by Naomi Porter
Leo shot him a murderous look. “Don’t call her babe.”
“See? He’d come unhinged over you in an instant.” Chris bit into his burger and groaned. “It’s perfect.”
I inhaled and looped my arm around Leo’s neck, noting the tension in his shoulders. I really didn’t know what to say but felt bad because he was obviously upset about me almost leaving. “You should eat before it gets cold.”
“Are we okay?” One large hand gripped my thigh while his other hand went to my cheek, and he stroked it with his thumb. “You’re it for me, Red.”
I nodded, keeping my eyes locked on his. “Crisis averted.” I kissed him tenderly, assuring him with my lips that we were okay. I didn’t care who saw or if Chris was being a giant turd laughing. Leo needed to know we were okay.
Leo growled into my mouth. “Fuck, baby. Don’t ever run from me.”
“Just don’t do anything stupid and I won’t.”
“Just talk to me before taking off, okay? I mean it, Red. I know how it might have looked with those women talking to me, but I swear to you, I only want you. I just wasn’t being a dick, but if you want me to, I will.”
“I don’t want you to be a dick. But you also don’t have to be charming either. They were laughing. You were making them laugh. I know the flutters I get in my heart when you’re playing with me. I got jealous.”
“You’re right. Won’t happen again.” He hugged me tightly. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry too.” And I was for freaking him out. The way his heart was hammering against my arm as I leaned into his chest told me he really feared losing me.
“Now that we’re all made up, eat before I eat everything.”
Leo and I laughed. Chris was a great guy. He intended to carry the torch as a lifelong bachelor since Leo was off the market. And I was damn glad Leo was off the market and mine.
We ate our lunch and I hung out the rest of the afternoon with Leo, catching some rays and admiring my sexy-as-fuck boyfriend. Tonight we’d make up for earlier.
16
Leo
I DROPPED ONTO a barstool and waved at Dave. It’d been over two weeks since I was last here. Being with Red kept me busy after work. Not that I was complaining. I loved every second I had with her. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to be with her as much as I wanted. I adjusted my work schedule to be off with her during the day on Fridays and she’d spend the night with me over the weekend. On Monday, we repeated the same routine.
It wasn’t horrible. I had Red to myself several nights a week, but she was tired a lot and would pass out after our first round of sex. But she’d make up for it in the morning or until she had to go to work.
I just wished she was with me every night, especially after the beach incident last Friday with the women. Red and I had a spectacular makeup session that night, but it had freaked me out big time when she admitted she was jealous. I understood why, considering my reputation. Much like Dave regretted some things in his past, I regretted all the women before Red and being known as a manwhore.
Though I couldn’t change a damn thing and Red never threw it in my face, all I had to do was turn the tables. I wouldn’t like it if she had my reputation.
“Hey, man, how the fuck have you been? IPA?”
I laughed at Dave’s surprised expression. “Perfect. I’m terrific. How’s April and the kids?”
“Terrific. So am I to assume the gorgeous redhead you practically ran out of here with is the reason for your absence?”
“You assume correctly. Scarlett has rocked my world.” I pounded my hand on my heart and grinned.
“I can tell. You look content, friend.” He set a bottle in front of me, then leaned on the counter.
“Content.” I put my drink to my lips, considering the word. “Yeah. I am content.” I guzzled the beer.
“So, where is she?”
I sat forward and rested my elbows on the bar. “Work. My girl works a shit ton.”
“Oh, yeah? What kind of work does she do?”
“Teaches dance by day to the cutest little kids on the planet. They adore her. When I sat in on a class last week, I even got jealous of them getting all her attention.” I laughed and took a long pull of my beer.
“I know all about kids getting all the attention.” He looked at his watch. “Well, it’s after eight o’clock. How late does she teach these kids?”
“No, she’s finished at the studio. In the evenings, she works at Club Rendezvous several nights a week, like tonight.”
