Laikyn
If I never had to go to another one of these fundraisers, it would be too soon.
When I was younger, I didn’t mind getting dressed up for the cameras even if I was left to trail behind my mother because heaven forbid she get photographed with her kid. She absolutely wanted the world to think of her as the strong, stoic single mom who took Hollywood by storm despite having the hardest job in the world. However, the last thing Monica wanted was for the world to see her as a mother. She feared if they did, she would stop being seen as a sex symbol and end up cast in parts that she insisted she was far too young to play.
It never really bothered me because I preferred to remain on the fringes, out of the limelight. At times, I’d even enjoyed being pampered and getting dolled up and planted in a limousine, being catered to all night long.
That was before my kidnapping. The last one. The one that had altered my life.
I skipped several public events in the year that followed my return from captivity. My mother used my absence for her gain, letting the media know that we (not me, but the two of us because if it were only me, she wouldn’t be a part of it) were having a difficult time. She assured everyone that we would eventually get over the trauma the incident caused and be better than ever.
Yeah. Uh-huh. She would, no doubt. Especially since she staged the whole freaking thing.
I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. I refused to get worked up about it now. Tonight wasn’t about me or my mother. It was about a worthy charity that didn’t deserve the drama that would no doubt accompany Monica’s presence. If there were any good to be had, hopefully, it would draw enough attention to get the charity the funds it needed to continue doing its good work.
Of course, Monica was already ahead of the game because she had publicly announced this morning that she had some exciting news to share at the fundraiser. For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out how her marriage—a cis female and a cis male—could have anything to do with mental health awareness for LGBTQIA+ youth. I was sure there was no correlation, but, as usual, it was a ploy to get all eyes on Monica. That was what she did.
Ever the dutiful daughter, here I was, standing in front of the mirror, going through all the routines my mother had ingrained in me throughout my life. Ensuring there were no visible blemishes on my skin, no marks that needed to be covered, that the gown was hanging correctly from all angles, that my breasts were accentuated but not the focal point, that my hips didn’t look too wide or too narrow, that my shoes didn’t have scuffs, that the diamonds in my ears and at my throat glittered appropriately in the light, and last but not least, that there would be no nipple slippage should I lean over or turn too quickly.
Again, if I never went to another one of these—
“Are you ready?”
I heard Rule’s voice a second before I saw him in the doorway. I was looking in the mirror, so I noticed how his eyes lit up when he saw me for the first time. I turned slowly, giving him the full effect of the dress at once.
His breath escaped in a small gasp as his eyes raked over me from head to toe.
Maybe this wasn’t going to be as bad as I thought. If I could put that look on his face, then it was totally worth it.
A moment later, Jinx appeared. Rule stepped to the side so Jinx could see into the room. His eyes rounded, and his lips parted as he looked me over.
Okay, gentlemen, you are officially good for my ego.
“Do I look okay?”
“You look…”
I waited for Rule to finish, but he didn’t. He simply stared.
Smiling, I turned back to give myself one more glance in the reflective glass. Satisfied that this would do the trick, I took a deep breath and grabbed the small matching clutch containing my phone and the few makeup essentials needed to get me through the night.
“How are we going to fit in your car?” I asked Rule as I stepped out of my bedroom and joined them in the hall.
He was still staring.
I looked at Jinx and laughed. “Okay, boys. Mouths closed, eyes open. We’ve got places to be.”
Rule seemed to snap out of it, but I was positive there was a hint of color on his cheeks. Was he blushing? Because he’d been caught staring?
“Three of us,” I repeated. “One car?” I gestured down the front of myself. “This gown.”
“Taken care of,” Rule said, gesturing for me to walk.
When I reached the living room, Waldo got up from his bed, his eyes on me. For a moment, I wasn’t sure he recognized me. I mean, sure, I looked different, but not that different. Makeup and a fancy hairdo weren’t the equivalent of a mask or anything.
“It’s okay, boy,” I told him, walking his way so I could pet his head. “I promise it won’t be an everyday occurrence.”
I stood tall and turned to look at Jinx and Rule, now that they weren’t crammed together in the hallway.
