Nash brushed his fingers across her lips then cupped her face between his hands. Riker watched as they locked gazes, and Chastity didn’t pull away.
Nash slowly leaned toward her then covered her lips with his. He pulled her from Riker’s arms, and Riker released her with a smile.
* * * *
Nash wanted all of her. He wanted to get lost in her kiss, in touching and exploring her body. It all came to him at once, like some secret assault, catching him off guard.
He delved his tongue deeper, felt her moan into his mouth, then pulled her curvy body against his own.
He cupped her ass with his hands and squeezed her to him. But then the sound of the elevator leading to the penthouse ruined the moment.
Chastity pulled from his embrace and panted for breath. She covered her mouth with her hand and shook her head slowly side to side.
Nash felt just as affected and overwhelmed. “Chastity?”
“Please. That can’t happen again. I can’t allow this.”
The doors to the elevator opened, and there came Colt, and he looked angry.
“What happened? Did he hurt you?” he asked, approaching Chastity quickly. She ran to him, meeting him halfway, and Colt hugged her.
Nash felt his insides twist into a knot. What had they done? What the hell just happened?
“It’s okay, baby. He can’t hurt you. I’ll protect you,” Colt stated then locked gazes with Nash and Riker. “Thanks for taking care of her.”
“No problem. We’ll see you tomorrow at the club,” Riker said with an attitude.
As Riker passed Chastity, she turned to look at him and her expression was blank.
“See you tomorrow, Chastity,” Riker said.
“Yes. We’ll see you tomorrow,” Nash added then they entered the elevator.
Nash noticed that Colt looked at Chastity, then he looked at them, and the man was shooting daggers at them. The doors closed.
“Fuck!” Riker stated then banged his hand against the elevator wall.
Nash remained quiet. He had enough to deal with, with his own reaction here. That kiss, those lips. “That definitely can’t happen again.”
Riker just stared at him with anger in his eyes.
* * * *
“Okay, so what happened after Desi was escorted out of the club? What happened between you, Riker, and Nash Riley?” Colton asked.
Chastity stared at him a moment. Colt was her best friend and one of her only friends aside from Adelina, who she’d only met months ago.
She covered her face with her hands.
“They kissed me.”
“Wow! You go, mamma. Not one, but two dangerous, intimidating, and sexy men. I could have told you that they were interested since meeting them at Flynn and Jett’s office.”
“Cut it out, Colt Morgan, or I swear, I’ll tell Carlisle that you have a thing for him.”
Colt raised one eyebrow in the most adorable way then gave her that look of his. “No one has figured out that I’m gay but you. Carlisle is not for me anyway. He’s too gay.”
Chastity laughed out loud. “This coming from a man who has more high heels than any other woman I know.”
“Oh…please. I hardly ever dress in drag. It wouldn’t go over well with the majority of my clients if they knew the truth.”
“That’s because the majority of your clients have been macho, heterosexual males. Why put yourself through such torture?”
He shook his head. He looked so serious suddenly, and she didn’t mean to upset him.
Colt was strong and had great masculine qualities, but he just preferred men over women.
“I’m sorry,” she said then cuddled up next to him on the couch.
He pulled her legs onto his lap then pulled off her heels. “So, are you staying for a while again?”
She took a deep breath then sighed. “I don’t want to impose.”
“No. You stay. Desi is getting worse. His actions are definitely psycho level. Let me call in a favor to some friends.”
She started to decline the offer, but he began tickling her toes and then her calves. “Agree!” he demanded, and in between his tickling tactics, she agreed.
“Fine. Fine, do it. I just don’t want another scene like tonight to happen in front of the Rileys. They’re our clients, and it was so unprofessional tonight. I was completely embarrassed.”
She leaned back and crossed her arms in front of her chest.
Colt leaned back, too. “Honestly, Chastity, I’ve known you for three years now. Don’t lie to me, and don’t lie to yourself. You like the both of them.”