Dave’s eyebrows shot up. “Is that right? And you’re okay with her working there? I mean, I know how you are. I didn’t think you were the kind of man who’d want his woman working at a place like Club R.”
I felt a weird twinge in my chest. “What are you talking about? It’s just a club.”
“Not just any kind of club. I know one of the owners, Donovan Gordon. Real stand-up guy. His club, though, can get rough. I’ve heard some dirty dealings have gone through his place. I’d offer her a job here, but she won’t make half what she does there.”
“How do you know that?” My heart was jackhammering now. If Club R was dangerous, I didn’t want Red anywhere near it. How did I not know any of this?
“Donovan said his servers make an easy two hundred a night on tips. It’s an A-list type club. And the uniforms…” His voice trailed.
“What about them?” I was standing now. I never saw what Red wore to Club R because she changed at work. Maybe she knew I wouldn’t like what she was wearing. Damn, it felt hot in here. I tugged on the collar of my T-shirt.
“You never saw her in it?”
“No.”
“Oh shit.” Dave stepped back from the bar with a nervous twitch to his lip.
“Tell me.” I gritted my teeth and gripped the edge of the wooden bar.
“Short skirts that barely cover the ass, fuck-me heels, and some women—not all, she probably doesn’t—wear a see-through white tank top. Donovan said some of the women let patrons slip their hand under the skirt to get bigger tips.”
“You’re fucking joking. Tell me you’re joking just to get a rise out of me.” If Red was letting men touch her for better tips, I’d go ballistic.
Dave raised his hands. “Sorry, man. I’ve hired a couple of people who used to work there, and I’m just relaying what they told me.”
“Fuck. I gotta go.” I dug out my wallet.
“You won’t get in. You gotta be on the list or have a reservation.”
“Oh, I’ll get in. Money talks.”
“You got that kind of money?”
“Yes.” I shot him a steely gaze to know I meant it. “Donovan Gordon, you said he was an owner?”
“Yeah, man.”
“Thanks.” I took off with my heart in my throat. Why didn’t Red tell me any of this? I didn’t want to go all caveman on her. She made no qualms about being an independent woman who paid her own way. I respected the shit out of her convictions. But I’d be damned if my woman was groped at work. Fuck-the-hell-no.
It took me over half an hour to get to Malibu on Pacific Coast Hwy. It gave me lots of time to imagine Red being touched. Way too much. My face was on fire, and I had to wonder if she felt this way when she saw the women flirting with me. Although I thought this was entirely different, she would probably view it as a double standard.
But, I already didn’t like her working at Club R, even before I knew about her skimpy uniform and the perverted customers.
When I finally got there, a long line was outside the building. It irritated me more. Instead of waiting behind the crowd, I stalked to the front. A big-ass bouncer at the door wearing a leather vest glared as I approached. His arms were a little bigger than mine and covered in ink. I wasn’t afraid of him.
He scowled as I cut in front of people. “What the fuck are you doing?”
“I need to see Scarlett Smith. She works here. It’s an emergency.”
He considered me briefly but didn’t move. �
��Who are you?”
“Her boyfriend.”
“She’s working. Come back when she’s off.”
“Fuck no. Let me in or get her out here. I need to talk to her.” No chance was I going to let this dude run me off.
“Don’t care what you need.”
I pulled out my wallet and thumbed through several hundred-dollar bills. “How much?”
“My job is to keep weirdos like you out,” he hissed.
“Is Donovan here?”
The guy narrowed his eyes.
“Good. I want to see him.”
“Fucking hell. You don’t do clubs often, do you, surfer dude?”
“Call him.” Any second I would lose my shit and probably end up in jail.
“He’s already on his way.” The big guy’s eyes flicked up to monitors.
“Perfect.”
I waited off to the side with my arms crossed over my chest and flexing my muscles so no one tried to mess with me. Not that I was worried in the least. The people entering the building definitely had money and didn’t look particularly violent. Though I couldn’t be sure what was under their shirts or in the women’s handbags.
