Authors: Crystal Perkins
“Just go fuck your little doctor,
Princess.”
“He’s not little, Matt.”
“Can he do you like I can? Make you come so
hard you black out?”
“Bastard.”
“I didn’t think so.”
Matt turns and walks out, dropping his cocky
smile when he thinks no one can see him. I turn back to Reina, and
watch her crumple into a chair. Damn the two of them. Maybe they do
need help to make this thing between them really happen. I’m just
not sure what we can do.
“Ladies, I need to go see Jane. Maggie’s
having a party for me on Saturday at her house. I hope you all can
make it.”
“Of course, Mal. I’m sorry you had to
witness what just happened.”
“So am I, Reina. Just remember that we can
all see how much he loves you, even if he insists on denying it to
himself.”
“I can’t remember that. If I do, I’ll never
be able to move on. And I can’t wait forever for him. I would if I
thought I had a chance, but we all know I don’t.”
“That’s not true, Reina. There’s always a
chance. Don’t give up on him.”
Instead of answering, Reina just drops her
head into her hands again. Ainsley tells us that she’s got her, so
Tegan and I leave them alone. They’re super close, and we know
Ainsley will take care of her.
“That was intense.”
“Yeah, it was.”
“We need to go out and have some fun.
You
need to have some fun. You haven’t been out with me in
over a week. If you’re not going to have Kace, you need to find
someone else to go home with.”
“I’ll go out with you, but I’m not sleeping
with someone else.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah. I didn’t get a chance to tell you,
but we kissed today. It was so good.”
“In the loft? I thought it was bugged?”
“Yes. It
is
bugged, but I jammed the
signal with my phone. I needed him.”
“He’s got a magic tongue, huh?”
“No tongue.”
“Then how was it amazing?”
“He pretty much paid tribute to my mouth. It
was hot. Beyond hot.”
She looks down. “It’s the cowboy boots. I
told you guys can’t resist them.”
“You’re delusional. Let’s go change so we
can get you laid.”
“You’re going to be the best wing woman
ever.”
“Hell yeah, I am.”
* * *
Kace
I’m in the Voodoo Lounge at the Rio holding
court with a group of women. Just like instructed. While I’m not
really enjoying myself, it’s not exactly torture. Until the only
woman I want walks in, taking my breath away. Like she always
does.
Stella’s got on a tight black dress that
goes past her knees. There’s a little cutout in the top of the
dress, with thin straps going over her collarbone. How does she
always manage to be the sexiest woman in the room, even when she’s
got twice as many clothes on? Oh yeah, because she’s her. Sexy
should be her middle name. Or her nickname. I’ll try that next.
For now, I have to sit by and watch the men
in here immediately gravitate to her and her friend. I didn’t
notice that there was someone with her when she walked in, but now
I see the beautiful redhead next to her. She’s got on a low cut,
very short dress. And cowboy boots. The guy leaning into her wants
her to ride him hard. With the boots on. I can see it in his eyes,
even from across the room.
Stella deflects the guys who hit on her, but
she does let them buy her drinks. I want to punch them all. Every
last one of those fuckers who think they’re going home with her.
And God help me if she actually does leave with one.
“Kace, you’re ignoring us,” the blonde next
me says in a loud, whiny voice.
Loud enough for the whole bar to hear. I see
Stella’s head whip around to look at me. And the girls I’m
surrounded by. Her eyes narrow, and she throws back her drink
before standing, and walking towards me. I’m glued to my seat as
she approaches.
“Hi Kace.”
“Hi Stella.”
“I’d like to dance.”
“So go dance. He doesn’t need some desperate
ho hitting on him,” the blonde bitch says.
“What exactly do you think screams
‘desperate’ or ‘ho’ about me?” Stella asks, spreading her arms
wide.
“I’ve seen you and your friend around.
Always surrounded by guys. And always going home with at least
one.”
At least one? Seriously? That is never
happening again. Never. I won’t share her.
“Jealous, huh?”
“Listen, bitch, don’t make me hurt you in
front of all these people.”
“I’d love to see you try. Now Kace, how
about that dance?”
“I can’t.”
I see shock, then hurt, cross her face.
