Laikyn
For the remainder of the night, I steered clear of my mother for the most part. I managed it effortlessly, I was proud to say. The more champagne I sipped, the easier it became to chat with people I didn’t know. Whenever I saw my mother looking my way, I ensured I wasn’t alone, exchanging pleasantries with everyone I encountered.
Granted, I didn’t think my mother tried too hard to get my attention. She spent the first part of the night focused on making her big announcement. Although she tried to get Journey to go first, Creed Granger proved far more formidable than my mother had anticipated. He’d politely insisted that Monica take the stage first, being that she was Hollywood royalty.
Yes, he actually said that, using the exact words that would feed her ego. It was then I decided I liked him.
And it was definitely a good thing that my mother went first. While Monica had received a congratulatory clap for her one hundred thousand dollar donation that she overshadowed with her speech about her upcoming marriage to Devon Ledger, it would’ve landed on deaf ears if she’d attempted to go after Journey.
Journey had given a heartfelt speech about their dedication to the community and their ongoing support of LGBTQIA+ initiatives and had proudly announced Primal Instincts, LLC, would match the overall fundraising amount dollar for dollar. Considering they’d already raised close to a million dollars, Journey had pleaded for them to reach deeper into their pockets for more.
I liked her.
I mean, my first impression of her hadn’t been positive. She was one of those flouncy little blondes that irritate me. Or so I’d thought. Within two minutes of talking to her, I realized how horrible my preconceived assumption had been. Sure, she was blonde, but she wasn’t a tart. She was sweet and kind and a little chaotic, which I happened to connect with. Our too-brief conversation had concluded with a promise that we would meet for lunch soon. Something told me she’d been sincere in making the offer, and I was looking forward to it.
I was also looking forward to going home. But not before I went to the ladies’ room. If I didn’t, I was going to create quite a mess in the limo. I’d had one too many glasses of champagne—I lost count after five—and now my bladder was causing a ruckus.
“I’ll be back in a minute,” I told Rule and Jinx as they sat on opposite sides of me. “I’m going to the restroom.”
As soon as they heard that, they relaxed in their seats.
I slipped out through one of the side doors and hurried down the hall. Thankfully, they had enough facilities to accommodate a crowd this size, so there was no wait. I took care of business, washed my hands, and tidied up my lipstick before heading back.
As I was nearing the side entry to the ballroom, the decibel level rose, so I took that to mean they’d concluded the official part of the evening and were leaving people to their own devices once more. I was grateful. It meant we would be able to slip out without anyone noticing.
I’d just stepped into the room, looking through the throng of people for Rule and Jinx, when my mother came strutting toward me, her expression hard.
She’d been waiting for me, no doubt.
“We need to talk, young lady.”
As I mentioned before, there was a reason I didn’t call her Mom, and it wasn’t entirely because she didn’t want me to. It was because she didn’t act like a mother. I could count on one hand the number of times she’d scolded me in an authoritative manner. Needless to say, her harsh tone was out of character for the woman who wanted everyone to like her.
“You don’t want to cause a scene, Monica,” I told her, keeping my voice low.
She glanced around, clearly looking to see if someone was watching us. No one was, unfortunately.
“We need to talk,” she said sternly, taking me by the arm and steering me toward the ballroom’s private terrace. The night was cool, which was likely why we were the only two people out there. I attempted to stop near the doors where the wind wasn’t quite so brutal, but Monica tightened her grip and pulled me toward the center.
“What are you doing?” I asked when she pulled me about a foot to the left as though positioning me on my mark.
Right before my eyes, she fell into character. I mean, I don’t think she realized I would notice the change in her demeanor, but she was my mother. I’d watched her perform many different roles over the years, and when she was preparing, she did this little head shake thing and relaxed her shoulders before tipping her chin up.
Exactly what she did now before she said, “I don’t know what it is you think you’re doing, but it needs to stop.”
Although her words were directed at me, her attention appeared elsewhere. She continued to glance at the doors as though she was expecting someone to appear.
