“They act like pros. This is not, by far, a normal relationship, Alexa. Two men and one woman. Again, not even average men but totally complicated, psycho, Alpha male men, who feel that dominance and control are the way to a woman’s heart.”
“Well to their pussy anyway. Which does make for great sex by the way.”
Juliet swatted at Alexa as Alexa laughed.
“Okay, so no sex yet, but come on, admit it. You are totally turned on by their psycho, Alpha male dominance and their fine, physically fit bodies, ain’t ya?”
Juliet turned to look toward Carl and Richie. They were mighty-fine-looking men. Richie was a hothead, and Carl seemed the one to always cool him down.
“I guess I am, but that still doesn’t mean I’m ready to date them or have sex with them or get involved in this fast-paced process. I’m scared, Alexa.”
“Why?”
Juliet was quiet a moment.
“I can’t talk about it, and that’s part of the problem. It hurts too much to even think about it.”
Alexa hugged her shoulders. Juliet looked up and saw that both Richie and Carl had seen her. They looked concerned.
“Let’s get this over with so I can go back home and rest before tonight.”
“It’s going to be a good one. Susanna said both nights the private tables are booked with guests. You’re going to have your hands full.”
“I know.”
Juliet turned back to look at Richie and Carl. If only she could leave the past where it belonged, then maybe she could take a chance with them. The problem was she couldn’t until she knew for certain that the man who’d destroyed her life wasn’t still out there. What if he was still looking for her? His obsession was extreme, and thoughts of his attempts to claim her wrecked any chances of a good night’s sleep. He was always there, in her mind, with a hold on her freedom and a power so strong she feared ever facing him again, even in her nightmares.
As Juliet set up the tents with the others, she thought about Pierce Mellbrook. A multimillionaire and then some by now, he was the epitome of selfishness, deceit, and criminal. A murderer, a sexist, and a rapist. He’d wanted her since he married Juliet’s aunt when Juliet was fifteen. She had gained sole custody of Juliet when Juliet’s mother died. She even made Juliet call her “mother.” Pierce always seemed to locate Juliet in the house. No matter where she was or what she was doing, he would find her, talk with her, and caress her hair. He paid special attention to her, and when she told her mother that it freaked her out, her mom smacked her across the face. She would never forget the feelings she had. The hatred toward her mother, toward Pierce and the things he attempted to do to her.
Juliet continued to help by carrying boxes over to the tents and storing them. She was unpacking one package when the images invaded her mind. She wished she had never started thinking about this. Tonight her dreams would turn to nightmares.
She felt his breath upon her shoulder. The hint of tobacco, the scent of his cologne so pungent. She feared his ability to intimidate her with his size and his power. The energy of his evil permeated all her defenses and weakened her until she became scared, compliant in his possession. His hands were big, too big, and demanding as he slid them up and down her arms and let his thumbs graze her breasts. She tried to pull away, but he wouldn’t have it. She felt so sick, disgusted, and filled with hatred for the man. But whom did she have to turn to? No one. She was alone in a world dominated by Pierce Mellbrook. There would be no fighting his claims, his need to control, own, conquer, and humiliate everything he touched. Robert Sinclair, his enforcer, did a lot of Pierce’s dirty work. Robert had a lust for blood, brutality, and murder. He was a sick bastard, and after witnessing his capabilities firsthand, Juliet feared him as much if not more than Pierce.
Pierce was the boss. He was a master at control and business, and when he wanted something, he got it, and she knew that he wanted her.
You are so beautiful, Juliana. So sweet and innocent. I want you to remain pure for me. Do not have sex with any of those silly pimple-nosed boys who have been sniffing around. If I find out one of them touched you, you’ll both be sorry.
She felt sick to her stomach, even now as she thought about him. That was a warning. It had been the first of near dozens until he had found out about Danny.
The tears stung her eyes.
I will kill any boy or man who stands in my way. Remember that, Juliana.
