One look at Nash and he could tell that his brother was affected, too.
Cash walked over.
They each shook Cash’s hand.
“How is it going? The place looks so different. It’s really classy.”
“Yeah, we’re stepping it up,” Nash replied.
“What’s going on? How is she?” Riker asked.
Cash shook his head.
“This ex-boyfriend of hers is a serious problem,” Cash said then turned toward Colt and Chastity. Chastity was walking toward them now and she didn’t look happy.
“Sorry that I’m late. If you just give me a couple of minutes to check with the staff, then we can begin, before the crowd gets here,” Chastity stated.
“What crowd? We’re not opening,” Nash replied.
She smiled. “Don’t worry. Colt and I have about thirty people coming in to give their opinion on the new design of the place, the atmosphere, service, and food. It will give us some insight on whether we’re headed in the right direction for your success.” She smiled then excused herself.
“It’s okay, Nash. Chastity knows what she is doing.”
“Okay,” Nash said then watched Chastity walk toward the bar. Riker noticed how Lou’s eyes immediately lit up when he saw her. The other bartenders appeared happy to see her as well, and that just added to his misery.
“So, what’s going on then? Are you going to let us in on the situation with Chastity last night?” Nash asked.
Riker waited to see how this would go over.
“Please respect Chastity’s privacy. Myself, Cash, and the detectives will handle it. Excuse me.” Colt headed toward the kitchen, where Chastity had just entered.
“Okay, what the fuck is going on?” Riker asked Cash.
“Why do you want to know?” Cash asked Riker then gave a smirk. The fucker knows we’re attracted to Chastity.
Riker looked at Nash, who was pretending disinterest, but Riker knew better.
“She’s a beautiful woman. She seemed very upset last night, and just now when she got here with you. If you’re escorting her here, then something else went down,” Riker stated.
“She stayed with Colt last night. She’s staying with him tonight, too.” Cash held Riker’s gaze. Cash had such a dark way about him. His eyes were dark brown, his hair wavy, and he dressed like he was corporate but was capable of causing physical pain. Riker had known him for many years. He was a great friend and trustworthy.
“Nash and I care about Chastity,” he slowly revealed to Cash. Cash, of course, couldn’t accept just that as he raised one eyebrow at him.
“Is she in danger?” Nash asked very seriously. Even Riker looked at Nash, surprised by his particular question and the obvious concern. Was Nash thinking about Maggie again? When would he get over her and move on?
“I won’t lie, but I must respect her wishes,” Cash began to say.
Riker gave him a firm look. “We go way back. Our friendship, our connection is a hell of a lot stronger than your relationship with Colt and Chastity.”
“Oh, pulling that shit on me, huh? You didn’t let me finish, Riker. You’re so fucking demanding.”
“Like you didn’t know that about him or me?” Nash added and held Cash’s gaze.
Cash looked toward the kitchen and then around them.
“It’s serious. She’s in a bit of trouble with this ex of hers,” he began.
Riker not only felt angry about the asshole bothering her and leaving the things he did at her place, but he also felt upset for Chastity. As Cash explained the situation, Riker knew that he wouldn’t be able to stand back and let Colt take care of her. Colt didn’t seem as if he had experience. Not like him and Nash did. But Chastity definitely trusted Colt. Would she learn to trust him and Nash, too? As he looked at Nash, he knew his brother was thinking exactly what he was, even though Nash was scared. He was scared of opening up his heart again, never mind touching another woman and sharing another woman. But the connection and attraction was there between them and Chastity. They needed to work out a plan. A way to get to know her better, and see where this relationship could go.
Just then Colt and Chastity walked out of the kitchen carrying the new bar menu and a tray of little appetizers.
Gaining Chastity’s trust starts now.
* * * *
Chastity was trying her hardest to concentrate on explaining each drink as Lou made them. But it was difficult with Riker leaning over her shoulder, asking her questions about the menu and the descriptions.
The crazy thing was, she nearly completely forgot about Desi until her cell phone began to vibrate, indicating that a call was coming in.
Before she had a chance to look at it or move it off of the bar and clipboard, Colt grabbed it.
“Colt. What are you doing?” she asked as he answered the phone and walked away.
As if knowing exactly what was going on, Riker wrapped an arm around her waist from behind and held her in place.
His warm breath collided against her ear and neck, and instinctively she turned gently into his touch.
“Let your boyfriend handle it. This gives me the opportunity I’ve been waiting for.”
What did he mean “boyfriend”? What opportunity? He thought that Colt was her boyfriend?
As she slightly turned her chin up toward him to ask him what he was talking about, Riker touched his lips to hers. He kissed her ever so softly, and it seemed to be a gentle peck, until he pressed his tongue between her lips and squeezed her body against his. She felt his erection against her spine. She tried to pull away, but her lips and her body had a different reaction. She reached up and cupped her hand against his cheek. She felt the masculine skin beneath her fingertips, as a rush of desire and sexual attraction pulled at her inner core.
She could hear Colt’s voice rising. Something was wrong.
She pulled from Riker’s lips. He released her instantly as Colt returned, and she wanted to tell him so badly to keep holding her. She was shocked at the instant need to be held by Riker.
