Chapter 3

 

Covert Ops

 

 

 

“ARE YOU fucking with me right now?” Alex glared at me as he walked out of our bathroom. The low-slung towel teased his hips and his skin still glistened with water from his shower. He drew a breath as he took in my adjusted appearance.

I had taken the opportunity while he was in the bathroom to change into my new get up because deep down I knew he’d probably be less than pleased with my choice of attire. The green coloured contacts in my eyes felt weird and the long red-haired wig was itching slightly, but I was impressed with how it had all come together. I looked markedly different and it was certainly enough to fool anyone who wasn’t expecting the change.

“Oh come on, I thought you liked redheads? Look, I even got some silicone fillers for my bra. How good do they look?” I squeezed my cleavage together, though I knew it would probably enrage him further.

I had earlier gone up to my office as planned. There was a weird awkwardness that surrounded my visit as I knew it would. People were still unsure of what to say to me, some even avoiding me outright so as to not have to deal with the weirdness. It just made my resolve stronger. So after checking in with Anna and Matt and dropping off the real estate contract with legal, I took my arse downstairs to where DarNell was wearing a hole through the concrete at the curbside. He had given me disapproving grunts but spared me a lecture. Taylah had waited patiently in the car, ready to go shopping for a disguise. Yeah, maybe it was cheesy or maybe it was plain ironic, but I needed some distance between me and the ‘world’ as I re-entered it. No press following me, no need to deal with the awkward silence that usually accompanied my appearance and most of all, room to rediscover myself without being in the fishbowl.

It had been fun picking out wigs and creating a new look. Taylah had treated the undertaking with extreme enthusiasm, insisting we give it a test run at a club tonight.

“You look…” Alex raked his hands through his hair in frustration.

“Beautiful? Sexy? Hot? Any one of those would be an acceptable answer,” I warned knowing he was less than pleased with my alter ego.

“Baby, of course. You are all of those things.” His voiced softened. “Could you maybe be that with a little more clothes on?”

“Alex, you aren’t seriously getting caveman on me? I would have worn something like this when we first met. You didn’t seem to mind then.” I smoothed the fabric on the racy Versace dress that was hugging my curves.

Sure, I’d probably admit it was a little bit more risqué than what I usually wore, but what fun is it to have an alter ego if you can’t go all out with the dress up. Besides, it was really starting to piss me off that people assumed that because I had been sexually assaulted I was no longer able, or more to the point, allowed to be sexual. That shit was not cool and I was done with the guilt for feeling like a woman, and if I wanted to walk nude across the Brooklyn Bridge it was my right to do so without highbrow ignoramuses judging me. Well, they could judge me, but I would just no longer care.

“I thought the idea of a disguise was not to attract attention? I can tell you right now—you, looking like that, not inconspicuous. ” He studied me carefully, his eyes sweeping over my exposed skin.

“Just because I’m in disguise doesn’t mean I can’t look good. I’m still allowed to be sexy.” I tried to hide the agitation in my voice.

“Lexi.” His voice was a low growl and his eyes darkened. “Are you deliberately trying to make me insane? Because if that is your intention, I’d say your objective has been met.”

Wait. He wasn’t antsy because I was going out wearing next to nothing. He was fighting another emotion. I felt a pull in my lower belly as his words washed through me. He was trying to deny it, but as confronting as my barely there dress was, it was sexy and he was turned on.

“I’m not trying to make you insane,” I blinked, realising that perhaps he had been struggling as much as I was with our distance.

His eyes raked up and down my body as he slowly circled me. His body tensed almost as if he was ready for a fight. His searing gaze was hungry, and he seemed to be fighting some kind of internal war. His lips parted as he took slow steady breaths, but he said nothing.

The air was thick with emotion. My skin prickled with the anticipation of being touched, but Alex remained still, locked in place. The rise and fall of his chest was his only movement.

“Alex, I love you and I need you more than I will ever be able to tell you.” I moved closer to him so that my newly enhanced breasts brushed against his naked chest. “But, I’m doing this, and I’m not asking for permission.”

He reached out and traced his fingertip along my exposed collarbone and down my naked shoulder. “You’re coming home to me.” There was no question in his statement.

“Of course Alex, I live here. Where else am I going to go?” I half laughed, though humour right now was the furthest thing from my mind. No, it was anything but funny what was welling inside me.

“No.” His finger trailed down my arm sending shivers down my spine. He leaned closer as his lips brushed the top of my ear. “To my bed,” he clarified.

This whole time, these were the words I had wanted to hear, and he was saying them to me now? As I was about to walk out the door? I was equal parts furious and elated as his hand continued to move over my exposed skin.

“You’re not playing fair,” I protested as I tired to focus on what I was saying. Who was I kidding, I was lucky if anything coming out of my mouth was making any sense right now.

“So that makes two of us then.” His smile curled at the edge of his mouth. “D stays with you the entire time you are out.” He held his hand up to silence my anticipated protest. “He will keep his distance. Don’t argue.” He leaned in and allowed his lips to brush up the length of my neck.

“Alex,” I whimpered, no longer wanting to go out or be doing anything else other than Alex.

A loud knock at the door threw cold water on the scorching heat that was permeating the air.

“That will be Taylah,” I almost apologised as I continued to stare into his eyes.

“Then you should answer the door,” He arched his brow, but made no effort to move.

There was another knock. Right, I was going to have to answer the door. Unless I could work out some way to Jedi mind trick it open, I was going to have to actually walk away from Alex and open it. In my head I started to invent new expletives as I tore myself away from him and stalked out of our bedroom.

“Coming,” I called out as I half ran to the entryway. It was challenging enough that I was wearing a pair of ridiculously high heels, but add to the equation I was now seven different types of bothered the whole one foot in front of the other was almost beyond me.

“Took you long enough!” Taylah smiled as I pulled open the door. “Wow. If I didn’t know any better I would have totally walked past you. I would have probably made some snide comment under my breath, ’cause you know that dress is barely within the confines of being decent, but other than that… Wow… Just wow.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment, I think.” I grabbed my keys and phone and tossed them into my clutch. “D’s coming with us.”

