Aries

by WL Knightly

  “It’s fine,” said Lizzy. “I might have thought the same thing if it were me. And I’m sorry I’m not home. You look like you smell good in that fresh white T-shirt.”

  He waggled his brows. “I do, actually.” He felt his cheeks warm as he smiled, and there weren’t many women who could make him feel that way, aside from Lizzy. She was the first woman who made him feel giddy since Megan, and yet, it was still different and new.

  “What are you doing with your weekend, aside from stalking me out at home? Don’t tell me you’re working.”

  “You know, the usual. I thought I’d hang out a bit, have a few drinks, drop by a sex club. Who knows?” He brushed his hair back and gave her a teasing grin in the camera, not sure she could still see him.

  “Oh yeah? A sex club? Those lucky ladies. Maybe you’ll score.”

  “Maybe.” He couldn’t believe that she would be okay with that or nonchalant about him meeting someone else, especially after the way she’d acted over his female dermatologist, but he played along. “I’d rather have you there with me. Would you really not care if I went somewhere like that without you? I mean, I didn’t realize you were so progressive.” He waved to the camera and walked away from her door, not wanting to keep standing there like a fool.

  “If we were in a relationship, I’d trust you to look but not touch. But we’re taking it slow, remember? I don’t have a right to say anything.”

  He didn’t want to take it slow. He already knew he didn’t want another woman but her in his life. “It’s really hard to take it slow, Lizzy, especially after taking it so fast. When you get a little time, I want to talk some more about us. I hope that’s not too much to ask. I don’t want to pressure you. It’s just how I feel.”

  “No, it’s okay. I’d like that too. I do miss you. Hopefully, this case won’t be too much longer, and we’ll get back to work.”

  Darek didn’t feel like she was too enthusiastic. “You haven’t even asked what’s going on with Zodiac.” He figured she’d at least want to know about Finn. He hadn’t gotten to speak with her directly since the body was found, but he’d left her a long message explaining what was up.

  “Sorry, I guess I’m just lost in this case. I got the message, though. Any leads?”

  “I solved the whole case already. It’s going to look great on my record, doing it all by myself.”

  “You’re funny, and I’m really sorry. It’s not that I don’t care, really. It’s just that I figured you could handle it. So, tell me about it.”

  “He was our guy, had the mark and everything, but he was shot at close range through the temple. I’m trying to retrace some of his last steps in the city, and I have Max calling in some of the clients he met with. I hope that someone saw the body get dumped. It was at the same pier that we found Hannah and Victor.”

  “Damn. Well, if something major breaks, you know how to find me.”

  Darek laughed. “Yeah, I come to your house and stand at the door waving a red flag. I’ll keep that in mind.”

  Lizzy groaned. “Look, Reed trusts you to do this solo, so he must have faith in you. I trust that decision, too.”

  “I just don’t understand why he pulled you to something that would take so much work. I thought it was supposed to be a simple case, Lizzy, that he just needed your advice. We had a missing person who turned up in the fucking river, and you don’t think it’s important enough to ask me about it?”

  “It is important, but your message said not to worry and that you had everything under control.” Her voice was firm, and he knew he’d pushed her too far. It wasn’t often that he heard that tone from her, but when he did, he knew she meant business.

  She also had a point. He had acted like he had things under control. “Oh, yeah, I did say that. What about Reed? His call was short the other day. He practically rushed me off the phone. I just didn’t expect you guys to ditch me all at once, and I don’t want this to reflect on me when it comes time to offer me a position.”

  “Then just go with it. Maybe he’s testing you; trying to see if you’re capable of going solo? You’ll show him. I know you will. You know you don’t need me.”

  God, did he need her, like sixty different ways. “That’s not true.”

  “You’re sweet, but you know I’m talking about the case. You’ve got this until I come back, and I’ll try to keep in touch.”

