“Okay, Princess, chill out.” I shoot him an annoyed look. He laughs which makes the lines around his eyes and mouth crinkle. In the looks department, this guy is pretty adorable. He can’t be more than twenty-five. “Listen… here is a way to contact me.” He hands me a piece of paper, “I will help you. I know exactly how dangerous our mutual acquaintance can be. You have to be extremely careful and trust no one.” I give him an eyebrow raise and he just rolls his eyes.
“Except me.” He says dryly. At that moment, I hear the mic sound check. Shit. I glance up and the guy I assume is the owner is getting the attention of the crowd.
“Attention, everyone thanks for coming out tonight. We have a special performance here at Boomerang.” My heart plummets. Crap, crap… please don’t say his name.
“Please welcome, Ross Chase.” There is a crowd of women that go a little wild over the applause. Crap. It’s Jackson. He goes by Ross Chase when he is the musician. I turn back to Charlie and duck my head down. I see the amused look on Charlie’s face.
“Friend of yours.” He asks leaning close to me with a smirk.
“Once upon a time.” I say, looking over at the stage. I watch Jackson walk onto the stage and sit down on the stool in front of the mic. The band picks up their instruments. My heart stops at the sight of him. He is wearing a pair of dark jeans with cowboy boots. He has on a black t-shirt that fits him snugly. His dark hair is falling carelessly over his icy blue eyes. He brings his eyes up to the crowd and I swear I can hear the women sigh. I realize suddenly that I’m like a freaking light house in my white shirt and if he looks straight ahead, I’m in his line of vision.
I quickly move closer to Charlie. He leans close enough that we are cheek to cheek. I feel his breath flutter across my cheek which makes me tingle a little. There is something about this guy, but those tingles are soon forgotten when I hear Jackson’s voice over the mic welcoming the crowd. The first notes begin to play. My time is up.
“Be careful with Cowboy. He is being watched. In fact, two men just walked in that work for your uncle.” I take a deep breath. Oh crap, this sucks toilet water.
Moving closer to his ear, I whisper, “I’ll be in touch.” To outsiders it would look like we were having an intimate conversation. He leans back slightly so that he can look me in the eyes. He caresses my cheek and then whispers, “Stay on your toes. You are his number one priority.” I nod in understanding. He gets up from the bar, takes the last swig of his beer. He sets it back on the bar.
“Later.” He says, leaving me. My eyes follow him as he walks towards the two men. I look away quickly, but when I do, my eyes meet a pair of blue ones. Jackson quickly hides his shock. He was mid song and stumbles just slightly. I see Charlie talking to the two men. I think he is stalling them so I can leave, but I can’t help but take a moment and listen to Jackson sing. I start edging my way through the crowd slowly. If I leave too quickly it will bring attention to me. As I walk, I let his deep voice soothe my soul. His eyes find mine and I can tell he is singing to me. It is a country love song about a love that was found and then lost. My eyes sting with the tears that are welling up. Definitely, time to go now.
I glance over to where the two men were. They are not there, and neither is Charlie. When I scan the crowd, I see they are making their way towards me. Shit, crap! I blow Jackson a kiss, just because. I see that he has spotted the two agents as well and there is worry in his eyes. I slowly make my way to the bathroom, remembering there is a window in there. I’m almost there when I feel a slap on my butt. Crap, I don’t have time for this. I grab the man’s hand and press my fingers hard on his pressure point. When he yells in pain, I let go.
“Keep your hands off the goodies.” I say and keep moving. I don’t spare another glance in Jackson’s direction. I don’t want those douche bags to think he is working with me. Once I reach the bathroom, I quickly close and lock it. I let out a sigh of relief when I see the window just big enough for me to fit through. I step over a girl that is passed out on the floor. I lean over and check her pulse. She is going to have one hell of a hangover. I relieve her of her black leather jacket, praying there isn’t any puke on it. I slip it on just as I hear a banging on the bathroom door. I shove my clutch between my teeth and quickly jump up using the sink to get to the window. It is slightly opened already. I give it a hard push, the window goes up, and I pull myself through just as the door flies open. Suddenly, someone has a hold of my foot and I’m dangling from the window. The man is starting to pull on my ankle. Shit!
