Tak: The A**hole Club Series

by Ivy Harper

  “It’s really too bad, she was a decent fuck,” he cackled. “Too bad she got clingy. I would have loved riding her a little longer.”

  In two steps I was on the little shit eater. “Shut up.”

  I held him up by the collar, the small papers scattered on the ground and the beer bottle that had been in my hand smashed. With the broken edges pressed against his throat, I stared into his eyes.

  “One more word and I’ll end you right here, right now.” I figured I’d go with the direct approach.

  He nervously laughed. “You… you wouldn’t, not over that dead whore.” I brought the bottle up and pressed it into his cheek, a scarlet drop of blood slid down.

  I’ll kill him now and have Pit’s boys cover it up.

  “What’s going on here?” Richie interrupted. I guess he’d spotted us from below because the next thing I knew his hands were on my shoulders and he had his goons remove Tobi from my grip. “Now, let’s calm down. What happened here?”

  I tossed the bottle so that it smashed into the wall of the cabin. “He knows.”

  He looked me over before he nodded and looked at Tobi. “And you?”

  Tobi glared at me. “He can’t handle that I’m better than him.” I didn’t bother to respond to that childish bit of crap.

  “All right.” Richie grimaced. I saw the greedy wheels spinning in his head. “Well, there’s one way to do this. We could play a game.”

  I gave Richie a hard look.

  “Look, hear me out,” Richie said, quickly seeing I wasn’t in the mood for his shit. “If I let you beat his ass right under my nose, my clients will think I don’t have any control over what goes on here and that would be bad for business. Trust me, my game choice will make you very happy.”

  “I doubt it, what game are you thinking of?”

  He gave me a look of amusement. I should have known better than to ask. “Why, chicken of course. Don’t you remember? It used to be your favorite.”

  Right, the game I’d played when the music disappeared and the darkness became cloying. Fuck yes, this little bitch needed to be put in his place and I was more than happy to do it. I glanced at Tobi.

  “Fine, are you down?”

  He snatched his arm out of Richie’s goons’ hold. “Of course, and the loser has to kneel and lick the winner’s shoes.”

  “Done.”

  Richie clapped his hands together. “We have us a game.” His shout stirred up the people around us who released a cheer.

  Walking around a pissed Tobi, I made my way down the steps only to stop at the sight of Jazz coming up them.

  “Tak, thank God,” she called. Her voice lilting in just the way that made me think of a smooth jazz song. She ran up the rest of the steps toward me, staring at me with a gaze full of worry. “Do you know how worried I was when I realized you’d left without saying anything?”

  “For me or your check?”

  She squinted her eyes in confusion. “What?”

  I didn’t want her here. I didn’t want her to see this side of me. Reckless and on edge, the hidden parts I buried and only let out when Richie drew me to the underground.

  Tak wouldn’t give a shit, but Takuya, he cared way too much. I gritted my teeth. I hated the way she made me feel.

  “If it’s because of that, don’t worry, you’ll get paid either way,” I said as I continued to descend the stairs.

  “Tak.”

  “I’ve got to go.”

  I didn’t wait for her. I wasn’t interested in hearing her confirm my thoughts. At some point, all good things come to an end and I was tired of pretending otherwise. Humans were selfish creatures and families didn’t stay together forever.

  My life was the only thing that was assured as well as my death. The end was the surest thing in the world. So, playing with my life and holding it up to the gods to judge whether I should keep it or give it away was the most exciting thing I could do. I didn’t need anything else.

  I leaned back against my car, watching as Richie had his guys rearrange the other vehicles so that the lane was open. Chicken could be played two ways. The two people drove as fast as they could to the end of a cliff or they could drive as fast as they wanted toward each other, with hopes that the other person gave in first.

  I felt a bit of nostalgia remembering the last time I’d played chicken. I had gotten busted by Pit who’d been more than a little pissed I’d been high and drunk playing the game. However, this time I was stone-cold sober thanks to that little shit Tobi. A few beers and a blunt weren’t enough to take me down.