  “You didn’t even tell me you were leaving town.” He hated to make a mountain out of a molehill, but that would have been good information to know before coming down to her place or being worried about her.

  “I’m sorry.” She let out a long breath, and the silence grew tense between them. “Look, I need to go, Darek. I’m not alone on this trip, and I don’t want to get caught sweet talking my partner. Have fun at the sex club, stud.” She gave a light-hearted giggle, and he smiled, knowing she was just trying to cheer him up.

  “I have a feeling Reed’s not the only one testing me.” They said their goodbyes, and Darek tossed his phone onto the seat and started his car.

  He tried to calm down, but the more he thought about the call, the more upset he got. He hadn’t meant to overreact, but the stress was getting to him. Not only did he have to walk a fine line on this case, but he had to try and keep from having a mental breakdown seeing people he knew becoming victims. The only one who could make it stop was him, and he had to solve the case to do it.

  He drove away from Lizzy’s apartments and checked the time. He hadn’t killed nearly enough of his day and decided to go check on his mother for a bit.

  The drive to Pine Grove gave him time to think, and when he went inside and saw his mother sitting in her usual chair, a beautiful crocheted throw lying over her lap, he felt some of the tension ease.

  Being in her presence was always a comfort, and he supposed that it was their maternal bond. Even though she showed no sign of knowing who he was, she was glad to see him.

  “Hi, look at my new blanket.” She patted her lap and smiled up at him, her crow’s feet crinkling, curling down the apples of her rosy cheeks. Someone had done her makeup, giving her a bright glow. They’d painted her nails too, and even her hair was brushed back in the front, parted on the side and a small clip held it away from her face.

  “It’s beautiful, Mama.” He caught himself a moment too late and had vowed not to confuse her with calling her that. She was in and out so often, and sometimes when she didn’t know someone, she would lash out in anger. He waited for her mood to change, but her smile brightened.

  “You are my son, aren’t you? Darek?”

  He choked back the tears and nodded. “Yes, Mama, it’s me.”

  “Oh, thank heavens. I thought you’d gone away. Your father has, you know? I don’t think he’ll be around again anytime soon, though. Will you stay with me a while?”

  “Yeah. I’m not going anywhere.” He knew that in her next breath she probably wouldn’t remember him at all, but he sat with her in silence with peace of mind, knowing that for whatever brief moment, she was with him.

  With all the weight that was coming down on him with Lizzy and the case, it was just what he needed.

  15

  Bay

  Bay kicked back in his chair as Mia paced the room behind him. “I don’t know why I can’t go down there. I can behave myself. I just want to watch.”

  The club, Taunt, had started to fill up, and while Bay needed to focus on the cameras that watched his main entrance, which happened to be the only cameras in the club, aside from the ones watching his money, Mia was preoccupied with what was happening through the windows looking below.

  “You can watch from up here; you’ll have a bird’s eye view. I’ll even send Howie up with a vibrator if you want, but you’re not going anywhere.”

  “Maybe I’ll like Howie?”

  “Maybe I’ll slice his balls off and feed them to him. And the next time you make a remark that suggests you prefer anyone to me, I’ll disown you.”

  Mia hu
ffed and walked to a different window. “Can’t I even make a joke?”

  “Stop talking.” His phone rang in his pocket. “Shit. Just when I thought I’d get some peace and quiet.” He looked to see who it was and grimaced. “What do you want Seth? Are you going to offer me a deal I can appreciate or what?”

  “I’m prepared to come down a little, but since you really don’t have any leverage, I can’t see giving you an advantage. I want a fair price.”

  “If you’re talking about Finn’s body being found, I wouldn’t be too sure I don’t still have you by the balls.”

  “Please, I’m calling your bluff.” Seth sounded so confident that it amused Bay.

  “I don’t really have time to talk to you, Seth. I’ve got a club to run. You remember this place, right? I see lots of familiar faces tonight. I bet that hot, raven-haired vixen shows up again.”

