Balance (The Chicago Defiance MC Book 6)
Page 8
Pulling into Unit Base feels odd. Now that I know there’s a capo walking around incognito, it has me all kinds of on edge.
I don’t know his end game.
I don’t know his agenda.
What the fuck! None of it makes sense.
Why would they want to be involved in a movie?
All I do know is the women I care about are not safe.
There’s no movement from Neve’s trailer as I pull up, but Cindi sticks her head out of hers. I slide from my ride. She juts out her chin, cheekiness written on her face as I stroll over. “Well, well, well… can’t get enough of us, Ace? Twice in one day. Anyone would think you’re becoming a stalker.”
I try to smile, but I’m too busy searching around for Neve. “Is Neve filming?”
She scoffs. “Nice to see you, too. It’s a lovely day, isn’t it? I’ve missed your cheery demeanor—”
“Cindi!” I grunt out as I step up glaring at her intensely.
She huffs pulling her cell from her pocket checking the time. “She won’t be long.” I relax instantly knowing Neve isn’t far away. “What’s got you all hot and bothered? Everything all right?”
Reaching out, I grab her arm leading Cindi inside her trailer. I don’t need anyone overhearing us. I lead her in far enough as I lower my voice. Her face falls as she takes in my seriousness. “You and Neve will be leaving the set until I can figure out what to do about Danny and his associations.”
Cindi rolls her eyes.
I grunt, grabbing her shoulders and forcing her to look at me. “Cindi, I’m not fucking around. Danny’s not who he says he is. His surname is Ossani. He’s a capo for the Ossani Mafia. I have no idea why he’s here, or what he’s after, but we both know it can’t be good. I need you and Neve to come with me. Now.”
Her entire body goes rigid. “I understand what you’re saying, Ace, I do, but this is my big break. I can’t just up and leave in the middle of a damn shoot. It will end my career before it’s even begun.”
“I agree,” an angelic voice filters through the air as she steps up the stairs. We both turn to see Neve with a strained expression on her face. “Whether Danny’s Mafia or not, Cindi and I can’t just leave the set, Ace. It would be headline news if two leading actresses walked off-set for no ‘real’ reason other than your say so. We can’t go… plus, wouldn’t it be suspicious?”
Cindi bobs her head in agreement as an idea forms in my mind. I stand taller puffing out my chest. They want to stay in danger. Fine. But they’re not staying here without protection. “Then I’m staying on set and at the hotel with you. You both need protection at all times.”
“This is crazy! Have you talked this over with Torque? He will need you at the club,” Cindi retorts.
“You really think this is necessary?” Neve asks with nervous energy straining in her voice. At least one of them is taking this seriously. You’d think with all Cindi has seen and been through, she of all people would know when to be overcautious around the Mafia.
“Yeah. If you both insist on staying, then I’m going to be with you at all times. And if I can’t, one of my brothers will.”
Neve’s lips turn up to let me know she’s on board. “Thank you for giving up your time to help us. It means a lot that you’re willing to sacrifice for us, right, Cindi?” Neve asks.
Cindi slumps her shoulders with a sigh. “Yeah, I’m sorry, Ace. I was just hoping this shit wouldn’t follow me here. I thought I left this crap behind me.”
Walking up to Cindi, I grab her hands in mine, holding them tight. “We’ll fix this shit, one way or another, okay?”
She seems deflated. I had no idea she wanted to start acting as a way out. Her way away from the club. She wanted this as a new beginning, and all she’s getting is more of the same.
“Ace, I have to go back to set. We have to reshoot a scene. Do you think you could walk with me?” Neve asks.
I glance back at Cindi, and she waves me off. “Go. I’ll be fine.”
“Are you able to lock your trailer door?” I ask.
“Yeah.”
“Okay, do it. Don’t answer until I get back.”
“Yes, sir,” she mocks.
I glare at her as she shoves me toward the door. Neve steps out, and I close Cindi’s door behind me waiting for the click of the lock. “We’ll be back as soon as we can, Cindi,” I call out.