She stared into his big brown eyes, and knew that she could trust him. He was her best friend.
“The attraction is there, but two men at once?”
He fanned himself then chuckled.
She laughed, too, and gave him a playful punch in the arm.
“It’s very common. It’s not like they do it all the time. I know these things. I’ve got connections.”
“I’m sure you do, but I don’t do these things. Desi was my first real boyfriend. My first lover.”
“But, he didn’t make you orgasm, remember?” Colt teased then wiggled his eyebrows.
“Thanks for reminding me. I didn’t even know what that was. I mean I totally thought it was pretty good.”
“Yeah, but what about with Riker and Nash. They are carrying some big guns, and if I can be so bold to say, they are smoking hot.”
“I could come from their kisses alone,” she whispered, leaning back and closing her eyes.
“Is that what I walked in on? Hmm. So what’s the game plan for their club tomorrow? We have a lot to go over with them.”
“I’m not sure that I’ll be there. Perhaps remaining in the background, doing the ordering, and helping to pick out the paint and décor would be better?”
“You can hide from the truth for only so long. Maybe they’re trustworthy, too?”
“I can’t think about getting involved with another man, or two, even if I wanted to. I don’t know what Desi is capable of.”
Colt pulled her against his side and held her in his big strong arms.
“That’s what I’m afraid of. Let me talk to my friends and see if we can keep you safe until we can get Desi off your back.”
“I really don’t want anyone to get hurt.”
“Don’t worry. These friends of mine are very resourceful.”
Chapter 6
Cash Corbin ended the call and looked at Zane Heston.
“I can’t believe it. Colt really thinks that this Desi guy could hurt Chastity,” Zane said.
“I get the feeling that Nash and Riker are interested in her. The way they reacted last night at the club was a definite indication,” Cash stated.
“I know. I was kind of happy for them. Nash took Maggie’s death hard. It was a crazy night, and he blames himself for her death.”
“I know. But the truth of the matter is that she’s gone, and he needs to move on.”
“Riker moved on pretty quickly,” Zane said then laughed.
“That crazy son of a bitch.”
“He’s not going to be too happy when he finds out that Chastity hasn’t gone to the police.”
“Colt said something happened back at home, in Charlotte, where she’s from. It probably has something to do with that.”
“New York is a definite change from the Carolinas. But she fits in just fine. She’s a very attractive young woman.”
“She sure is. So, let’s help keep her safe. I think we should handle this one personally,” Cash stated.
“Sounds good to me. I’ll see what I can find out about this asshole Desi. You start with the surveillance on Chastity. Colt said she lives in a crappy apartment building. We’re going to want to get better security for her there. Chastity is not going to make this easy on us. Colt already warned me.”
Zane nodded his head and smiled.
“That’s why you’re so good with the ladie
s, Cash. You’ll get her to cooperate.”
“Hmmm. I don’t know. Maybe we should just let Riker and Nash assist.”
“Retired federal agents? They could do more damage than good.”
“They could make Desi disappear, and we wouldn’t have to do all this leg work.”
Cash laughed. “You’re spoiled, Zane. Get to work. My father wants to meet for dinner tonight.”
“Oh no. Who does he want you to help now?”
“Not just me, but us. We’re a team, remember?”
“How can I forget, when you remind me all the time?”
Cash laughed. “Well, I think this situation might pull at your ‘wannabe commando’ strings.”
Zane turned to look at Cash. His expression immediately interested.
“Dangerous?”
“I sure as shit hope not. But, you know I like that, too. We’ll know more after we meet Mr. Costiano.”
“Mr. Costiano? As in owner and operator of one of the largest seafood distributors in the Northeast?”
“You got it.”
“Interesting.”
Cash winked, but the truth of the matter was he was concerned. His father, Bradford, believed that Mr. Costiano was in danger, and so was his family.