“I assumed,” she smirked looking over her shoulder at DarNell’s looming presence. “You going to go say goodbye to your Rock Star husband so we can make tracks?”

“Already did, let’s go.” I knew if I walked back into the bedroom, there was no way I was walking out. So it was probably for the best if I cut my losses and kept my feet moving toward the door.

“Lexi,” DarNell tipped his head as he followed us to the elevator. His eyes betrayed nothing as he took in my appearance. The one thing I loved about him was he didn’t ask questions. He also didn’t seem perturbed either by the sudden change in plans for his evening.

“I know just the place to go.” Taylah babbled as the silver doors of the elevator closed. “It just reopened a week ago. It should suffice for a few quiet drinks.”

“Sounds fine,” I shrugged not really caring where we went. “But, we don’t take the Escalade.” The press knew whose car it was, and the last thing I needed was to draw attention to myself when I was trying so hard to be incognito.

“You planning on flapping your wings and flying there?” DarNell mused sarcastically as the door flew open on the garage.

“We can take my car,” Taylah offered fishing out her keys. “I’ll even let you drive.” She tossed the keys to him who didn’t seem down with the change in transportation.

DarNell grunted, but didn’t comment any further as he hopped into the driver’s seat of Taylah’s M5. We slid into the back seat as D started the car. “Here.” Taylah handed him a business card. “That’s where we’re heading.” He looked to the card and placed it on the console before slowly pulling out of the underground garage.

As we rolled out onto the street, the camped out paparazzi photographers looked over the car with suspicion. They had their lenses poised at the ready, but quickly lost interest as they glanced at us, the occupants. They deemed us unworthy and they let the car join the flow of traffic unhindered. We’d fooled them, and I was given a reprieve.

