Aries

by WL Knightly

  Bay grinned, still fucking with Alan. “Yeah, I bet she is. I bet her strap-on dick is bigger than yours, am I right?”

  “Fuck you. Let’s get this shit done.” Alan turned and glared at Seth, who shook off the laughter and tried to regain his composure.

  “It looks okay to me,” said Alan after finishing with the last page.

  Seth nodded. “I agree. Let’s sign this bad boy and get the fuck out of here.”

  Bay passed them his pen, and Seth began signing his lines. When he was done, he handed each paper off until he’d completed them.

  As Bay signed the last one, he cleared his throat. “This calls for a drink.” He dropped his pen and got to his feet.

  “I’ll pass. I wanted to get back to my room.” Alan got up and straightened out his shirt. “When will I have my money?”

  “Tomorrow,” Bay said. “Come on, at least have one.”

  Alan looked like he was being asked to help him clean up the messy place instead of throwing back some free liquor. “Fine, one drink.”

  “Count me in,” said Seth. “I think this is a good time for a drink.”

  Bay walked across the room and poured them some bourbon. “You sound so enthusiastic. I can’t wait to hear what’s on your mind.”

  “Well, it’s not really a big deal. I’m going to focus on my life, getting elected, and I guess you can say that I’ve got to wash my hands of certain childish things.”

  Alan cleared his throat. “Like letting other men bone your wife?” He tossed back his drink, still clearly unimpressed.

  “Well, for starters, but let’s just say, with this drink, I’m ending my relationship with the past. I’m done with New York and the Zodiacs. No more favors. So, the next time you need something, don’t call me.” He turned up his drink and peeked over his glass at Bay’s expression, which was unreadable.

  Bay took a hearty swig of his drink. “And this is why you were never our leader. You’re a quitter, Seth. And in case you’re a dumbass as well, do you really think you can get away that easily? I guess I should remind you that I still have a little leverage over you, so we’ll be done when I say we’re done.”

  Seth wished he could take the gun from Bay and do them all a favor and wipe the man off the face of the earth. He had already made up his mind that he needed a Zodiac-free life, and he didn’t see why Bay needed him to be obligated to him for the rest of his life.

  Alan stood and held out his hand. “I’ll need my gun. I’ve got to roll.” Bay got up and walked him to the door.

  Seth decided he would wait until Alan left and talk to Bay alone. There had to be something they could work out to get rid of the evidence once and for all. The last thing he wanted was for that to be hanging over his head for the rest of his life.

  A moment later, Bay returned. He stood next to his seat and gave Seth a blank stare before sitting back down. “You’re really serious about this purge from your life, aren’t you?”

  “I’d like to live a stress-free life and be able to campaign. I don’t want you holding things over my head. So, what’s it going to take?”

  Bay’s eyes lit with surprise, which was a rare sight for Seth to see. “Wow, you’re really willing to negotiate. I suppose you want your freedom, too? For me to just let you walk away and go back on your word.”

  “I was a kid, Bay. I wasn’t old enough to make any kind of decision. Hell, none of us were, and we only went along with what we did to please you and save face. None of us wanted to look like the weak link.”

  “Yet, here you are. Bowing out on me after all the shit you gave me for wanting to lead.”

  “I’m willing to give you half of your money back on the property for the video to go away. I will have a family, Bay. I don’t want my kids to ever have to think of their old man as a bad man.”

  “You want me to protect you, but see, Seth, I’ve been protecting you all along. I thought if you kept entertaining the fact that your father was a man of integrity and not some sissy-boy bottom, you’d remain stronger.”

  “My father wasn’t gay, and he wasn’t a bottom. He was a deviant who enjoyed getting his cock sucked. He used it as a power trip.”

  “That’s what he told you, isn’t it? When you confronted him?”

  “How do you know I confronted him?”

  “Because I know you, Seth. You wanted answers. So, tell me if I’m right?”

  “Actually, he denied it happened.”

  “Do you know why, Seth?”

  “I had seen my father flirting, so don’t try and tell me it never happened.”

  “No, it happened. But not the way I told you.” Bay raked his hand through his platinum hair. “Your old man wasn’t the one giving that night; he was the receiver. I’m sure it happened many other times, too. So that kind of blows the dominant male bullshit theory out of the water. At least I let you have those years of not knowing the harsh truth, so you can think about that while you’re out there wondering if I’m about to throw your ass under the bus.”

  “You’re lying. You’re trying to get me riled up. I’m not going to fall for it, man. I’m offering you the money back. Please.”

  Bay got to his feet. “Keep your money. I like things the way they are.”

  Seth stood, and Bay walked to the door to show him out. Seth stopped and turned. “I’m serious about being done. I’m focusing on my family.”

  “Have a good life, Seth. Until.” Bay shut the door in his face.

  25

  Seth

  Seth couldn’t believe that Bay was so petty, but he wasn’t sure why he had expected anything different from the man who had talked him into torturing another human being.