* * * *
Chastity had to go back to her apartment. She took a shower at Colt’s and now needed to change for work. He of course headed to Riker and Nash’s club to prepare for tonight. She was accompanied by Zane and Cash, two friends of Colt’s as well as Flynn’s and Jett’s.
She was a bit embarrassed to show two billionaires where she lived, but as they drove toward the apartment, never asking her directions or for an address, she realized that they already knew. She clasped her hands on her lap and couldn’t help but worry about a thousand things. Who were these two men? What were they capable of? How did they know Colt? What if Desi were there at her apartment, waiting for her? Should she really get an order of protection? Wouldn’t that irritate Desi?
As the SUV stopped in front of the complex, she noticed the unmarked police car as well as two other men dressed casually but wearing dark glasses. They pointed toward the SUV and nodded, as if giving an okay.
Cash, with the brown eyes and sexy personality, turned to talk to her.
“Okay, honey. It’s all clear to go up to the apartment. Zane and I are going to escort you. After you get dressed and ready for work, Zane will drive you to the club.”
“Oh, I’m not going there. I was going to run some errands with one of the assistants.”
Cash squinted his eyes at her.
“Listen, plans have changed. You’ll be safest at the club with Colt, Nash, and Riker watching you.”
Even the sound of their names aroused her and made her feel nervous. She couldn’t see them. Not after last night. Not after their kisses.
“Chastity, whatever is going on between you, Riker, and Nash—”
“Nothing! Nothing is going on. What do you mean? Why would you think that?” she asked, clutching her bag on her lap.
Cash looked at Zane and Zane shrugged his shoulders.
“Okay then. Nothing is going on between you, Riker, and Nash. I got that. But your safety is most important here. You’re going to the club. Colt can assign some people to do that other stuff. Now let’s get out and head upstairs. The door was locked and we didn’t want to force our way in. I’ll stick around with the others, and secure your apartment better. Okay?”
She nodded in agreement, and instantly felt sick. Who the hell were these guys? Why were they taking an ex-boyfriend’s threats so seriously?
She got out of the SUV and was escorted by Cash and three other men.
The moment she unlocked the door and entered the apartment, she knew that Desi had been there. She covered her mouth, and felt the tears reach her eyes. Then she felt Cash’s arm around her waist.
“What is it?”
“He was here.”
“What? The door was locked. There was no sign of him outside,” one of the other men stated.
“How do you know?”
“I can smell his cologne. Can’t you smell that musky, expensive perfume scent?” she asked.
The men inhaled.
“Yes. I can smell it. That’s not the normal smell in your apartment?” Cash asked as the others moved through the small apartment and then went to the bedroom.
“Cash. We got something in here,” one of the men said.
She started to walk that way when Cash stopped her. “Wait here.”
She was going to refuse, but the truth was, she was scared. Maybe she didn’t know Desi at all.
A few seconds later, the two men walked out of the room with no identifiable facial expressions whatsoever. She swallowed hard as they exited the apartment.
Cash walked out, too. He had a hand on his hip and a serious expression on his face.
“Honey, he was here. He was definitely in your bedroom.”
She swallowed hard.
“What did he do? What did he leave?”
“Come here. But don’t enter the room. I’ve got the guys bringing up a detective friend of mine from downstairs.”
“Why?” She peeked into her bedroom, next to Cash, by the doorway.
The first thing she noticed was the new sexy lingerie in red lying on the bed. There were thigh-high stockings and red stiletto heels with rhinestones on them to match. The top had holes where breasts would go, and the thongs were missing one important frontal piece. She had never seen it before. But then she noticed the two large vases of red roses and that one side of the bed had been slept in or perhaps just laid on.
“That’s not mine. He was here waiting for me. He got that for me to wear,” she whispered, her voice cracking, and then tears rolled down her cheeks. She didn’t understand why this upset her like this. Why did it creep her out so much? Why was she denying that there was a serious problem here?
Cash wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her from the room as the apartment door opened and two detectives entered.