Then she locked gazes with Colt. He was fuming.
“That motherfucker just threatened me.”
“Colt, please. You shouldn’t have taken the call.” She reached for the phone, but Nash took her hand, turned her so that her back was against the bar, and caged her in. That delicious cologne of his filled her nostrils. The bulk of his manliness devoured her emotions, her rationale, as she stared up into his dark blue eyes.
“Tell us what’s going on, and we’ll help.”
She shook her head then turned toward Colt.
Colt shook his head at her. “I’m sorry, Chastity, but I’m not going to lie. I’m worried about you. You’re my best friend, and I love you, but this guy is crazy.”
“Colt, please.” She felt Nash’s hand against her cheek, drawing her attention back to him. Now Riker stood beside her and placed a hand on her waist, too.
“You can trust us. Let us in on what’s going on. Don’t fight us.”
She held her ground. She was determined to not be some damsel in distress, like her mother had been. Her mother ran away from one abusive relationship then back into another one that ultimately killed her. Not me. I’m going to handle this alone.
“You’re clients. This is completely unprofessional. I don’t need your help with this. It’s none of your business.” She could tell that Nash was clenching his jaw and biting the inside of his mouth. His anger, and the darkness of his eyes, made her gut clench with trepidation and sadness. She wasn’t trying to insult him. She didn’t even know these men well, yet she didn’t want to insult them and push them away. Was she really attracted to them? Was she willing to take a chance at such a peculiar relationship? They were big, muscular men.
They have money, they have power, and God knows what else. What do I have but bad luck, five thousand dollars in my savings account, and one terrible past relationship that appears will haunt me for quite some time.
“Chastity, t
hey can be trusted,” Colt stated.
“Let me see my phone, Colt.”
She felt Nash’s hands move to her waist. He gave her hips a squeeze, indicating for her to focus on him.
She looked back up into his eyes. She felt his grip on her hip bones, and it made her feel feminine and aroused.
“Don’t be scared. We’re the good guys, and we want to help.”
“Nash, please respect my wishes. Please stay out of this. I don’t want or need your help in my personal life. Can we please just get back to the menu?”
He stared down into her eyes a moment, and something told her that this conversation with him wasn’t over. But now that Lou interrupted, saying that the guests would be arriving in fifteen minutes and that they were behind schedule, Nash released her.
She immediately took her phone from Colt.
“We’ll discuss this later,” she told him then tossed the phone onto the bar where the clipboard sat, and she began asking Lou to start creating one of the drinks on the menu.
* * * *
An hour later, Nash stood next to Riker, watching Chastity interact with the guests. He had to admit that the woman had an innate ability to draw people in and get them to open up about the new club. The guests were scattered around different areas of Hidden Treasures and introduced to the new aspects of the restaurant and club. Overall, it was a hit. Each person rated the area they were in, the service being provided, and their overall feelings of the new name and the club itself. The papers were gathered and then surprisingly, Chastity revealed the ultimate surprise of the evening. There was a dance floor and new DJ area with a large aquarium as the back drop that added a final touch. Both Nash and Riker were shocked.
“Oh my God, is that a treasure chest?” someone asked as the guests explored the aquarium, and Chastity gave the signal for the music to start. Instantaneously, some of the crowd cheered and began dancing, getting the full effect of the atmosphere. While others walked over to their favorite spots, indicating to Nash and Riker that Chastity had been right about it all.
Riker moved in behind Chastity as she stood to the side and watched the guests. She had a smile on her face, and that in itself made Riker smile.
He gave her shoulder a little nudge with his arm as he stood next to her.
“A treasure chest with jewels coming out of it and a mermaid, too?” Nash took position on her other side.
“Well, I know how resistant you were to the name change. So I figured this was a compromise. If either of you don’t like it, we could change it all. But that would mean the logo, with that sexy mermaid sitting seductively on top of the treasure chest, and the aquarium, the various shrimp, lobster, and crab meals on the menu, and the—”
Nash turned toward her and cupped her chin with his hand. She gasped. “You did amazing, Chastity. You’re more than I imagined. The name, everything stays.”
“So how about you, Chastity? Will you stay?” Riker asked. But before she could respond, Nash lowered his lips to hers and kissed her lightly. He whispered against her lips. “Friends first, Chastity. Thank you, for everything.”
His heart was racing, but Nash was overwhelmed with attraction to Chastity. He thought about the bedroom upstairs, connected to their office, and about bringing her there. He could spread her out on the bed, and explore her body, with his hands and his lips. He never thought he could feel like this. But he knew she had fears. Hell, he had fears himself. Especially about the newest question that kept popping into his head.
Why did it never feel like this with Maggie? Did I imagine something more than was actually there?
* * * *
“I’m watching her right now.”
“Who is she with, Karen?” Desi asked as he paced the hotel room. He had left this morning, early, for a business trip. He wouldn’t be back until next week. He couldn’t believe that Chastity was getting an order of protection against him. Like that would fucking keep him away.
“Well, there are two guys with her right now. Both big, both very attractive.”