“All good, I’ll be here.”
I tap her door once with the flat of my hand. Turning toward Neve, I wrap my arm around her waist pulling her to me. She glances up with her honey brown eyes, amber in the middle, flecks of gold on the inner edge and darker chocolate on the rim. The colors are such a range of intoxicating beauty I almost get lost in them as I gaze at her. Her eyes shine with a radiance that makes it impossible not to feel like I’m being swept away. I stop walking and turn keeping my gaze fixed on her. For the first time, it’s just her and me alone staring at each other, my arm wrapped around her, her arm around me as that energy pulses between us. My heart thumps in my chest while our eyes remain locked. We lean closer, a force, a magnetism pulling us together. I need to feel her, to taste her. The way she stares at me is haunted, but there’s so much desire in her sparkling eyes. Her breathing’s rushed, harsh, as we lean in closer, but it’s as if some switch flicks off in her mind, and she looks away from me stepping back slightly breaking the moment.
She’s overthinking it. Disappointment floods through me, so I decide to talk to Neve, tell her what I need as I continue to hold her. “I want you to always let me know where you are from now on,” I tell her, my voice deep almost raspy while I stare at her.
Her chest heaves as she winces. “Sometimes I have to move around quickly, Ace. I can’t stop every time I shift positions to tell you where I am.” Her demeanor changes from the passion I know she was feeling.
Something’s wrong.
I grab her other hand in mine holding her. “I don’t think you’re hearing me… you don’t have a choice in this. I will be with you. You tell me, no questions. Or I’ll be fucking angry and send a search party to find you. Then you’ll have everyone talking about why we’re looking for you. We don’t want that. We want it to look casual, easy, like nothing unusual is happening. It’s better just to do as I say so we don’t draw attention to ourselves.”
She scoffs, her face scrunching as she tries to pull away from me, but I grip her tighter. “You think it’s okay to boss me around because you’re some big tough man? I’m an A-list actress, Ace, I usually get things my way—”
“Now you sound like a spoiled brat. I’m doing this to protect you, Neve.” My face scrunches in confusion.
“Maybe I can’t be protected by you.”
That hit right where it was meant to. My chest wrenches as her eyes fall to the club logo patch on my cut, and finally, I get it, she’s trying to push me away because of my ties not because of the man I am. Because of the club, not me as a person.
Well, I’m not falling for this bullshit.
My arms wrap around her waist yanking her body against mine. My cock instantly begins to harden as she gasps, her hands landing on my chest like she’s unsure of what the hell to do next.
My hand slides up her back into her hair as my fingers loop through her curls gripping onto them tightly. She whimpers as the energy pulsates between us.
Her hands grip onto my cut making my cock throb in my jeans as her eyes plead with me to make the move I’ve wanted to for over a week since we met. I haven’t been able to get her out of my goddamn head, and now I’m going to show her why being on the right side of a biker can be so, so good.
I lean in, her breathing picks up as her eyes dart to my lips. Hers are so supple and pink as she parts them waiting for me to kiss her.
“Ace, we can’t,” she whimpers as her hands grip tighter on my cut almost as if she wants to push me away but instead she draws me closer.
Shaking my head, I stare deep into her honey eyes, my heart racing as I feel t
he pull. She wants this, she’s merely trying to fight it.
“Like fuck we can’t.” My fingers grip tighter on her hair, yanking her head forward. She moans in delight as I slam my lips to hers.
The instant our lips touch, it’s like the wind is knocked from me. My tongue presses along the seam of her fruity-tasting lips. Instantly, she grants me access. She tastes like peaches, and the tasty delight is enough to have me groaning into her mouth. Her body presses into mine further as her fingers slide up wrapping around the base of my neck holding me to her.
I feel her body shaking against mine as we kiss passionately in the middle of Unit Base. I wasn’t prepared for how amazing her lips would feel. Kissing her sets my body on fire, warmth spreading through every molecule. I know right here, right now, merely from this very first kiss, I will be addicted to this feeling.
