Sexy Dare

by Phillips, Carly

  Jason sat on the corner of the desk, “Yeah. I ran into them on my way up here.” And he’d wiped Charlotte’s red lipstick marks off his lips soon after. If she’d gotten over him the way he’d hoped, she had a funny way of showing it. Then again, Charlotte liked to be the center of attention and to cause drama. Hopefully that’s all her big hello was all about.

  “I need to change my clothes. I’ll meet you guys downstairs,” Jason said.

  Landon glanced down at his jeans. “I think we all need to dress.” With the amount of hours they spent at this place, it was their second home, and they chose to be comfortable until it was time to head down to the floor.

  “Are you going home to pick up Faith?” Tanner asked, rising to his feet from the chair he’d been sprawled in.

  Jason shook his head. “Renault, the bodyguard, is bringing her. Apparently she wanted to get her hair and makeup done with some of the women in my family.”

  A dark chuckle came from Tanner’s throat. “You’re in trouble, man. When the family gets involved, it’s harder to end things.”

  Jason grinned. “That’s the point, my friend. That’s the point.”

  * * *

  Faith’s heart beat with excitement as she traveled with Jack Renault to Club TEN29. She’d had a fantastical day with Izzy and Sienna, from having her hair done professionally to visiting with a makeup artist, who made Faith look incredible. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so good about herself. So full of energy to go out, forget her problems, and have fun.

  She didn’t even care that she’d put an excessive amount of money on her credit card to make tonight happen. This was a big night for Jason, and it might be the only night they spent together dressed up and enjoying his success. Pushing aside those thoughts, she glanced out the car window in time to see the club.

  They were here.

  She allowed her bodyguard to escort her inside, past the line that wrapped around the corner, then looked around for someone she knew. She expected Jason to be busy and she didn’t want to be underfoot. She just wanted to experience his big night along with him.

  Music blared around her, the thumping of the beat reverberating inside her. She could only imagine the sound and feeling when the entertainment began to play.

  Her gaze fell to the bar, where the Dare women were congregated. She joined Izzy and Gabe, who welcomed her warmly. Sienna showed up next with her mother and husband. She introduced Faith to her husband, Ethan Knight, an imposing-looking man who she wouldn’t want to cross. All the men in this family were alpha to the extreme, Faith mused, thinking about how lucky the women were to have found men willing to commit.

  She bit down on her cheek. She’d promised herself she wouldn’t go there tonight. She wouldn’t think about endings or things she couldn’t have. She glanced at Savannah Dare, admiring her strength for walking away from a bad situation and not sitting at home and sulking while she pulled herself together after the way her marriage had crumbled.

  Not feeling as cheeky as she had last time she was here, Faith ordered a Pinot Grigio and looked around as the club began to fill with people. Since she hadn’t seen any of the partners, she assumed Jason and the other men were busy with last-minute preparations.

  All the while, her big bodyguard stood nearby, the only reminder that everything in her life wasn’t as perfect as it seemed at an outside glance.

  She was making small talk with Jason’s family when she had the distinct feeling of being watched. She glanced over her shoulder and up to the area that overlooked the expanse of the club floor. Sure enough, Jason stood on the balcony above the bar area, staring down … at her.

  She picked up her wineglass and took a sip, her gaze never leaving his, wondering if he could read her mind. If he knew how hard she’d fallen for the man who’d taken her in and looked after her when he hadn’t known her at all. Who’d made her his priority and sole focus.

  Did he know that she’d fallen in love with him?

  She stared back at him, in his dark slacks, black shirt, and suit jacket, a dark, sexy, protector with eyes only for her. But a man who was willing to let her go. She promised herself she’d make it easy for him, and so she’d never reveal her feelings. Not in words, anyway.

  She’d hold them tight to her heart, where she’d always hold him.

  She blinked and he was gone, which meant he was probably making his way downstairs. She shivered in anticipation, suddenly eager to see him.

  Touch him.

  Kiss him.

