by Stone, Piper
And I had a feeling the kid was going make a phone call or two.
That shit didn’t bother me in the least. What did frost my ass was the information the kid hadn’t realized he’d supplied. Or maybe he was a plant. Either way, timing would need to be escalated.
“Name,” I commanded.
The kid knew I didn’t mean his. I wanted the source. He shifted back and forth from foot to foot more than once, finally closing the distance. “You didn’t hear this shit from me.”
I remained quiet.
He yanked out another cigarette and I could see his hand shaking. “Ricardo Francisco. They call him The Sickle. The fucker is sick.”
I didn’t need any explanation for the weapon of choice. Farm instrument. Crescent-shaped blade. The knife made a killing statement. The name also sounded familiar, as if I’d heard it in passing. There could only be one reason why. If Sanchez had tentacles reaching this far up the coast, I’d be forced to stick to my original plans. By this time tomorrow, I’d be on the road heading west.
But not without saying goodbye.
A tug at my heart made me snarl, the desire significant. However, there was no choice. I couldn’t give a damn about her. Not now. Not ever.
Chapter Nine
Crystal
“Do you ever work?” At this moment, I was happy Jessie wasn’t working. I was restless and had been since dropping Blade off not quite at his shitty motel. The man had been almost sullen since leaving my house, refusing to tell me any other details. I’d finally given up trying to figure the man out, or the real reason he was in town. There was always a reason. Being able to lie on a float in the middle of a pool on a gorgeous, sizzling afternoon was spectacular and more of a treat than I was used to. Even though relaxing wasn’t on the menu. I lifted my sunglasses, squinting from the bright sun.
“Of course I work, goofy. I can take a day off every once in a while. Quit complaining.” Jessie walked into the water, dunking under.
If only I could land a place like this. One day. When my ship came sailing in—from another planet. My thoughts drifted to Blade once again, and I shivered, no matter the heat or humidity. He’d been so dominating, so aggressive in his actions, taking me to new heights of extreme pleasure and... I could almost feel him still buried deep inside, the weight of his massive body pushing hard against mine. Sighing, I allowed my hand to slide up to my neck, rubbing the slight red spot he’d created.
The splash was more like a wave, rocking the float until I almost slipped off the big pink floating flamingo. Jerking up, I growled at Jessie as she stood in the shallow end and far away from where I could wring her neck.
Jessie lifted her shades, leaning her head forward. “Hey. What exactly did you do last night? Nice hickey.”
“I didn’t do anything. You know I had to work.” Now, I was self-conscious, trying to maneuver the float so my eyesore was out of her viewing pleasure.
“What happened after work, girlie?”
“Nothing. I mean, not really.”
Swimming closer, Jessie hovered just off to the side. “Come on. Is this your mystery man, date-not-date?”
“No! I haven’t talked to him since that night.” I was surprised Carter hadn’t even tried to call. Wait a minute. Maybe he did. I suddenly realized my chore for the afternoon was purchasing a new phone.
“Then what? You have a glow about you today and don’t think I didn’t notice the marks on your backside and thighs.” My bestie was giggling like a schoolgirl.
I could still see his face the moment I slid his cock into my mouth, the way his lips curled and the way his eyes rolled into the back of his head. I was hot all over, forcing me to slide into the water. Resting my head on the float, I contemplated what I should even tell her. Maybe Jessie could talk some sense into me because I wasn’t certain whether to believe I was in serious danger or not. I tried to keep my voice even, devoid of any emotion when I asked the question. “Remember the biker we saw?”
“Mr. Hottie? Who could forget?”
I shrugged and kicked out my feet, enjoying the cooling sensations.
“Why?” Jessie had a demanding tone.
“Well, he came into the bar last night.” I wasn’t going to tell her about my reckless moment. I just couldn’t.
“You’re kidding?”
I gave a waning smile. “I wouldn’t kid about a thing like that.”
“And you... and him?” Jessie seemed taken aback.