Dammit. This is too much. The bastard who’s blackmailing me is
asking for too much. But I made my decision, and I need to stick to
it.
“You heard him. Run along now.”
I turn to tell the blonde to mind her own
business, but before I can, Wayne is in front of me. He smiles at
me before turning to Stella. “I’d love to dance with you,
Stella.”
“Sure, Wayne.”
My blood is boiling as I watch them walk to
the dance floor. He puts his arms around her as a slow song starts.
My fingernails are digging into my palms as I watch them sway to
the sexy music. I push the girls off me, and head for the door. I
may not be able to have Stella, but I’ll be damned if I’m gonna sit
by and watch her in someone else’s arms.
I’ve just gotten into my limo when my phone
rings with an unknown number. What now? I mean, seriously, what
more does this crazy person want from me. I’m both relieved and
disappointed when I realize it’s not my blackmailer. It’s some lady
named Mallory Daniels.
“I’m sorry to be calling on such short
notice, Kace, but I wanted to invite you to a private party
tomorrow.”
“All bookings need to go through my
manager.”
“I don’t want to book you. I just thought
you’d enjoy an afternoon out of the spotlight. With Stella.”
“Stella?”
“Yes. She’s like a daughter to me, and I’ve
heard that she’s quite fond of you.”
“Not after tonight, she isn’t,” I
mumble.
“There’s always tomorrow, young man.”
“Not for us. Thanks for the offer, but I
can’t be seen with her.”
“You won’t be. The party is at Maggie
Griffin’s house. It’s one of the most secure places in town. No one
will know you’re with Stella.”
“You’re really sure about this?”
“I am.”
“Give me the info, and I’ll be there.”
It’s like I’ve been granted the wish I want
more than anything. Well, not anything. Number one would be not
getting blackmailed. That would allow me to fulfill the Stella wish
anyway, so either way she’s part of my biggest wish. I just hope
she’ll forgive me for tonight. I’m not sure how many times I can
say “I’m sorry” and have her accept those words, but I think I may
run out of chances soon.
If only I could tell her what’s going on.
How I have to act this way. Then she’d understand. And maybe help
me. That’s just a pipe dream, though. I can’t take the risk I’d be
facing by letting her know just how fucked up my life really is
right now.
Stella
Last night was a disaster. I let too many
guys buy me drinks as I watched Kace get pawed by his groupies.
Then, I let the alcohol convince me that it would be a good idea to
walk over and ask him to dance with me. Only to get shut down. I’m
done with him, like really done. Well, as much as I can be.
I still have to do my job and try to figure
out who’s blackmailing him. But no more flirting or kissing. I
underestimated the kid—he’s got more play than I thought—and I
won’t be humiliated by him again. Not when there’s plenty of other
guys out there who want me. Like Wayne. Which is another
problem.
He wouldn’t leave me alone after our dance.
Even after I told him it was
just
a dance to me. Tegan
intervened and went home with him, but still. I have to see him at
work. Which I guess I could use to my advantage; although, toying
with guys isn’t really my style. Teasing and playing is fun. But I
wouldn’t ever lead a guy on when I know nothing’s going to
happen.
At least today will be fun. Maggie always
throws a great party, and since this one’s just for her family and
all of us from the Society, we can just be ourselves and have a
good time. My mom’s coming, too, and I’m looking forward to
spending some time with her. We see each other every day, but
things are so hectic with the band that we barely get to talk.
I’ve only been here an hour, and I’m already
having a great time. I’ve been playing with the Griffin toddlers
while I chat with Yasmin Griffin. She owns a local bookstore and
her style is very 50s and cool. I helped her husband, Scott,
surprise her by having a Project Runway designer make her some
dresses when we were all in L.A. last month. She gave us an
impromptu fashion show, and Scott’s thanked me at least ten times
already. I told him it was my pleasure because honestly, it is.
Although I dress everyone for their missions, and sometimes for the
parties and balls we attend, I don’t get to use my fashion degree
or connections as much as I want. Especially not on someone who
loves cool vintage clothes like Yasmin.
“Who the fuck invited him?” Matt asks,
interrupting me from my thoughts.