I stared at her, confused. “What are you talking about?”
“This sham of a marriage.” Monica’s gaze shot to the doors, back to me. “It’s obvious why you’re doing it.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “Enlighten me.”
Again, to the doors, then back to me. “I don’t even think your marriage is legal, Laikyn.”
“What? Of course it’s legal. We had a ceremony and everything.”
She looked skeptical, but again, she seemed more worried about someone coming.
“What is this really about?” I asked, leaning over in an attempt to get her to pay attention to me.
Before she could say anything, Rule and Jinx appeared, their expressions dark.
“You’re excused,” Monica told them with a flutter of her hand. “She doesn’t need your interference.”
I found it interesting that my mother was so enraged by their appearance. In fact, I found her entire demeanor tonight interesting. There was no doubt in my mind she was up to something, but I couldn’t imagine what. Well, besides the obvious. She had to have a damn good reason to be marrying Devon Ledger. With her, it always came back to two things: money or fame. Sometimes both.
“I think it’s time you come home, Laikyn,” Monica said, turning toward me and squaring her shoulders.
Gone was the scolding, frustrated woman from a moment ago. In her place, the well-trained actress who knew how to put on a good show, effortlessly stepping into the new scene.
“I’m not coming home.”
She sighed heavily and put her hand over her heart. Monica leaned in, worry etched at the corner of her eyes. She was putting on a damn good performance; I would give her that.
“Oh, Laikyn, honey.” She put her hand gently on my wrist. “I know you’re having fun playing grown-up for a bit. It’s the first time you’ve been able to since…”
“Since…?” I prompted.
Cue dramatic sigh.
Lord, help me.
Monica shook her head, forcing herself to keep going, playing it off as though it pained her to do so. “I don’t think you’re well enough to make the decisions you’ve been making.”
“Excuse me?” I looked at Jinx and Rule, then back to Monica. “You don’t think I’m well?”
“We can get you help.”
“First of all, who’s we?” I frowned. “And two, help for what?”
“It’s obvious your … incident … a few years ago has caused some … mental instability.”
She was fucking serious.
I snorted. “My incident? You mean when I was kidnapped.”
“Oh, honey.” The lines on her face deepened with her melodrama. “You don’t need to rehash it now. It’s important that you talk about it, but I think it’s best—” Her gaze swung to the doors again. “It’s best that you speak with a professional. Someone who can get you the treatment you need.”
If I didn’t know my mother better, I might’ve thought she was sincere. But this … this was her play, and she was the star.
“Do you want to do this now?” I prompted, nodding my chin toward the man trying to record this conversation discreetly. “Because what I have to say, you probably don’t want to go public.”
Monica shook her head dramatically. “Nothing you can say will change my love for you, Laikyn. You know that. I just want what’s best.”
“Do you?” I stepped closer. When I did, Rule and Jinx moved closer to me. “Do you really?”
Her hand went to her chest. “What does that mean? Of course, I do. You’re my baby, Laikyn. I don’t care how old you get, you’ll always be my baby.”
Her acting skills were stellar. Too bad she was tipping her head to the side, likely in an effort to get caught in the best light. That was Monica, always angling for the perfect pose.
“I know what you did,” I said harshly.
Monica shook her head. “Honey, we’ve talked about this. They’re filling your head full of lies about me. None of it’s true.”
I looked at Rule and Jinx. “I think she’s off her meds.”
“Like I said, Laikyn,” my mother continued, her voice loud enough to be picked up by that phone’s microphone. “We’ll get you help. There’s a hospital that’s got—”
I took a step back. “A hospital?”
She was far too calm, too calculating. “Yes.”
“A mental hospital, I presume?”
“Yes, dear.”
I canted my head and studied her for a moment. “Is there any chance you met Javier at this hospital?”
That name caught my mother by surprise, and she was unable to hide her reaction. Even that not-so-discreetly placed camera would’ve caught her soft gasp.