  He’d been working long hours that were opposite of hers and she’d spent many hours in his big bed alone. She didn’t know how many more she’d spend in her own apartment with nothing but her memories to sustain her. After the break-in, they’d cleaned things up but she hadn’t gone home. It was going to feel strange to be there with nothing but her memories of Jason to sustain her.

  Without warning, a pair of strong arms slid around her waist and she recognized the scent of his cologne. She sighed in pleasure and leaned back against him. “You look so fucking hot I couldn’t take my eyes off you,” he said in her ear.

  She turned and found herself in his arms. “You’re looking mighty fine yourself, Mr. Dare.”

  He grinned in reply, a naughty twinkle in his eye. “I want to take you home and devour you.” His finger dipped into her cleavage, outlining the low vee of her dress.

  Her nipples tightened and she rubbed her thighs together, desire for this man alive inside her.

  “Would you two get a room?” Tanner muttered from beside them.

  Jason chuckled. “Can’t wait for it to be your turn.”

  “As if.”

  Before either man could utter another word, the sound of tapping on a microphone reverberated around the room, and Landon walked on stage. Dressed similarly to Jason in all black, he held the microphone in one hand.

  “Welcome to Club TEN29.” He raised his hands and a roar of applause came from the crowed. “We’re thrilled to welcome you all to our grand reopening, featuring Lola Corbin Grissom, of Tangled Royal fame, and Charlotte Jasper!”

  The crowd burst into applause as Landon stepped out of the spotlight and the curtains went up, revealing the two superstar singers.

  Jason slid his arms around her waist and rested his head on her shoulder. And that’s how they stood together, listening to the most amazing live music ever. These two women were powerhouse talents, and Faith was thrilled for Jason that he’d gotten them to perform. Even Charlotte, who did like to stare at Jason despite the fact that he was firmly with Faith.

  At least for now.

  She leaned back into him and let herself enjoy the rest of the evening, celebrating in Jason and his partners’ success.

  * * *

  After a triumphant night, the patrons took their time leaving, but finally the crowds dissipated and the club felt empty. No music blared in the speakers. Lola and Charlotte’s crew were disassembling their equipment. The cleanup team worked, sanitizing tables, then putting the chairs up high on the tables so the floors could be cleaned.

  In the meantime, family and close friends huddled around the bar, still on a high. Once they were alone with vetted people, Jason sent Renault home. He’d take Faith with him. Right now, everyone around them only wanted the best for each other. For the first time in a long time, Jason, too, was soaring from the perfection of the night.

  He slung an arm around Faith’s shoulders. “You know I have you to thank for tonight’s events.”

  She glanced up at him, confusion on her pretty face. “How? I don’t recall coming up with the idea to turn this into a live venue for high-end performers.”

  “No, but you did inspire me the night we met when you talked about standing out in your own space.”

  “I was delivering little baskets to neighborhood businesses, not making a statement in the Manhattan nightclub world.” She waved away his comment as if it meant nothing.

  “Don’t do that. Don’t belittle what
you do. Candy makes people happy.”

  She smiled. “I love what I do. I’m just saying how could I have inspired this awesome night?”

  “You made me think bigger. Made me ask how I could make my business stand out. And the idea came to me. So I have you to thank.” He pressed a kiss to her lips.

  “Well, you’re welcome. Who knew that my niche would end up being party favors?” she mused, but she sounded pleased with the notion.

  “Like I said, you make people happy. You do, Faith.”

  She tipped her head to the side. “And on that note, I’m going to excuse myself and go to the ladies’ room.”

  “I’ll be waiting.”

  She slipped from beneath his arm and walked away. He couldn’t tear his gaze from the dip of material that exposed her back, the sway of those sexy hips, or the way her hair bounced against her back as she moved.

  “Jason! You’re finally alone!” Charlotte came up to him, pulling him into a hug. “Thank you for letting me perform tonight. I love live audiences in small venues.”

  He extricated himself from her grasp. “Well, you and Lola make a dynamic team.”