  “Darek called to ask me about her. Nice try with that, but I denied knowing her.”

  Bay laughed. “And when Darek finds her and tells her about her favorite boy toy, she’s going to be so upset that she spills her guts and tells him everything. I’d try again on that price while you think that over.”

  “I want my original offer.”

  “And I don’t need the property Seth, not like you need your reputation to be untainted.”

  “No, but you want it, don’t you? You have some scheme in mind.” Seth laughed. “I haven’t forgotten you wanted it before. Give me what I want, and it’s all yours.”

  The only scheme he had was getting one over on Seth, and that was losing its luster at the moment. “I suggest that you listen to what I’m saying. I’ll pay you one hundred grand and not a penny more. And that price will keep going down until you come to your senses and stop fucking with me.” On the monitors, he could see his patrons coming in and more filing into the long line.

  Seth was having a meltdown on the other end of the line. “That’s three times less than its worth, and you know it! I’ll get it appraised and get back to you. I’ll cut you a discount, but I’ll decide the percentage. You’re an asshole.” Seth sounded like a pouty child, and Bay had heard all he could stand.

  “Ninety grand. Keep on I’ll make it eighty. Now, fuck off. I’m busy.” He ended the call and tossed the phone to the table. The man was really testing his nerves, and he didn’t feel like getting into it with him. The one thing Bay hated most was having to repeat himself.

  Mia sighed loudly to exaggerate her boredom.

  “Mia!” Bay snapped. “Come away from the window. Can’t you see that I’m trying to relax?”

  “Fine! I’ll behave.” She walked over, and he pulled her onto his lap and kissed her neck. “Look at the crowd with me. See all these people who are coming into my club to make the money you spend.”

  “They’re all deviants, aren’t they?” she asked with a soft voice. “All of my things are paid for with filth.”

  He turned to see that she was focused on the little screen. “If you stop pouting, I’ll send you on a mission for me.” He smiled when she perked up.

  Mia turned and kissed his cheek. “Will I get to go downstairs?”

  He was amused by her enthusiasm. She had the potential to be a lot like him, and he liked that her mind was nearly as twisted. “Yes, but only if my hunch is correct.”

  She squealed with delight and rubbed his crotch. “I’m so turned on.”

  He gave her a scolding glare and removed her hand. “I will still expect you to behave, but I might let you flirt a bit.”

  “Is he handsome?” She bounced on Bay’s knee.

  Bay laughed out loud. She should know better. “There are two people, and you’re only playing matchmaker.”

  “Do I get to watch? Or better yet, coach?” He liked the pleading look in her eye

  “Only if they offer to give you a show. I can’t promise anything will happen.” Bay wondered if Darek would break weak and end up fucking someone besides that pretty partner of his.

  He eased back in his chair, and then suddenly, a woman stepped up in line that caught his attention. “There she is. Do you see that woman? Her name is Raven.”

  “Do I get to go talk to her?” Mia asked in a sing-song voice.

  “Not just yet, but I want you to keep an eye on her.” He watched the woman show her ID, and then with a nod to the bouncer, she walked out of the line of the camera. “Watch through that window.” He pointed to the one in front of them. “It’s early. She’ll make her way to the bar and buy a wristband. Her type likes to take her time. She’ll pick someone who looks important, and my guess, she likes men with VIP status.” She hadn’t picked Finn because of his charm. All of the Zodiacs had VIP status in his place. He’d mailed the bands out himself, though some had sent them back. Darek had been one of them.

  Despite his disinterest then, Bay knew that one thing had changed: the man was no longer married. And even though he was banging that sweet partner’s ass, he had to find Raven while he could. Bay didn’t mind helping him with that.

  Twenty minutes later, Darek showed.

  “Mia, come here.” Bay opened his desk drawer and pulled out a VIP band. “Do you see that man?”

  She peeked over his shoulder, her hair falling down to brush his cheek. “He is handsome.”