 

~~~

 

I should have known that Taylah’s suggestion for quiet drinks would be anything but quiet. She had recently completed designing the interior of a cocktail bar in Midtown and had decided to mix a little business with pleasure and scope the place out with me in tow.

The velvet ropes were lined with bodies. Waif thin coat hangers that were covered in designer threads wobbled in sky high Louboutins and Manolos while Wall Street commandos impressed with their expensive three-piece suits and Rolexes. Obviously this was the place to be.

Taylah marched to the front of the line where a large man with an earpiece blocked the entrance. D stayed slightly behind me as I smiled and sauntered in character to where Taylah was deep in conversation. She flashed me a wicked grin as he raised the rope and let us walk right through. The stares we drew from the crowd were of annoyance rather than recognition.

“Friends in high places,” Taylah smiled as we wandered over to the bar. DarNell hung back at the entrance to chat with security. I assumed it was to pay them the professional courtesy of a heads up that he was working on their turf.

The vibe in the club was strangely erotic. An eclectic mix of reds, burnt orange and pinks melded together to give the bar a distinct Moroccan feel. Large and colourful ornate glass light fixtures hung from the ceiling, fastened by wrought iron chains. Splashes of turquoise and emerald green were spliced together with dark wood to accentuate the space. It was easy to believe we had left New York and had teleported Star Trek style to some exotic foreign land.

“This place looks amazing Tay. You are a genius.” Despite the crazy mis-match of fabrics and colour, the room was very easy on the senses.

“Yeah, well it sure isn’t Rainbow Room. The owner wanted different so I had a bit of fun.” Taylah was being modest. She was a genius when it came to design. She had this innate ability to tune in to a room’s strengths and weakness and turn it into brilliance. It was for this reason she could pick and choose what design jobs she took and she wasn’t hurting for choice.

“Ladies.”

I took in the tall, athletic frame that was now standing directly in front of me. A sexy smile teased his lips as the light hit his dark brown eyes. His dark goatee was perfectly trimmed and his olive completion was unmarred except for a scar above his left eye, though it looked to have happened long ago. The imperfection did nothing to inhibit his allure. He was strangely beautiful. Well dressed, in what looked to be an expensive suit, the material hugged his body lovingly.

“Nick.” Taylah held out her hand. “The club is doing well.” Apparently she knew tall, dark and handsome, but then again there weren’t many people in the city Taylah didn’t know. They shook hands with familiarity, but cordially, so I guessed it was a professional affiliation rather than a personal one.

“Indeed it is. The new direction has been favorable with the clientele.” His smiled widened. “And who is your friend? I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of making her acquaintance.” Nick’s eyes turned to me and he held out his hand. He had an accent that I couldn’t place, possibly European? He was confident, but more than that, he seemed dangerous.

“Nick, this is my friend Lexi.” Taylah made the introduction and confirmed what I already had guessed, “Nick is the owner of this club.”

“Lexi?” The way he said my name was odd, almost as if he was questioning me. I took the hand he offered and shook it to be polite.

“Nick.” I wasn’t going to be rattled by some guy in a nicely cut suit, even if this was his club.

“You look familiar to me.” He gently stroked his goatee as if trying to place me.

“I doubt it.” I smiled easily though I hoped my cover hadn’t been blown. “I’m no one you would know.”

“I disagree.” He stated simply as his eyes darted to the security guard approaching. “Excuse me ladies, I have some business to attend to. Please avail yourself of the bar, my staff will see that you are well taken care of.” With a curt nod he excused himself and left.

“Please tell me he wasn’t one of your fuck-buddies?” Taylah whispered nervously in my ear.

“No, I would have remembered him. Maybe he’s seen me with Alex?” I tried to reason though he didn’t seem to be the type of guy that read People magazine or watch Entertainment Tonight.

“He’s intriguing though. Who is he?”

“Hmmm good question. Don’t know much about him. Nick Cass hired me to inject some life into this place, but made it pretty clear he wasn’t up for my game of twenty questions. I even googled him. All that turned up was that he was a club owner in New York, which I already knew. He has a couple of clubs around town but other than that, I couldn’t even find a residential address. His businesses check out. There is no way I would have agreed to work with him if he was shady, so he is either boring as bat shit or he’s gone to a lot of trouble to hide who he is.” Taylah’s need to know was legendary. I was positive the lack of information was more than an upset for her.

DarNell eyed us curiously from a distance. He was keeping his side of the bargain and had expanded the circumference of protection even though he didn’t seem pleased.

Taylah frowned. “Well either way, he’s not the kind of guy to run to the press so even if he knows who you are, I’d say we’re fairly safe.”

Despite being a club owner Nick didn’t seem like the type of guy who liked the limelight. I knew of clubs who had relationships with photographers, they traded information for kickbacks on exclusive picture deals, but this place did not look like one of them. Nick didn’t seem like a person who did favours, it was more likely the other way around.

We made our way through the crowd to the large ornate bar. Like the rest of the club, it was overly opulent and incredibly well stocked. Bottles of spirits lined the floor-to-ceiling mirrored shelves. Strategically placed wooden ladders could be rolled across to access the highest shelves. The ridiculous selection on offer would be able to quench even the most obscure liquid craving.

Taylah leaned across the bar and ordered our drinks. The bartender promptly returned with two shot glasses and a bottle of Belvedere Vodka.

“Shots?” I stared at the glasses as the bartender poured. I thought Tay was ordering cocktails or maybe Champagne. Taylah rarely did shots, and for me, it had been a while. It seemed she had some serious plans for this evening.

“Yeah, well I promised you a good night, and I can’t see that happening with a couple of Appletinis. Though I have to tell you, you can probably drink me under the table so be gentle with me.” She laughed as we clicked our shot glasses before downing the first one.

The vodka was smooth but warm as it travelled down my throat. It didn’t have the harshness of tequila, but was no less potent. My skin tingled from the injection of alcohol into my system. It had been a while between drinks.

Taylah pulled out her credit card and handed it to the bartender. “We’re going to need to a few more rounds. I think it will be easier if we start a tab.” The bartender shook his head as his thick Chicago accent burst from his mouth. “You’re money’s no good here. Boss’s orders.” He tipped his head to where Nick was standing over the other side of the room as he continued to pour us another shot.

“Well that could be dangerous.” She put her credit card back in her purse. “Your boss hasn’t seen my girl here drink. He might want to rethink that.” She gestured to me as I downed my second shot.