I feel strong arms wrap around me and jerk me away from the window and the men. I fall the rest of the way and land on top of my savior. I quickly sit up and find myself straddling Charlie’s head with my thighs. Charlie gives me an amused look and I quickly get off him. I offer my hand to help him up. He takes it, quickly jumping to his feet.
“Thanks!” I say, quickly looking around for the best escape. I can hear the men cussing, but I can also hear them heading into the bar which means I have approximately five minutes until they come barreling out a side door. I pick up my clutch from the ground and start to head toward the parking lot, but Charlie grabs my arm.
“Go!” He says pointing towards the woods that surround the back of the bar.
“I’ll distract them.” I give him a nod and a salute with my hand. I shuck off my heels, hook them through my fingers, and take off towards the woods. I glance behind me and see Charlie running towards the parking lot. I haul ass until I get to the woods. I squat down behind a tree, zipping up the black jacket and then I quickly tie my blond hair back.
The two agents fly out the back door. I watch as they scan their surroundings. Then suddenly, I hear a car peeling out of the parking lot. The men rush towards the sound, but realize the car is already out of their range.
“Damn it! She got away. Bossman is not going to like this!” Asshole One yells. Bossman? Really, Kilson, Bossman? I think my uncle has been watching way too many mob movies. Asshole Two is already on the phone. I can’t hear the conversation, but I can see it is not going well for the Assholes.
“What did he say?” Asshole One asks Asshole Two.
“He is pissed. He doesn’t understand how we could let a nineteen-year-old girl slip through our fingers.” Asshole Two responds.
“Well, fuck it, let’s go home. She is long gone.” Asshole One says. I totally agree with him. Please, go away.
“Pretty boy is still in there. We aren’t to let him out of our sight.” Asshole Two says. My heart plummets. They are watching Jackson. I need to warn him.
“We aren’t supposed to let him out of our sight in case she gets a hold of him. She obviously didn’t and I don’t think she will be coming back. Man, I’ve been up for twenty-four hours watching Cowboy. The only thing interesting was when that hot chick in the red fuck me dress showed up at his place and even then, I couldn’t see any action.” Asshole One complains. Ugh, I hate Brooklyn.
“Fine, we will go, only if it will stop you from bitching.” Asshole Two says.
They walk off toward the parking lot together with Asshole One still complaining. I smile as I watch them leave. I wait a good twenty minutes before leaving my spot in the woods. I sneak over to the bar and stand outside in the shadows of the kitchen door. I know that Jackson’s first set is almost over. I lean my head against the door and listen. The tears come to my eyes listening to him sing.
When the song ends, I hear him say that he will be back in ten. I wait silently and hidden. A minute later the back door of the club busts open and Jackson jogs out. He looks around with panicked eyes. When he doesn’t see anyone, he stands there with his head down and then runs a hand through his hair.
“Careful, Cowboy, someone might actually think you care.” I say, stepping out of the shadows. I see the relief in his eyes. Then he looks around.
“Don’t worry, they are gone. I’d be careful if I were you. They are following you.”
“Don’t start, Sparks.” He says. I rol
l my eyes at him.
“Oh, so you are telling me that Brooklyn didn’t show up at your house today in a little red…what did they call it… oh, fuck me dress.” I see the shock on his face.
“Now, how would I know that?” I ask.
“Are you spying on me?” He asks, pissed.
“Don’t flatter yourself. I have more important things to do then follow your ass.”
“Like cozying up to Charlie? I saw you with him.” Jealousy evident on his face.
“Oh, that is cute.” I say sarcastically, placing my hands on my hips, “Like you have a right to be jealous.” His eyes narrow at me.
“I’m not jealous. You do know that he works for your uncle, right?”
“Yes, in fact I do.”
He runs a hand through his hair and gives out a deep agitated breath.
“What are you doing here, Carter?” He asks, tired.
“Maybe I wanted a beer.” He rolls his eyes on that one.
