She was greeted by someone who was apparently a friend. The woman, dressed in a sheer see-through fabric bodysuit, which covered only her nipples and pussy, kissed her passionately on the lips. It was so shocking I couldn’t take my eyes from it, not even to see if Brant was doing the same thing. Just to be safe, I wrapped my arm underneath his and held him closer. If this was some kind of underground sex club we weren’t participating. While waiting out the uncomfortable scene, I tried to focus on other things going on around us. In the far distance I could see naked dancers on high platforms. Strobe lights were moving around, giving me only flashes of the environment. The music, a sexy techno, vibrated off my body, so loud I knew I wouldn’t be able to hear anyone talking.
Thankfully, Rocky waved us over towards a bar. He ordered us four shots and waited for his girlfriend to join us before toasting his in the air. “To Winning.”
I didn’t know what it entailed, but I saluted anyway. We were away from my family, and on our way to better things. Today had taught me to follow directions. I suppose they’d been looking out for me. I’m sure I was the only one of them without a criminal record, though I couldn’t be sure about Tammy.
For a little while we watched the crowd, while doing several more shots. Some people were dancing while others mingled casually. It wasn’t until I needed to use the restroom that things got a bit weird, making me question whether I wanted to stay or go. It was obvious the alcohol was going straight to my head. I’d never been very tolerable, no matter how much practice I’d had. I’d gotten directions from Rocky before Brant took my hand and led me in the location he’d pointed us in. A sign displaying a female figure was on a large wooden door. “Hurry back, baby,” he said loud enough for me to hear.
I threw my boyfriend a smile before walking inside, assuming it was a regular lavatory.
There were stalls, and some people were actually using the facilities, but that’s not all of what was going on. There were couches filling the whole right side of the room. I couldn’t be sure, but they all looked like a crushed red velvet fabric. On several were women, some half dressed. They were groping over each other, kissing, and even acting out other things. The worst part about it was how they didn’t seem to mind being on display. On the counter, was a long strand of white powder. As I walked by, I watched someone bend down and snort it through a straw.
I’d dabbled in enough to know it was cocaine, and feared there would be consequences for me walking in on such an act taking place.
Once in a locked stall, I contemplated remaining there until I knew they’d all gone. I’d always considered myself a brave girl. Sure, I’d been protected from a lot of things, but I certainly wasn’t used to seeing such actions happening as if they were acceptable. It wasn’t like I cared about other people’s sexuality. To each his own. Just because I was only interested in men didn’t mean everyone had the same taste.
While inside the small stall, I could hear the women making noises. It was obvious they were high on each other, if not then the drugs they’d brought in with them. I wondered if they were drunk, not knowing what they were doing.
I’d been that drunk before, though I never ended up naked in bed with another woman. Once I’d awaken in a bed of my own vomit, and another time I woke up to an extremely sore ass. Yep, you heard it right. Apparently I’d gotten drunk off my butt and begged my boyfriend to fuck me in it. I couldn’t walk right for days after that, and I sure as shit wasn’t going to ask him to do it again.
After a few minutes, I remembered Brant was outside waiting for me. I wanted nothing more than to get out there and go home, where we could be alone. Then something happened.
I heard her voice first, but not soon enough to make it to the exit. Tammy had come into the bathroom, and she wasn’t alone. At her side Brant was there watching me. He reached out his hand for me to take. Since he was my only serenity, I gladly accepted his suggestion and placed my palm against his. He pulled me close, saying nothing until I was close enough to hear. “It’s time to party, baby.”
I didn’t know what he was talking about, and still wanted to leave the establishment, so I pulled away enough to give him a dirty look. He began to smile and nod, as if I was supposed to understand what was going through his head. “I don’t think so,” I announced loud enough Tammy could hear.
She approached, placing her hand on Brant’s shoulder and running it down his back. “Maybe you should let me.”
He said nothing, but took one step back to allow her to swoop in. Before I was able to move out of her reach, she had a chunk of my hair. “Oh sweet Cassie, you have so much to learn.”
“Learn?” I’d had enough of this woman by this point.
Her lips smacked against mine, and before trying to pull away I felt her tongue drag over my teeth as I fought to deny her entry. “Oh, come on. We’re just trying to have fun. Brant told me he wants to see two girls making out. Don’t you want to satisfy your man?”
She had nerve, I’ll give her that. “Say what?” I gave my attention to my appeased boyfriend. His smiled turned into a confused frown.
“Come on, Cass. It’s all in fun. We’re in Vegas, at this kick ass club. This is where you forget who you are and let go. Try new things. Be adventurous.”
“Adventurous,” I argued. “I’ll tell you what I’m going to do. I’m going to march my ass right out of here and take a cab back to the house. If you choose to stay here without me, you’ll be without a girlfriend.”
Buzzed or not, I wasn’t letting them make me do something I wasn’t comfortable with. I turned my direction to Tammy. “You need to keep your grabby hands off of me. I’m not into chicks.”