  She smiled at the compliment. “I’m trying to convince her we should record a song together.”

  “I expect it would be a hit.”

  “So…” She flipped her hair over her shoulder, her gaze steady on his. “You looked quite … domesticated with your girlfriend.”

  “So what?” he asked, knowing both the description of his relationship and the fact that Faith was his girlfriend were true.

  Here he was, celebrating his biggest success, and he’d wanted her by his side. Brought her to live with him. Introduced her to his family. Made her a part of his life, all the while proclaiming he didn’t want anything serious.

  He’d been such a dense asshole, but he had his head on straight now.

  “So I thought you didn’t do serious.” Charlotte set her hands on her hips, clearly wanting an answer.

  Jason wasn’t surprised Charlotte wanted to discuss his relationship with Faith. At a glance, it was obvious what he had with Faith was deeper than anything he’d shared with the beautiful raven-haired beauty in front of him now. She might be gorgeous, but she didn’t do it for him the way Faith did, and what he and Charlotte had shared? It had been fun but superficial, like all his prior relationships.

  He’d always thought she’d been on the same page, as she’d been busy building her career and traveling. Until he’d broken up with her and then she’d cried like they’d been engaged or something. Yet he prided himself on always being honest with the women in his life, Charlotte included.

  “Look, people change. Circumstances change.” He’d met the right woman by chance on the side of the road, and his entire life had spun upside down.

  She stared at him, hurt in her expression, something he’d never ever intended to do to her.

  He shoved his hands into the pockets of his pants. “I’m sorry. But I was honest. I never lied to you.”

  “Except about what you were capable of giving.”

  The truth was he hadn’t known what he was capable of until he met Faith. He rolled his shoulders. “When you meet the right person, you know.” He pulled a deep breath. “Thank you for performing tonight and I wish you the best,” he said, wanting to end this conversation.

  “Right. You, too,” she begrudgingly said.

  Because there was nothing more to say, he turned and came face-to-face with Tanner. “Hey,” Jason said.

  “Hey.” Tanner grinned. “We did it.”

  Jason nodded. “That we did. I–” Before he could get the next word out, the sound of a piercing scream echoed throughout the room, and his stomach plummeted because he recognized the person behind the sound.

  “Faith. She went to the bathroom,” Jason said, his heart pounding hard in his chest. He’d sent Renault home because the only people left were family, friends, and workers who’d been vetted. Because he’d had her back, the way he had for the last couple of months.

  The hallway with the restrooms had an entry on either side of an island-like wall. “I’m going that way.” He pointed to the nearest way to the ladies’ room hall. “You take the back. Call 911,” he yelled out to everyone who was suddenly panicking.

  Tanner nodded and they took off at a run.

  * * *

  Faith washed her hands in the sink, then fixed her makeup, cleaning the dark smudges from beneath her eyes and freshening her lipstick. Her feet hurt in her shoes. She didn’t know how much longer Jason needed to stay, but she was more than ready to go home.

  With a last look in the mirror, she strode out of the powder room and walked right into a wiry male body she recognized immediately.

  “Colton.” Her mouth ran dry at the sight of him. He’d never looked worse. His hair was stringy and greasy, hanging limply over his face, his eyes were glazed, and his skin tinged yellow.

  “You are one hard woman to get alone.”

  “How did you find me to begin with?” she asked, eyeing either side of her, hoping someone would come by.

  “My friend’s sister works at the police station. Not that it matters. Just that I found you.” He raised a shaky hand and grabbed her wrist.

  She knew immediately he wasn’t strong enough to hold her, and she yanked her hand away. Instead of being able to run, she teetered on her heels and twisted her foot, her ankle wrenching hard.

  “You bitch.” He swung his hand, slapping her hard across the face. She’d never been hit before, and the move dazed her for a precious second, and in that instant, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pocketknife, releasing the blade.

  Needing to get someone’s attention, Faith screamed, because even if Colton wasn’t strong and able-bodied, he certainly was deranged and determined.

