Chapter 7
Andy
My client is a lousy liar and I should drop her like a bad habit but that’s my problem. She’s more than a habit, she’s my new addiction. I’m well aware how my insatiable need to protect goes way back to my childhood but this time the craving is far worse. Maybe it’s because I’ve never cared so deeply before. Whatever the reason, I’m sure as hell not leaving her alone with Spider Woman.
Back under the stage lights, Sienna brings the mic to her lovely lips and sings about summertime and how the livin’ is easy. Her black dress shows way too much cleavage and hugs her curves as she sways. And the back of the little number? It dips almost to her crack.
What I wouldn’t give to have her in my arms, my hands touching all that soft skin, her lower body pressed into my thick, swollen need.
Dahlyla ruins my daydream by sliding a fingernail up and down my arm. Her breath is laced with whiskey when she blows into my ear. “Me and Sienna are going out for drinks but maybe you and me could hookup later?”
Hell, no. I’d just as soon sleep with a rattlesnake.
I cover my thoughts with a tight smile. “Thanks for the offer, Dahl, but I got to be up early.”
I narrowly avoid her thick red lips on my mouth by a quick turn of my head. When the kiss lands on my cheek, Sienna’s looking straight at me, her face full of pain.
Shit.As soon as I can, I’ll explain why I asked Dahlyla to come with me tonight.
Remember, son, keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
The advice had come from my dad in his good years. However, I need to put some space between me and the voluptuous woman before she ruins any chances I might have with Sienna.
I pluck her red fingertips off my arm. “I’ll be right back, I need a little air.”
Out front on the sidewalk, I speak into my comm unit. “Jack. Any sign of trouble?”
“Nothing. What’s up?” The fucking guy is a ninja. He appears at my side out of nowhere and grins at my startled face.
“Those two little sneaks are going to try to ditch us.” I glance around to make sure no one followed me and check the time.
“Don’t tell me. Dahlyla, right?” His mouth purses, his eyes busy but the area is empty except for a smoker across the street, red tip glowing in the dark.
“The set will be over in about an hour. They can’t try anything until then.”
“Copy that.” Jack disappears into the alley and I walk back into the bar.
When the music ends, Dahlyla slips off her stool. “Excuse me. Be right back.” She motions Sienna and they both head into the ladies room.
Suddenly, a fire alarm blares and everyone is directed out the door, including me.
Seriously? That’s their play?
“Sorry.” I have to actually punch a bouncer in order to get him to let go of me. Then, I shove my way into the back and pound on the locked door. When no one answers, I tackle it with all my weight, the small bolt gives, and I enter a fucking empty room.
Hands over my aching eardrums, I search the back area past the kitchen until I find a red exit sign. Outside, Jack looms over the two women. They’ve both done a wardrobe change into black t-shirts and jeans.
“Going somewhere?” Heartrate returning to normal, I nod to my friend as he grabs Dahlyla by the arm and directs her to the car. I grab Sienna and follow.
“Get lost, Quinn. We’re good.” The black woman’s deep red lips curl into a snarl, showing the real bitch I knew was hiding under all that gloss.
“Sienna, should I leave you with her?” It’s high time my little singer grew up.
“No. Please don’t go.” Eyes wide, she takes a step toward me as if seeing the unscrupulous insurance investigator for the first time.
Good girl.“Glad we got that settled.” I open the front passenger door for Jack and Dahlyla and add,“So, where’re we off to?”
One hand on Sienna’s soft back, I slide her into the back seat. As I follow, sirens scream, a firetruck’s horn belches, and brakes screech.