“Hey, are you all right?” Susanna asked, and Juliet looked up to see Susanna staring at her with a puzzled expression.
Juliet shook her head. “No, Susanna. I’m not okay. I need to go.”
* * * *
She headed into the parking lot, pulling out her cell phone she scanned down until she found Alexa’s number. Her hands were shaking. She felt the tears coming, the need to be alone and lock herself in the memories of her past.
“Juliet?”
She spun around, looked up, and saw Carl. She took a step back, and he reached for her. Closing her eyes, she tried to deny his touch, the feel of his masculine body, and the way it felt in his arms. She couldn’t give in to the sensations.
“Baby, talk to me. I’m worried ’bout you,” he whispered, pulling her against him and hugging her.
She took a deep breath. The smell of his cologne combined with fabric softener had her inhaling again. Her eyes stung, and her stomach ached. She clutched his shirt in her fists and tried to push away from him.
“Juliet, what is it, baby? What’s wrong? I want to know. I need to know why you’re pushing us away.”
“I can’t do this, Carl. I can’t get involved with either of you.”
“Don’t leave. Stay. No pressure, I promise, baby, no pressure.” He caressed her hair and her back. It calmed her and brought her some relief from shaking.
She felt his hand at the base of her lower back and over the top part of her ass where it curved out. She hugged him around the waist and clutched him best she could. He was so big, so strong and solid, she couldn’t even touch her fingers behind him.
“Hey, is everything all right over here?” Richie asked as he approached. She tightened her hold on Carl then slowly began to pull away. She tilted her head up toward him. He glanced down at her and smiled, his dimples nearly winking at her.
“Everything is fine.”
“Good. We’re almost done here. What do you say we go for a ride, grab some lunch, and hang out?” Richie asked, and Juliet started to pull away from Carl as she shook her head.
Carl placed his fingers under her chin and gripped it lightly. “Hey, I promised no pushing. We’ll take our time, baby.”
She wanted to say no. She didn’t want to take such a chance in being alone with them somewhere, but she found herself agreeing. Both men smiled.
“Let’s go then,” Richie stated, and they headed back toward the others.
Chapter 6
Juliet stood in front of the mirror to apply some final touches to her makeup. It was Friday night, and she was in charge of the reserved section along with a few of the waitstaff. She applied the red lipstick and the gloss that made it shine. She added some mascara to her long, thick eyelashes, bringing out the blue color in her eyes after she applied some eye shadow. Her hair was down, brushed to one side, and clasped. She didn’t have to wear her usual attire or the Dixie Chix T-shirt that Carl and Richie didn’t like her wearing. She smiled to herself. Like she would stop wearing that shirt. It was one of her favorites and she had it in three other colors.
She smirked then looked at herself one last time. Yesterday was a nice day. Carl had stuck to his word about taking things slow. Richie had stated that he never made such a promise, so he was a bit harder to keep at bay. Before the end of their afternoon, they both had her practically begging for their touch as they mastered the fine art of oral sex once again in the small Corvette.
She felt her cheeks blush. She liked them both. A lot.
“Now that is a smile I’d like to see more often,” Susanna state
d as she stood by the doorway watching Juliet.
Juliet stood up and fixed her black flare skirt with the scattered blue rhinestones on it. Her matching blue camisole with the black sheer blouse was tied low against her waist. Her skin was showing and so was the belly ring that Carl and Richie found to be very sexy.
“You look hot,” Susanna stated.
“Well, I’m working the VIP section, so who’s coming tonight?” she asked Susanna.
“Well, there’s some oil-drilling friends of BJ’s and Monte’s and then some other businessman from Austin or something. His secretary called, said he heard about our dance hall making the top-ten lists and decided he would like to see what we’re all about. She mentioned that this guy likes to invest in numerous businesses.”
“You’re not thinking about selling?”
“Hell no! This is it for me. I’m not even close to thirty yet. I’ve got time, and this is a dream come true for all of us. Now tell me, how did things go with Carl and Richie yesterday?”