  He made it back to his hotel room, and even though he had planned to go to bed and get some rest, he needed a little release.

  He looked at his phone and found a missed call from Gretta, which would remain unreturned. He needed to distance himself from her if he wanted to maintain control. It had to start now.

  Knowing Kari expected a call, he dialed her number while he ate his takeout. “Did you get your deal all taken care of?” she asked.

  “Yeah, it was a breeze. How’s my girl feeling?”

  Kari giggled. “Good, a little sore from earlier, but I’m still thinking about you.” He could hear her footsteps, and soon the bathroom sink came on and the sound of her toothbrush scrubbing her teeth followed.

  “I had fun too. I think we’re going to enjoy the baby-making sex. I’ve got big plans for us when I get home.” He listened to the sound of her scrubbing her teeth, the spit, the rinse and looked at the time. “You’re all ready for bed?”

  “Yeah, I’m getting up early to go shopping with my mother. She wants to spend a little time with me to find a dress for the charity event.”

  “That sounds like fun. I’m glad you have someone to keep you busy.”

  “Are you going to stay in tonight, too?” she asked. He wondered if she thought he might go to the sex club without her.

  “Yeah, I thought I would tuck you into bed.” He could hear the sound of the covers being pulled out, the pillows shuffling, and he imagined her climbing up into their bed, probably wearing a tight little number that he’d peeled off of her a time or two.

  Kari yawned again. “I’m going to watch a movie if I can manage to stay awake. But I’m all tucked in, so thank you for calling.” She made kissy noises into the phone, and he smiled knowing what she looked like making her smoochy face.

  “That’s my girl. I’m going to get my shower. I’ll call you in the morning.”

  They ended the call, and he dialed the number of the woman he and Kari had played with on their last visit. And once he had made arrangements, he freshened up and got his condoms out of the suitcase and put them in the bedside drawer. He wasn’t about to be unprotected and had never had sex with anyone other than Kari that he had gone totally skin to skin.

  While he turned on some music and ordered up a bottle of wine, he waited on the sof
a and watched some TV.

  The wine showed up before Raven, and while he was giving the bellboy his tip, she walked up behind him in the hall.

  “Hello, Raven. Come on in, sweetheart.”

  The attendant excused himself, and Raven stepped inside to join him. Seth checked the hall and shut the door. He was excited to see Raven again and even happier that this time, he got her all alone.

  “You look beautiful. You’ve changed your hair.” Where there was once a streak of blue, there was now nothing but a blond streak.

  “Yeah, I had a run in with a detective. Your friend Finn, he was killed.”

  Seth didn’t want to talk about Finn but knew the subject would come up. “Yeah, I know. It’s a shame.”

  “He was a fun guy. I really liked him. I had fun with you three that night.” She looked over at the couch, and Seth gestured to it.

  “Please sit. Make yourself comfortable.” He had stayed dressed in jeans and a tee, hoping to get more comfortable soon enough.

  He sat beside her once she sat down, and as he eased back, his arm resting on the back of the couch, she turned and angled herself toward him. It was very cozy.

  “So, I’m sure you didn’t call me here to reminisce about our last encounter. Why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind? Is your wife here?”

  “No, she’s not. I hope that’s not a problem. As you well know, we’ve got an open arrangement.” Their arrangement was not as strict as others but hardly open in the full sense of the word.

  “So, you want to fuck. Here or the bedroom? Shower?” She was down for anything, and Seth liked her sense of variety.

  “I say,” he moved his hand to her thigh, “that we start right here.” He brought his arm around her, caressing her hair, and when he kissed her lips, her tongue snaked out, taking it deeper.

  She pulled away and unbuttoned his pants. She kissed him again once her hand was inside, gripping his cock, her fingers nimbly stroking his shaft.

  Seth cupped her bottom and brought her over into his lap, pushing up her tight skirt to reveal her crotchless panties.

  “You really came prepared.”

  “I didn’t think you wanted to talk like the detective.”

  Seth laughed. “Let me guess. Darek Blake?”

  She nodded. “You know him?”

  “Yeah, I know him. So tell me, what did you do with Darek? Only talk?”

  “He was a bit strange and sweet. We both rubbed one out to an orgy, and he came on my tits.”

  “Nice.”

  “Nice indeed. I liked him.”

  “You should see him again. I hear he’s newly divorced. I bet you’d have a good time if you got him outside of the club.” Seth was amused suggesting she hook back up with Darek, and maybe next time, the big pussy would get a piece of ass from her. He was always Mr. Do Right.

  “I may have to try that. But now, I want this big cock.” She gripped his dick and gave it a tug.

  “Come with me, and I can make that dream come true.” He led her to the bed where he laid her back and went down on her. She smelled sweet, and he wanted a taste so badly, his mouth watered. He dragged his tongue up her slit, and she moaned out, gripping his hair.

  Once she came, he moved between her legs to sheath his cock with one of the condoms he’d put in the drawer. “Do you want on top? Bottom? It’s your call.”

