“Blank check,” I say. “Free rein?”
“Yes.” He uses his grip on my chin to urge me onto my toes until his lips are against mine when he whispers, “I’m yours.”
Then, his lips take mine in the most powerful kiss I’ve ever experienced. It’s not just a kiss. It’s a declaration. One I’m not sure I’m ready for, but it ends before I have to figure it out.
“I didn’t plan to do this so soon,” he says as he guides me to a plush sofa under a wall of windows overlooking the main floor of the club. “But if you’re going to be in this, you deserve to know…”
Before he can finish what he was about to say, a bell rings from the hidden speakers in the corners of the office. He tells me it’s the doorbell as he pulls his phone out to check the security camera at the main entrance before he lets out a curse as he turns the screen toward me. My sister and her partner, Tyler, are standing there like they’re waiting to question a suspect.
“What are they doing here?” I ask, confused about why they would jeopardize their investigation by outing the top UC they have.
“It’s staged,” he says. “They are here to confront the owner of the new establishment.”
“But my sister doesn’t know I’m here?” I’m not sure if it’s a question, but it comes out sounding that way.
“No.” He shakes his head before a wicked grin crosses his lips. “But the battle between the cops and me will be so much more believable when she hands me my ass for pulling her sister to the dark side.”
He jumps up and holds out his hand to help me stand, but I just stare at it.Did he plan this? Is he just using me to orchestrate a more believable conflict with the cops?
“I didn’t plan for you to be part of this confrontation,” he answers my unspoken questions. “I knew they were coming, but I didn’t knowwhenthey were coming. They must have seen my car in the lot and decided to do it now. If you don’t want to be part of this yet, you can stay here and your sister will be none the wiser.” His assurance makes me sigh in relief until he reminds me, “But if you’re going to be dancing here, she’ll find out eventually.”
“May as well face the music,” I tell him as I take his hand. As he leads me back down the stairs, I mumble, “It serves her ass right for not telling me you were here.”
“That’s my tiny dancer,” he chuckles as we walk down the hallway toward the back of the club. When he unlocks the door and we walk out behind the bar, he says, “Just remember, outside of that office…” He points to the blacked-out windows above us. “I’m not a cop. I’m not agoodguy. I’m the worst of the worst.” He waits for me to nod before he asks, “Can you handle that?”
“You know I can,” I scoff. “I’ve never known you to be agoodguy.”
“Good girl,” he whispers as he pulls his phone from his pocket and taps a speaker button. “How can I help you?”
Dean leads me through the club to the main entrance as we watch the screen. Becky and Tyler look up at the camera above the door. I know it’s not just an act when my sister glares into the camera. At least I know she’s still got my back.
“We’re here to see Dean Lancaster,” she says as she flashes her shield at the camera.
“You used your real name under cover?” I whisper as we stop at the door.
“My real nameismy cover,” he says in a normal volume, letting me know that the door we’re standing beside must be soundproof. Then, he raises a brow, silently asking if I’m ready for the shit show that’s going to go down as soon as he opens the door.
“Game time,” I say with a nod.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Dean
Icouldn’t have timed this better if I’d tried. The Southside Detectives showing up to question me, only to find out that the Lead Detective’s sister is working for me will be all over the streets by nightfall. As far as the job goes, it’s perfect. But I’ll admit, I don’t like forcing Sloan’s confrontation with her sister about her involvement with me. I trust Sloan not to blow my cover, but this has already been a rollercoaster day for her.
“I’ll make this up to you when it’s over,” I whisper in her ear before reaching my arm around her shoulder to press my thumb to the keypad and open the door, leaving my arm draped around her shoulder. “As I said,” I say as soon as the door opens. “What can I help you with?” I squeeze Sloan’s shoulder—both to comfort her and to make a show to the Detectives. “We were busy.” I stare at Becky Reid with a cocky grin.
“Sloan?” Becky shrieks before glaring at me. “What is my sister doing here?”
“Your sister?” I ask in mock surprise before turning Sloan to face me. “You didn’t tell me you were related to pigs. I don’t know if this is gonna work out after all. I’ll find someone else…”
“No,” Sloan pleads. “I need this job. I lost everything else today. Don’t take this from me, too.” She puts on a perfect pout as she runs her hand up my chest. “I’ll make it worth your while. My sister and I aren’t close. We don’t even talk to each other about anything that matters.”
She’s putting on a show, but I hear the true hurt in her tone. So does her sister if the droop in her shoulders is any indication.
“Okay,” I say before kissing Sloan on the forehead. “You can stay. But I expect you to make itwellworth my while. Why don’t you head on back to the dressing room and get ready for your audition.” Once she turns to walk back toward the stage, I turn my attention back to the detectives to see Tyler Sheppard with his hand on Becky’s arm, stopping her from launching herself at me. “Now, tell me what you want so I can get back to getting my dick wet.”
“I don’t know what you’re playing at, Lancaster.” Becky pulls her arm from Tyler’s grip with a wince before squaring off with me. “But my sister isnotworking here.”
