He was making that difficult to do. Why had he come all the way up to Vancouver to see me? Just to apologize? Or was there really more to it? He’d called me his girlfriend. He’d never done that before. But I liked that he had. I liked it a lot. Too much. It would be foolish of me to forgive him, wouldn’t it? Crazy to even consider giving him another opportunity to trample my feelings again. Or was it?
Half the bottle of water now empty, but still my quest for clarity regarding Warren Jinkins continued to elude me. I told myself it didn’t matter. I was going to live in the moment. But try as I might the living I was doing right now felt manufactured, not at all like I’d felt when we’d been together in Seattle. The buzz I had going made it hard to think. Did I really only have the one drink?
I leaned my head back and stared at the pulsing club lights. The blues and reds seemed a lot more vivid than I’d ever noticed and the beat of the music was so organic, like it was a part of me. A little disoriented, my eyes sought the two men who had been my dance partners all evening. Standing side by side their arms folded over their chests, dark hungry gazes focused my way, they suddenly seemed overwhelmingly appealing to me. Like I’d do anything for them. With them. To them.
Who needed Warren Jinkins and his captivating combo of tough and tender?
I swiveled around in my stool polishing off the rest of my water. I made up my mind. I was going to take the next step. I turned around, but didn’t have to go to them. They were already heading in my direction, threading their way through the tight crowd, more than one female head turning to watch them as they passed.
Such sexy men. Just the purposeful way they moved made my whole body start to feel tingly and warm and turned on. I licked my lips. They were dry even though I’d just finished drinking.
“You ready to go, Sweetheart?” Joel asked his eyes nearly totally black as they dropped to my mouth.
“Sure.” I slid off my seat but stumbled when my feet hit the floor, missing the predatory glance that passed between the two men. My legs felt all wobbly and wrong. So did my brain for that matter. I was so woozy I didn’t even protest when Joel kept his hand fingers curled beneath the slope of my breast long after the pretext of steadying me had passed.
Tonight I decided that I liked his fingers there. Tonight I was going to make myself play along. Ignore the faint voice that said this wasn’t right and that these men weren’t who I really wanted.
I hooked my other arm around Brandon’s waist, my mind flooded with salacious thoughts. There was a loud roaring, dark insatiable need thrumming through my body like a runaway train. I don’t think I could’ve thrown on the brakes if I tried. My lips formed a foreign feeling smile. Tonight I was feeling like being a bad, bad girl, so naughty that it very well might take two men to satisfy me.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
War
“Where the fuck is she?” I growled my frustration after scanning the packed first floor of the club a second time grateful that though I received a couple of second glances of recognition no one had dared interrupt my search. It’d only been thirty minutes since we’d gotten the text from April that Shaina was at the Diamond Mine. We’d hopped into Diz’s Panamera and made record time from Coquitlam to downtown thanks to the Porche’s turbo charged engine. So then where the hell had she gone?
“I don’t know.” Dizzy eyes lit up as they drifted over my shoulder. “But here comes April. We can ask her.”
“Why’d you come here?” Wearing a confused frown, a tight Diamond Mine tee, and jeans that hugged her slender curves, the beautiful brunette spoke before either one of us could. “Didn’t you get my text?”
“Yeah that’s why we came.” Diz’s pierced brow lifted. “We took off as soon as we could. Where is she?”
“Not that text. The second one.” Her frown deepened. “You didn’t get it did you? Shit. I’m sorry guys. I should’ve called instead. You’re too late. They already left.”
“They?” I ground out through my clenched teeth needing to know though certain I wasn’t going to like the answer.
“She went with those two guys she usually hangs out with.”
Fuck. I was afraid she’d say that, but I had to shove the jealousy aside even though that fucker weighed a ton. The alternative wasn’t acceptable. If I dwelled on the thought of one of those guys touching her soft skin or hearing her soft cries, I’d have to kill them, and then I’d go to jail and this whole plan to do the right thing would be all shot to hell.