“Yes. I know what you did,” I told her, keeping my voice low. “I know you had me kidnapped. You thought the insurance company would pay you out. How much was their cut, Mom? How much of the fifty million were you willing to part with?”
Monica didn’t have a comeback, but I didn’t wait around for one, either.
“Take me home,” I told Rule and Jinx.
“Go on,” Rule said, stepping back so Jinx could take my hand. “I’ll be right there.”
I was seething as Jinx led me through the ballroom and out the front doors.
* * *
Rule
“She needs help, Rule. You know it as—”
“You can lay off the theatrics, Monica,” I hissed, nodding behind her.
When Monica spun around, Red Wally gave her a little wave with the cell phone he’d been recording the entire conversation with. I was prepared for this exact scenario after Jinx warned me about the lawyer Monica was marrying. Considering his history with getting parents custody of grown children and their fortunes, it dawned on me that Monica would have the same endgame. She wanted Laikyn’s money, and what better way to get it than to have her daughter deemed incompetent? So I’d had Red Wally sticking close by, prepared to record whatever confrontation Monica set up.
“We recorded the entire thing,” I informed her. “Including the part where you asked your friend over there to get it all on camera. So, if you attempt to modify your recording, I’ll ensure mine goes public. All of it. Including the information I ascertained about Javier Escobar. You remember him, don’t you, Monica? The guy you paid to kidnap your daughter?”
“I didn’t pay anyone,” she hissed.
“I know. You merely promised payment. Fortunately for you, Javier’s currently locked up in a Mexican prison for another crime. He assured me when he gets out, he’ll be seeking one of two things: restitution or retribution. He said it was up to you.”
Her eyes widened.
“He’ll be out in three months, so you might want to change your address. And perhaps your name.”
I turned to leave, but Monica grabbed my arm.
“You can’t do this. You know he’s going to come for me.”
I shrugged. “That’s not my problem.”
“It might be,” she snarled.
“Why? Because you’re going to leak to your fiancé that you kill—”
“Stop!” She exhaled heavily. “Just stop.”
“Only if you do.”
“Fine.”
I knew it wouldn’t be that easy, but at least I had her attention.
She stood up straight and shook her chin and her shoulders as though gearing up for another take. I rolled my eyes when she inhaled deeply and then exhaled slowly before fluffing her hair. It really was all just a performance for her.
Eager to be done with this, I said, “I’ve got a proposition for you.”
She looked around again, ensuring no one was out there. Red Wally was still behind her, but the guy with the cell phone had been ushered back inside by Rhyan, who’d come to enjoy the festivities.
Her furious gaze slammed into me. “What proposition?”
“I’ll take care of Javier for you. In return, you’ll leave Laikyn alone.”
“Why? So you can take her money?”
“I don’t want her money. I’ve never wanted her money, Monica. You’re the greedy bitch, not me.”
Her affronted gasp made me grin. Damn, she seriously deserved an Oscar.
“I won’t let you turn my daughter against me.”
“You did that all on your own.” I moved closer and lowered my voice. “Give her some time. Once all is said and done, you and Laikyn can sit down and talk. I’m sure if you’re honest, there’s a chance for you to salvage your relationship with her.”
“And you won’t stand in the way?”
“My only objective is to protect her, Monica. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
“Protect her from whom?” She clutched her throat, her eyes glittering with fear. “You think he’s coming after her?”
For a smart woman, she could be dense. “From you, Monica. You’re the one she needs protection from.”
When it was clear she didn’t know what to say to that, I turned to go.
“I didn’t mean for her to get hurt, you know,” she called after me.
I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. That lie might make her feel better, but it did nothing for me.
“Hey, man,” I said when I found Creed talking to Garrison Walker and Nick Weston, two of his partners in business and in life. “We’re cutting out, but I wanted to say thanks. You know, for your part.”
“It was my pleasure, brother. Anytime you need me, I’m here.”
“It was good to see you again,” I told Hawk and Journey.
“Don’t be a stranger,” Hawk returned with a fist bump.
“Same goes.”