“They went well. I told them that I need us to slow things down. They were reluctant to agree, but I convinced them…eventually.”
“That’s good, honey. You’ve got to be ready for this type of relationship.”
“I know.”
“Okay, everyone is meeting out front. Ready?”
“Sure I am.”
Juliet followed Susanna out of the staff lounge and into the main area by the bar. Outside, the large crowd awaited entry into Dixie Chix. The women all gathered around and smiled wide. They were all dressed for a fun and wild Friday night. Plus it was open mic night from eight until ten. There were some really talented people living in Delite.
The ladies placed their hands into the center and yelled together in one strong voice, “Dixie Chix.”
“All right, ladies, get to your stations and remember to be safe,” Susanna told them, and they headed to their stations.
As Juliet walked toward the private section, she caught sight of Richie, dressed in black dress pants, a dark blue cowboy shirt, and black cowboy boots. His eyes widened, and she smiled at him then winked. He gave her a wink back, and she felt her belly flutter. God, he was one sexy man.
* * * *
It was nearly ten, the open mic night was through, and the band, Cowboy Up, was playing some good, fast country music. All the special guests had arrived and were happy thus far as the waitresses tended to each of them. Juliet made her way over to the first section, where BJ and Monte were entertaining some friends. The men were tall and hard looking. They flirted with her like crazy, and she just blew them off. Susanna joined them a little while later, and Juliet excused herself.
* * * *
Robert Sinclair sat in the private booth along with three of his guards and two women they’d picked up upon entering the dance hall. The waitress who got their drinks was really cute, but what caught his eyes was much more appealing. The redhead with the great body and petite figure never glanced his way. At least not while he was looking. Finally, as she made her way across the dance floor from the bar, he had to do a double-take. His shock was enough to warrant his guards’ attention.
“Boss, are you okay? Are you having a heart attack?”
He shook his head. He watched as Juliana disappeared to the table around the corner from theirs.
He took a few unsteady breaths. Holy fuck, it’s Juliana.
He thought about the fact that she was alive, that he was the one to find her, and that she was fucking hot. With a body and looks like hers, his boss, Pierce Mellbrook, was going to lose his fucking mind. Now in his forties, Pierce would never let her go. He would keep her beside him at all times. She was his fantasy woman. He married her piece-of-shit mother, aunt or whatever, just to get to Juliana. He needed to remain calm. The moment Juliana saw him, she would panic. He had to find out why she was here. She didn’t look to be a waitress or barmaid. In fact, she looked to be in charge as the waitstaff approached her to ask questions. Just then their waitress approached.
“Another round, sir?” she asked.
“Yeah, honey, and can you tell me who the redhead is?”
The waitress smiled. “That’s Juliet.”
“Juliet, huh? And is she in charge or something, like a manager?”
“Something like that. Is everything okay?”
“I’d like to speak with her, if she’s in charge.”
“Okay.” The girl nodded then walked away.
He waited patiently. He needed to play this smoothly.
* * * *
“Hey, Juliet, the guy over in the VIP section is asking to speak with you.”
“Is something wrong?” Juliet asked.
“No. I think he just wants to meet you.”
Juliet started walking toward the table and noticed there were two women getting up to leave, and they didn’t look happy. The four men remained sitting. As she approached, two of the men got up and took position on either end of the booth. She turned to greet the tall man with the brown crew-cut hair then froze in place.
In an instant, she knew that all coloring left her face. She felt her body shake. This couldn’t be happening.
Robert Sinclair sat in a private booth at Dixie Chix. She was as good as dead.
“Calm down, Juliana. I’m not here to make a scene. Please join me,” he stated confidently.
“No. What do you want? Why are you here?” she asked him. He raised his eyebrows at her.
“Sit down. I’m willing to be nice, but you know you can push only so far, Juliana.”