“Enough. You are on the list. You haven’t made it to the kill list, yet, but your uncle wants you brought in. That means every agent is out there looking for you right now.” I hear the worry under the stern tone. I lock my hands behind my head.
“I’m all yours, Cowboy.” I say seductively. He takes long strides until we are chest to chest.
“This isn’t a game, Carter. You are in serious shit. I’m sure if you come back, this misunderstanding will be worked out. He is your uncle, your family. He doesn’t want to hurt you.” He says in his commanding voice.
“I’m not going back until I have the proof that he is behind my parent’s death.” I say. He just starts shaking his head.
“What do I need to do to prove it to you?” I ask, desperate for him to believe me. I see the indecision in his face.
“Nothing…I just don’t see…. never mind…just stay low for now and we will figure something out. How can I get a hold of you?” He asks.
“I’m sorry Jackson, but I can’t risk you. My uncle will use you to get to me. There can’t be any connections. All I ask is that you watch over my team for me.” He is about to say something but is cut off by the back door opening. The owner steps out and lights up a cigarette.
“Ross, you’re on.” He says barely glancing at us. I take the out given to me. I start walking towards the parking lot where my car is.
“Carter.” Jackson says my name and I stop. I turn around and give him a sad smile.
“Goodbye, Cowboy. Take care of yourself.” I leave him standing there staring after me.
Getting into my car, I let the tears fall.
Chapter Fourteen
I’m walking down the hall toward my apartment and I can hear the music booming from Ian’s. The party sounds like it is in full swing. I stop at my door and pull out my key. I’m inserting it when I hear a door opening. I quickly glance that way. There is a guy coming out of an apartment down the hallway with a girl. They are laughing together. Catching a glimpse of the guy, I quickly push open my door. The guy looks up just as I glance out. Oh crap…
Slamming the door shut and locking it, I take some deep breaths. I watch through the peephole as he walks by with the girl. He glances at my door. Shit! I run into my bedroom and change clothes. I throw everything into my bag. What the hell is Mustang doing at this apartment complex? I’m praying he didn’t recognize me, but I can’t take any chances. I change into loose fitting sweats that hang low on my waist and a black tank top. I still have on the strapless bra. I contemplate sliding a knife into it, but I’d probably slice my boob off. I pull up one leg and strap my knives around my thigh like a garter. I put on my ankle holster, slipping my gun inside. Looking around, I think I have everything. Through the open window, I hear car doors. I hurry over and spot an agent issued car. There are three men in black suits standing around. I pull back, just as they glance up. Shit!!!
I slowly open the door, glancing both ways before I rush out of the apartment. I quickly lock it behind me. I don’t have any other choice. I know how the organization works. There are three men down there and there is probably more at all exits. I’m screwed. I cross the hall, take a deep breath, send up a silent prayer, and knock loudly on the door. Ian opens it.
“Hey, you decided to come.” He says with a smile and then looks down at my bag.
“Yeah, I thought we could have a sleepover.” I say with a flirty smile. His eyes widen and then he opens the door. He gestures for me to come in.
Taking a quick glance down the hall way, I slip into his apartment. I silently pray I’m not making a mistake. Is it a coincidence that Mustang was here? I don’t think so, but the big question is whether Ian is involved with the organization. I’m kind of out of options and will have to trust him. There are a few stranglers left. He goes to turn down the music. I
look around the apartment and find it as the same floor plan as mine. The difference is the décor is college boy. Mixed matched furniture, beer bottles and posters of half-naked girls lining the walls.
“Charming place you have here.” I say. He gives me a smile.
He informs the other people that the party is over. As the people are piling out, I gesture towards the bedroom, letting him know that is where I will be waiting. I see the surprise on his face. Typical boys. I open his bedroom and keep the door cracked slightly so I can hear. I quickly check the window and see the fire escape outside. If necessary, I can make a quick exit. I move back to the door and listen for any commotion. If they come to the door, I’m out of here. I’ll have to take my chances with the agents below. I hear the front door open and shut as the remaining guests leave. Then everything is quiet. I listen for a few minutes and then I hear the murmur of Ian’s voice. Who is he talking to? I inch the door open enough for me to slide through. I quietly sneak down the hall, pressing myself against the wall. I can just make out his voice. He is speaking low. I’m on high alert now!