Before I walked away, Journey threw her arms around my neck and hugged me.
“What was that for?” I asked when she pulled back.
There were tears in her eyes. “For saving his life. I’ll never be able to repay you, but if you ever need anything … don’t hesitate to call.”
I nodded and turned away before there was a chance for her to see the dark stain on my soul. It had gotten darker the night I saved Creed from a crazy fucker. I didn’t lose sleep over killing that bastard, and I would do it again in a heartbeat, but it wasn’t something I was proud of.
Five minutes later, I was in the limo with Laikyn and Jinx and a bottle of champagne she had appropriated from one of the servers.
“I hate her,” Laikyn muttered before tipping the bottle back and taking a swig. “Why do I let her pull my strings like that? I’m her puppet. That’s all I’ve ever been.”
She continued to ramble between long pulls on the bottle. At this rate, we would be carrying her into the house.
“She cool?” I muttered to Jinx.
He shrugged, clearly at a loss for how to make the situation better. He couldn’t. I couldn’t.
I knew when Monica insisted that Laikyn appear tonight that she had an ulterior motive. After our conversation, I could only hope she would let it go for the time being and give Laikyn time to come to terms with what her mother did. I didn’t tell Monica this, but I figured she would need someone to lean on once Laikyn realized I’d manipulated her into this marriage and kept some crucial information from her. Hopefully, her mother would be there for her when that time came.
Laikyn propped the bottle between her legs and looked at me. “I need a distraction.”
“Okay.”
“Distract me, Rule,” she slurred, her glassy eyes molesting me as she licked her lips.
I relaxed and draped my arm across the back of the seat. “How would you prefer I do that?”
She shrugged and took another swig from the bottle. “You should kiss Jinx.”
I smirked.
“What? You don’t want to kiss him?” She looked at Jinx. “He doesn’t want to kiss you.”
Now she was being petulant.
“I never said that.”
“Then why aren’t you kissing him?”
Yeah. Petulant and intoxicated. Not a good combination for Laikyn.
“If I kiss him, I’m going to fuck him,” I said, keeping my tone flat. “I don’t think this is the appropriate place to do that.”
“Why?” She leaned forward. “Are you scared?”
“Yes,” I lied.
Her eyes rounded like silver dollars. “Seriously?”
“What do you think?”
“I think you talk too much.” She took another long pull on the bottle. “I’d rather watch the two of you make out.”
“Is that what you want? To watch?”
She shrugged.
“Or would you prefer to be watched?”
That piqued her interest because she shifted on the seat, her gaze jumping to Jinx and then to Red Wally, who was driving, before coming back to me.
“Who’s going to watch?”
Well, I knew it wasn’t going to be Red Wally. He had his own woman to keep him entertained, so I wasn’t worried he would crash the car due to the show. With the partition down, there was a remote possibility he would catch a glimpse in the mirror, but not likely.
“Trade me places,” I told Jinx.
He did so without so much as a curious glance. I was sure he was interested in where this was going.
I sat beside Laikyn. When she tried to turn toward me, I put my arm around her waist and pulled her into my lap so her ass rested on my cock, and her legs were draped on the seat. I kept my arm at her back so she didn’t fall as she got situated.
“Pull up the dress,” I instructed, taking the champagne bottle from her and passing it to Jinx.
There was a hint of hesitation, but she managed to drag the skirt of her dress up until her lacy white panties were visible.
“Pull your panties aside.”
More hesitation, but she was inebriated enough to see what I had in mind. She shifted the lace to the side.
“Spread your legs.”
She angled her knee outward, revealing the delicate pink flesh of her pussy.
I ran my hand up her leg, from knee to thigh, teasing until she relaxed. She watched me the entire time, and I could feel her breaths becoming more labored with every passing second.
“Jinx, you should come over here.”
He didn’t hesitate, getting to his knees on the floor between the seats. His full attention was on her silky flesh, which was becoming wetter the more attention we gave it.