Dave had said it could get dangerous, so I had to assume that meant guns and knives. Fuck, my heart rate kicked up a notch.
When a door on the side opened, Red walked out with a man. His hand was on her lower back. I raked my eyes over her length. The mini skirt was just as short as Dave had said, and she had on fuck-me stilettos. I was relieved to see she was wearing a black off-the-shoulder shirt and not a see-through white tank top. But I didn’t like seeing her so sexy in public.
Yeah, I was a controlling bastard, but what I couldn’t understand was Red never dressed this way before. Yes, she was attractive and sexy without the mini skirt and stilettos. If she dressed this way because it was what she liked, I might not care. Maybe. But Red, my Red covered herself up, so this didn’t fly with me. She couldn’t possibly like it.
“Leo? What’s wrong? Is everything okay?” She took my hand.
The guy who I assumed was Donovan asked, “So this is your boyfriend, Scarlett?”
She nodded, her green eyes on me. “Yes. Leo?”
“We need to talk.” I wrapped my arm around her and tugged her away.
“What’s wrong? Donovan called me off the floor, saying some guy was demanding to see me.”
Words escaped me as I stared at her little uniform. I tried to calm down. Blowing up wouldn’t go well, but fuck, my sweet, tenderhearted woman looked like a hooker.
“Baby, I need you to come home with me,” I told her honestly.
“Why? I’m working. My shift doesn’t end for another four hours. Is something wrong?” She really didn’t have a clue.
“Yes. Yes, something is wrong. Look at you. I had no idea you dressed this way for work.”
She inhaled a deep breath. “It’s only a uniform.” She glanced at her boss.
“Dave said he’s heard men grope the women working here. Have men groped you, baby?” I cradled her face in my hands, doing my best to stay calm. I knew she only worked here for the money. I could see why they would hire her; she’s gorgeous. But I didn’t want her working here anymore. I didn’t care if I sounded like a crazy boyfriend or neanderthal.
She blinked her eyes. They were glossy now. “Leo, why are you really here?”
“I want you to know you have options, Red. You don’t have to work here. I heard some dangerous shit goes on here. I’m worried about you.”
“Is that it?”
“No. I don’t like the outfit you’re wearing either, but I’m more concerned about your well-being.” I could get past her clothes. Maybe. But I would never risk her life if what Dave said was true. “Do you really like this job?”
She looked over her shoulder at her boss and the bouncer. “It pays the bills. You know I love being a dance teacher.”
I dropped my lips to hers and kissed her softly. “Red, let me help you.”
“I’ll cut my days back after we find a new roommate. I will. Promise. But I can’t let you pay for my living expenses. We’ve talked about this.”
“Jesus Christ, Red. It’s only money. I care about you, sweetheart.” I love you was what I should’ve said, but I was afraid of scaring her off. She seemed to worry about us going too fast. I wasn’t worried about it at all. I loved her and believed she loved me.
“And I appreciate it more than you know. I do. But it’s too soon.” There it was. It’s too soon. “I can’t believe you came here.” She looked back at her boss again, clearly worried she might get in trouble. Dammit, I didn’t like this.
“I’m not going to lie to you, Red. I really don’t like you working here.” Truth and honesty were the foundation of our relationship… and trust. I would be straight with Red so she would know how I felt even if she didn’t like hearing it.
“And I won’t lie to you either. I don’t like working here, but the money keeps me here.” She shrugged. “Do you want to come in and have a drink?” Her small hand wrapped around my wrist and stroked it with her thumb. Her touch always calmed me.
I pulled Red into me and wrapped my arms around her, then reached my hand under her skirt, feeling around.
“Hey!” She looked up at me, eyes wide.
“Just making sure you’re wearing panties.”
She rolled her eyes. “I am.”
“I feel them.” I kissed her. “I want to come in and stay until your shift is over, then I’ll follow you back to my place.”
“You don’t ask for much, do you?”
“You know me, Red. I can be bossy.”