They were both dressed to the nines, something I’d never seen before, and I realized that if I looked half as good as they did, it was no wonder they were speechless. For the benefit of humankind, there should be a law that men had to dress up in tuxedos at least once or twice a year so that women could ogle them and reignite their reproductive systems. My ovaries were certainly dancing.
Rule’s phone buzzed.
When he didn’t immediately reach for it, Jinx nudged his arm.
“The car’s here,” Rule said when he got with the program.
“Car?”
He nodded, then gestured toward the front door.
Jinx beat me to it, opening the door for me with a grin. I could definitely get used to this.
Parked in front of the house was a sleek black stretch limousine, the driver standing at the back door, awaiting our arrival.
“Good evening, Ms. Quinn.”
I did a double-take when I heard a slightly familiar voice. From underneath his formal cap, Red Wally winked at me.
“Just Laikyn. No last name,” I corrected, then winked back. “I’m married now.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I stepped into the car and shifted to the far side of the seat. Rule and Jinx climbed in behind me, settling on the opposite side, neither saying a word.
I waited until the car was in motion before I relaxed. Or tried to, anyway. No matter how much effort I put into dressing up or how good my men looked, I wasn’t looking forward to tonight.
Not even a little.
* * *
Rule
I’d never seen a more gorgeous creature in my life.
Laikyn looked good on any given day, but today … she looked like royalty. With her hair swept up and her eyes accentuated by makeup, she was absolutely breathtaking. And the dress … God, that fucking dress. It was an inky bluish-green color—not quite blue, not quite green—that offset her skin tone and made her green eyes appear darker than usual. It was demure by every standard with the wide V-neck that hinted at her cleavage without being revealing. The back was made of a sheer material that had a lacy floral pattern interspersed. It was obvious she wasn’t wearing a bra.
And her legs. Lord, she had legs that went on for miles, and the dress showcased every inch because the satin, flowy skirt was knee-length in the front and almost to the floor in the back, even with five-inch gold heels that put her at Jinx’s height.
She was stunning, and I wanted nothing more than to muss her up a little bit. But I wouldn’t. Tonight was a big night. Not only for the fundraiser but also for what I had planned. Jinx and I had spent the better part of the week putting together a plan to cut Monica off at the pass. And the favor I’d called in was going to ensure that Monica Quinn was kept on the fringes of this event. I wanted to give her a small taste of what I was capable of and let her know I would fight her tooth and nail, regardless of whatever selfish scheme she had in the works. No doubt, she intended to undermine me with Laikyn, but I wouldn’t allow it. Never again.
My phone buzzed. I checked the screen. It was the message I’d been waiting for, and I relaxed somewhat. I sent a message back and tucked my phone away.
By the time we reached the oceanfront resort where the fundraiser was being held, I was ready for the night to be over. It hadn’t even started, and I wished we could turn around and go back to the house, shuck the fancy duds, and get naked. I’d spent the entire ride staring at Laikyn, absorbing her beauty, surrounded by her intoxicating scent. This was one of those times when a photographic memory came in handy since I would forever have this image of her in my brain. I would need it for the day Laikyn learned the truth and walked away.
But that wasn’t going to happen tonight.
Through the tinted windows, I could see a line of limousines, but there was only one I cared about. Our timing was crucial for what I had planned. I tried to be discreet as I searched for the elaborate Hummer limo. By a stroke of sheer luck—or more accurately, Red Wally’s ability to time things correctly—it was in front of us, inching around the wide fountain that served as the U-turn for all being dropped off.
“You look stunning,” I told Laikyn, wanting to ensure I said it at least once out loud.
Her eyes cut to me, and a shy smile formed. “Thank you.”
It took several minutes before we were delivered to our destination, and not a moment too soon. I was starting to feel claustrophobic.
“Take a deep breath,” Laikyn said, but I realized she was talking to herself.
Red Wally opened the rear door, and Jinx got out first so he could assist Laikyn. I followed, nodding to Red Wally as I buttoned my suit jacket and exhaled slowly. There were cameras everywhere, event photographers as well as paparazzi snapping photos, but they weren’t focused on us. Their attention was on the group in front of us.
Phase one complete.