  “I hope you brought a change of underwear. I heard at your age your bowels loosen,” Tobi said, laughing at his own joke from where he stood, mirroring me in waiting for the cars to be moved.

  I ignored Tobi’s shit and walked toward Richie, meeting him in the now opened road. “You guys can move your cars to the starting lines,” he said.

  “You remember what happens if I die, right?”

  He gave a nod. “I assure you we will take care of the corpses and aftermath for all of our racers. We don’t want to have rumors going around that we don’t handle crashes. It’s bad for my dollars.”

  “I bet,” I said.

  “Hey, don’t ignore me.” I glanced at Tobi. “Are you serious about doing this?” His voice shook.

  Poor baby was scared.

  “Didn’t you say you wanted to settle this? Don’t tell me you are nothing but talk.” I released a bark of laughter. “Here, you race me or let me beat the shit out of you. Which do you want, Lil’ Timothy?”

  “Fuck you.” He turned around and got in his car and drove to the starting point.

  “You’re serious?” Richie said, for once his dark eyes holding something other than greed as he looked at me. “Your crew won’t like you chasing the cross again.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Richie, I suggest you worry more about how you’re going to clean up that fuckers body than what my sister and brothers won’t like,” I said as I turned around and paused.

  Jazz was sitting in the driver’s seat of my car. Not believing what I was seeing, I walked over to the driver’s side and reached out to open the door, but it was locked.

  “Hey, what are you doing?”

  She didn’t look at me. I felt my confusion and panic spin. “Jazz, Jazz.” She turned the key. I shook my head, frantically banging on the glass. “Hey, whatever you’re thinking, stop.”

  She didn’t respond to me at all as she took off toward the starting line. I ran after her hoping I could get to her before they started, but before I could reach her, she’d skillfully turned the car around to face my direction. I moved to the middle of the street and waved my arms, but she completely ignored me.

  She revved the engine. I turned to say something to Richie, but my voice was drowned out by the sound of a gun going off and a loud yell. The next thing I knew the tires of my car squealed as she raced right toward me.

  “Fuck.”

  I threw myself to the side, hitting the ground, covering my face as dirt and gravel kicked up as she raced past me. I immediately brought my arms down when the smoke cleared. I rolled over and watched my car as it flew toward Tobi’s. Like everyone else my eyes were glued to the sight. Before I knew it, I was up and running after the car.

  No.

  No.

  I was supposed to be in that car. A fear I hadn’t felt before grasped me. I imagined the sound of steel crashing together and echoing out, the smell of gasoline as it filled the air, and the bright burst of light as the fire ripped through the cars.

  I was eighteen once more, my hands and legs trembling as a burning sensation ran up my back. The smell of flesh and the cries of the ambulance rang in my head. I squeezed my eyes shut for a second. The image from the past faded and I opened them again to see the present.

  Shit, if she made one wrong move it would be over. I shouted as I ran. My heart was in my throat.

  As the two cars drew closer and closer, I prayed that
nothing happened. That she’d turn the car, that she’d chicken out. I didn’t care. Fuck, I’d lick the boots of anyone if Jazz came out of this unscathed.

  The two cars were a breath’s distance away. I shut my eyes again as I waited for the inevitable crash, but there was only the loud scream of brakes, followed by cheers intermixed with shouts of warning. I popped my eyes back open. Tobi had turned his car and people were running in every direction away from it.

  I moved my gaze back to my car and found Jazz hopping out. A victorious smile graced her face. I ran toward her.

  She turned to me. “Tak, I beat him.”

  I crushed her body to mine, squeezing her to my chest. My heart raced. My ears were filled with the sound of my pounding heart. I closed my eyes as an image of her burning body appeared in my mind’s eye.

  “Tak?”

