirl hat from her head. It plopped to the floor with an eeriness that chilled Gray’s bones. “One move and your girlfriend bites the dust.”
“Hey, man. She’s just a lay. We’re friends, right? I’m on your side,” Gray reassured, taking small, non-threatening steps and making sure Robbie could see his hands at all times. “Tell me what to do so I can help.”
Frantic eyed, Robbie paused, considered Gray for a moment, then smiled. “That’s right. We’re pals.” He gestured the gun toward where Joey posed with her Glock aimed directly at Robbie. “Take her gun away and bring it to me.”
“Her gun?” Gray asked to buy them time. Joey was a damn fine shooter. Nine out of ten straight through the center. It was that wild tenth shot that worried Gray. More than once Joey had been trigger-happy. Shoot now and ask questions later. The safest thing to do would be for Joey’s gun to be in his hands. Just in case.
“You heard me. Take Red’s gun.” Robbie eyed Joey. “Give him the gun or Miss Sophia gets it.”
His weapon returned to its position beneath her chin.
“Remember what I said earlier?” Fear shone in Sophia’s wide gaze but also courage and strength. How many women in her position would have broken down? “I’m asking.”
She wanted him to rescue her. To be her knight in shining armor.
No matter what the cost, he would protect her.
Knowing Joey wouldn’t blow his cover, Gray took a tentative step. “I’m unarmed, ma’am. You heard him. Give me your gun.”
Ever the professional, Joey’s mouth tightened to a firm line. “Tell me why I shouldn’t blow your brains out? Apparently, you’re in cahoots with him. What do I care if he knocks off Blondie? She’s probably guilty too.”
“You’re the law, right? The law doesn’t go around shooting unarmed men or risking innocent lives.” He said this for Robbie’s benefit. Not that the man was likely to throw his gun down but it was worth a shot to remind him that if he did, Joey wouldn’t shoot. However, Gray wouldn’t promise no bodily harm since he’d likely beat the crap out of him. “Give me the gun.”
He eased to where he stood about five feet from her. Which was too far away from Robbie and Sophia for his liking. But Conners or Bird should have t
he back door covered. If not yet, they would. If he could buy them enough time.
“I hate it when the bad guys start quoting the law to me.” Joey seethed but the furious angel handed her gun to him. No problem, she always carried a spare.
“Keep it aimed on her,” Robbie ordered as he started toward the back door, Sophia in tow.
Joey itched to lunge after him, Gray could see it in her stance. But she held still. However, he didn’t. He’d been trying to buy Conners and Bird more time, not give Robbie a get-out-of-strip-club-free card. No way was he letting him take Sophia out of the parking lot unimpeded.
“You big idiot.” Joey smacked his arm when Robbie and Sophia disappeared out the door.
“How the hell was I to know he’d take off? I planned to nail the asshole when I gave him your gun.” Gray raced down the hallway. “Are Conners and Bird covering the exits?”
“Hell if I know where the two prima donnas are. We got two strippers besides this one and three females inside. Rocketman took off and I came after him. Thanks for the tip, by the way.”
Prying the exit door open cautiously, Gray spied Robbie and Sophia crossing the parking lot. Damn. He didn’t see Conners and Bird.
“Back me up and stay out of sight.” Gray pushed out the door. Joey followed closely, immediately ducking behind a trash bin.
* * * * *
Sophia moved in a daze.
Gray let Robbie take her.
Let him? Ha, he’d helped. For what purpose? To kill her? Rape her? Or just use her for a human shield?
Were Robbie and Gray in cahoots together? Every time she thought she figured Gray out he did something totally unexpected. She didn’t know what to think any more.
Except that she had to escape.
At the moment, she wasn’t sure she had the strength to fight him. Not on the heels of discovering her whole life had been a sham. She was the illegitimate daughter of a strip club owner. An unwanted daughter.
Apparently, she was an unwanted lover too.
The redhead was an undercover cop. Who’d have guessed? She’d been in hot pursuit when Sophia unwittingly stepped into the hallway at the wrong time.
And Gray knew her. Did that mean he was a cop too? He’d told her he wasn’t a criminal but why had he helped Robbie?
Her head hurt. Nothing made sense.
“Does Gray use drugs?”
Robbie’s steps slowed for a second. “What?”
Sophia dug her feet into the pavement. Already she’d let him get her too close to the cars. Which one was his? Did it really matter?
“I saw you give him a vial in the dressing room. Does he use often? Or maybe he sells the stuff for you? Or vice versa?”
“Best thing you can do is shut up,” he advised and resumed his trek toward a low-slung silver car. Or he would have if she’d cooperated but Sophia refused to budge.
If he was going to take her, he’d have to do so with her kicking and screaming. No more complacency with men dragging her around. Whether it be her heart or her body.
“Come on,” he demanded, tugging hard on her neck.
“No. Just go ahead and kill me. I’m not going with you.” With that Sophia jabbed him with her elbow as hard as she could. Catching him off guard, she made solid contact with his stomach.
An ompf whooshed from his mouth.
Had he assumed she wouldn’t fight back? Wrong. Never again. Taking advantage of his surprise, she stomped on his toes with her heel, then twisted free.
“Shit.” Robbie doubled over and grabbed his foot. “What the?” he muttered right before Sophia brought her knee up and caught him square in the face. Hard.
The resounding crunch of flesh and bones barely registered over the roar in Sophia’s ears, over the wrenching pain in her knee. She was fighting for her life. Fear, adrenaline and determination took over and she acted on instinct alone.