I offered Laikyn my arm to Laikyn, and she looped hers through. Before we started walking, she waited for Jinx to come to her other side and did the same so that she was tucked between us. I peered at him, and his eyebrows were lifted in question. I nodded, letting him know this was Laikyn’s show. If she wanted to be escorted by two men, she would be.
The group in front of us stopped to pose for the camera. Or at least it appeared that was what they were doing. I knew Creed Granger was actually stalling, waiting for my arrival. It was timed perfectly because Monica Quinn was behind us, a GPS tracker on her car had let us know where she was, and, as planned, Red Wally had casually intercepted, ensuring we arrived first.
Creed’s gaze met mine as we approached the doors. His smile was brighter than I’d ever seen it. Considering the hell he’d been through the past year, it was good to see my oldest friend happy. And there was no doubt he was, considering he and his entourage had just moved into their new house and were preparing for the wedding of the century next April.
Creed spoke to the woman on his arm, then gestured toward me. The tiny blonde turned, her gaze searching before a wide grin formed on her mouth.
“Who is that?” Laikyn asked, tugging on my arm as we moved closer.
“Creed Granger. He’s the friend I told you about. We grew up together.”
“And all those people?”
I glanced over at her. “It’s probably best I let Journey explain that one.”
“Journey? She’s the teeny, little blonde?”
I chuckled, then released Laikyn’s arm so that I could shake Creed’s hand.
“Creed, I’d like to introduce you to my wife, Laikyn. Laikyn, meet my oldest friend.”
“And when he says that, he’s not referring to my age,” Creed clarified.
“But he could be.” The man beside him stepped forward.
Creed rolled his eyes and ignored the man.
“Jinx, how are you?” Creed said.
Jinx nodded, then shook Creed’s hand.
Creed gestured to his left before looking at Laikyn again. “The beautiful one is Journey Zeplyn. The pain in my ass is Jacob Hawkins.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Laikyn said, nodding in greeting to them both.
Several guests were already walking around behind us to avoid the chaos that was starting now that Jacob Hawkins had made his presence known. Although he hadn’t been on the UFC circuit in quite some time, recent events had brought his former championship titles into the spotlight, and Hawk was using the notoriety to get the spotlight on Primal Instincts, LLC.
“Is it true that all five of you are in a relationship?” one reporter asked, moving closer to Hawk as he steered the attention his way.
It was then Monica walked up, her lawyer fiancé at her side. Or rather, one step behind her. Heaven forbid she not be the center of attention.
“It’s true, yes,” Hawk announced as the reporters’ interest was piqued by the very untraditional aspect of Creed’s relationship.
“Let’s take this inside, shall we?” I whispered to Laikyn.
She glanced around as though trying to figure out where she was. I took her hand and felt the tension in her arm when she noticed her mother was behind us. I didn’t give Monica a chance to pull Laikyn aside as we navigated behind Creed’s group as they spoke candidly to the reporters.
“You did that on purpose, didn’t you?” Laikyn asked, her eyes wide as we walked into the main doors of the resort.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
She turned to me, grinning from ear to ear. “Yes, you do.”
I touched her face before I realized I was going to do it. I almost told her it was my job to protect her, but I refrained. It was the truth, but for the first time, I didn’t want her to think that was all this was. As much as I was still fighting it, I knew it wasn’t. Not anymore.
“Let’s get something to drink.”
“And here I thought I was going to be a spectacle with two guys,” Laikyn said as we headed for the grand ballroom. “Is she really with all of them?”
“Yes.”
“How does one tiny woman keep up with four men?” Laikyn mused.
I chuckled and looked at Jinx. “We’ve been working hard to keep up with one woman. How do you know that’s not the case with them?”
Laikyn blushed even as she smiled at both of us. “Thank you for being here.”
Her thanks weren’t necessary. I would’ve been here whether she invited us or not. Protecting her from her mother was my endgame, after all.
* * *
Jinx
Although I could tell Rule wasn’t fond of this party, I didn’t mind it so much.
Perhaps that was because Laikyn was sticking close to me, creating a wall between anyone who came to speak to her. She would introduce me and then dominate the conversation without having to tell anyone that I didn’t speak.