“This is cruel,” Laikyn rasped. “You can’t tease me like this.”
“Oh, we can,” I assured her. “And we are.”
And we did.
For the remainder of the drive, we dragged out the torment until Laikyn was panting and begging for one of us to do something.
* * *
Jinx
“Take her upstairs,” Rule instructed as soon as we were in the house.
Laikyn dropped her shoes on the floor so she could stumble toward the stairs.
I reached for her, but she smacked my hand away, giggling. “I can walk.”
Barely. At this rate, she was going to go ass over tea kettle down the stairs once she reached the top.
When it took her two tries to get her foot on the second step, I solved the problem by scooping her into my arms. Her arms wreathed my neck, and she dropped her head to my shoulder.
“Why does she hate me, Jinx?”
I rubbed my cheek against her forehead. Her mother didn’t hate her. Monica simply had her own issues, and sadly, Laikyn was the only person who was consistently there for Monica. I didn’t think Monica Quinn meant to hurt her daughter. She merely made some foolish decisions.
“I want to shower,” Laikyn mumbled when I reached the top of the stairs.
I shook my head. She was too far gone for that. Within a minute, she was going to be passed out.
Setting her on her feet, I kept my arm around her as I helped her to unzip the dress. Wearing only her panties, she turned toward the bed. I patted her ass, urging her to get in.
Even drunk, she looked like a seductress going in for the kill as she crawled onto the mattress, her beautiful ass wagging as she moved.
“Make love to me, Jinx.”
Fuck. The torment in her voice nearly broke my heart. I wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed with her and love her for the rest of the night, but I knew it was only a matter of time before she would be out like a light. I wanted her to sleep it off, and hopefully, come morning, she wouldn’t be too worse for wear.
“Here,” Rule said, joining us in the room. “Drink this.”
“What is it?” Laikyn muttered, her eyes mere slits in her face.
“Water.” He passed her the glass. “Drink it slow. And here, take these.”
Rule gave her two aspirin and stood by while she drank the entire glass of water.
“Lie back,” he instructed, pulling the comforter down so she could tuck her legs under it.
Laikyn was watching me as she got situated. “Are you leaving?”
“He’s not going anywhere,” Rule answered for me. “We’ll be right downstairs.”
She looked up at him. “Will you sleep in here with me? Both of you?”
“Yes.”
I figured that was the reason Rule had wanted her in his bed. It was the only bed in the house big enough for the three of us. Something we’d learned over the past few weeks as we’d settled into this new thing we were doing.
“Okay,” Laikyn muttered, her eyes closed and her head relaxing on the pillow.
In less than a minute, she had drifted off, her face relaxed, her lips parted. She was so fucking beautiful it hurt to look at her sometimes.
“Come on.” Rule gestured toward the door. “Let’s go hang out with Waldo for a bit.”
I followed Rule back downstairs, removing my tie as we went. I shrugged off my jacket and left it on the couch before following him toward the outdoor living space. We spent the majority of our time out there rather than in the house. I wasn’t sure why, but we both preferred it. A few times, back when we first bought the place, we’d even slept out there on the enormous lounge beds that lined one side of the swimming pool. I hadn’t understood why the previous owners had them until the first time I passed out face-first on one. They were quite comfortable, and sometimes you simply needed fresh air.
Rule brought a beer and a bottle of water with him, passing the beer to me before dropping down onto the couch.
I eased down beside him.
“I don’t know what this is,” Rule muttered, sipping his water.
I knew he wasn’t referring to what was in the bottle.
“I don’t know how long it’ll last,” he continued.
Me either. My hope of forever seemed like a pipe dream. Deep down, I knew Laikyn was going to be angry when she learned the truth, but part of me wished she would be able to see reason. The other part was terrified that she would, and this thing we had going would become greater than the three of us. I knew Rule wasn’t considering this a relationship, although, by all measures, that was exactly what it was. The three of us … together … it felt right.
“Whatever happens…” He glanced my way. “The ride’s been worth it.”
Yeah. It certainly had.