“Well, no and yes.” I laughed nervously.
“Which is it?”
“Remember the assholes you heard about from before?”
Jessie snorted. “The gang members? Yeah, you really need to call the FBI and at least put them on notice. I keep telling you that.”
“The FBI? You really think they’re that dangerous? They’re stupid kids hunting for a good time.”
“Are they really dangerous? Hunting is the correct word. Um, Crystal, the Desperados run half the city. This gang of kids have burned down buildings, killed people, and they’re selling drugs. Yes! They’re dangerous. Christ. What does this have to do with the sexy biker?”
I hesitated again before lifting my head. “They caused more trouble at the bar and this biker, well, he beat them up and threw them out single-handedly. One after the other.” I shuddered, remembering the moment.
The sunglasses were ripped off her face and she stared at me with an incredulous look. “You are kidding me. Right?”
“No. Afraid not. Actually, he saved me from them. The guy can fight like I’ve never seen before.” The exhale slipping past my lips must have said everything to her.
“Then what?”
“He insisted on taking me home and stayed with me. He was worried that I might be in danger.”
Jessie opened her mouth twice before she was able to form a sentence. “Um, I have no idea what to say to you.”
“I don’t think they’ll try and retaliate, I mean against me. Do you?”
The water shifted almost violently as she swam closer, slapping her hand over my arm. “Crystal. Listen to me. You are very much in peril. I don’t know why they’re fixated on you or who this biker dude is, but the basic association with your hero just put a huge ‘X’ on your chest. You need to get the hell out of town.”
“Oh, come on. Don’t be ridiculous.”
Tick-tock.
The tension was kicking me in the gut, visions of a bloody incident making me swallow in a way too violent manner. Fuck. What did I get myself in the middle of?
“Did I ever tell you that my brother is a cop?” Jessie’s tone was laced with concern.
“No.” I could feel another lecture coming.
“Look, I called him last night just to ask a few questions after your run-in the other day. What he told me is terrifying. And don’t you dare chastise me! I care about you.”
“Is that why you took the day off and asked me out here?”
Jessie nodded. “Okay, I admit it. I wanted to talk to you away from your house and not on your phone.” She even looked over her shoulder, as if the bad guys were waiting in the shrubbery, which made my entire system float to the edge of some rationality.
“My phone was broken last night by one of them.” Even in the sunlight, I could see her face turning ashen.
“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. You need to listen to me. My brother would kill me for saying this to you, but he’s heard certain rumors that yes, some members of the police force in Charleston are paid well to look the other way. Don’t go spreading that around or my brother could get into a lot of trouble. He works in Savannah but from what he said, they also have a group down there affiliated with the Desperados. He told me they make the Bloods or Crips look like poster boys for a Labor Day telethon. This particular gang is working with some huge drug cartel out of Miami running heroin from various Caribbean countries, even South America. They’re violent and ruthless. If you’re on their radar, then you’re as good as dead.”
A cold shiver
slithered down my spine. “What am I supposed to do? I can’t just ring up the FBI and tell them I’m frightened because of a few men who tried to tear up my bar.”
“Well, you certainly need to find somewhere safe to stay. Maybe you should take a few days off, go somewhere with Zorro.”
“You know I can’t do that! I’m the only person who seems to know what they’re doing in that bar.” I was forced to admit that I was actually frightened. The incident the night before had fallen into the surreal category until hearing the info from Jessie. “Blade said they were bad news. I didn’t want to believe him.”
“Blade? You mean the biker’s name is Blade?”
“Uh-huh. Do not judge him.”
Jessie held up her arms, shaking her head. “Did you ever stop to think that this Blade creature might be working for the Desperados?”
I shuddered from the thought. “Then why didn’t he kill me last night while he was in my bed or while he was standing guard?” The words slipped past my lips before I could stop them.
“Oh. Shit. You slept with him. My God, Crystal. That’s not like you,” Jessie admonished.