She found herself sitting in the booth, and then the guard took position behind her so no one could see her and Robert talking. She was losing her cool. The surveillance cameras would catch this.
Carl was probably watching her right now. And Richie would be making his way toward her. Oh God, he’ll kill them. Pierce will kill them both.
“I’m shocked, sweetie, and not only because I accidently found you, but because you look fucking incredible.” He placed his hand on her knee, and she tried to pull it away, but he gripped it tighter.
“No, no, Juliana. You know what I’m capable of.”
“What do you want?” she asked him, her voice shaking.
He smiled as his hand moved a little farther up her thigh.
“I want you, Juliana. You’re my ticket to break free from Pierce. I’m tired of him.”
She shook her head.
“Please just leave me alone. I have a life here and friends. I won’t do what you say.”
“Oh, yes you will do what I say, or I’ll call Pierce immediately. I think that you and I can work something out.” He leaned closer to her neck. She felt his breath against her skin, and his tongue touched her there.
“Your little secret is mine, sweetie. Pierce is interested in this dance hall. It’s quite the success. He asked me to check it out, but seeing you makes it so worth my while. My God, Juliana, he is going to go wild when he finds out you’re alive and well.”
“No. Please, don’t tell him, Robert. Please. He’ll kill me.”
“He’ll kill anyone who stands in his way of having you.” He inhaled against her neck. “You’re all grown up.” He kissed her neck, and she shuddered in disgust, but she couldn’t fight him. She had to play his game right now. Once she was away from him, she’d run. She didn’t have a choice.
“What the fuck is going on over here?”
The sound of Richie’s voice penetrated her body, and she jerked away from Robert only for him to wrap his arm around her shoulders and squeeze her to him. She couldn’t look at Richie. If she did, he would see her fear, and she would also let Robert know that Richie meant something to her. Richie and Carl would be as good as dead.
“They’re having a private conversation, asshole,” the guard stated. At least that was what Juliet thought the three goons were. Suddenly, there were others gathering around. Robert smiled then pulled her crossed legs closer to his thigh.
“And who might you be?” Ro
bert asked, and Juliet refused to look up at him.
“I’m in charge of security here. Juliet is one of our employees, and she’s not supposed to be sitting, she’s supposed to be working,” he stated. She glanced up at him, and his black, angry eyes held hers. Did he somehow know that she was in trouble? Oh God, please don’t say you’re my boyfriend.
She widened her eyes at him, pleading for him to go away.
“Juliana, tell the man you’re fine and that we’re old friends, lovers,” Robert whispered then leaned against her neck and caressed her chin. The tears stung her eyes, but she swallowed hard.
“Please leave us alone. I’m fine, and I’m due for a fifteen-minute break, which I’m taking right now.”
Richie’s eyes widened, and she could see the daggers in them as Robert continued to touch her.
“Thank you for doing such a great job. Now be gone,” Robert stated, and Richie walked away.
She felt like vomiting.
“I hope that isn’t a boyfriend or lover, sweetie.” She shook her head.
“You’re not lying to me are you, Juliana?” He pressed his hands beneath her skirt and caressed her thighs. He was trying to part her legs, and she wouldn’t allow it.
“Open for me, or I’ll call Pierce right now.”
“No, please don’t do this to me. Not here. Please.”
The tear rolled down her cheek. She couldn’t stop it.
“Shhh, baby. Don’t get all teary eyed. I’m just reminding you about what happened to your last boyfriend,” he whispered against her neck.
“No. Oh God, no. Please, Robert. I’ll do whatever you want.”
“Oh, so that guy is your boyfriend?”
“No. He’s just a friend. I don’t date.”
“A knockout like you doesn’t date? I find that hard to believe.”
“No. It’s true. I wouldn’t date anyone. I can’t. I was worried that he’d find me,” she admitted. Her concern was over Richie and Carl. Robert was a murderer. He did all of Pierce’s dirty work.
The Sinful 7 of Delite, Texas 4: Double Infiltration (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 5
