After Glow

by Autumn Jones Lake

  “Did you survive the cocktail party?” I glance past him to wave at Charlotte. “You two look snazzy.”

  “I’m sorry, did you say snazzy?” Teller asks.

  “What? It’s a word.” I narrow my eyes at him. “Are you cranky because Charlotte wrestled you into a suit tonight?”

  He tugs at the tie around his neck, loosening it. “Probably.” He glances down at Rock. “I hate you a little for setting precedent for this.”

  Rock turns and gives Teller a once-over. “You look good, Knucklehead.”

  Teller had the pleasure of attending a cocktail party for the small firm’s committee section of the Empire County Bar. Mara had been successful in roping Charlotte into a position as chair of the committee this year As much as I wanted to support Charlotte in this new adventure, nothing short of a herd of elephants could have dragged me to that thing tonight.

  Charlotte wraps her arm around Teller’s and leans up against him. “He was a perfect gentleman, Rock. You would’ve been proud.”

  “I expect nothing less.”

  “How was it?” I ask Charlotte.

  She slants a look at me. “You’re lucky you’re pregnant or I’d be begging you to co-chair with me.”

  “Um, no thanks.”

  “Two Lost Kings ol’ ladies taking over your local bar association? That’s actually pretty funny,” Teller says.

  “Quiet down, Teller,” I warn.

  “You should go say hi to Z,” Wrath suggests.

  “I wished him luck earlier,” Teller says.

  Wrath points at Teller and drags his finger up and down through the air. “Yeah, yeah, but he’ll want to get a good look at this.”

  Teller slaps Wrath’s hand away. “Fuck off.”

  He glances around, searching the crowd. “We should probably say hi to him.”

  “You guys just missed Swan,” I say.

  Charlotte shakes her head. “No, we caught most of it from the front door. We waited until she was done to come over. She’s amazing.”

  I tap Teller on the arm. “Z was by the stage last time I saw him. He’ll probably appreciate the encouragement.”

  Charlotte leans over and gives me a quick hug before following Teller through the darkened room.

  They haven’t returned by the time the lights flicker again, signaling Stella’s about to take the stage.

  I’ve never been to anything like this, so I’m not really sure what to expect. A large, metal hoop descends from the ceiling. Stella’s perched on it like it’s a swing, one long, elegant leg crossed over the other. The Lyra lowers enough for her to slide off and multi-colored lights bathe the stage as soon as her feet touch.

  Her dance resembles more of a burlesque style and I wonder how the heck she’s going to perform on the Lyra in that dress. She solves the mystery a few minutes later when she strips off the dress in sections, leaving her in a glittering red bikini top and panties that accentuate her lithe frame and flowing black hair.

  I can not believe my husband was in a room with this woman while she was naked for an entire day.

  Finally, she reaches one graceful arm in the air and grasps the hoop. Effortlessly, she lifts herself up.

  The sensual music pouring out of the speakers is the only sound in the room.

  Then the aerial dance begins. She easily performs a number of different tricks, from splits and spins, to hanging from the hoop by one leg and lifting herself back up. Every movement smooth and fluid. Trinity leans back and catches my eye. Patting her stomach, she mouths, “Holy shit.”

  Sheesh, as soon as I have the baby, I bet Trinity’s going to try and talk me into some wicked core workouts after morning yoga.

  Rock slides his hand into mine and leans over. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.” I jerk my chin toward the stage. “She’s amazing.”

  He nods without taking his eyes off me. I force a more reassuring smile on my face.

  I still can’t believe Rock watched her film porn all day long. Before I met her up close, it was just a funny story. Now?

  Well, let’s just say, while Rock’s always itching to punch Sway, I think maybe the next time he visits the clubhouse, I might poison him. Nothing extreme. Not enough to kill him, of course. Just a few drops of something in his drink to maybe make him uncomfortable for a day or two.

  My “poison Sway” plan cheers me up.

  Rock’s attention shifts away from me, but not to the stage. No, he’s looking past it toward the office. I follow his line of sight and find Sway leaning against the wall, taking in the show.

