by Amy Starling
I could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Everything was gonna be okay after all.
Chapter 17 - Ceci
“Well, you got a big ass, so that's good. Customers love the girls with extra padding.”
Marlene, head stripper at Club Diamond, shoved aside a red curtain. Lots of weird outfits and costumes hung on a rack: feather boas, skimpy bathing suits, the kind of lingerie one might find at a sex shop.
“This is the changing area. You're free to wear whatever you like out there, unless it's a themed day.” She gestured to a bikini that was little more than string. “Remember, the more you take off, the bigger your tips.”
It took me a long while to work up the guts to come here. Two days after I'd made the deal with Leo, I finally forced myself to bite the bullet.
Admittedly, part of me was waiting for Alec to think of a better plan. I'd hoped he would call me and tell me he'd found a solution, that I didn't need to shame myself in front of horny old men after all.
But he didn't. He hadn't contacted me once, and what was I to think about that?
Because even now, with all the crap I was going through, I wanted him by my side.
Especially now.
Too bad I pissed him off by stealing his car and agreeing to work at Lucas's strip club. And then I rocked the boat by saying sex wasn't enough for me, that I wanted to be loved too.
Could a beast like Alec ever learn to love?
“So, that's the grand tour.” Marlene paused by the coat rack and looked me over. “Gotta say, Lucas is putting me in a tight spot by hiring you on such short notice.”
“I owe him a favor. I won't be working here for very long,” I assured her.
She didn't appear to believe me. “That's good – no offense. I already got too many girls as it is. Most of them owe him 'favors' too.”
The older woman pretended to be nice, but obviously, my showing up here annoyed her. Whatever. I hadn't come here to make friends.
She checked the clock on the wall as she brushed past me. The sickly-sweet scent of her perfume and hairspray nearly made me gag.
“It's just past eight. Next show starts in thirty minutes, so be ready to go then. You need anything else, the other girls are hanging around here somewhere.”
Then, at last, she left me alone. I peered down the long, smoky hallway and wondered what sort of evidence would convince Leo of Lucas's plans.
At the end of the hall were the stairs, with a sign above that said “Office.” Ah, perfect. Lucas wasn't here right now, so what better time to do some snooping?
Lucky for me, he wasn't smart enough to keep his office locked. Inside, it looked like nothing special: just a desk, couple of filing cabinets, and some ugly, outdated paintings hanging on a wall marked with a series of small holes.
Bullet holes, maybe?
Yikes. I'd better not linger here for long.
“Now if I were planning an assassination, how would I go about it?”
Alec would know – unfortunately. Somehow, I doubted he kept any proof of his kills or left any clues behind for the cops to find. He was just too clever for that.
Was I insane for kind of respecting him for his intelligence, misguided as it was?
Lucas's laptop sat open on his desk, as if inviting me to peek. It was all I had to go on, so I sank into his chair and tapped a key. The screen lit up right away.
On it was some kind of planner, it looked like. There was a list of dates, names, places, and things to do in a neat row. Under today's date, it said “Delivery, T, 7.”
Didn't sound important. The rest of his stuff was written in shorthand just like that. Unless he explicitly wrote “Kill Leo” somewhere, this wasn't going to help.
His internet was open too. Lo and behold, the moron had left his email up. There had to be some juicy tidbits in here.
One message in particular drew my eye. The subject: Fired. The sender?
“Oh, no. Dad, just how far into this have you gotten?”
Dad was emailing Lucas, and who knew for how long. This one was dated about a month ago. I didn't want to read it, yet I opened it regardless.
“They found me messing around in the unauthorized area and were forced to let me go. After this last batch, I won't be able to get you samples anymore. I suggest you find someone else to manipulate.”
“Christ,” I whispered. “What were you doing?”
Footsteps on the stairs made my blood run cold. Oh, crap! Someone was coming, and short of hiding under the desk or leaping out the window, I was screwed.
I hurried to turn off the computer. The screen went black just as Lucas stepped into the room. He was on the phone and didn't seem to notice me right away.
“Yeah, it went well. I dunno, man. Without that guy on the inside, it's gonna be hard to –”
His cold eyes met mine. I longed to flee, but his bulky frame blocked the whole doorway.
“Just a minute. I got a little rat that needs taken care of.”
He hung up and glared. I turned over a dozen excuses quickly in my mind, trying to find one that just might sound believable enough.
“Ceci Trenton. Funny seeing you here, in my office.”
“Uh, yeah, sorry about that. I thought I really ought to speak with you before starting my first day. Paperwork to fill out and all that.”
“Paperwork. Right.” He snorted. “So, you're gonna be dancing to pay off your debt to Mr. Ciarello, is that right?”
“Yeah, it is.”
“Mm. With a debt that big, I expect you'll be working here for a long time.” He shuffled closer, looking me up and down. Then his gaze settled on my chest. “Y'know, I might be able to knock a few years off your sentence – if you agree to a private dance for me.”
I thought I was going to puke. The idea of dancing naked for this asshole turned my stomach, no matter what he offered in return.
“N-no, that's all right.”
Clearly, he was disappointed. He frowned and folded his arms in front of his chest.