“Bad boys usually are. I know what I’ve signed up for with you. Thank you for not throwing me over your shoulder and carrying me away. That would have been humiliating, and I would’ve been furious.”
“I had thought of doing that, you know?”
“I could tell by the blue fire in your eyes when I saw you.” She kissed me. “Come, I need to get back inside.” She took my hand and tugged me along to where her boss and the bouncer were. “I’m going to put him in my section.”
“Leo Ashford, by the way.” I put my hand out toward Donovan.
“Ashford?” He seemed to consider me as we shook.
“Of Ashford Mercedes.”
Donovan’s brows shot up. “Oh. Well, come on in, Mr. Ashford.”
“Call me Leo. My father is Mr. Ashford. And no offense, but your club really isn’t my scene. But with Scarlett working here, I might become a regular.”
“Stop it. You don’t have anything to worry about.” She curled into my arms.
“She’s right. She’s had us toss out more men for inappropriate shit than any of the other women who work here. Scarlett doesn’t take crap from anyone.”
I kissed the top of her head. “That’s my girl. But I still might hang out here.” I gave her a pointed look so she wouldn’t argue. She didn’t.
Red got me settled at a small corner booth in her section where I could keep my eyes on her at all times. I didn’t feel comfortable here at all. The loud music, bright lights, and people grinding on the dance floor didn’t appeal to me. This kind of scene stressed me out. Like, how could anybody come here to have a good time?
But I’d stay until Red’s shift was over. I’d sit here every night she worked if she’d let me, just to be sure she was safe. I knew she wouldn’t like it, though she probably wouldn’t complain about it.
The only priority I had these days was Red. She was it for me, and by God, I would protect her with my life.
Now if I could only find a way to get her to let me cover her expenses so she could quit this job. She admitted she didn’t like it, but I knew she was proud and believed in paying her own way. No doubt her parents had drilled that into her head.
But she had me now, and I had plenty of money to share. I wanted to share everything I had with her. Some crazy shit right there since we’d only met three weeks ago.
Was it too s
oon to ask her to move in? What about telling her I loved her?
Knowing Red as I did, I should probably wait a bit longer. She was so damn practical about everything. I couldn’t fault her for it. Hell, I even loved her for it.
To me, it was practical to have her move in. And I would get Red under my roof. Soon she’d be in my bed every night. I just hadn’t figured out how to do it yet.
17
Scarlett
I OPENED ONE eye, then closed it quickly when the bright sun blinded me. I loved Leo’s wall of windows but not before seven in the morning. My stomach roiled and I stiffened, putting my hand over it. No, no, no. Not again.
Leo had his arm around me like a vice. As if I would be anywhere else than in his bed.
I breathed slowly, ignoring the yucky feelings. Last night could have ended disastrously at Club Rendezvous. Each time I served a table, I’d felt Leo’s burning gaze on me. When I passed his table, he’d stop me for a kiss as if laying claim to me. I loved it, I really did, but I had been on edge all night because he was there. It was true, men tried to grope me nearly every night I worked. Donovan and his brother, Derek, who was head of security, always tossed out the jerks when I complained. Unfortunately, not all the women complained. Some even liked the attention they got.
Club R paid my bills. It was only a job, nothing special and nothing I enjoyed. I would have loved to take Leo up on his offer, but we’d only known each other for a few weeks. His feelings about me could change just as mine could about him.
Not that I thought my feelings would change. I loved Leo. I wanted forever with him. But I knew he didn’t believe in marriage and he didn’t want kids.
My stomach churned again as bile inched up to my throat. This was the second morning I woke up like this. My period was five days late. Shit!
I’d never prayed as much as I had over the last several days. A baby could ruin everything with Leo, or it could make it even more incredible.
You know he doesn’t want kids. A tear rolled down my cheek.
I had to face the facts. I was probably pregnant, and I would lose Leo because of it.
I covered my mouth as my heart split in two. I tried to get out of Leo’s grasp, but he only held me closer.