The warmth spread through my body and it felt nice. A smile crept across my lips as I slammed my shot glass on the bar. I felt the sweat bead underneath the heaviness of my wig.

“She’s tiny.” The bartender laughed in disbelief. “Hey Kyle, come check this out.” He called to another bartender mixing cocktails in a Boston Shaker.

“Hey sweetheart,” Kyle smiled as his eyes fell over the curves of my newly-enhanced breasts. He had no idea who I was. “Ben here not taking care of you?”

Ben seems to have not noticed my glass is empty.” I tapped my glass on the bar. Taylah screwed up her face as she took her second shot.

“Seems like short-stuff over here thinks she might be drinking the boss out of his profits.” Ben folded his arms across his chest, ignoring the thirsty people vying for his attention.

“Haven’t you boys ever heard? It’s not the size that’s important it’s what you do with it?” I smirked, the shots of Belvedere were already giving me a slight buzz.

“Didn’t you hear her? Her glass is empty.” Kyle didn’t take his eyes off me as he picked up the bottle and poured another round for both Taylah and me.

While Tay hesitantly brought the glass to her lips, I had already finished mine. I placed my empty shot glass back down on the bar.

“Wow short-stuff. You might want to slow down,” Ben teased, his brow arched as Kyle poured yet another.

I took the glass and swallowed, while Taylah simply shook her head, letting her glass sit on the bar. “If I wanted advice, I’d call my dad.” I waved my empty glass in front of them.

“Lex, maybe you should slow down.” As Taylah made no attempt to take another drink, I picked up her glass and swallowed her shot too.

“I thought we were having fun tonight?” I pouted, the rapid shots of vodka making me feel giddy. I wasn’t drunk, but I was feeling pretty amazing. I knew the emotion was manufactured but right now, I didn’t care. I wasn’t thinking of anything in particular other than what was happening in front of me and that was pure heaven.

“Sweetheart, we aren’t going to have any trouble with you tonight are we?” Kyle’s eyes gleamed, almost inviting the trouble he warned me not to cause.

“Not if you keep those shots coming and shelve the side order of judgement.” I pointed to the bottle still in his hand. My voice didn’t falter. I was done being scrutinised, and it felt so good to let that shit go. Ben reluctantly moved to serve other patrons though seemed annoyed he had relinquished control of the bottle, thus no longer having a reason to be on our side of the bar.

Kyle slowly filled my glass. “Maybe Ben should warn the boss?”

“Why don’t you tell me about him instead?” I raised the glass to my lips and allowed the smooth liquid to flow down my throat. Taylah waved her hand over her glass to indicate she was done, at least for now.

“Tell you about Ben?” Kyle asked he placed the bottle on the bar while Ben grinned at the mention of his name.

“No, your boss,” I glanced over to where Nick had been standing though he was noticeably absent now.

“Can’t help you with that, sweetheart,” Kyle shook his head. “If you want to know something about him, you’re going to have to ask yourself. Though I should warn you, best you don’t.”

“Hey short-stuff. You done pounding shooters?” Ben called from the other side of the bar. “Your friend sure looks like she’s done. How about you let me make the two of you something sweet?” He grabbed a Boston and started mixing colourful spirits.

“If you make me a Cosmo, I’ll kick your arse,” I threatened, not really wanting to take a break from Mr. Belvedere.

“Don’t doubt it,” Ben smirked back as he threw ice into the shaker.

The phone under the bar trilled and Kyle pulled the handset to his ear. He plugged his other ear with his finger in an effort to hear the caller over the noise of the bar. No mean feat I’m guessing.

There were a few well-placed grunts and nods before the call was ended and he returned the phone back to its base.

“You’ve been summoned.” Kyle pointed to the balcony across the club. “Boss said to send you up the VIP area. Guess you must have made an impression on him.” He winked as he wiped down the bar.

“Well, Taylah and I are happy just where we are so I guess your boss will be waiting a while.” I grabbed the two Martini glasses Ben had poured our custom cocktails into and waved goodbye. I handed Taylah her glass and pulled her toward the dance floor.

“Um Lexi, maybe the VIP area isn’t such a bad idea?” She juggled her glass as we walked through the crowd.

“Screw that. I want to dance.” I swallowed the cocktail in one continuous drink, my head spinning from the lethal mix of deliciousness Ben had concocted. He was right. It was sweet yet still punchy.

“OK, whatever you want Lex. I’m not the one who has to deal with Rock Star when you are hung over tomorrow.” Taylah sipped her drink. “Wow. This is freaking amazing.”

“I know,” I nodded. “I could drink like ten of those.” I waved to Ben and Kyle who were studying us from the bar. They didn’t wave back and turned away quickly, busying themselves with the thirsty horde in front of them. Rude. Ben’s eyes glanced back nervously in our direction and then raised up to the balcony above us. I followed his line of sight and caught the unmistakable shadow of Nick, good looking and very mysterious club owner, leaning against the glass wall. We were being watched. Perhaps he wasn’t used to his offer of VIP treatment being turned down, or maybe he just had stalker tendencies, but while I thought it was both rude and odd my care factor was a big fat zero right now. I continued on my quest which, right now, was to dance.

“Come dance with me Tay,” I tugged lightly on her arm. I’m not sure if it was the alcohol—a massive possibility—but I no longer cared if anyone knew who I was.

“Lex, I love ya, but I don’t dance. I have two left feet. It’s like a miracle I can walk in heels. You really feel like a trip to the emergency room?” She refused to move any further. “Go, have fun. I’m going to go check out the bathrooms.”

“Fine,” I conceded. “Get me another drink on your way back.”

I stepped onto the dance floor and closed my eyes. I let the beat of the music and the rhythm of the crowd carry me deeper into a trance. I moved in time as sweaty, fevered bodies collided with mine, yet I didn’t care. It felt amazing. I let myself go as all the tension of the last few weeks left my body and while I knew most of what I was feeling was alcohol induced, I was free. Two hands grabbed around my waist and yanked me back onto a hard body. At first I thought someone had accidently knocked into me. Everyone was kind of mashed into each other due to the close proximity of the other dancers, but when I felt the random owner of the body grind his junk firmly against my arse, I knew it was intentional. Whoever he was, he was excited and very hard. “Hey baby,” he whispered into my ear.

“Get your hands off me, arsehole!” I bucked against him spinning around violently ready to punch the living shit out of whoever it was.

A sexy smile spread across his face to greet me.

“Alex? What are you doing here?” I stared at him in disbelief. He had obviously changed since I left him in our bedroom. Clad in black leather pants and heavy black boots, he demanded attention. A fitted blue t-shirt completed his look, which not only made his eyes look amazing but also showcased his incredibly toned torso. The dog tags, which hung from his neck, caught the light from the strobe and enhanced his perfectly formed jaw. There were no words to describe how good he looked. He was down-right delicious. It was like I had been on one of those crazy juice fast diets and now I had sat down to an all-you-can-eat buffet. I was starved and the course I wanted to start with was dessert.