  I pulled back and grabbed her by her arms. “What the fuck were you thinking?” I shook her. “You could have died.”

  “You could have too,” she said. “Why is it okay for you to put your life on the line, but not me? I’m your bodyguard, if you want to risk a life, risk mine.”

  I stared at her, completely speechless. Was she crazy? What bodyguard would play a game of chicken for their charge.

  “Besides, I won,” she said. She glanced behind herself at Tobi who was being helped out of his car since he’d passed out. “He doesn’t look like the type to put his life on the line. I wonder what he thought he was doing playing this game.”

  She turned her head back and looked up at me. “And yes, I keep up with you for my work, but I care about you. I told you already, I don’t hate you.”’

  I leaned down and took her lips with mine. I needed to confirm she was alive and breathing. Didn’t think too much about the why of it, only that moment. I needed her lips against mine.

  Her mouth trembled beneath mine before she parted her lips, silently giving me her permission. Like the piece of shit I am, I took full advantage of it and pulled her closer, letting my hands roam over her body. Soft, hard, and delicious, she was the perfect match for my height. The way she fit against my body made me want to see if we fit together in other ways.

  The soft pressure of our lips pressed together eventually had to end. I broke the kiss and bit back a curse. Her eyes were glazed over with lust and her lips looked puffed from my kisses. She held loosely to my wrists with her hands.

  I couldn’t help but to ask. “No tears this time?”

  The dazed look in her eyes disappeared, replaced by what looked to be embarrassment. “Shut up.”

  She went to walk away, but I grabbed her arm, stopping her from leaving and playfully pulled her back to my side.

  “Ut-uh, I’m not done with you yet,” I teased.

  She glared up at me. “But I am done with you and if you don’t want to be on your knees, you’ll come back home with me. Now.”

  I contemplated arguing with her, but a simple look around told me the party was over. “Fine, I’ll go with you, but you have to agree to do one thing for me.”

  She gave me a suspicious look. “And what’s that?”

  I chuckled. “You’re not allowed to put yourself in danger like that again.”

  She squinted at me. “I’m your bodyguard, it’s my job to be in danger.”

  “I’ll tell Kole to replace you then,” I threatened.

  She rolled her eyes. “Fine, whatever you say. Let’s hurry. I left Ark in the car alone.”

  I was about to celebrate until the last thing she said hit me. “Ark, why’s he here?”

  She pulled away from me, walking away. “He came by to drop off your car.”

  “Shit, I forgot.”

  She laughed. “Well, you’ll pay for it with a hug, I’m sure.”

  I cringed. I needed to talk to Jay about finding a new drummer. Seriously.

  Chapter 22

  Caught

  Jazz

  * * *

  A few days had passed since the race and I still couldn’t calm down. My skin felt alive. I had lain in bed, trying everything I could think of to sleep, only for my mind to go back to the kiss.

  Tak’s body crushed to mine. The pure strength he’d shown had taken my breath away. Reaching up, I brushed a finger along my bottom lip.

  This was wrong, but I couldn’t stop the soft sigh that left my mouth. My phone buzzed on my side table. Distractedly, I reached over and picked it up to read the text.

  “I saw you.”

  I sat up and unlocked my phone to see a picture of me next to Tak’s car. It was the moment I’d gotten out after winning. Frowning, I called the sender right away.

  “Well, hello, big sister.”

  “What do you want, Aaron?” I asked, irritated.

  “I think we should meet tomorrow for a small chat. I’ll send you the address.”

  He hung up. I dropped my hand to my lap. I should have been more careful.

  I’d forgotten the wealthy ran in the same circles as celebrities. I’d thought I was safe because I’d worn contacts and cut my hair. Not to mention I’d gone from wearing top fashions to sweats and T-shirts.

  Shit, I had little desire to see one of the children of my father’s mistress, but I had no choice. While I lived independent of my father and had my own wealth, I didn’t want to give my father anything he could use against me.