  “Easy, girl. Take this band and go down there. I want you to deliver it to the man, and then go to the bar and have a drink sent to the woman. Tell her it’s from him.”

  “No problem, but then what do you want me to do?”

  “Bring your sweet ass back up here, and I’ll have a nice surprise waiting.” He brushed her hair back and kissed her. “Make sure you don’t keep me waiting too long.”

  Mia rose up and took the band, and without another word, she headed out to the floor. He watched out the window of his central office, and as she made her way down the stairs, he could see her when she got to the bottom and weaved through the crowd.

  A man tapped her on the shoulder, and Mia politely stopped. She shook her head no and turned to complete the task, but he grabbed her shoulder and tried to pull her back. That didn’t sit well with Bay. He picked up the phone and dialed down to security.

  “Hey, Jack. There’s a man harassing Mia, black leather jacket and red spiky hair.” He watched the guard move closer. “There he is, twelve o’clock. That’s him.”

  The guard moved in and grabbed the man’s arm, and Mia was able to get away. “What do you want me to do with him?” asked Jack.

  “Take him out the side door, and make sure you tell him I said hello.” Bay didn’t rough up many people, but he wouldn’t stand for anyone to be harassed in his bar, Mia or otherwise. Him saying hello had been code since the first night of business when he’d had Jack beat an asshole down.

  He turned and found Mia moving in on Darek. With so many men stopping to proposition her, he wondered if he had made a mistake in sending her down. At least none of the others were as hands-on with their reactions to her rejections, which was good for them. It meant that they got to leave without bleeding.

  Bay stepped to the right to get a better look out of his windows and knew that it wouldn’t be long and hopefully Darek would have a lot more questions for Seth Stone. He was counting on the woman to tell the detective what she knew, and with any luck, a little bit of the shadow would be cast away from himself without being too obvious.

  16

  Darek

  Darek had been in the club for just a few minutes and already wished he hadn’t ditched the pass that he’d been given. Unfortunately, Megan would never go for it, and so before she found it hidden in a drawer somewhere in their house, he’d sent it back to Bay.

  He read the banner above the bar and wasn’t sure which band he should order. Each one came with a different option. There was a blue band if you were seeking a man, pink if you were seeking a woman, red was for anything goes, and lime green meant you were just there to watch. Darek wasn’t sure if he should buy a green band and observe, or if he should
get the pink one meaning, he was looking for a woman, which in fact, he was. He just wasn’t planning on fucking her.

  Luckily, he didn’t have to make a choice. The young girl he’d seen at Bay’s came sauntering up to him, her petite chest stuck out, her hips swaying, and her bratty little nose in the air to show off her twisted grin.

  “Courtesy of the owner.” She took Darek’s hand and clipped the band around his wrist. “This will get you whatever you want, and in most cases, whoever you want.”

  “Tell him thank you for me, will you?” Darek glanced around and wondered if Bay was watching from across the room.

  “I sure will, sexy.” She gave him a wink and then sauntered away. She stopped at the bar and ordered a drink.

  He turned around to look for the dark-haired woman, but the club was filling up, and people were already engaging in activity around him. The smell of sex hung heady in the air, and he wasn’t sure if the room was growing warm with body heat or if Bay had the heat on to promote less clothing, but several were taking off their clothes, stripping down to pasties and thin straps of cloth and leather. As the music thumped all around them, some jumped upon the cages that were scattered around the room in between the faux leather sofas that were specially designed for maximum penetration.

  A beautiful blonde walked by, licking her lips with a tongue so long that Darek was tempted to see what she could with it, but he knew better. No one in the place was better than Lizzy or could make him feel as good. At least, that was what he kept telling himself. He had no intention of finding out.

  He turned and froze as a tall woman with straight black hair walked toward him. She held his gaze, her eyes not even blinking as she beelined in his direction with a drink in her hand. “Thank you,” she said, lifting the glass to her lips.