“Do you know where they went?” I bit out, registering on some level, the strong undercurrent flowing between my former rhythm guitarist and this chick. They both appeared to be trying real hard to play it down. Any other time I would’ve given Diz grief about it but at the present moment I had more pressing concerns.
“Yeah, I do, actually. That’s why I texted you the address.” April was way more put together than the chicks Dizzy usually went for. “And if this girl’s important to you, I mean if she’s your girlfriend.” She looked at Dizzy instead of me and blushed for some reason. “I think you might want to hurry and catch up to them.”
“Why?” My brows snapped together sudden unease slithering across my skin making the tiny hairs at the back of my neck stand on end.
“Because they were going to PTU.”
“Seriously?” Dizzy eyes went wide.
“What the fuck is PTU?” I demanded Dizzy’s incredulousness and the concerned expression on April’s face making my stomach churn as I glanced back and forth between them. “Another bar?”
“Yeah sort of,” Dizzy replied. “But not a regular one.” He and April exchanged another knowing look. What was it with these two? “Pretty Tied Up is a bondage club, a hard core one. You have to be a member to get in and sign a bunch of waivers because they allow cattle prods and potentially dangerous shit like that.”
“Fuck!” A shot of adrenaline surged through my bloodstream shooting me into full on paranoia mode, the visual he’d created shocking me to my core. “She’s not into shit like that!” Or she certainly hadn’t been two weeks ago.
Holy hell.
“Yeah I didn’t think so.” A small crease formed between April’s brows. “I hate to be the bearer of worse news, but I have to tell you that she wasn’t acting the way she normally does. She only had one drink as far as I know.” April twisted her hands together. “But she was slurring her words, and I think,” she threw me a frightened look that twisted my gut the way she’d been doing her hands, “she either took something else or those guys slipped something into her drink.”
• • •
Shaina
I remembered the warmth inside the cab, the humidity, and the windows fogging up. I remembered telling myself I should be flattered by the attention and turned on by the groping fingers of not one but two handsome men who seemed unable to get enough of me.
I dropped the curtain on every other contrary thought that arose, not willing to allow anything to erode my brittle resolve.
I vaguely remembered the darkness and cold outside before being escorted down steps to a door. A buzzer sounded as we entered. It was warm inside but that did nothing for my sense of unease. I clung to Joel. We seemed to be in some kind of reception area that was cramped but lavishly decorated. Though the theme was entirely too old world gothic for my taste with red velvet upholstery, black wood furnishing, flickering candles, and framed picture boxes displaying things I couldn’t quite make out because Joel kept getting in my way..
He dropped his head and whispered in my ear informing me that we were being admitted through the club’s exclusive VIP entrance and that tonight was a once a quarter celebration for members only. I assumed we were honored guests because of the way a tall blond dude in an expensive looking suit and an air of authority treated us. He asked for my autograph, along with Brandon’s and Joel’s. I was happy to comply signing mine with a flourish even remembering to add the usual heart in place of the dot over the “i” in my name.
I
got a little irritated with Joel and Brandon when we entered a larger room and they pulled me quickly through, preventing me from getting a good look around. From the little bit that I had been able to see it seemed like a happening scene with groups of people hanging out on multi-level platforms done up in the same medieval style as before. The décor in the big room was way over the top, more dungeon than castle and with all the nude statues it felt more provocative. Or maybe it was just me and my imagination playing tricks on me because surely those three people hadn’t been doing what I thought they were doing? And surely there hadn’t been a naked woman with a collar around her neck chained to the bar?
More stone walls and even lower lighting greeted us in the long hallway we hurried down. I glanced at Brandon. He stared straight ahead, even though I think he knew I was looking at him. A thought went through my mind that made me uneasy. Something had been going on in that room. Something outside my comfort zone. Something I think he didn’t want me to see.
Joel stopped in front of a door, sliding a card to open it. He entered the room and curled his fingers indicating Brandon and I should follow.
The huge bed dominating the room was the first thing I saw. “Maybe,” I swallowed nervously. “Maybe we should go back in the main room first.”