“You’re the one who’s been trying to get me laid.”
“I didn’t think you’d go through with it. Jesus.” Jessie rested her head on the float. “I can’t believe I’m asking you this, but how was it?”
I could feel the heat rising on my face, and cresting over my cheeks like the touch of his fingertips caressing my skin. “He’s incredible. So dominating. So manly.”
“And his cock?”
“Jessie!” At least the girl still had a sense of humor. “Everything about his... Let’s just say he’s incredible, like a man sent from the heavens.”
“Uh-huh. Then there’s something wrong with him,” Jessie retorted.
I could only shake my head, but I had to admit, the fact he refused to tell me anything, including his real name was a huge red flag. I wasn’t born yesterday. The man was hiding something fairly significant about himself.
“I still don’t like any of this. Not one bit.” Jessie mused for a few seconds. “I have an idea. Why don’t you stay here with me? It’ll be fun.”
“If these assholes are so dangerous, don’t you think they’ll check out all my friends?”
Exhaling, she looked away from me, her lower lip quivering. “Yeah, maybe. How about a compromise? Why don’t you stay here tonight anyway then tomorrow we can figure out a better place for you to stay? I mean, I doubt they’ll be able to canvass every friend you have in a few hours. Right?”
She seemed to forget how few friends I actually had; however, her contrived plan seemed like the only smart thing to do. But leaving? A wave of nausea felt like a tumbling rollercoaster. I was going to run away from my life, once again, one I’d fought hard to grab because of newer and younger assholes. Tears rushed to my eyes. “I don’t know. I like living here. I’m just...”
“Hey, don’t cry. I’ll ask my brother what we should do. Okay? Think of it as a small vacation until this shit blows over. Just one night of girl time. I have a gun anyway.”
“You own a gun?”
Jessie nodded. “Yep. I had three brothers growing up. Two of them went into law enforcement. I know a hell of lot about guns.”
The words brought a smile to my face. “One night, but I can’t leave Zorro.”
“I wouldn’t ask you to. Bring him. He can even swim in the pool.”
I glanced at the sky, wanting nothing more than to be able to talk to Blade. Why? What if he was some criminal mastermind who would ultimately hurt, abuse, or kill me? I could barely stomach the thought. “Okay.”
“Good. Now, is this Blade dude coming to protect you tonight?”
All he’d said was that he’d get in contact with me as necessary. Whatever the hell that meant. “I honestly don’t know.”
“Bastard.”
* * *
The Sandpiper Lounge was uncharacteristically quiet and although the regulars had arrived, there were few of the normal partygoers and even fewer tourists.
The word had gotten around. Stay. Away.
I parked smack in front of the building when I pulled in, terrified some knife-wielding man would confront me in the parking lot. I’d called the owner of the bar and after several exclamations of anger and hatred, he mentioned he’d drop off a ‘passel of weapons’ to keep behind the bar. At least I’d taken the generous tip Pappy had given me and purchased a new phone. I’d also packed a bag, ready to grab it and Zorro then head to Jessie’s.
What I couldn’t wrap my head around was the fact I might not see Blade again. We didn’t and couldn’t exchange phone numbers and he’d have no idea where I’d gone. I also hadn’t asked him how long he was staying, but my guess was a day or two at the most. And going by the motel? Not what good girls did.
I laughed, at least inside. I was no longer a good girl after that rousing night of passion. I had to make myself all right with that or I’d find a way of asking him to stay. That, I didn’t want to do.
“Crystal. Are you okay after last night?” Pappy asked quietly, as if the joint was bugged. He was leaning over the bar, his expression stern.
I lifted a single eyebrow before grabbing his Budweiser and sliding it across the bar. “I’m fine. You know I’m a big girl.”
“Yeah, but I also know you’re no match for the Desperados.”
“Let’s make a deal tonight,” I said a bit louder so everyone who wasn’t concentrating on what-the-hell-ever basketball game was on would hear me. “No talk about the Desperados. If they come in, they will be escorted out.” Although I hadn’t worked on that plan at this point.