  Damn, where’s a bottle of Visine when I need it? It’s so dark, I could easily slip a few drops into a beer and pass it to Sway.

  Hmm, maybe helping Charlotte with that criminal case the last couple weeks wasn’t healthy for me.

  “I guess Z had to invite him, huh?”

  My husband’s attention is so focused on Sway, I’m not sure he heard me. I probably shouldn’t be so gleeful at the prospect of Rock and Sway getting into a fight tonight. But I also wouldn’t mind watching my husband kick Sway’s ass.

  “I’m guessing Tawny didn’t accompany him?”

  “Doubt it,” he mutters.

  “You’re wearing your murder face again,” I say.

  He raises an eyebrow.

  My gaze shifts to the stage and back to Rock. Nope, I won’t mind if you want to punch Sway a few times at all.

  “Guess Z cockblocked himself tonight.”

  Rock huffs out a laugh. “Guess so. Are you all right here if I go talk with him for a minute?”

  “Be my guest.” I grin and he shakes his head.

  Before leaving, he shares a word with Wrath. By the scowl Wrath’s wearing as Rock walks away, I guess he didn’t like being told to stay at the table.

  Rock returns before the end of the show and seems perfectly calm. “Everything okay?”

  “Yeah, the fucker disappeared before I had a chance to talk to him.”

  Huh. Weird.

  One of the girls returns to the stage to announce that all the performers will be out to mingle with the crowd in a few minutes. A couple girls I recognize from Crystal Ball start circulating around the room with trays of drinks and finger food.

  Jonny leans over. “I need to say hello to a couple guys. I’ll catch you later?”

  “Sure.”

  Rock takes my hand. “Want to get out of here?”

  “Is it okay to leave so early?”

  “We can do whatever we want, baby doll.”

  He helps me up and slips my wrap around my shoulders. It’s a clean escape. A lot of people want to stop to talk to him. Including Rock’s business associate I met at the club’s Christmas Party.

  “Rock!” he shouts. “Damn. That was some show. You need to do that more often here.”

  Under his breath, Rock growls briefly before forcing a smile. “Glad you could make it, Loco.”

  They shake hands and then Loco sweeps his admiring eyes over me. “Well, well. Mrs. North. You’re filling out that dress real nice.”

  “Uh, thanks.”

  Rock’s growl is several degrees louder this time.

  “Easy, Rock. I’m trying to pay the lady a compliment.” He holds out his hand and Rock reluctantly shakes it. “Congratulations. Why didn’t you say somethin’?”

  “Was I obligated to send you an announcement?” Rock asks.

  Loco lets the comment slide off him and turns back to me. “You’re rockin’ that pregnant lady glow, Mrs. North. Congratulations.”

  As creepy as his “compliments” and the way he keeps staring at my boobs and belly are, at least he keeps his hands to himself.

  “Loco,” Rock snaps, making a “V” with his fingers and pointing from Loco’s face to his own. “Eyes on me, motherfucker.”

  Loco’s eyes widen and his gaze swings back to Rock. I really hope he’s not thinking of a clever comeback because Rock’s definitely not in the mood.

  “Calm down.” He t
ouches his hand to his chest. “I don’t mean no harm. Every momma to be deserves to be admired. You know how I appreciate the females.”

  “Yeah, I’m aware,” Rock snarls.

  If I wasn’t so worried Rock’s about to go off on Loco, I might laugh at the absurdity of this whole situation. Thank God for Wrath who must have sensed the tension from across the room. He takes up the space on Rock’s other side, forcing Loco to step back.

  “Scary man, how you been?” he says, offering Wrath his hand. His eyes land on Trinity. “And Mrs. Wrath. You are lovely as always.” He backs up and puts his hand in the air. “No disrespect. Just saying. Kings got some fine lookin’ ladies.”

  “Thank you, Loco. Good to see you again,” Trinity says.

  To make our party even more fun, Sway joins our group. Apparently, he and Loco are also acquainted and greet each other civilly enough.

  Sway eyes me and his mouth curls into a feral smirk. “About time. Pregnancy looks good on you, sweetheart. Congratulations.”

