Except it wasn’t. The red rope was hanging on the doorknob when all the women looked over.What the…
“I know my colors, bitch. It’s red.” As Jeana passed, she shoulder-bumped Cleo, sending her flying into the wall. “I’mhandling this. I’ve had enough of your dumb shit. You’re fucking done.”
Dammit.
Cleo slowly glanced up at the other woman. “I swear it was green.”
Melissa sighed, rolled her eyes, and walked back into her room, slamming the door. Cleo couldn’t blame her for being upset. By all outward appearances it looked like Cleo was lying.But I’m not!
Cleo straightened, peering over at the window into the lobby. Jeana had made it inside in record time and was waving her hands and pointing out the window. Cleo’s shoulders sagged, and she dragged her feet across the parking lot. This was not going to end well. It was Cleo’s fourth offense in the last three months. Even before she got to the doors, she could hear Jeana ranting about her. She drew in a breath and pulled open the door, skittering inside.
The familiar laugh echoed through the small room, and Cleo fought against the heat rising to her face. He was the last person she wanted to have this discussion in front of. She ignored his presence and peeked over at the desk. Cypher was standing behind it, arms folded and scowling. It was a signature look for the club’s tech guy. He rarely smiled. He was usually in charge of the motel during operating hours. It made sense. There was a room behind the lobby with multiple security screens and surveillance. Cypher had installed it all.
“Troublemaker. I called it the day Knox brought you here.”
Cleo darted her gaze across the room to the guy seated in the recliner, clucking his tongue and shaking his head. Why was he even here? Gent pushed up from the chair and strolled toward her with his usual oddly charming, yet somehow menacing smile.
“Darlin’, you just can’t keep yourself outta trouble, now can you?” Gent winked.
Cleo ignored him and inched closer to the counter, leaving a wide clearance around Jeana.
“This is fucking bullshit, Cypher. She’s done this three times!”
Actually, four.
“The rope was green, I swear, and I…” Cleo barely finished when Jeana lunged toward her with her hand lifted and her palm inches from her face. Cleo flinched, lifting her arms to shield herself from the slap across the face.
Gent reached out, grabbing Jeana’s wrist and twisting her arm. Jeana whimpered, and Gent turned it an inch. He smiled, leaning closer to Jeana’s ear. “Now, now, let’s not do that. ’Cause if you do? You’ll be the only one regretting it.” Gent smirked. “You slap her, and I slap you. And as much as I know you get off on that, I can guaran-fucking-tee that you’re not gonna like it as much this time, darlin’.”
“Gent,” Jeana muttered. It sounded like a pained plea.
“You play nice, I’ll play nice.” His hand tightened on her wrist, forcing Jeana’s hand to dangle limply. “How about you go and tell Melissa to send her guy over?”
Jeana jerked her glare to Cleo then immediately winced and bit her bottom lip.
“Darlin’, I asked you a question.” Gent said.
Jeana nodded, and he released her hand. She immediately tucked her arm against her chest, massaging her wrist. She walked to the door, threw it open, and left.
Gent sighed, smiling at Cleo. “You got a nasty little voyeur kink, don’t you?”
Of all the members of the club, Gent was the most infuriating. And taunting. And psychotic. Three prerequisites for the Icer of Killcreek.
“No,” Cleo blurted, feeling the heat rise from her chest to her cheeks. After all these years, she should’ve been used to Gent’s jabs and teasing. She wasn’t. During a less stressed situation, she would’ve been able to handle herself better.
Gent smirked, cocking his head. “You don’t have to hide who you are in front of me, Cleo. In fact, you can watchmeanytime.”He leaned closer, lowering his voice. “And if the mood strikes you, you’re welcome to join in.”
Cleo sighed, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. “Ghost said you only say these things to me for shock value and because you enjoy making people feel uncomfortable.”
Cypher chuckled, but she kept her eyes on Gent. He smirked, shaking his head as he rounded the counter, brushing against her back. “That fucking traitor.”
Cleo was about to apologize again to Cypher and try to plead her case when the door flew open. Melissa’s client stormed in, sending her a scathing glare. He slapped his hands on the counter and was practically foaming at the mouth. He wasn’t very attractive to begin with, his belly hanging over his disheveled, wrinkled pants. Cleo was having a hard time seeing the appeal. He hadn’t even bothered with his tie, which was looped around his neck.
“I want my fucking money back!”
“No refunds,” Cypher said.
It was policy.