He moved his hands back around my waist and pulled me close against his body, his arousal teasing me through the fabric of our clothes.

“You mad?” His mouth twisted into a delicious half grin. “’Cause you know I love it when you’re mad.” He slowly moved against me, the friction driving me crazy. All I seemed able to manage was a shake of my head in response. My mind, clouded with alcohol, and my body, frenzied with need, made it impossible for me to be able to perform two simple functions such as stand up right and speak simultaneously.

He tilted his head and his hot breath teased my ear. “Hmmm so quiet? It’s not like you not to have something to say.”

It took every ounce of restraint I had not to tear his clothes apart and fuck him right there on the dance floor. Some women have that fantasy where when their man returns to them after a long absence, it’s all slow and romantic. There would be a wind machine blowing and dramatic music piped in the background as their desperate declarations of love and commitment spill from their lips. I didn’t share that recycled romance paperback novel sentiment. Fuck that. What I wanted was raw. It clawed at my skin, made it difficult to breathe, and all I could think about was getting him inside of me. It had been too long and I was hungry.

“Was conversation really what you had in mind?” I whispered in his ear. I kept my body moving against his. “’Cause I’m not in the mood to talk.” I turned my back to him and seductively moved my hips against his crotch.

“Well what are you in the mood for?” His hands slowly moved down my body. His tongue flicked against the lobe of my ear, sending a charge of electricity through my body that probably could have illuminated Beijing.

I leaned back against his chest, letting his arms envelop me. We both kept moving. I could feel the heat of his body radiating through the thin fabric of his t-shirt and the thumping of his heartbeat. He gently pushed the damp strands of my red wig away as he bowed down his head to my neck. His hot breath gave me goose bumps as he dragged his lips across my skin. While the sensations were familiar, it felt strangely new. It was like I was again discovering him for the first time, the excitement of wanting him so badly it hurt while still trying to play it cool.

“Alex.” I turned my face to meet his lips. He kissed me. Hard. Desperate. Hungry. The tenderness that had been there the last few times we had kissed was gone as he spun my body around to face him. As his tongue invaded my mouth with urgency, a low growl tore through his throat. “I need to get inside you. Now.”

My head spun with an overload of sensory stimulation. This is what I had wanted for weeks and now here we were, in a random club in Midtown, on the dance floor with light, music, insanity, questionable sobriety—only on my part—and enough pheromones to start producing our own shady infomercial for cologne.

This was not a smart idea. In fact on a scale of one to ten, this was a negative fifteen. I had imagined the scenario at least a dozen times in my head and not one of those times did I see our reintroduction into intimacy being in some public bathroom. As giddy as I was, the irony was not lost on me, that I was about fuck my rock star husband in a club like some groupie. Though I was trying to be seductive and sexy, the thought made me giggle as I tugged at his arm and guided him slowly through the crowd.

As we neared the edge of the dance floor the crowd thinned and the lights were dimmer. My heart raced with anticipation like I was a teenage virgin about to get my cherry popped. His body was dangerously close to mine, he was either unwilling or unable to let me go and I loved that he seemed to be feeling the same desperation I was. We continued walking and I eyed Taylah at the bar. Responsible Lexi would let Taylah know that I was about to get down and dirty so she wouldn’t worry if she noticed my absence. Of course Responsible Lexi checked out about twenty minutes ago when Alex showed up. Oh who am I kidding? When have I ever been responsible?

My feet wobbled underneath me as we reached the darkest corner of the club. My body had picked that exact moment to remind me I had been sinking shots with a cocktail chaser not more than an hour ago. Alex steadied me before pinning me up against one of the back walls. “How much have you had to drink baby?” He breathed against my neck.

“Enough to not care where I am as long as it’s with you,” I smiled as I tried to pull him closer, my hands finding their way to his taunt, athletic ass.

“Lexi,” he sighed as he kissed my neck. “This isn’t how I wanted this to happen for us.” He tried to reign in his breathing as he dipped his head to look at me.

“If I had’ve known throwing on a sexy dress and going undercover was going to turn you on so much I would have done it days ago.” I giggled as I moved my hands across the waistband of his leather pants to fumble with the zipper.

“Lexi, what turned me on was seeing how happy you are. It’s not the dress or the hair or the fake tits.” His face suddenly became serious. “Actually, all that stuff kind of makes me feel like I’m cheating on you, with you. I mean I know it’s you, but it doesn’t look like you. Does that sound weird?”

His brow furrowed as he tried to reconcile whether finding me attractive or wanting to be with me in my current incarnation constituted as cheating. I don’t think I could love him anymore than I already did, but the fact that he was even taking that into consideration was just plain adorable. Who would have thought that notorious ladies man Alex Stone, lead guitarist for Power Station would be so unwavering in his devotion?

“Well Mr. Stone, I won’t tell your wife if you won’t. What she doesn’t know can’t hurt her and I’m such a big fan.” I bit my lip seductively, secretly enjoying his little internal struggle.

“Jesus, I shouldn’t have said anything.” He rolled his eyes, as his grin spread. “It’s not like you to be an opportunist, is it?”

“Oh, please Alex,” I teased as I rubbed my breasts up against his chest. “I heard you have such a big cock. I bet your wife doesn’t suck it like I can.” I lifted my hand and fisted his t-shirt. “No one ever has to know, besides rumor has it she is such a bitch. She doesn’t deserve you.” I knew I was role-playing, but there was a part of me deep down that meant the last part. I didn’t deserve him.

“She is a bitch, but I love her.” He lightly touched my cheek as he moved his face closer to mine. “And no one has ever sucked my cock like she does.”

His lips came crushing down on mine. Whatever struggle he had going on seemed to have either rectified itself or he was making his peace with his perceived infidelity.

“Are you fucking kidding me?”

I didn’t see Dan. My vision was obscured by Alex’s back, and the fact his lips were firmly planted on mine. However there was no mistaking his voice or his annoyance.

Alex pulled his lips from mine as I buried my face in his chest to stop from laughing. He held me close as he angled to the side slightly so he could see Dan.

“I can’t believe what I just fucking heard. Stone, you dumb piece of shit,” Dan bellowed, his anger not receding despite the end of our affectionate display.