  “Shut up, bitch. You’ve been nothing but a pain in the ass,” he said as he roughly yanked her to him, pulling her up against his thin body, the his body odor overpowering.

  He raised the knife to her neck. “I just want my money. We’re going somewhere for the night, and first thing tomorrow, you’re going to the bank and giving me what’s mine. Understand?”

  Careful not to move and cause him to stab her with the knife, she said, “Yes,” in a deliberately tiny voice.

  Although Colton’s blade was small, it was sharp and she’d already felt it prick her skin. She was more afraid he’d hit an artery than she was of him in general. He was a shaking, pathetic mess of the man he’d been, but his tremors made him dangerous.

  How did he think he was getting her out of here, she wondered, what with the front of the bar bustling with help and Jason’s family milling around? But she didn’t want to freak him out and cause him to react by asking him about that, so she voiced the other question on her mind. “How did you get inside?”

  “I walked in with a huge party that was on the list.” He spoke like he was proud of himself. “Then I hid in the back and hoped I could get you alone.” His hand shook, which made her nervous.

  She wondered when he’d had his last fix. “Colton–”

  “Faith.” Jason called her name as he stepped cautiously into the hallway.

  She was so grateful to see him, her knees almost buckled as she met his gaze.

  “You okay, sweetness?” he asked.

  “Yeah.” She swallowed, careful not to move.

  “If you want her to stay okay, move aside and let us through.” Colton nudged her forward one step. Her ankle buckled and she yelped in pain.

  Jason’s gaze narrowed, his fury at her being hurt obvious. “It’s crowded out front,” he said through clenched teeth. “Why don’t you take her out the back door.”

  Colton shook his head. “That door’s got an emergency alarm. What do you think, I’m stupid? I checked it out earlier,” he said, tightening his grip.

  Jason took a step forward as he spoke. “That’s okay. Tanner’s going to throw you out the back, aren’t you, Tanner?”

&nb
sp; It was obvious they had company, and Colton clearly realized the same thing. “Fuck!” he yelled, and whirled around to check behind him.

  Jason lunged forward, pulling Faith out of his grasp and into his arms just as Tanner dove for Colton, easily taking him down, Colton’s frail body no match for Tanner’s more muscular frame.

  “Jesus Christ.” Jason lifted her face to his, running his hand gently over her cheek. “Does it hurt?”

  She shook her head. “Not as much as my ankle. I wrenched it when I tried to get away.” She sat back on her butt and stretched out her leg.

  He gently looked at the area, holding her foot, which seemed to be swelling, in his hand. “I’m sure you just sprained it in those damned heels.”

  He glanced at Tanner, who had subdued her brother easily while waiting for the cops. “I was going to remind Tanner not to beat the shit out of him, but if the bastard gives him a hard time, I’m not saying a damn word,” Jason muttered, then turned his gaze back to Faith.

  Acting on impulse, she scrambled forward and threw her arms around his neck, holding on tight. “Thank you.” Trembling, she felt better when he wrapped his strong arms around her and didn’t let go.

  “I hated seeing him touch you. And that knife.” Jason uttered a curse. “It was small, but if it’d slipped because he was shaking so hard…” He buried his face in her neck, his breath warm against her skin.

  “It’s over,” she said, tears finally coming to her eyes. “It’s all over.” So much more than she was ready for.

  Pulling away, Jason met her gaze. “Faith, I–”

  Before he could say what was on his mind, the police rushed into the hallway, separating Jason from Faith and taking over from where Tanner all but sat on the yelling, shaking Colton.

  * * *

  Jason paced the kitchen in his apartment, his head pounding, his heart a mess. First the police had questioned them for hours, taking statements about what had transpired in the club. Faith’s history with her brother took forever to explain, but, in addition to tonight’s attempted kidnapping, the incidents she’d documented with the Manhattan police, plus the information she’d told the on-scene cops that her lawyer had on Colton – photographs of her bruised neck, the judge’s willingness to seal her name change to prevent her from being found – meant things looked bad for her pathetic excuse for a sibling.