  “I’d like it hard.” She laid on her back and slid her ass to the edge of the bed so he could stand and thrust inside her. He lifted her legs up over his shoulders and quickly buried himself inside her soaking wet channel.

  They fucked like that for a good twenty minutes, and after she’d had a few more orgasms, Seth came, keeping his cock buried deep inside her.

  They went to the shower after, and though she spent most of the time on her knees, they held each other and lathered up a little before calling it a night.

  Raven stepped out and wrapped herself in a towel. “I should go.”

  “You’re welcome to stay. It’s late.”

  “I don’t know. I mean, I know you have this open thing with your wife, but is that really part of it? Cuddling?” She gathered up her clothes.

  He pulled on some shorts as she got dressed. “It’s nice, and I’m sure Kari would understand.” He was perfectly content to let her sleep over. He had a few condoms left for morning and had a feeling he’d wake up eager for more.

  “I don’t know. I’ll go. Call me in the morning if you decide to stick around another night or even a few more hours. I’ll let you get some sleep.”

  “Fine, suit yourself.” He gave her a kiss and patted her bottom, and after a quick farewell hug, he opened the door for her. She stepped out into the hall and then he watched her until she disappeared around the corner to the elevator.

  He stepped back into the room and had just shut the door and walked away from it when he heard a knock. He scratched his bare chest and went to the door. “I knew you couldn’t resist—”

  Alan Lowe stood on the other side of the door.

  “Alan? What the fuck is the matter?” He didn’t want to let the guy in, but he was crying and seemed pretty desperate.

  “I need to talk to you.”

  “Come on in, man. It’s late, but you’re welcome to sit a minute and have a drink if you want. There’s a little wine left. I was just entertaining.”

  “How do you do it? Cheat on your wife. I’d give anything for mine to come back to me. Do you know I’ve never been unfaithful?” He was shaking again, his entire body looking as if he was having a meltdown.

  “Good for you, man. But Kari Lynn and I have an agreement. We have an open marriage.” He didn’t think he should have to explain himself to Alan fucking Lowe. He got up and walked to the bedroom where the wine was and was looking to see how much was left when he walked back into the room. “Is that what you came here for?”

  “No,” he said. His eyes were so wild and desperate, and he held the gun in his hands.

  “What the fuck are you doing with that gun?” Seth felt his blood pump so fast and hard that he couldn’t hear much else but the beating of his own heart.

  “I’ve got to, okay. It’s the way it’s got to be.”

  “What’s got to be? Did someone send you to kill me?”

  “I don’t want to do this, okay. I’m not this person. I wasn’t even this person the first time, but this is what they want.”

  “Who is they?”

  “The killer. They said I have to kill you, or they’ll come after my wife and kids. It’s you or me, don’t you get it?”

  Seth held up his hands. “I get it, buddy. If you just put the gun down, we can talk it out. You can tell me everything that they said to you. Did you see them? Do you know who they are?” He began to panic and wondered if Bay had put him up to this? Was he going to pay him the entire amount and leave Seth out of the deal now that the papers were signed? Did he even think that was possible? Or was this his punishment for leaving the Zodiacs and telling Bay he was done? He held out his hand and met Alan’s eyes. “We’ve known each other a long time, you and me. We go way back. You don’t want to do this, do you? No one says you have to listen to anyone. I’ve got a little power, you know. From my political connections. So I can help keep you safe.”

  “My wife didn’t leave. They were taken. My little girl is sick. She needs help. I can’t leave them to die. This has got to be done. I was told it’s you or them.”

  Seth stepped forward, hoping to talk some sense into him. “Alan wait, please. Did Bay put you up to this? Is it Bay?”

  Alan fired the gun, and Seth felt the first sting of the bullet. He hit the floor, and he watched Alan walk over and stand over him. Tears streamed down the man’s face.

  “I’m sorry, man,” he said. His voice sounded like it was in a tunnel, and Seth lay there feeling his body growing colder. All of a sudden another shot rang out, sounding like a soft pop to his muted ears. Popcorn.

  As Alan ran away, darkness clouded his visio
n as his life slipped away.

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  About the Author

  WL Knightly is a thriller/murder mystery co-writing pen name for USA Today Best Selling Authors Lexy Timms and Ali Parker.

  When she’s not writing, Lexy can be found dealing in Antique Jewelry and hanging out with her awesome hubby and three kids.

  Ali is a CPA turned fiction writer who is married to her best friend and lives in Texas. She spends her days writing and chasing three kiddos around the house.

  The two friends met years ago when they both started writing and publishing in various young adult genres and needed a critique partner. The rest is history…

  Aries

  Zodiac Killers #5

  Copyright © 2018 by WL Knightly

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  The novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and plot are all either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons – living or dead – is purely coincidental.

  First Edition.

  Editor: Eric Martinez

  Cover Art: Kellie Dennis at Book Cover by Design