“This room will be so much more fun,” Joel assured me. His eyes gleamed as he moved to stand in front of me and began plucking at the buttons of my blouse. I wobbled on my heels grasping his arms for support. He grinned darkly before dipping his head his dark hair sliding forward as he resumed his task. I felt a solid presence caging me in from behind before warm wet lips touched my neck.
I knew it was Brandon, but I think I said Warren’s name instead. I don’t know. I got kind of confused after that. Joel’s eyes seemed to morph into the mahogany of someone else’s. Someone I desired. Someone I desperately wanted to desire me back.
I closed my eyes and started to remove the rest of my clothing. He liked me naked. I wanted his ringed fingers on me. I could make him want me again. It was important to me that he did. He was important to me. No one but him. I loved him. I never stopped loving him. The time apart hadn’t changed my feelings. I didn’t think there was anything that could.
I opened my eyes, the fog in my mind beginning to break up. Something had been screwing with my brain. Warren wasn’t here. He never had been I realized. It was just Joel and Brandon touching me, touching my naked skin, and right now their caresses made my blood run cold. I didn’t like it, and I wanted it to stop.
“I’ve changed my mind.” Heart hammering, I backed away from them pressing myself into the corner, frightened rather than amused by the torch like wall sconces and the raised platform bed with the leather restraints dangling from it. I refused to allow my mind to consider what the plastic tarp on the floor might signify.
“I don’t want to do this anymore,” I stated firmly so there’d be absolutely no room for misunderstanding. The clothes I’d facilitated removing I retrieved and clutched tight in front of my body in a feeble attempt to cover my nudity.
“Love it, Sweetheart.” Joel took a step closer, nostrils flaring, and his dark eyes darker than usual. “The trembling’s a nice touch. I knew you’d be fun. You’re such a good little actress.” His white teeth flashed. He was getting off on my fear.
I turned my head toward his silent accomplice who stood in the way between me and the door. “Please, Brandon,” I pleaded. “I won’t say anything to anyone about this. I just want to go.”
“Joel.” Brandon licked his lips. He looked nervous. “Maybe we should reconsider.”
Suddenly, the door flew open. It hit the wall so hard it came off the hinges.
“Warren,” I breathed. I don’t know how he found me, but I was so grateful he had. I’d never been so glad to see anyone in my entire life.
I could tell by his enraged expression that he was barely human. His eyes blazed dark fire. They swept over me, narrowing further as they took in my cowering naked form. Dizzy was right behind him, his reaction primal. Then someone else entered. One I didn’t recognize. He wore a black cloak and didn’t appear to be happy either. He scowled at Joel and Brandon from beneath his hood.
Man, this place took this dungeon theming seriously. A hysterical laugh bubbled up but I swallowed it back. I didn’t want to draw any more attention to myself. I just wanted everyone to stop looking at me.
“We saw the woman on the monitor,” the cloaked guy stated authoritatively. “She’s clearly changed her mind.”
“She’s just role-playing.” Joel threw his head back, arms crossed, affecting an unflappable stance. “She’s an actress, for fuck’s sake. Everything’s cool.”
There was a low growl and that was the only warning Joel got before Warren was on him, my badass avenging angel on a mission of retribution, his hands hammering blows. One lifted Joel’s chin snapping his head back, the other connected with his abdomen hard enough to knock an audible grunt out of him and double him over.
Warren was lethally fast. We all stared. No one had time or quite frankly I think the inclination to do anything else. I don’t think Joel even knew what hit him. After the crack of the fifth or sixth blow I almost felt sorry for him.
“Hold on. Hold on.” The cloaked dungeon guy’s hands fluttered in front of him. He looked more than a little freaked. “Let me go get James. He’s the owner.” I noticed Dizzy’s body jerk and though it seemed impossible for it to do so his expression grew even harder. “James will straighten everything out. Luckily he’s here tonight.” He flew out of the room as if chased, his black robe trailing behind him like a frightened shadow.