I didn’t mind that people knew. It was the people, in general, that I had an issue with. Anxiety was a bitch. More so when you couldn’t blame it on one particular thing. I was anxious in crowds and around people I didn’t know well. Tonight was no exception. If it weren’t for Laikyn being there beside me, I would’ve exited through the back already.
“You okay?” she asked, turning into me when some movie producer who used to work with her mother walked away with her husband in tow.
I nodded, holding her gaze.
“Would you dance with me?” Her eyes swept over my face. “You can say no if you’d like.”
I nodded. I didn’t know how to dance, but turning her down wasn’t an option. Not out of obligation but for the simple fact I was in love with this woman, and if it meant making a spectacle of myself and risking becoming the butt of everyone’s jokes, so be it. The past two months with her had sealed the deal for me. After the night we made love, I’d been falling deeper and deeper. There was no way out at this point.
“Nothing fancy, I promise,” she said as she took my hand and headed for the outside edge of the dance floor.
It took a moment before I picked up her rhythm, but I knew the moment I did because her smile amped up a few watts.
“You’re a natural.”
I shook my head. I most certainly was not.
“How well do you know Creed? Squint your eyes for a little, wide for a lot.”
I squinted, grinning at her attempt to have a conversation when only one of us could speak.
“Does Rule spend a lot of time with Creed?”
I shook my head.
“He said he was his oldest friend. I take it to mean they were in foster care together?”
I nodded.
“Did you know Creed?”
I shook my head.
“So he left before you got to the group home?”
I nodded.
Her eyes moved over my face. “Is it weird that I’m doing all the talking?”
I huffed a laugh and shook my head.
The next thing I knew, Laikyn leaned in and pressed her lips to mine. I didn’t think anything of it. We kissed all the time. What we didn’t do was kiss in public. We’d been building this entire foundation of her marriage to Rule, and now here she was, kissing another man at a public event.
“So it is a farce.”
I stopped, putting my arm around Laikyn and pulling her to my side as Monica Quinn stepped in front of us. Her eyes implored Laikyn as though she could figure out her deepest, darkest secrets that way.
Laikyn appeared unfazed by her mother’s hostile approach.
Laikyn’s tone held a hint of snark when she said, “Monica, I’m not sure if you’ve met Jinx.”
Her mother’s gaze snapped to my face, but I noticed the immediate dismissal. She didn’t know me, so of course, I was of no use to her.
A male voice sounded a second before he appeared. “Is there a problem?”
Fan-fucking-tastic. And then there were four.
“It would appear my daughter isn’t as in love as she claims to be,” Monica told Devon, the asshole lawyer. “Her husband’s still in the room, and here she is, making out with—”
I felt Rule before I saw him. His arm brushed mine as he stepped up to Laikyn’s other side. He smiled, but there wasn’t an ounce of politeness in the gesture.
When Monica’s eyes shifted to me, I ensured she saw my wry amusement.
“Sorry about that,” Rule said, taking Laikyn’s other arm. “I needed to speak with Journey before she makes their big announcement.”
“What announcement?” Monica asked, her tone haughty, her initial argument forgotten. “The only person making an announcement tonight is me.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Rule glanced between Monica and Devon. “I didn’t realize you were making a large donation to this charity.” He leaned in as though telling a state secret. “In case you’re wondering, theirs is easily six figures. You’ll need to go big or go home.”
Monica peered over at Devon, and I could practically see the calculation taking place in her brain.
“We are making a donation,” she said, tilting her chin up. “At the same time, we’re announcing our upcoming nuptials.” She batted her lashes at the lawyer. “Isn’t that right, honey?”
“Of course, dear.”
Wow. Hadn’t even made it down the aisle, and he was saying of course, dear. Match made in diva hell, I was sure.
“By all means, Mon, don’t let us keep you,” Rule said, dismissing her as we led Laikyn back toward our table.
“Six-figure donation?” Laikyn asked Rule.
“Eh. It’s really seven, but I didn’t want Monica to feel bad.”
Laikyn chuckled. “You do have uncanny timing, you know that?”
He winked at her. “I try.”
Yeah. Uncanny. That’s what it was.