“If you were a smart girl, you'd do what's best for your family, Ceci. Your father's gotten you into some deep shit. Even if Leo does decide to pardon you, imagine if he pissed off the wrong person again. Who knows what would happen to you then?”
Lucas didn't have a gun on him that I saw, but he didn't need one. His bulk alone would be enough to force me to do whatever he liked.
“I don't think Alec would be very happy about that. He's already upset I'm even doing this.”
It was an attempt to scare him – Alec could easily take him out without even trying – but he just laughed.
“The hell's going on with you two, anyway?” His eyes narrowed. “Never mind, don't tell me. It's obvious you're fucking him.”
“Excuse me?!”
“Ain't no other reason he'd be acting so whipped lately. I've known Alec since he was a boy, and that kid's always had his head on straight. He was the slickest, coldest killer the family could ask for. Soon as you entered the picture, he turned into a pussy. I figure it's 'cause you've got him under your spell.”
I was beyond baffled. What was Lucas's game? If I didn't know better, it sounded like he was trying to fish information out of me. But what, and why would he be asking that, of all things?
“It's none of your business.”
“It became my business when he started going soft. If it's your fault, that ain't something this family is willing to tolerate.”
Behind him, a woman cleared her throat. She was young, blonde, and her teeny bra left little to the imagination.
“Excuse me, sir, but it's almost showtime.”
“Good. Go make sure the customers are smashed as can be. They tip more when they're wasted, you know.”
She nodded and scurried away like a frightened mouse. Lucas turned back to me.
“You heard the lady. Get your ass down there and dance.” He licked his lips. “And do a good job. I'll be watching.”
My skin crawled as I hurried past him.
Ugh, I didn't care if there was evidence here to be found. I didn't think I could stand being in this place, dancing while he looked on, for another day.
But at least I'd escaped his office alive. I said a silent prayer of thanks as I slipped backstage with the four other women who were already there.
“Help, Lola!” A redhead tugged at her tresses. “My stupid bracelet is caught in my hair, and we're about go on.”
“You're such a klutz. C'mon, don't embarrass me in front of the new girl.”
All the women turned to gawk at me. They were halfway to naked while I stood there in my street clothes, looking completely out of place.
“What are you doing? Take that crap off and put on a cute costume. Hurry up, or you won't get any tips.”
The only halfway respectable garment I found was a short lingerie nightshirt that just barely covered my butt. Oh God, was I seriously about to go out there and do this? But I'd blow my cover if I refused.
Loud, sultry music began to play from the speakers. The men in the audience hooted and cheered. Horrified, I hid behind Lola and Marlene as the curtain raised.
Marlene didn't provide me cover for long. She strutted out front in her red high heels and blew the horny drunk men a kiss. They responded by throwing wads of bills on the stage.
Huh. Well, that was easy. Too bad I couldn't get over myself and act like her. I just might make enough in tips to pay off the debt.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have ourselves a newcomer on stage tonight,” said a man over the loudspeaker. “Give it up for our latest beauty, Ceci!”
All eyes were on me. The guys shouted at me to take it all off, to shake my ass in their faces, and a dozen other horrible things that made me flush with shame. The best I could do was stand in place and sway my hips to the beat.
The other girls had already removed their tops. Holy crap, I had never seen another woman nude before – and they all had such big boobs, too.
“C'mon, let's see what you got under that bra!”
“Show us those tits, honey.”
Movement upstairs caught my attention. There was Lucas, watching me from the balcony with obvious suspicion. If I didn't get going, I'd be screwed.
Reluctantly, I fingered the strap of my bra. I was seconds away from sliding it down my shoulder when the club door burst open, hitting the wall so hard the glass shook in the frame.
“Stop, Ceci! Don't you dare.”
Even in the dark and through the clouds of lingering smoke, I knew who it was. His figure cut a path toward the stage as he shoved guests out of the way. Finally, he stopped at the edge and gazed up at me.
“Alec? What are you doing here?”
He reached for me. Despite the booing and complaining of the men, I jumped off the stage and into his arms. He squeezed me tight, so tight I could hardly breathe.
“I thought I told you not to do this.”
“I had no choice.”
“There's always a choice. If another man looks at you naked, I'll knock his teeth out.”
Maybe I'd completely lost my mind, but I kind of respected him for that. This man would fight for me. He'd kill for me.
“That's... actually kind of sweet,” I whispered.
The show went on with the other girls. Alec set me down and we went to the corner to talk privately.
“Look, you don't have to do this anymore. There's a way out of this.”
“But the evidence.”
“Forget that.” He took a deep, unsteady breath. “Everything will be fine if you and I get married.”
My heart felt as if it'd stopped. I gaped at him, thinking he must be joking, but he didn't even crack a smile.
“What? Married?”
“Care to explain what you're doing ruining my show, Alec?”
Lucas had come downstairs. His face was almost purple, and he clenched his meaty hands into fists.
Alec was unfazed. He put his arm around me firmly as if afraid he'd lose me again.
“I'm not allowing Ceci to humiliate herself for your amusement.”