  “Thanks, Sway. Haven’t seen you in a bit.” I don’t ask about Tawny because I know darn well she didn’t come with him tonight.

  Unfortunately, Sway’s eyes also linger too long on my chest. I’m more than familiar with the caveman attitude that seems to permeate Rock’s world. But this is just weird. I mean, the let’s-get-it-on eyes are kind of pointless since my own caveman is standing right next to me about to murder and my giant pregnant belly might as well be a flashing neon sign announcing, ‘sorry, guys, my caveman husband got here first.’

  Right?

  The testosterone overload triggers my need to pee. I grab Trinity’s hand and drag her toward the bathroom.

  When I shut the door behind us, I find her laughing.

  “See? You’re a hot mamma.”

  “Ugh. Shut up or I’m going to make you help me pull my Spanx down.”

  She shakes with laughter. “That’s what sisters are for,” she says, reaching for me. “Come here.”

  “Get away from me. It’s not funny.” I slam the bathroom stall door. “Stop laughing.”

  “I can’t help it.”

  “What. The. Fuck, Trin?”

  “The proof of your obvious fertility must trigger some lizard brain instinct to breed.” She laughs some more.

  “Gross.”

  I finish and trade places with her. “What’d you think of the show?” I call over my shoulder while I’m washing my hands.

  “Bitch must have abs of steel.”

  I chuckle at that.

  “No, seriously, it was really cool. I’m glad Z took the risk. I hope it paid off for him. Some of the guys razzed him pretty hard about it, but I think it was a success.”

  Mental note—make sure to congratulate Z before leaving.

  “Should we even go back out there?”

  “Well, I’m not staying in here.”

  Rock

  Fucking Sway. He’s fucking with me because he knows I won’t cause a scene in front of Loco or all these other people. Looking at my girl like that. Talking to her that way. I’m ready to kill him.

  Loco’s working my last nerve too, but it’s different. He thinks he’s showing Hope respect by complimenting her in his creepy ass way. I’m not as bent about his behavior.

  But Sway? He’s a brother. He knows better.

  After a few minutes of tense conversation, Loco finally wanders off to meet with other, less testy people. I take the opportunity to push Sway farther down the hallway. Away from prying eyes, knowing Wrath has my back.

  Wrath steps behind me, forming a wall of privacy so I can have a private “chat” with Sway.

  Sway’s ability to read the room must be off, because his eyes widen when I place my forearm across his throat, driving him backwards. His back hits the wall with a thump. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” The words scrape from my throat, low and furious.

  He chokes and makes a futile attempt to remove my arm.

  “All the years I’ve known you, have I ever shown Tawny that kind of disrespect?” I press a little tighter and his eyes bulge.

  “Rock,” Wrath’s warning rumble signals me that it’s time to ease up.

  Sway staggers to the side, choking and gasping, then makes the mistake of trying to punch me in the gut. I’m quicker though. I grab his fist and twist his arm, laughing in his face. “What’s your next move, Sway?”

  I sense someone else come up behind us and I’m almost certain it’s Teller.

  “If you need to talk to Stella, do it,” I say in a low voice. “You want to say thank you to Z for helping out your girl, that’s fine. But you even fuckin’ look in the direction of my wife again tonight, we can take this out back and settle it for good.” I lean in closer. “And I don’t think you have it in you, old man.”

  “Fuck!” He finally pulls free from my hold, staggers backwards and rubs his arm. “The fuck is wrong with you, Rock?”

  “Probably the breaking of fifty years of biker code by hittin’ on his ol’ lady that’s got him riled up.” Wrath shrugs.

  “I didn’t hit on her.” Sway waves his hand in the direction the girls disappeared. “Aren’t pregnant gals all crazy, hormonal, and stuff? I was trying to make her feel good.”

  “Bull fucking shit. That’s a weak-ass excuse, Sway. I’m surprised at you,” Teller says.

  Sway raises an eyebrow. He was already an officer of the club when Teller patched in and Teller’s always shown him the respect an older member usually deserves. Until tonight. Sway seems to come to the realization that backing down is the only option here.

  As if nothing happened, Sway adjusts his cut and brushes off his sleeves. “Sorry,” he finally says.