I turn to see Kace walk into the great room,
his hands in his pockets and a sheepish expression on his face.
When our eyes meet, he gives me a half-smile searching my eyes for
a reaction. I’m shocked, but I try to keep myself looking
indifferent.
“It wasn’t me,” I say.
“I invited Kace,” Mallory says. I look over
at her. She must have lost her mind. “I know what you’re thinking,
but I wanted to get to know him a little better.”
“After Gavin’s party, I know more than
enough about this asshole,” Zack says as Kace walks closer to
us.
“I already apologized to Stella, but I need
to apologize to you as well, Gavin. I wasn’t myself that night. I
really didn’t want to cause a scene at your party.”
Gavin’s not having it. “Yet, you did. No one
forced you to maul Stella.”
“No one held a gun to my head, no.”
But someone did force him to make a scene.
Not necessarily with me—I was just collateral damage. As angry as I
am at him, I still care. And Mallory would’ve only invited him here
if she had a reason. So I have to intervene.
“I’ve accepted his apology and moved on. He
knows he was wrong.”
“I do. I know you don’t need the money, but
I’d like to donate. And I’ll do anything else I can to help.”
“The kids would probably love it if you came
to graduation. Our first class will finish their basics in two
months.”
“Sure, I’ll be there.”
“It’s great that you apologized for the
party, but what about last night?” Tegan asks him, glaring as he
looks over at her.
“Teeg.”
“No, Stell. He can’t just pull that shit
with you and then walk in here like some sad little puppy with his
tail between his legs. That was fucked up.”
“What happened last night?” Matt asks,
standing and walking towards Kace.
Shit. I step in front of him. “Nothing that
I can’t handle myself.”
“Not a good enough answer. What kind of guy
needs a girl to defend him, anyway?”
“You did not just say that,” Reina is
shaking with anger, just as Matt realizes his mistake.
“I didn’t mean it like that. You know I
didn’t, Rei.”
“Whatever.”
He starts to go to her, but Rick stands up
and gets in his face. “I don’t know why she’s upset, other than
that she’s a strong woman. But you don’t need to come any closer. I
can take care of my woman. I’m not scared of you.”
“You should be.”
“Why? She chose me. No matter how many times
you look at her like you want to take her to bed, she goes home
with me.”
Matt clenches his jaw and storms out of the
room. Reina starts to follow, when Rick grabs her arm. “Where are
you going, Reina?”
“I’m going to talk to my friend, who I don’t
need you to say shit like that to ever again.”
“Your
friend
? He wants to be more
than your friend. What I said to him is long overdue. He needs to
know you’re not his.”
“Well, I’m sure as hell not yours. Don’t
ever call me that again.”
“If you walk out that door, I’m never
calling you again at all. I mean it.”
“Please don’t.”
“So, that’s how it is? Really?”
Reina doesn’t answer him, as we all hear
Matt’s motorcycle revving outside. She just runs out the door. I
hope she catches him. For both their sakes. We all glare at Rick
before he gets the hint and leaves a few minutes later.
“She caught him. They left on his bike,”
Scott tells us looking up from his phone. I’m sure he has an app or
something with the security cameras here on it.
“That was…umm, yeah. Should I go, too?” Kace
asks.
“Yes,” Tegan tells him.
“No. You can stay. I don’t know why you’re
here, but you were invited. So, enjoy yourself.”
I go back to the kids, while everyone starts
talking and acting like we didn’t just see Matt and Reina
practically declare themselves. Again. I’ve only just sat down when
Kace drops to the floor beside me.
“You look really pretty, Stella.”
“Thanks.”
I’ve got on a sleeveless dress that’s pink
down the middle, with black, brown and white on the sides. It’s got
a little flared skirt, so I’m sitting carefully. My hair is in a
ponytail and I have black flats on. It’s fun, and almost sweet. Not
my normal work look.
“I was hoping I could take you up on that
dance you wanted.”
“It was a one-time offer, I’m afraid. I’m
not asking again.”
“Oh.”
“You could ask me, though. If you want.”
“Will you say yes?”
“You won’t know until you ask.”
“Will you dance with me, Stella?”