“Hmm, is that so? I do believe she's her own woman.” He sneered. “Besides, how is she ever gonna pay off that debt if she doesn't dance her pretty tits off?”
Alec growled and shoved Lucas into the wall despite him being the larger man.
“Don't you ever talk about her that way.”
Lucas grumbled and shook Alec off. “Whatever, kid. You can bet your ass I'll be reporting this to your daddy.”
“How about I report to him all the crap you've been up to? I imagine he'd be very interested to hear it.”
Lucas froze. “Maybe we should talk about this in my office.”
We trudged back upstairs. I stayed behind Alec, grateful that he shielded me from the other man's spiteful glare.
What did he think he was doing, anyway? I sure hoped he had a plan, because provoking a guy like him did not seem like the best of ideas.
In the office, Lucas shut the door. He sat at his desk and kicked up his feet.
“You wanna talk, then talk.”
“Why don't you start by telling Ceci the truth?” He nodded to me. “Tell her what happened to her father is your fault.”
Lucas didn't react. I stared at him, then Alec, waiting desperately for some kind of answer.
“Dunno what you're talking about.”
“The drug you had him stealing from his work. He got fired because of you.”
My mind reeled. Stealing drugs? Dad said he'd been let go for poor conduct or something, but wouldn't explain more. If that were true...
What Alec said got a rise out of him. He bolted out of his chair, face sweating.
“Where did you hear that?” He scowled. “Nothing's my fault. The idiot came to Sam's place for a hefty loan. When he borrowed a few times and couldn't pay it back, I made him a simple deal: get me that drug and we'd call it even.”
“Except that's not what happened at all. He's still being forced to pay back the money. Why is that, I wonder? Could it be you didn't want my father, or anyone in the family, to know about that drug deal?”
Lucas shifted uncomfortably. I didn't know how he managed it, but Alec had him on the ropes.
“You took advantage of her dad to get that drug for Tommy Giseppi.”
“I – No, I would never betray –”
“Stop the lies! Did you seriously think you could screw over the Ciarellos and we'd be none the wiser? We didn't get this far ahead by letting idiots like you get away with shit like this.”
Lucas's eyes darted back and forth. He was cornered, but Alec kept ribbing him.
“And that's not all. While we're standing here, might as well tell you I'm in on your game.”
Lucas sank back into his chair, a sullen look of defeat on his face.
“You wanted to be the next family boss. Leo told you that maybe you'd have a shot instead of me – but you fucked up by trying to have him killed, didn't you?”
Time seemed to slow as Lucas reached beneath his desk. Alec reacted, grabbing me and moving just before he whipped a pistol out and pointed it at his head.
“You little bastard,” he howled, firing shots. “You ruin everything. You always have. Selfish, entitled prick!”
“Hold onto me. Put your head down,” Alec yelled over the noise.
He raised his arm and flung himself through the window, bringing glass shattering down on us like crystalline snow. I buried my face in his chest and figured this was it. I was about to die.
There were more gunshots above, but the only thing I really heard was the tinkling of glass and the whipping of the wind as we fell down, down so far it felt like a million-foot drop.
“Oof!”
We landed on something firm and yet soft. A horrible odor, like rancid death, filled my nose. I gagged and opened my eyes to find out that trash bags in a dumpster had broken our fall.
“I didn't die,” I muttered, amazed. “Oh God.”
Alec snatched my hand and heaved me out of
the dumpster. Overhead, Lucas was still shooting and screaming like a man who'd lost his mind.
“Hurry up! We gotta get to the car.”
“But I'm not wearing any clothes!”
I expected him to make a dirty joke about the nightie I had on, but he just gave it a cursory glance and pulled me after him.
“No time for that. I just pulled the pin, and this grenade is about to explode.”
We sprinted across the parking lot towards his Firebird. The high heels I wore slowed me down, so I kicked them off and ran barefoot. Sharp rocks and other pointy things pierced my feet, but I barely noticed the pain.
Alec opened his door, threw me across into the passenger's seat, got in, and zoomed off. We had to make it a few blocks before we could breathe again.
“Is he following us?” I peered out the back window. “I don't see him.”
“He wouldn't. He's too much of a sissy. If he dares come after me, he knows I'll take him out.”
I snuggled up against Alec as he drove across town to who knew where. He sighed as if exhausted and put his hand on my bare thigh.
“You're bleeding,” I murmured, noting the cuts on his arm.
“I've gotten used to it by now.”
He was oddly calm given we'd just been shot at by a madman mobster and fallen from a second-story window into a garbage heap.
“I smell like rotten sewage.” I gagged and hurried to open the window. “I've worked with dead people who don't stink this bad.”
“You can always take a shower with me.”
“Do you really think now is the time to be joking about stuff like that?”
He eyed me and gave me a half a smile. “Who said I was joking?”
I was about to yell at him for being ridiculous, but then it hit me: he was right.
After what just happened, after we'd very nearly died, all I wanted to do was prove to myself that yeah, I was still alive.
That, and the thought of being apart from him another minute made me want to go crazy.
“Let's go back to my place,” he offered.
I held his hand. My head found his shoulder. That was where I belonged. I knew that now without a doubt.
“All right. Let's go.”