  It almost sounds sincere.

  Hope

  When we emerge from the bathroom, Wrath’s waiting outside for me. I glance down the hall, searching for Rock and find him in a heated discussion with Sway.

  Wrath nods. “You can go over, Hope.”

  Gee, thanks.

  I approach slowly. Rock takes my hand when I reach his side.

  “We’re done with this,” he says to Sway.

  Sway doesn’t even look my way. “You didn’t mind, right, Hope? You’re a good girl. Know not to get involved in her man’s business.”

  I look from Rock to Sway. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Rock helping me out with Stella’s films,” Sway explains. Still not looking at me.

  “Uh, no.” What the heck am I supposed to say?

  “Since when do you involve ol’ ladies in club decisions, brother?” Rock’s tone sounds more like a warning than a question.

  Sway’s insincere smile sends a chill down my spine. “I’m not.” He pats Rock’s chest. “Just looking out for my brother. Making sure I didn’t cause problems on the home front.”

  Like you give a fuck. I almost blurt out.

  “My home front is fine,” Rock says. He glances down at me. “Get your book?

  “Oh, shoot. No, I forgot.”

  I spin around, happy to have a reason not to be in Sway’s presence any longer.

  As I approach the office, I smile, remembering the fun Rock and I had in there earlier.

  Z is apparently not as cautious as Rock. The door isn’t locked and after a quick knock, I open it without waiting for an answer never expecting the scene in front of me.

  Stella. Stark naked. Sitting on the edge of the desk. Legs spread. Z standing in front of her with his jaw on the floor.

  Guess he wasn’t expecting whatever’s going on either.

  What should I do? Leave? I can’t leave. They both saw me.

  “Uh, sorry.” I clear my throat and avert my eyes. “We’re about to leave and I uh, wanted to pick up my book.”

  While I’m frozen in place, Stella’s completely unfazed. She crosses her legs and slips what amounts to a satin nightie on. “Hi, again.”

  Somehow I pretend I didn’t just walk in and get an up close view of her girly bits. “
The show was amazing, Stella. Really beautiful. I can’t imagine the strength it takes to do all those moves”

  “Thank you,” Stella says. “I’ve been doing some form of ballet, or aerial art since I was little.”

  Z still hasn’t moved or said a word.

  Time to get out of here.

  Finally, Z seems to shake himself out of his trance. He reaches over and grabs my book from the shelf and pushes it into my hands. “I’m so sorry,” I whisper.

  He flashes a dimpled smile at me. “No worries. You and Rock headed home?”

  “Uh, if he doesn’t kill someone first.” I tip my head toward the hallway.

  “Shit, what’s wrong?”

  “The usual.” I’m not sure how much I should say in front of Stella. From what I understand she has a personal/business sort of relationship with Sway.

  He follows me out and Rock’s waiting for me on the other side. Stella stays behind. Guess she wasn’t finished with Z.

  Once we’re in the car, I yawn and close my eyes.

  “Take a nap now, baby doll.” His voice a sexy dose of masculinity. “You know I need to fuck you hard when we get home.”

  Excitement shivers down my spine. “Think we’ll make it home?” I ask without opening my eyes.

  “Fuckin’ fuckers,” he growls obviously still annoyed about earlier. “Loco really thinks he’s showing you respect, so I’m not as pissed about him. But Sway knows better.”

  “What was all that nonsense about causing problems in our home?”

  When he doesn’t answer right away, I open my eyes. “Rock?”

  “I told him I didn’t appreciate Stella asking me to be in one of her films and that he should’ve warned me.”

  “Jeez, I hope he’s not going to give her a hard time now.”

  He glances over with a smirk on his lips. “You more worried about her than me?”

  He’s teasing me, but I answer anyway. “Of course not. I get why you’re annoyed, but I expect nothing less from Sway. He seems like his brain never really progressed beyond sixteen.”

  Rock snorts. “That’s probably true.” He reaches over and grasps my thigh, shoving my dress up until he reaches bare skin. “Love my beautiful girl, but fuck does it piss me off having anyone look at you the way half the men in that room were.”