“I never said you were.” Her sarcastic glare was making me uneasy. It was like she knew something I didn’t, and I hated her for it. “Although, how would you know if you’ve never tried?” She traced my cheek with her long fingernails. “I’d love to show you how much fun we could have, but it’s entirely your choice.”
“Fuck you!”
“Cassie. Don’t talk to her like that.” Brant was acting like he was pissed at me for declining. I wanted to smack him in his face.
“I will do as I please. If you don’t get me out of here right this minute I’m calling my cousin to come and get me.”
My threat worked. He took me by the arm and pulled me out of the ladies room. We kept moving through the crowd until we were outside. A line of cabs were waiting for fares, so we climbed into the first one. Brant called out the address to the driver, then leaned back, putting his hands up to his face. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?”
“What I’ve done?” I argued. “You wanted me to dyke out with that slut. You’re lucky I’m inebriated, otherwise I might threaten to leave you.”
He cackled. “Baby, we were having fun.”
“Just like the hot tub the other night?” His eyes widened, which made me wonder what else happened in there. Tammy obviously liked to share things. Maybe Rocky was one of those men who enjoyed watching his woman with other people. “What did you do with her? Did you screw her?”
“No! Fuck you for saying that. Do you have any idea how long I’ve waited to have you to myself? I don’t want what she has to offer. I thought tonight we could have some fun. I wasn’t going to participate, but you took it to a whole different level. It was just a kiss.”
“A kiss? Then what? Did you want me to ask to do a line of coke too? I mean, isn’t that what you want? You think it will help me fit in? You think if I spread my legs for Tammy and Rocky we’ll become best buddies?”
He kept shaking his head. “Of course not! I like you the way you are, and I sure as shit don’t want to share you.”
“I’m telling you, Brant. Cut this shit out. I don’t know who you are right now. I gave up everything for you. I came to this godforsaken place in hopes we could have a future. Now I don’t know what I was thinking. Maybe my parents were right.”
“No.” His hands were grabbing mine. “C
ass, please. I was out of line. I thought we could let go, but I should have asked you first.”
“We’re supposed to be a team, Brant. What I did earlier today will stay with me for the rest of my life. I did that for you. If you think for one second I’m not trying then tell me, but from the way I see it, I’m going above and beyond to fit perfectly into your life. Don’t make me regret it.”
He pulled my hands up to his lips. “Before you I didn’t know what love was. I’ve never had a family who cares about me. You’re all I have. When I’m out of line you need to tell me. I can’t fuck this up. I can’t lose you, Cass.”
The cab pulled up out front of the house. Brant dug into his pocket and pulled out some cash, while I removed myself from the vehicle. We met back up at the front door. He fiddled with the keys, finding the one that opened the lock. The next time he looked up at me with worried eyes. “Please don’t let me fuck this up. I don’t want to live without you.”
The change in him was obvious. As soon as we were away from those people he was back to being the man I fell in love with. I knew it was up to me to get us out of the situation we were in, or else our relationship was going to fall apart. “You know, the party doesn’t have to end, Brant. We could take it out to the pool and have some fun of our own, if you’re interested. My only stipulation would be that no clothes are allowed.” I knew I’d get a positive reaction, and didn’t have to wait long for it to happen.
Brant pulled me inside the house, lifting me up and carrying me to our bedroom. For the moment our problems didn’t exist. I just needed to figure out how to convince him we needed to leave. Without the guidance and support of my family, Brant was all I had left. I’d burned bridges to be with him. In order to prove my parents wrong I wasn’t willing to give up so easily.
True love stands the test of time. I prayed that saying was true.
Chapter 7
Cassie
We’d been in Vegas for two weeks, and in that amount of time I’d spent my days and my nights in regret. I missed the smell of fresh air, kind people, and the love that radiated from my family. Unlike where I was from, every day in Vegas was like a weekend. People partied twenty-four-seven. That kind of life takes a toll on anyone, especially me. I drank too much, mostly to break away from reality. Two different times I’d smoked marijuana, and once I’d gotten brave enough to take my top off in the hot tub. Of course, when I woke the next morning and realized what I’d done, I felt sick to my stomach all day. The idea of Rocky seeing me exposed was disgusting.
Brant was always reassuring and protective. I appreciated feeling safe when I was with him. He’d be a good father one day, once he was done with this way of life. I prayed every night that he’d follow through with our plans. I needed him to be the man I deserved instead of the one I felt like I was settling for.
After the first night, we’d gone out to different clubs, some like the first. As time slipped away it began to get easier, being away from my family, the drinking, and being independent. Not a second went by where I didn’t think about someone from my family, and wonder if they’d all given up on hope that I’d return.
Brant had been supportive, but I think he sensed how homesick I’d become. Probably assuming I’d just get over it, the topic was never addressed. Instead he consumed me with ideas on how we could accomplish great things.
It took me two weeks to finally find out how Tammy and Rocky made their money. To say I was shocked would have been an understatement. Apparently their little heists were nothing compared to the high scale of grand theft they were performing under everyone’s noses. The shit had hit the fan, and I was caught in the middle.