Robbie crumpled to the pavement and Sophia stomped on his hand, freeing the gun from his grasp. She stomped again. Eliciting another curse, she scooped up the gun and whacked him over his already bleeding head.
Tears streaming down her face, Sophia hit him again. And again. Never would she let someone walk all over her.
She hit him until a pair of strong, familiar arms wrapped around her. It seemed like hours but probably no more than a few seconds had passed.
“It’s okay. You got him.” Gray took the gun from her shaking fingers, lifted her to her feet and pulled her against his chest.
Still stunned, Sophia sank against him.
She was safe. Gray saved her.
No, that wasn’t right.
She had saved herself.
No thanks to him.
As a matter of fact, he almost let her assailant get away with her. The jerk.
She pulled back and pounded his chest with her fists. “How dare you grab me and act as if you’re innocent in all this? Thanks to you, I could have been killed. You big oaf.”
“Sophia,” Gray began calmly. Too calmly.
“When I said I didn’t want you playing knight in shining armor, I didn’t expect you to take me quite so literally.”
“I didn’t but—”
“And don’t even think I didn’t see Robbie give you that bottle in the dressing room earlier.” She continued to pummel him, although not with as much force as initially. “’Cause I did.”
“Sophia.” He caught her pounding fists.
“You should get out of here,” she warned. “Now. Before the police catch you.”
“Oh, the police are on their way.” The redhead flashed a smile while she slapped handcuffs onto a moaning Robbie. “But who needs the police when some of the state’s best agents are already here?”
Gray tensed. Sophia jerked her gaze back to his face. Then it dawned on her. Gray was an agent too. An undercover agent.
“Isn’t that right?” Having satisfactorily handcuffed a half-conscious Robbie, the redhead stood and stared at Gray with a challenging quirk of her brow.
“Cool it, Joey.”
“I told you that if you compromised my case, I was going to kick your ass. What was that stunt back there in that hallway?” Her fists balled at her sides as her voice rose in volume. “I’ll tell you what it was, Erickson. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.”
“That’s enough.”
“And why? For a piece of ass? Since when did you let something like that stand in the way of making a bust? What’s with you?”
Gray’s shoulders flexed back as he faced off with her. “I’m warning you, Joey. That’s enough.”
Something in his tone silenced her. With one last look of disgust she turned her back to him just as the two women—men—who’d been at her table ran into the parking lot.
“Conners and Bird. How nice of you to show up now that the action’s all over,” Joey quipped. “I hope you got the ones delivering his stash?”
“We got them. Had help from some private investigator hanging out in the club and Barnes was out cold when we handcuffed him to a stripper-pole.” Conners jangled the key to the handcuffs.
“Just so long as they didn’t get away.” Joey brushed a hair away from her face. “I called Lawrence while I was behind the dumpster. The rest of the team have already moved in on Hooper and his clan.”
“Looks like we got ’em.” Conners and Bird high-fived each other.
Joey rolled her eyes at their antics. “See if you can finish things up while I go work off some steam.”
Both drag queens eyed Robbie lying on the ground, Sophia and Gray in one piece, Joey’s palpable tension, then they exchanged amused glances.
“Go easy on the poor sap,” one of them advised. “Not everyone can keep up with your vigorous…pace. And plumber boy looked as if you could plumb rip off his pipe.”
“Bite me.” Joey gave him a lewd finger gesture, then headed to the back exit of the club.
Nate. They were talking about Nate. Of course, she’d seen how he homed in on the redhead during his performanc
e. Seemed like all the men in her life preferred redheads over blondes. Sophia glanced from the two men in drag to a subdued Robbie to an edgy Gray. A Gray who still watched Joey walk away.
She yanked her fists free from his grasp. “You’re an agent.”
“I told you I wasn’t a criminal.”
“A criminal? You?” One of the drag sisters laughed.
“Butt out, Conners.” Gray shot him a warning glance, with a reminding nod toward a moaning Robbie, before returning his gaze to Sophia. “There’s a lot I should tell you but not here.”
She didn’t speak but wondered if this was one of those moments where Scarlett’s Aunt Pittypat would have pulled out her smelling salts. She could certainly use something to clear her head. Probably Aunt Pittypat would have succumbed to the vapors somewhere around the time Ken told her that her mother wasn’t her mother.
“Actually, I don’t think there’s anything you have to tell me. Looks like I wasn’t the only one who didn’t trust the other.” And with that, she walked toward the club.
The drag sister Gray called Conners touched her arm. “Uhm, miss. I’m sorry but you can’t go.”
“Am I under arrest?”
The drag queen exchanged a look with Gray who shook his head.
“No,” he said. “You’re not under arrest but the police will need a statement from you when they get here.”
“They can find me inside. I’ll be—” Where would she be? Her aunt’s apartment? No, her mother’s apartment. She couldn’t go there. Not right now. She needed to think. And Ken was in the office. And Gray’s apartment wasn’t really an option. “I’ll be inside.”
If she had to hide out in the supply closet for privacy—not that it had provided much privacy up to this point.
“Sophia.”
“Let her go, man. She just needs a few minutes to sort through the things that happened here,” the drag Bird said.
Yeah, a few minutes. Or more likely, a lifetime to sort through the crumbled ruins of the foundation of her entire identity.
How had a day that started so beautifully ended so horribly?
Why did it hurt so damn badly to watch Sophia walk away?