“Dan. Calm down. It’s not what it looks like.” Alex smiled as I kept my face hidden. Yeah, I know. I probably should have stepped in and put Dan out of his misery, but hearing him get so fired up, willing to defend my honour was kind of touching.

“Not what it looks like? I’m not fucking blind asshole, and I heard you. You’re cheating on Lexi with this groupie whore. What’s wrong with you? I’m so going to kick your ass.” Dan lunged forward with his fist. Alex maneuvered us out of the way just before it made contact with his face.

“Dan. For fucks sake.” I pushed away from Alex and threw my hands onto Dan’s chest. “Calm down.”

“What the fuck?” Dan’s confusion was priceless. “Lexi?” His eyes widened as turned his head from side to side as he took in my appearance, breaking his fighter’s stance. “Is that…you?”

“Yes Dan, it’s me. He’s not cheating on me. It is me.” I repeated as turned to face him. “It’s me.”

“What the hell? Why? What? Dude… this is just messed up.” Dan’s eyes darted between Alex and me. He unclenched his fists and relaxed his arms by his sides. “Is this some kinky role play shit?”

“Dan.” I wrapped my arms around his still tense body and hugged him. “I just wanted to go out without everyone scrutinising me. I thought it would be fun to dress up.” I released him from my embrace. “I wanted one night outside the fishbowl. I was just sick of people looking at me since the attack.” I watched Dan wince as I said the last part.

My trauma had had a kind of domino effect on the people closest to me. All the guys in the band had worn the same pained, angry looks when they’d seen my broken body in hospital. During those dark days, each one of them had given me their heartfelt pledge to be there for me and for Alex, and to do whatever needed to be done. James even broke protocol and made a statement to the press a few days later—despite me instructing him to let Matt handle it and to say nothing—insisting that they back the hell off and let Alex and me heal. I knew that during those times Alex struggled and wouldn’t open up to me, it was with his brothers he took solace. They grounded him, stopped him from getting on a plane and taking matters into his own hands. They had stopped being my job a long time ago and I loved each and every one of them. Without out a doubt, this was my family.

“Lex,” Dan’s voice softened. “You do whatever you need to sweetheart. Just maybe give me a heads up so I don’t go beating up this douchebag unnecessarily.” His easy smile lit up his face. Despite him being a complete and utter horn dog, underneath it all—though I would never admit it publicly—he was genuinely a decent guy. Questionable morality, but hey, who was I to judge? I had more than my share of questionable before I’d fallen in love with Alex.

“Dan, I appreciate you defending Lexi’s honor but there’s no chance of you ever kicking my ass,” Alex laughed, his arms finding their way around my waist.

“Says YOU. I would have totally had you,” Dan insisted.

“I was holding my wife and you still missed.” Alex hugged me closer.

“I didn’t want to accidently hit her, I was aiming wide.” Dan justified the punch that didn’t happen.

“Incidentally you might want to apologize for calling her a groupie whore.” Alex raised his eyebrow and tilted his head in my direction.

“Yeah well, I thought she was a groupie whore. She was rubbing her tits all over you, trash talking your wife and wanting to suck your dick. It was entrapment so it doesn’t count,” Dan explained, wondering how we hadn’t worked it out ourselves.

“Dan, entrapment? How did I entrap you? You saw what you did out of context.” I put my hands on my hips, wondering how Dan jumping to conclusions constituted entrapment.

“You’ve got tits. That by default is a trap.” His eyes lowered to my cleavage. “Wow did they get bigger? They look freaking amazing.”

“Dan stop staring at my wife’s breasts,” Alex snapped impatiently.

“Can’t help it, they are so out there and perky.” Dan’s eyes widened as he moved forward. His hands extended in front of him.

Dan.” I tore my hands from my hips and held them out in front of me in warning. “Your hands get anywhere near my tits you are going to be shitting out teeth, and I assure you, I will not aim wide.” Seriously? Only Dan had the capacity to make me go from feeling all warm and fuzzy one moment, to reminding how much of a pig he could be the next.

Alex circled his arm protectively around me, drawing me closer to his side. “He wasn’t going to touch you baby. Were you Dan?” In Alex’s eyes simmered a dark warning.

Gee. I was just playing. You two are no fucking fun anymore.” Dan pointed a finger wildly at Alex. “I should have known you had ulterior motives.”

“Last I checked, no one invited you.” Alex lightly kissed my neck, his arms still tightly coiled around me.

“Dude, you completely blew me off when I showed up at your apartment. You flew out of there like the place was on fire.” Dan turned to me before continuing. “When Stone is high-tailing it to some random club without his smokin’ hot woman on a Thursday, it’s going to get me interested. Now I’m always down for a little excursion, especially if it means tight dresses and high heels, but this cocksucker hasn’t seen the inside of one of these places in months. It got my attention.”

“You followed him?” I smiled curiously, genuinely interested to hear Dan’s interpretation.

“Of course I did. Followed him the whole way, and he didn’t even notice. Then he walks in here.” Dan pointed to Alex before continuing. “He scopes the place out before he eyeballs some red hot piece of ass on the dance floor.” Dan explained like he completely forgot that I had actually been the red hot piece of ass on the dance floor with Alex, living it.

“Dan, you know know it was me,” I pointed out.

“Well I didn’t then,” he snapped. “So I watched as Alex grinds his junk against this girl. Big shit eating grin on his face like he’s about to blow his load.”

“Dan, it was me.”

Stop interrupting. I’m telling you what I saw.” He shifted back on the balls of his feet as he continued. “And the son of a bitch followed her off the dance floor to the back end of the club.” Again completely losing the fact that he was still talking about me.

“And if anyone knows what that means, it’s me.” Dan proclaimed proudly, “The whole time I was thinking, I must be fucking high or something. There is no way he’d fuck around on Lexi. Why go out and eat an Arby’s burger when you have a fucking filet mignon at home?”

In true Dan style he was making an arse of himself. I’m sure he meant it as a compliment, which was amusing, but I think he could have gone with another analogy. Preferably one that didn’t draw a parallel between me and a steak. I stiffened in Alex’s arms ready to unload my wrath on Dan.

“You’ve called my wife a whore and now you are comparing her to a piece of meat. This isn’t going well for you.” Alex raised his brow.

“Anyway,” Dan dismissed Alex. “So I’m thinking I must be mistaken, like maybe he is just going to fucking sign her tit or something and then go chill at the bar. But, then when I walked back here and his hands were all over you,” Dan exclaimed wildly like he was just now remembering who he was talking about.

“And you are telling him his bitch wife doesn’t have to know, how big his dick is and how much you want to suck it. And he takes it, tells you he loves his wife, but still puts his tongue down your throat. I kept thinking no fucking way, there is no fucking way…” He shook his head.

“OK Dan. Thanks for the replay,” Alex tensed. “Seeing as now you know it’s Lexi maybe you can give us some space? We’d like some alone time.” He was done being polite and his patience with Dan was wearing thin.