During the days, while I was stuck alone in the house, Brant would leave with Rocky and Tammy, only to return half-hammered and tight lipped. He claimed they were working, but I wasn’t really sure it was true. For the time being I had a roof over my head and food to eat. It was better than living on the streets of Vegas, begging for my next meal. Still, I was miserable, succumbing to the fact that I’d given up everything to live a life of crime and grief.
One thing I was certain of was that my boyfriend knew about the people we were living with the whole time, and it made my blood boil. How dare he get me involved with such people? Why would he want this for us? Why couldn’t he get a normal job like other people?
I was aware he’d kept it from me because he knew I’d never be okay with traveling across the country if I knew we were staying with such dangerous people. Whatever he was doing couldn’t have been good, and I was at my wit’s end to figure it out.
Brant probably wouldn’t have told me on his own, but I continued drilling him, and prying when no one thought I was listening. Each night I’d take what I learned and push him to tell me the truth.
Finally, after threatening to leave, he came clean. “If I tell you, you have to swear you won’t say anything.”
“Who am I going to tell?”
“Rocky has an underground digital theft ring.”
He made it sound important. “What? You’re making no sense.”
“Hear me out. He’s got this programmer who makes devices small enough to hide from the naked eye. Each time we go into a casino or gas station, his tiny devices are put on or near the ATM machines. From there it takes a photo each time someone approaches and sends a transmission to his internal server enabling them to record the card numbers and use them fraudulently. Each transaction is small and hard to detect. Until the card is cancelled for being compromised, the funds continue to be deducted without the person’s knowledge. It seems like he wouldn’t do well, but imagine thousands of cards per day. Once they’re in the system they continue to withdrawal until they are no longer active. He’s banking millions of dollars, Cass. That’s why he has such nice things.”
“What?” I was in shock. “He’s involved in bank fraud?” I knew it was a lot bigger than I’d feared. They weren’t petty criminals at all. “Why did they have me stealing from people at the casinos? How could you bring me here to be around these people?”
“They’re building you up. They have to be able to trust you before they let you in on the program. Since you’ve never committed a crime they have nothing to base the trust on, and let’s face it, with my record your lucky I was able to bring you with me at all.”
“How many people involved are we talking about? How long has this been going on?” I inquired. “This is beyond screwed up.”
Brant turned up the volume on some music playing and brought his lips up to my ear. “You have to stay calm, Cass.”
I shoved him away from me. “No! You’re crazy if you think I’m staying here for another minute. Those types of crimes are traceable. I’m not going to prison for sharing a house with someone.”
“Trust me, he’s covered his tracks. The funds are filtered through international accounts and then transferred back into the states under a dummy account. The dummy system pays it’s employees. It pays taxes and runs without suspicion. It’s legit.”
I ran my hands through my hair and paced around our room. “We can’t stay here. What have you gotten me involved in, Brant?”
“Nothing! You’re not involved, and that’s why I didn’t tell you about it sooner. The less you know the more protected you are.”
“I want to leave,” I reiterated.
“We can’t yet, Cass. I was hired for a job, and I’m obligated to stay until it gets done.”
“Then I’ll go and stay somewhere else without you. I can’t be here. I know you think I can handle myself, but this is bullshit. I miss my family, and they’d never approve of this. Please, if you love me you’ll let me go home, even if it’s for a visit.”
He reached over and ran his hand over my cheek. “If you leave you won’t come back. I’m not a fool. They’ll never let you come back to me.”
I could see the fear in his eyes, the pain of me leaving and never coming back again. Sure, Brant had lied to me, but his love never failed. The idea of him b
eing around these big-time crooks made me nervous. “How did you even get involved with these people, Brant? They’re dangerous.”
“I knew someone, who worked for them in the past. Rocky doesn’t like keeping the same employees, just in case they’re working undercover to bust him. He let’s you in, teaches you what you need to know, and then uses you one time to change out and add new devices. He doesn’t even tell you when it’s happening, just in case you were to call and report him. Everything is done without notice. That’s why I’m trying to wait it out. We’re not in danger, baby. I’m going to do the job and get paid. Then we’ll take the ten grand I make and get started someplace better.”
It sounded a lot easier than I knew it would be. Still, I sighed and wrapped my arms around his waist. “I love you and I don’t want to leave you here. I’m just afraid. This could put you in jail. I could go as an accomplice.”
“That’s why I wanted to keep you occupied and out of the spotlight, Cass. Now do you understand? Do you see how important it is to stay out of the business?”
“Why did you let me steal?”
“I thought if you felt like you were a part of things you’d back off. You’re going to keep me on the straight and narrow once we’re out of here. This is one last stint and then we’re off to a better life. Have I ever let you down before?”
I hated to admit it, but he hadn’t. He’d always been there for me no matter how small the challenge. His love was true and forever. It was something I could always count on, even when I was steaming mad, I knew it would never fail. “No.”
Cassie (The Mitchell/Healy Family #6) Page 5
