I know what’s at stake, and it’s not like I haven’t survived similar circumstances before. I had my moment this morning, but now it’s go time.
“Short trip. Anyway, Liam is on security detail inside the club. If you find yourself in trouble, or feeling uncomfortable at any time, raise your hand over your head and flex your fingers like this.” He does a demonstration.
“Make myself look like I have a rooster comb. Got it.” I know it’s for my safety but I’m still going to give Ethan shit about it.
“The idea was to make it look like an innocent stretch, but since you are a rooster murderer and all—we can also use it to signal trouble. Rivers the cock slayer.” He laughs hysterically.
“Fuck off,” I slap his arm, “he penetrated my leg without consent.” I laugh along with him.
“He clucked around and found out, huh?” Ethan now has tears streaming down his face.
“Stop before you make us wreck,” I choke out through my amusement.
“Alright, alright, back to business. Nick, Vade, and myself will be parked right outside the VIP entrance in the Hummer watching you on camera. On the off chance anything goes down, we can be inside in less than a minute.” He turns to face me, and I get the feeling he’s trying to reassure himself this will work out, too.
It would settle my nerves better if Nick could be inside with me but since Kaleb knows Nick has been asking about Madam LaBell, we figured it was best for him not to be seen snooping around, especially since Nick called Kaleb to see if he was at work today. Nick wasn’t happy with having to be outside but it’s for the best.
“For fuck’s sake, I’m going to be fine. I’m just going to apply for a job, not run away with the circus. I promise nobody from Whiskey Rivers is going to recognize me with my hair, makeup, and body the way it is right now.”
He huffs out a sigh of defeat. “Women are being shipped in and turning up missing around here, Rivers. None of us are willing to risk your safety.”
None of the women who have been abducted have had any employment connections to Cottontails, but I’m smart enough to know that doesn’t always mean anything.
“I know, and I appreciate it.” Ethan turns the Hummer into a long parking lot with a large warehouse and shipping dock along the shoreline.
Nick and Vade had some last-minute things to tend to before we left. Apparently, someone has been sneaking around at night, and they’ve been trying to identify them on camera. I step out, trying to balance my high heels on the rough surface of the pavement.
Right on cue, Nick comes striding out the door looking allGQin his black pinstripe suit and shades. My pulse thrums with excitement. He’s all mine—by his own declaration. His wicked grin makes my mouth and pussy salivate.
“There’s my girl.” His arm wraps tightly around my waist, pulling me in for a kiss. “You got time for me to show you my office?” he teases.
“You’re the one who said I had to apply for the job today,” I tease back.
“Yeah, but what better way to walk in there than with my cum leaking down your legs.” He licks up the side of my neck then bites softly, sending shivers down my spine. The heat of my desire for him radiates through my bones.
“You can fuck her in the car on the way there! Let’s go dickhead!” Vade yells from the passenger seat.
“Not on your fucking life. She’s mine, it’s time you get your own jack off material.” Nick opens the door and helps me inside. The short leather miniskirt I picked to wear makes it hard to get in the jacked-up truck.
“You’re not going to like what you see on the surveillance cameras while she’s at work,” Vade mutters.
“Don’t you worry about that. I have my pen and paper ready to make a hit list.” Nick tenses, holding my hand firmly in his.
Hedoesn’t like this at all. I like this possessive and controlling side of him more than I used to. His jealousy is cute. Like there is any man I could want more.
“Here, Rivers, swallow this.” Ethan hands me a black tablet of some sort.
“What is it?” I’ve never seen anything like it. I’m not leery of any of them trying to drug me, but I want to know what I’m taking.
“It’ll counteract most date rape drugs. Several of the girls in there look strung out. We can’t be sure it’s by their own doing.”
Oh. I quickly swallow it down.
There’s a restaurant just out of view of The Lucky Rabbit’s surveillance cameras where Ethan and I get out of the Hummer. The plan is for him to discretely follow me on foot while Vade and Nick park at the casino. I insisted I’d be fine on my own, but they don’t listen.
I take a deep breath as I approach the entrance. Ethan keeps walking towards the car. I am on my own until I get inside Cottontails where Liam will be waiting. I’m not nervous about being alone, I’m nervous about applying for a job as a stripper.
As soon as I get inside, I have a seat at the bar. “What can I get for you?” the bartender asks.