“I’m gonna sue your ass.” Joel rubbed his chin. His eyes flaring as he focused on Warren. He moved his jaw as if checking to make sure it wasn’t broken. “Who the hell do you think you are anyway?”
“I’m her boyfriend, motherfucker,” War replied, hands at his sides but still opening and closing as if he still wanted to beat the shit out of him.
I was dangerously close to giving into hysterics. My checks burned with humiliation. I pressed myself further into the corner, wishing I could just disappear. What had happened with War had been consensual, though his words had been calculated and cruel.
This on the other hand had very nearly been something tragic, even as messed up as I was, I realized on some basic level the danger I had subjected myself to.
Dizzy noticed my movement. His eyes met mine, the hard in his face softening in sympathy.
Whipping the velvet coverlet from the platform, he held it out and moved cautiously toward me. Reminding myself he was one of the good guys, I was able to suppress a cringe as he draped it around me. Even though it grossed me out to think of what that blanket might have been used for, I managed to whisper a thank you. I was grateful for his thoughtfulness as well as for the warmth and modesty the musty fabric provided.
Suddenly, Brandon cleared his throat. I’d almost forgotten he was there, so had everyone else apparently given the startled looks all around.
“I’m sorry, Shaina,” he offered, his expression guilt-ridden. “Sorry for my part in this.”
What could I really say? He might truly regret it, but I’d never trust him again.
“You were wrong.” Brandon leveled a glare at Joel. “We never should have done this. If she had come with us voluntarily that would’ve been one thing. We should’ve just asked her. Would’ve probably found out she had a boyfriend.”
“Shut your mouth, Brandon,” Joel warned.
Still looking lethal, as if contemplating further violence, War instead moved protectively in front of me.
“You wanna press charges, Shaina?” Dizzy asked, his gaze angry once more as he focused on my two co-stars.
“No,” I replied immediately, my eyes tearing. “I just wanna go home. Forget this ever happened.”
“That might be hard to do,” Dizzy said softly as if his supposition was more than just conjecture, his expression somber as he looked my
way.
“You heard the lady,” Warren barked. “I’d get the fuck out of here before we talk her into changing her mind.”
My view of my escorts turned assailants fleeing the room was blocked by my rescuing hero slash boyfriend. He turned and came to me, his movements blurry through my welling tears. He yanked me into his body.
Finally.
I sagged into him. After weeks apart, I felt like I could breathe freely again. I had been wrong. Our wounds might never mend completely, but we were better together. We belonged together, rough edges and all.
“I was scared to death,” I admitted. “I called for you. How did you find me?” I snuggled closer, relishing his heat, his warmth. Him. I could feel his heart beating a mile a minute.
“April, the bartender at the Diamond Mine. And Diz knows a guy who works here. When we saw you on the monitor…” He trailed off. His eyes closed briefly before they reopened. Something intensely primal flickered in them as they settled on my tear streaked face, and though I thought it was physically impossible, I melded into him as he hugged me even tighter.
“It’s ok now.” His voice was soft but gravelly. I willingly sank further into him, but didn’t respond. Despite what had occurred, I finally felt safe and secure, and I didn’t want to move. I just wanted to be with him. “It’s alright,” he semi-repeated, his breath warm and his lips firm as the pressed against my hair.
I got the impression that he was reassuring himself with his words at the same time that he was comforting me.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
War
“She ok?” Dizzy’s voice reached me as soon as I closed the door to Shaina’s bedroom.
“She’s still sleeping.” And had been both other times I’d checked on her. I ran a worried hand through my hair. She had been so quiet on the drive back to her hotel.
Diz stood, swiped his keys off the coffee table and grabbed his leather jacket from where it’d been draped over the back of the couch. “I still think you should try to talk her into pressing charges when she wakes up.” He had stayed with me partly out of concern for Shaina and partly to kept me company I think, but I could tell there was something really bugging him. He kept glancing at the door and periodically checking his watch as if he had someplace else he needed to be.
The Complete Tempest World Box Set Page 97