Addicted to her.
I kiss her hard, strong, full of lust. The things I want to do to her are clearly evident in my kiss. She whimpers again as I pull her even closer to me. If this was happening in her trailer, I’m sure it would be going further.
“Neve!” A voice calls out making her suddenly break apart from me. She’s panting for breath as she stares at me, she smiles, and I see the excitement in her eyes like a flurry of butterflies are caught in her stomach all vying for the perfect position to escape.
“Neve! For crying out loud, they need you on set like ten minutes ago. Stop messing about, will you?” Julian calls out as I smooth her hair then caress her cheek.
She exhales. “I’m coming, Julian.”
“Now, Neve!”
She giggles glancing at me with a shrug. “We better go.”
I take her hand in mine, then lean in planting a tender kiss on her forehead. “Lead the way, Starlet.”
She laughs, and it’s like a fucking angelic choir just went off in my head. “Thanks for accepting my brand of crazy, Tarzan.”
Smiling at her, I lead Neve to the water plant so she can shoot her scene. When we arrive, I’m told to stay behind a barrier while she’s whisked off like she always is, but at least I can see her from here, even if I am a fair way back.
So, now’s the time I’ll call Torque and fill him in on what the hell’s going on. He has no idea I’m staying here, and honestly, I have no clue how he’s going to take the news. This sort of thing is always run past the president and my brothers. I’ve taken it on myself to make sure the girls are okay. It’s not the correct way to carry out club business. I’m not exactly looking forward to talking with Torque about it.
Grabbing my cell, I press speed dial one, then wait for him to answer. It doesn’t take long.
“Ace, any updates on what’s going down?”
Straight to it then. “Yeah, so I texted you what Enzo said about Danny Esposito being an Ossani capo.”
“Yeah. We need to get Cindi out of there.”
I huff. “Discussed it, she’s not budging. Cindi and Neve say it will cause more eyes on them than having them here would. Media and shit.”
He’s quiet for a pass, then grunts. “Fuck.”
“So, I’m gonna stay here with them. Go to the hotel with them at night, too, if you’re cool with it. They need someone on their six, pres. I don’t trust Ossani. We know they’re watching Neve for some reason. Don’t think they know anything about who Cindi is or her associations with the club. Torque, I don’t want anything to happen to either of them.”
He exhales loudly down the line. “Get the feeling you and this Neve girl are getting close?”
I clear my throat. “Yeah, maybe.”
“I don’t like you being away from here alone. This shit needs to be sanctioned by the club, brother. I’d rather have you here, but I get it. I want you watching Cindi… and I guess your girl, but you need backup. I’m gonna send Noah over to be with you. Two women, two men. You watch these girls close. And Ace?”
“Yeah, pres?”
“You see anything, any kind of weird shit, you call us in. I’ll get it straight with the boys, no need to come back to discuss. I’ll call church and let them know what’s going down.”
I stand a little taller knowing my pres has my back. “Got it… thanks, Torque.”
“Stay safe, you got me?”
“Yeah, I got you.”
“Talk later.”
Knowing Noah is on his way will make things a little easier on this end. I glance over at Neve who’s having her hair tended to and smirk knowing the reason why it’s messed up. I shove my cell in my pants, fold my arms over my chest as I prepare to stand and watch.
Movement to my left catches my eye, and just as Neve starts her scene, I see Danny, plus another man, watching her from the shadows. My muscles tense as I take in the similar appearance of the men. Their rugged looks are not so dramatic that on first impressions you’d instantly know they’re brothers. However, I can’t help but put two and two together knowing Danny and the man he’s been associating with, Roman, is none other than Roman Ossani. The fact they’re both watching Neve sets my adrenaline pumping. I know I can’t do anything here. I don’t want to approach them. If shit started, I’d be outnumbered, and who knows if they have more men strategically located around the place. So, for now, I’ll stand back, watch them watching her. They don’t know we’re onto them, so we have the upper hand. But knowing both the Ossanis are here right now means I need to make a call, and I need to make it right now.