“O-kay, and I’m willing to help in every way I can.” Pappy gave me a serious look before lifting his shirt and exposing the gun hidden in the waistband of his jeans.
“Pappy, I adore you and one day you’re going to have to tell me your real story. The happy-go-lucky retiree ain’t cutting it.”
A grin popped on his face. “You’re one smart cookie.”
I patted his hand, more than thankful the older man had my back. Would it be enough? I also had to wonder whether I’d have a waitress tonight, especially since Tina had called in sick and Carl? Well, I had my opinions on why he hadn’t even bothered to call in. Grousing wasn’t going to help the situation.
When the door opened and Daphne walked in, I wasn’t certain if I was relieved or ready to tell her to go back home. I gave her a nervous smile as she walked past, her eyes darting back and forth across the bar. It wasn’t even dark outside, and everyone seemed nervous.
“Any sign of them?” she asked after dropping her things in the back.
“Nothing.”
“How did you get home last night?”
I certainly wasn’t going to tell my waitress anything. “Just like always. After Blade threw them out of the bar, he walked me to my truck and waited until I left. Safely. By myself.”
“Blade, huh?” Daphne asked, winking. “I certainly hope he shows up again tonight. Nice to have him around. Big brute and all.”
“I honestly do too.” Nice wasn’t the word. However, I certainly couldn’t dwell on the concept. Brad was scheduled to come in later, and if he didn’t, I was determined to close up early. I’d follow through with the rather ridiculous plan to head to Jessie’s one way or the other.
What I didn’t expect was to see Carter walking through the door, carrying flowers no less. When he headed straight for the bar, I was taken aback even more so as the entire place shifted their attention. A wave of heat and dots of perspiration appeared and all for the wrong reasons. I needed to tell him that what we’d shared was nice but never happening again, but not here. Not now.
“Carter. What are you doing here?” I’d never felt so uncomfortable in my life. The warm flush creeping up along the sides of my neck turned into a violent bloom sweeping across my face. Images of our date floated to the forefront of my mind, only to be kicked aside by the heated sexual event sh
ared with Blade. You aren’t a couple. You aren’t together. The thoughts did nothing to hide my embarrassment.
Shrugging, he walked closer. “I should have called you. Heard you had a little trouble last night.”
News certainly traveled fast in town. I didn’t have the heart to tell him that I’d changed my number along with getting a new phone. The decision had been on the fly, my gut telling me it was the right thing to do. I’d switched numbers only twice before, both times fearful of my ex. This time? Something else entirely. “Nothing I couldn’t handle.” There was such an awkwardness between us, as if we were kids in school after one unsuccessful date. I noticed Daphne grinning from the side, her thumbs up after scanning the length of Carter’s body creating a weird vibe in my head. I concentrated on the flowers, studying the lovely but wilted single rose in the mixed bundle and in my mind the sad bouquet was the perfect symbol for what would never be a viable relationship. “You didn’t have to bring me flowers.”
“A lady shouldn’t have to go through something like that and it was the least I could do.” He held out the flowers, a sheepish expression on his face. The man was very sweet, but I could never see him as anything but a friend and nothing more.
“They’re lovely.” The aroma was akin to gasoline vapors. He’d spared no expense, purchasing the bundle from a local street vendor.
“Glad you like them. I wanted to talk to you. Do you have any time?”
I was squirming in my boots, totally unprepared for any kind of conversation, especially if it included where we were going in the future. “Honestly, not now. I have a lot of work to do.”
The creaking of the door hinges drew my attention, keeping the heated blush dampening my skin. Another regular strolled in, whistling some Aerosmith tune. Grateful for the distraction, I waved, a knot forming in my throat. My nerves were almost akin to guilt. Why? Maybe because I’d never dated more than one guy at a time. Until I’d fallen in love with jerkoff of the year. Well, that was never happening again. Love was off the table.