“Are they touching her?” he asked through clenched teeth.
“Well, they’ve been very attentive all night. But she seems resistant.”
“How so?”
“Well, every time they whisper next to her ear or approach her, she tightens up. She looks tense.”
“Who the fuck are they? I want you to find out who they are, Karen.”
“That’s easy, Desi. They own the place. They’re twin brothers.”
“A name?”
“Something Irish, I think.”
“Find out, and let me know.”
“Will I see you tonight, Desi?” she asked him, and his dick didn’t even get hard at the prospect.
“No.”
“I’ll text you the name,” Karen said, and then he heard the click as she disconnected the call.
Did she not get my intentions by leaving her the lingerie? I threatened that stinking, nosey boss of hers. I think Chastity needs a reminder about straying. She may need some time to think things through, but perhaps a little reminder that I’m in charge and she belongs to me will get her coming back sooner rather than later.
Chapter 8
“So what do you think?” Cash asked Zane as they stood in the room at The Phantom, waiting for the others to arrive. Zane was looking at his cell phone, rereading the text from the detectives.
“It seems like this guy doesn’t do much of anything. He flew out to Miami. But nothing stands out. I don’t know if I should have him followed there or what? It’s like I have this feeling that there is more to this asshole than just him wanting Chastity back.”
“I don’t like it. We should pull in some favors, and get an ID on this dude’s past. I’m worried for her,” Cash said.
“Worried about who?” Jett asked as he and Flynn entered the room. They started to take their places around the large poker table.
“Chastity.”
Jett and Flynn immediately looked up toward Cash and Zane.
“What’s going on? What did you find out?” Flynn asked.
“Well, nothing, really. The detectives say the guy doesn’t have a record. As a matter of fact, he’s an upstanding citizen,” Cash replied.
“Well, maybe he’s obsessed with her, and it’s sent him over the edge?” Jett suggested. Cash thought about that a moment as Nash and Riker entered the room. Everyone greeted them. Behind them, Hudson and Jagger entered.
“Where are Emerson and Stone?” Flynn asked.
“They got a little sidetracked by the bar. Two blondes, you know,” Hudson said and they laughed.
“Who’s obsessed and over the edge?” Riker asked.
* * * *
Riker heard Jett’s statement, and something in his gut clenched. Then they got silent as Riker and Nash entered the room.
“Well? What’s going on?” Nash asked.
“We were just talking about a case,” Cash stated.
Riker looked at Nash as he took his seat and placed his glass of bourbon down on the green velvet.
“Are you talking about Chastity?” Nash asked.
Riker didn’t like how Zane looked at Cash and then Cash took a deep breath and released it.
“She got the order of protection the other day, and that asshole was served the papers,” Zane told them. Riker felt on edge.
“Who was with her?” he asked.
Emerson and Stone walked into the room, smiling and laughing.
“Getting lucky tonight?” Jagger asked them.
“Jealous?” Stone replied in his traditional wise-ass manner.
“Fuck you, Stone. I get plenty,” Jagger stated.
“Not from what I heard.”
They all laughed at the teasing banter except for Riker. He was worried about Chastity.
“So, Cash, what happens next? Any info on this guy harassing Chastity?” Riker asked.
“Chastity? Who the hell is that?” Emerson asked them.
“She’s
Colt Morgan’s assistant. She’s helping out Nash and Riker with their new place. What is it called now?” Flynn asked.
“Hidden Treasures. The opening is Friday night, so if you boneheads aren’t busy, maybe you’d like to check it out,” Nash said.
The others threw around some comments about seeing it. They made jokes about it being a dive, and about it failing, just to mess with Riker and Nash. Both of them smiled, and blew off their friends’ wise-guy comments.
“So, this Chastity is hot. Is she going to be there?” Stone asked.
Riker gave Stone a very serious look and tried to not reveal how pissed off Stone’s comment was making him.
“She’ll be there, but she’s not your type,” Riker stated.
“Oh really? I like all types. Are you guys staking a claim?” Stone asked.
Riker looked at Nash and knew that Nash wouldn’t say anything. Not yet. Not when he was still trying to get over Maggie.
“No, we’re not. She’s taken,” Riker said.
“By whom?” Zane asked him.
“Colton,” Nash stated, sounding annoyed.
Zane and Cash laughed.
“She is not dating Colton,” Zane told them. The others just looked at Nash and Riker. Apparently their friends knew more than even they did.
“How do you know that?” Riker asked with an attitude.
“Because Colton is gay,” Cash said. Nash nearly spilled his drink.
Riker looked at Nash, and although no words were exchanged, he knew his brother was thinking exactly what he was.
“So she’s available? Good. I’ll be there Friday night. Can’t wait to meet her,” Stone added.
“Just deal the cards,” Nash told Stone as Stone smiled then began the game.
Riker was surprised that Stone would even want to bother with women for a while. Not after Olivia St. James tried to trick him into marrying her so she could take his money. That bitch had been suave and nearly got away with it. Luckily, Emerson saved his friend from the fatal mistake.
Their Greatest Treasure [Power Surge: The Billionaire Club 1] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 6