“She is in my bedroom…. what am I supposed to do? Not touch her? Are you kidding me? Have you seen her? Okay, okay…chill Cowboy.” Jackson! The pieces start to come together. This must be Boots. Of course, luck would have it that my safe house is across from an agent.
“I love getting a rise out of you…. you better get here fast……. No, they are in there now. How far away are you? ...Okay good. You better call them off. They will come here next… I’ll do my best to hide her.” He hangs up the phone and I run to the bedroom. I jump on the bed and act relaxed, just as he walks in. He gives me a wary look and I decide I’m going to have a little fun. Screw Jackson, the demanding ass.
“So, do you want to watch a movie?” Ian/Boots asks with a charming smile, coming to the foot of the bed. I give him a sexy smile.
“Oh no, I have something a lot more fun in mind.” I say in a husky voice. I watch him swallow hard.
I get up on my hands and knees and start crawling towards him. He doesn’t move an inch. I reach him and run my fingers all the way up his chest. He is getting nervous now. I laugh to myself. I reach under my tank top and pull it over my head. I throw it to the ground and grab his hands. I place them around me. I reach up and pull his head down. I start giving him kisses on his neck and slowly tease around to the edges of his mouth. His hands start moving towards my butt. I feel his shiver and in the next moment his mouth is
on mine. He is a pretty good kisser, but I’m just not into him. My passion is coming from how angry I am at Jackson. He lowers me to the bed and wedges himself between my legs. Apparently, he is attracted to me from the evidence in between his legs. I let him grope me for a while. I’m starting to feel a little guilty. He goes to take my bra off and I push him up. I switch our positions where I’m straddling him. I give him a saucy wink. I reach back and undo my bra. While his eyes are feasted on my goodies, I reach back to my ankle and grab my gun from the ankle holster.
“Damn, Sparks, you are gorgeous.” Boots says his eyes hazy with lust.
Dumbass, just called me by my code name. I give him my best smile and as he is
reaching for my boobs, I point my gun right at his forehead. His eyes widen and go cross eyed looking at the barrel. His hands freeze in midair. Slowly, he puts his hands back down. He looks back at me and then,
“Shit.” He says, looking behind me. Before I can react, there is a gun barrel pushing at the back of my head. I start laughing, recognizing the scent. I would recognize it anywhere.
“Put the gun down, Sparks.” Jackson says his voice deadly.
“Tell him to put his gun down.” I say, still laughing. Boots went pale. I hear the bullet click into the chamber.
“Fine, fine. I was just having some fun!” I say, throwing the gun to the side. I put my hands up in surrender.
“The knives too. I know you have them somewhere.”
“Well, okay, but I have to move to get them.” I say, enjoying this more than I should.
“Get up.” Jackson demands. I move off Boots and move backwards to the edge of the bed. Boots immediately jumps off the bed and moves towards the door. I step off the bed, my hands still up, my back to Jackson. I feel him right behind me and I stop myself from moving against him.
“Can I put my hands down now?” I ask. Jackson moves right up against me. His shirt rubs against my bare back. He leans down and whispers in my ear. I close my eyes to the sensation of his breath on my cheek.
“The knives.” He says, and then pulls away. Without a second thought, I pull my pants down and step out of them. I’m aware that I’m bare breasted and in a pink thong. My upper thigh is surrounded with knives. I hear Jackson’s intake of breath.
“Take them off.” His voice is no longer cold, but deep and husky.
“The thong or the knives?” I ask playfully. When there is no answer, I give out an annoyed sigh. Suddenly I feel hands, slowly making their way down from my waist. They linger on the ties on each side of my hips that holds my underwear in place. I let out a soft moan. Then those hands torture me down to my knives. He undoes the buckle and lets the knives fall to the ground. His hands move back up to my hips and are playing with the ties again.
No Regrets Page 11