NEVE
I’ve finally finished filming for today. It’s been long and hard, and I feel terrible that Ace has been waiting for me all this time, but I have to admit, knowing he’s here watching me while I was performing did give me a rush. Acting’s my life, I live for it, but putting on your best show because you’re trying to impress someone—that’s something else.
Walking over to where Ace was standing, I don’t see him, but I do see the set security team. My eyes dart around as I try to find Ace, but I can’t see him anywhere.
“Miss De Villa,” the tall guy known as Harry calls out to me, so I walk over to him.
“Harry, have you seen Ace around anywhere?”
“Yes, ma’am, it’s why we’re here. He asked us to stay and watch you. Then when you’re finished to escort you back to Unit Base.”
My hand moves to my hip as I jut it out with a huff. “Oh, he did, did he?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“And where the hell is he?”
“Said he had to sort something out, ma’am.”
Rolling my eyes, I exhale. “Jesus. Okay. Walk me back then.”
Harry and his carbon copy both sweep their hands out as if asking for me to lead the way. “Yes, ma’am.”
Harry’s in front of me and the other guy behind. I feel like this is a tad overkill, not to mention, possibly pointing out to everyone we know there’s a problem on set. But Ace is clearly vigilant, so I guess right now all I can do is go with the shit-show.
To be honest, I’m a little shocked Ace wasn’t here himself considering how protective he is. I was sure when I finished, I’d see him there smiling as I walked up to him. Actually, I was looking forward to it. I’m disappointed I didn’t get to see that, but I’m sure there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation.
Or at least there had better be.
As we walk closer toward the trailers, I see Ace standing talking with two uniformed police officers—a good-looking young man about the same age as Ace, and a pretty brunette woman, who seems a little pissed off about being here. The man’s joking around appearing like he’s actually carrying on a casual conversation with Ace. It’s a tad strange to see a biker getting along so well with a cop.
So, in my curiosity, I stroll up to the trio. The female cop bobs her head in recognition as Ace and the man turn to me with glowing demeanors. Ace steps forward placing his hand on my arm, leading me toward my trailer as if he wants to talk. I go to ask him why the hell there’s a couple of cops here, but the male of the two talks first as he follows behind us.
My head swarms as I lean back against the kitchenette taking this in while Ace wraps his arm around my shoulders to support me. “Wait, you’re friendly with the club?”
He lets out an exhale. “Yeah, they keep on the right side of the law, so we help them when they need us. Like now.”
My head swirls. “Isn’t this a little much? Won’t you guys draw more attention to us?”
Ace turns toward me. “Think about it, Neve. We need a police presence. Danny and Roman are gonna see Noah and me as nothing more than bikers. Mafia men don’t give a shit about us, they’ll go straight through us to get to you and Cindi if they want to, but if there are uniforms around occasionally, it might make them think twice. They won’t risk getting in the face of the law, it’s not the Mafia style.”
My shoulders tense. “I don’t know, Ace, won’t the crew start asking questions? I already have you hanging around plus my security team. I think having the police here, too, is going to raise a lot of eyebrows.”
He grunts. “Tell whoever asks you’re getting stalker mail.”
I glance at Ace. “I guess that could work.”
“I just want you… and Cindi safe, Neve.”
Warmth floods through me that he cares so much for Cindi and me. Ace is an amazing guy. “Okay, so will you guys be coming to the hotel with us?” I ask the police because it’s time to pack up and head back for the night. “I’m sure I can have Julian grab you guys a room near mine.”
Brody peers at Grier. “No, we won’t be staying. We’re on-call, though, so if Ace considers there’s a problem, we will act,” Brody states.
“We’ll make it work if we’re needed,” Grier replies. “There’s not been any actual threat made, so it’s hard for us to get too involved.”
It’s interesting seeing a bit of hesitation from Grier, but she’s glancing at Brody sideways. I can tell she’s into him, but she’s fighting it.