“Yeah… I feel ya.” Dan’s eyes danced with mischief. “You guys do whatever you want to do. Don’t mind me.” The smirk spread wide across his mouth.

“This isn’t a peep show Dan,” I shifted in Alex’s arms, glad that some the intensity of the situation had dissipated.

“Could have fooled me with your dirty little display. Do you have any other outfits? Naughty Nurse?” Dan raised his eyebrow suggestively, biting back his grin.

“Guess I’m going to have to wait a little longer,” Alex groaned. I could tell he was frustrated, but not enough to forget we had an audience and Dan showed no signs of leaving. In fact he seemed to be enjoying it a little too much.

“I could always give you a hand job under the table, isn’t that how the groupie thing works?” I stage whispered as I playfully swatted at Alex’s arm. I was only half joking. I wanted to touch him so desperately and have my hands on every part of him. I felt the familiar tug in my lower stomach as I retreated into my fantasy, one that did not include a wise-arse bass player who wouldn’t take a hint.

“You are not giving me a hand job under the table. As much as I know I’ll enjoy it, I’m fairly sure Dan would as well, and I’m not about to let him have that pleasure.”

“Stone, I always knew you were a selfish bastard, but that is just plain heartless as well,” Dan whined, his hand clapped over his heart to indicate his hurt over Alex’s words. “For the record, I think I’m in love with your wife.” He shot me a wink, nodding appreciatively.

Ha,” I snorted. “I think you’ll find the emotion you feel is a little further south Dan. And as much as you would like to believe your cock is the most important organ in your body, it’s not your heart.”

“You wound me,” Dan stumbled back, his hand still clasped to his chest. “The groupie whore was right, you are a bitch. Now let’s bring her back, with her talk of blow jobs and under the table hand action.”

“I really want to hurt him.” Alex was tense as he kissed me gently against the neck. “It’s not like anyone would really miss him.” He gave me his beautiful twisted smile as Dan wisely took a step back.

“There you are.” Taylah rounded the corner with two martini glasses filled with Ben’s magical mystery creation, slightly out of breath.

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Alex? Dan? What are you doing here?” Taylah handed me a glass before taking a well-deserved sip from hers. “You can’t go gate crashing our girls night.”

“After watching Lexi leave I was suddenly thirsty,” Alex mused, his words loaded with a double meaning.

“Stone, you have more money than God,” Taylah snorted. “You couldn’t have paid someone to bring you a drink?” She was clearly not buying his bogus explanation.

Dan smirked sarcastically. “I caught him with his tongue down her throat and his hand on her ass. It’s how I usually quench my thirst.”

“Please stop talking Dan while I try to erase that visual.” I winced at the thought of any parallels being drawn between us.

“Suit yourself, Lex,” Dan shrugged. “But, the visual I got of you grinding against Stone—that one is for keeps. I’ll be recalling that baby later.”

As much as I’d hoped, I knew he wasn’t kidding. Dan would happily use whatever mental stimulation he wanted to get off. He had even justified it in the past insisting that everything he’d seen was public domain, therefore admissible for use. I’d often wondered if Dan had somehow missed his calling as litigator, other than the whole you-have-to-be-smart thing. Dan was not stupid, but he certainly would never pass the bar. He could argue his way out of anything, and I do mean anything.

“I’m not gate crashing.” Alex pulled me flush against his body. I could still feel his rock hard erection pressing firmly against my back, clearly getting sprung had not deflated his mood or anything else for that matter.

“Anytime Lexi wants me to leave all she has to do is ask.” As ridiculous as it sounded just the intonation of his voice was turning me on. “Do you want me to leave, Lexi?” He spun me around in his arms, allowing my body a slight reprieve while his blue eyes intensified their gaze. There was no way I could ask him to leave. My brain could not formulate my mouth to speak those words. What’s more, I wasn’t even ashamed of being what I would once have dubbed pathetic. Deep down while I knew Alex had that power over me, it was given without my loss of free will and lovingly returned.

“Lexi is too love drunk and well… too regular drunk to be objective. I’m invoking the veto clause that sees you peel yourself off of her and let us enjoy girl’s night. Oh and take the walking ad for CK jeans with you.” Taylah not so subtly gestured toward Dan as she tugged lightly on my arm.

“Is she talking about me? I’m not wearing Calvin Klein,” Dan asked as he tried to make the connection between himself and an over-sexed jeans advertisement.

“Taylah, Lexi. Do we have a problem here?” Nick lips twitched as he unbuttoned his tailored jacket.

Nick seemingly materialised from the hallway, obviously having exited from a door which I had assumed lead to office space. He was stealth-like in his approach, although the one or five drinks I had consumed had probably dulled my senses substantially.

“Ladies, is there a problem?” Nick reiterated as he assessed the situation without the benefit of context.

“Not at all Nick. Looks like we ran into some celebrities.” Taylah arched her brow indicating the presences of Dan and Alex.

“So it seems.” His voice betrayed no emotion as he regarded them while clearly recognising them. “Mr. Stone, Mr. Evans. Welcome. I do believe you would be more comfortable in our private section with the rest of the VIPs. I’ll see Lucy attends to your needs.” A hint of a smile crept slowly along his mouth as he squared off his shoulders. What was it with men and testosterone? It always felt like a pissing contest.

“Thank you Nick,” Alex’s jaw tensed as his eyes darkened. “But, actually we’re happy to mingle with the regular folk. It keeps our egos in check.” He bristled with just a little more sarcasm than required.

“Of course, please yourself.” Neither Nick’s smile nor confidence faltered. It was almost alarming how nonplused he was. Like an alpha dog packing a massive set of balls, he disregarded Alex and Dan before he gently cupped my elbow. His words, level and sure, were directed only to me. “Lexi, a word.”

“Me?”

What did he want with me? Granted I had been suitably unimpressed by his earlier posturing display so perhaps he was curious as to why I hadn’t dropped to my knees and worshiped him? He was sexy, this was undeniable, and I certainly could appreciate what this man did for a suit, but for me there was only one man whose attention I wanted; and that was the man who was currently trying to extrapolate what my connection was to Nick.

“Yes, Lexi. You.” Nick’s eyes darkened as he gestured impatiently to the hallway.

Alex’s body straightened in alertness. I wasn’t sure if it was Nick’s hand on me—albeit the slight contact of his palm to my elbow barely counted as on me—or his insistence on speaking to me that was causing Alex to get territorial, but I could almost see the tension radiate off his body.

“Lexi and I were actually having a conversation.” Alex not so subtly moved in closer.

“Alex, I can speak for myself thank you.” While I appreciated his protectiveness—is that even a word?—I was done being treated as fragile, and I sure as hell could handle Nick or anyone else myself.