“Back there. Maybe you can get some prints,” Cash told them.
“We’ll have to ask the woman some questions,” the other one stated.
“After. Just give her a few minutes.”
The detective nodded his head and walked into her bedroom.
She felt so invaded and dirty. Why?
“Hey. Hey, look at me,” Cash said then placed his fingers under her chin for her to look up into his eyes.
“It’s okay. You were smart to stay with Colt last night. We’re going to stop this guy from bothering you.”
She couldn’t even speak. It was like this wasn’t really happening. She felt numb, and then Cash hugged her.
She didn’t even know the man, but she held on to him as she closed her eyes and prayed that she wouldn’t become a victim of domestic violence, like her mother had been.
Chapter 7
“What? Bring her to the club. Have her pack some things, Cash. She’s staying at my place,” Colt stated into the cell phone.
Riker listened as he stood by the bar. He and Colt were going over the bar menu and the new drink ideas that Chastity had. She was supposed to be here an hour ago.
Riker looked around for Nash but didn’t see him. He wondered what the hell Colt was doing talking to Cash. What did he mean for her to pack clothes and that she was staying with Colt?
Riker got that instant feeling of jealousy, yet the woman wasn’t even his or Nash’s. Yet.
“I understand. Of course not. Who is the detective in charge? I want all the contact information. Yes, I’m taking this seriously. Okay, I’ll wait here. Yes, Nash and Riker are around.”
Riker waited for phone call to end. Colt looked legitimately upset, which hurt. This was crazy. Riker didn’t even know the woman well. Hell, he lusted for her body, was enticed by her perfume and sexy good looks, but this was a bit much for him. What was with the instant possessive feelings?
“Is everything al
l right?” he asked Colt.
Colt rubbed his face then nodded his head. An instant lie.
“Lou, pour us two shots!” Riker yelled to the bartender.
The shots were poured and placed onto the bar.
Riker leaned against the bar and slid the full shot glass toward Colt.
“Have one. You look like you need it.”
Colt looked up at Riker. He stared at him a moment and Riker could see such emotion. Colt really cared about Chastity. I’m such a fucking dick. I want him to stay away from her. I want a shot at Chastity. I can’t stop thinking about her lips, or the way she felt in my arms as I kissed her. Fuck.
“You need to stop drinking,” he told Riker then downed the shot and placed the empty little glass back down onto the bar.
Riker squinted his eyes at Colt as if there was more meaning to that statement.
“I like to drink. It calms me,” Riker said and then downed his shot. He placed the glass onto the bar and held Colt’s gaze.
“Some women don’t like that. Some women fear a man’s abilities, and control when he’s had a few too many.”
“I can handle my alcohol fine.”
“You still have your connections with the government?”
Riker hadn’t expected that question. He just stared at Colt. The man was spooked. He was angry and emotional about the call with Cash. Riker didn’t like the feeling he had.
“Tell me what’s going on, Colt. I can tell that you’re upset.”
Colt stared right back at Riker as Nash headed toward them.
“Forget it. Forget I even said that.”
“Hey, what’s going on? Are we trying these new drinks yet?” Nash asked as he joined them by the bar.
“I’d like to wait for Chastity. Can you guys give me a few minutes?”
Just then Chastity walked into the club with Cash by her side.
Riker took in the sight of her. Her toned legs accentuated by the black high heels and the long, sexy slit up the side of her little black cocktail dress. She wore a short champagne-colored shimmering shawl over her shoulders, which were bare from the strapless dress. It showed a slight bit more cleavage than usual but was still conservative. Then Riker locked gazes with her. Her eyes were glossy, the tip of her nose red, as if she had been crying, and then instantly his guard was up. But before he could react, Colt was rushing toward her and pulling her into his arms. Riker felt like someone had just punched him in the gut.
Their Greatest Treasure [Power Surge: The Billionaire Club 1] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 5