  Racing at an event ran by a known drug dealer would be an issue. Especially since I was the poster child for his power. I grimaced. I’d try to get some sleep and meet Aaron in the morning.

  Chapter 23

  Family

  Jazz

  * * *

  The morning sunlight filled the ritzy rooftop restaurant Aaron had sent me the address for. I should have known he’d make a show out of this.

  “You wanted to meet,” I said as I plopped down in the chair across from my half brother. I had to call Chelsea and let her know I’d be late to Tak’s shoot because of my appointment.

  I flushed, thinking about that kiss again. Tak had dragged me out of bed to run with him. Once again, I returned triumphant. He, however, returned half dead.

  “Dear sister, it’s been too long,” Aaron said as he took a sip from his coffee cup. “It’s been what, seven years since the last time you ate dinner with the family.”

  Aaron had his mother’s aquiline nose and my father’s handsome features. His gray eyes were described by most as being soulful and his looks made girls lose their heads. Which is why he modeled and had an exclusive contract with a well-known designer.

  “I like to keep my food down,” I said, waving off the waiter’s offer to order. “If I had to eat with you all, I’d be sick for three days after. Get to the point already. You saw me, now what do you want?”

  He set his cup down and cleared his throat, giving me a cold smile. “And why do you think I want something from you?”

  “Aaron, we’re not close. I hate your father and mother, so there’s little reason for you or your sister to contact me unless it’s an emergency. Which if you called me to tell me Dad is dead… you could’ve texted.” I cheered, ignoring the souring of his mouth. “What is it you want?”

  “I’ll tell dad where you were if you don’t let me borrow the Roarke Mansion in Bridge lake.”

  “No,” I said without blinking.

  He flinched, moving his gaze away. “I was joking, you don’t have to look at me like that.”

  My jaw tightened. “It wasn’t a funny joke,” I said, my voice stiff with anger.

  I would never allow anyone from his blood into the place my mother and I called home. The staff and everyone who lived and worked on the estate knew never to allow my father within a mile of the place. I couldn’t be responsible for what I would do if I returned and saw him standing within its walls.

  Even if I couldn’t stop him from buying a home near the Roarke mansion. Which was another reason I lived in Vander City. Less chance of running into him here.

  “What is it you really want?”


  “Come to this charity event,” he said, pushing both a copy of the picture from the race and an invitation across the table toward me. He shot me a sly look. “Father’s been bitching about how you’ve refused all the invitations he’s sent over to your office.”

  “And why do you care whether or not I accept his invitations?”

  Aaron usually stayed out of anything dealing with my father and me. Not that a bastard child like him had any right to get involved in the first place.

  “I’m trying to earn a few brownie points with father, and I figured this would be the best way. That senator really, really wants his son and you to meet. Apparently, he’s under the impression you’re the key to something big for his future.

  “If I manage to bring you to this event, father will loosen his reigns on the cash flow to my pockets.” He leaned forward. “It’s the least you can do as my sister.”

  I glanced down at the invitation. I would have to spend time with my fake family again. I’d already reached my max with seeing my father more than once this year.

  I’d been forced to do that for at least four years after my mother died. Forced to play the perfect daughter because of my singular goal to gain information. I knew that one day he’d slip up and give me just the thing I needed to put the final nail in his coffin.

  If it hadn’t been for that, I’d never even breathe the same air as Clark Bennington. I’d sooner throw my body into a volcano. I bit the inside of my mouth, hard.

  The memories rushing back to me. The chair scraped back as I stood. Aaron jumped, taken aback. I picked up the invitation and the picture.

  “I’ll go, but…” His expression darkened as my eyes bored into him. “I’ll make your life miserable if anything comes out about me racing.”

  He gave me a nod. “There are other copies.”

  This I was sure of. Not saying another word, I left. I couldn’t stomach being in the same vicinity as any of my father’s progeny. I laughed at myself, I could barely stomach looking at my own face.