“Well it seems that conversation has come to an end.” Nick’s smile tightened. “I’ll be brief Lexi, this way.”

I could have told Nick to go fuck himself. Let’s face it, it was my go-to in my bag of tricks, but I was strangely curious as to what he wanted. Our earlier exchange had intrigued me, but more than that, he did. There was something about him that nagged at me. It was like a faint memory that you strained to recall but couldn’t quite place. His insistence to speak with me confirmed there was more to know. The why of the conversation was puzzling me more than the what, but I couldn’t do it now, not when I had Alex back where I wanted him.

“Some other time maybe, Nick.” I pulled back my arm and straightened my stance. “I’m not really in the mood for a chat.”

Alex was not pleased, in fact he was the antithesis of pleased, but he was also smart enough not to pull any macho bullshit either. I was not that girl and despite his need to keep me safe, he knew me well enough to let me handle it. Of course Alex was only willing to make so many concessions as he gestured discreetly to DarNell.

“Protection?” Nick watched as DarNell made his way toward us. His question was devoid of concern or annoyance. Simply put it was just a question.

“Just a friend,” I lied not willing to show my hand without a full understanding of why he cared. Did I need protection? Alex stiffened beside me, staying silent, but making it clear he wasn’t backing down.

“You don’t need it. Not here and not from me.” Nick answered my silent thoughts. Huh? I thought Alex was the only one who pulled the mind reader shit? I was going to have to seriously work on my poker face.

“I’m not concerned.” And I wasn’t, for whatever reason. Something about him felt familiar.

“Good. Here is my card. You need to call me.” Nick fished out a business card from his inner jacket pocket and handed it to me. “Please enjoy your evening.”

Enjoying your evening? I couldn’t believe he thought he had the ability to dictate whether I would have a good time or not. Who did he think he was?

“What the fuck was that about?” Alex seethed as he looked around the room. His face tensed as he watched Nick disappear into the crowd. “Who is he?”

“Nick Cass. Club owner. Arsehole.” I played with the thick embossed card in my hand.

“He’s the owner Alex, I’m pretty sure he is harmless. I’ve looked into him and he comes up pretty clean. Nothing outstanding,” Taylah explained as she tried to reassure him that there was no more to the story. I’m not sure she was entirely convinced, but Taylah was tenacious so her investigation would have been more substantial than most.

“Nothing outstanding except for the hard on he’s packing for Lexi,” Dan unhelpfully volunteered.

“Dan not every man thinks with their dick.” Alex was already going down the I wanna-kick-his-ass road so I didn’t appreciate Dan’s insight. Besides we still didn’t know what Nick’s motives were, and he had made no indication they were sexual.

“Dan’s right. I don’t like his interest in you. D, you know anyone who can sniff around?” Alex seemed to ignore Taylah’s earlier reassurance. I guess in that way we were a lot alike. It’s hard to trust second or third hand information. It loses its reliability, and I was fairly sure the only reliable information was going to come from the man himself.

“Alex, have you been drinking? You just agreed with Dan. Nick Cass can be interested all he wants. It doesn’t mean anything.”

“Lexi, a man like that does not simply walk away. He has an agenda, and I have no fucking idea what it is, but I intend to find out. I want you to stay away from him.” Despite the words he was using, this was more than a simple request. His voice left no doubt that this was a directive.

Well didn’t that make me feel like a fucking teenager being given a chewing out? I seethed, no matter how well laid Alex’s intentions were, I did not want to be told what to do.

“Are you done now?” I snapped back unable to hide my agitation as I attempted to push past him. Alex grabbed my arm, hindering my progress at a dramatic storm off.

“Lexi. Stop.”

“Alex, you stop.” I was acutely aware that Dan, Taylah and DarNell had now been unwittingly drawn into our domestic spat.

“Alex, you can’t go the rest of your life trying to protect me from things that might happen. You have to trust me.” How could things have gone so completely wrong so quickly? We were happy. For the first time in what seemed like forever Alex had touched me, wanted me, laughed with me.

“I trust you, it’s him I don’t trust. And as for me going the rest of my life protecting you, that is absolutely the way it is going to be. I love you Lexi, I can’t take a chance on something bad happening to you. Not ever again.” While his voice was not raised, Alex was resolute. No person, let alone a man had gone ‘all in’ like that with me.

It took every emotion I felt and threw them into one hell of jumble. I’d never dealt with this level of devotion before; I mean real heart and soul, epic proportion devotion. I had always done my own thing. Sure I had been labelled a bitch in the past, it was status quo for a woman who didn’t fit society’s cookie cutter image. It had never bothered me, and I had never wanted to change. Now I had to reconcile that with this, my now. The now that shared my life with this amazing man that I loved and who loved me back. I needed to stop the mindset which interpreted being protected by Alex as a loss of control or a sign of weakness.

I pulled Alex into my arms. His body, unyielding at first, was caught by surprise by my sudden need for affection. I don’t know entirely why I did it, it was out of character as I normally didn’t like public displays of affection, especially in front of our friends, but more importantly it was without thought. Just like blinking and breathing without prompts, I needed him and my body sought what my stubborn head was not willing to give. His arms wrapped around me as I nuzzled close to his chest, allowing the comfort that his strong heart beat and intoxicating scent provided to wash over me.

“Is this over now? I hate fighting with you. I mean I like it when it leads to crazy make-up sex, but somehow I don’t think that is going to happen right now.” I whispered into his chest.

Alex shook his head as he grinned. “Please tell me you didn’t start an argument with me in the hopes of great sex?”

“No it wasn’t the plan, but you know I’m all for improvisation. It was you who called me an opportunist.” I became increasingly aware of the fact we were still standing in the back of a club with DarNell, Taylah and Dan waiting to take their cue from us, and I really didn’t want to subject Taylah to Dan any longer than was necessary. “We should go. Safe to say, girl’s night has been a bust.”

“Is he coming back?” Alex looked around, not needing to explain that Nick was the he in question.

I shrugged. I doubted Nick Cass was going to be gracing us with his presence. Why would he when he could keep the whole mysterious arsehole thing going for a little longer?

“There is more to this. I don’t know what it is, but I don’t trust him.” Alex’s gaze intensified.

“Well I don’t think either of us are going to get any answers right now so I think you are going to have to let it go.” There was way more to this and I didn’t know what it was either, but Alex couldn’t be part of it. Nick had made that clear when he told me to call him to set up a meeting. I needed to know. Whatever it was, I was going to have to find out without Alex.