by Erin Trejo
“What’s wrong?”
“Someone’s in the alley, Danny. I heard glass and—” Just as I’m about to say more, glass shatters from somewhere out front. I suck in a breath and pray they didn’t find me.
“I’m on the way. Two minutes, Liz.” I know the shop is just down the road. That’s why I got this apartment, I knew it would be close to him. I can hear him on the other end of the line cursing and moving around. The sound of a car engine and doors slamming resonates through the phone. I keep my eyes tightly closed taking breaths so that I don’t pass out. That’s all I need. Then I hear it. Danny’s screams from out front followed by the sounds of someone hitting the door. I leap to my feet, dropping my phone as I go. Running through the apartment, I unlock the door and pull it open to find Danny.
“Who was it? Was it them?”
“Who is them?” a slurred voice comes from behind Danny. Danny rolls his eyes and steps to the side to reveal Knox. A drunk Knox.
“What is this?” I ask, motioning between the two of them. Danny reaches up to wipe the blood away from his lip before reaching for Knox and dragging his half passed out body through the door. I step aside and take in what’s happening.
“This drunken idiot was breaking shit in the alley. He broke your window too,” Danny says, helping Knox onto the couch.
“What the hell is he doing in the alley?”
“He’s right here you know?” Knox growls. I ignore his drunk ass.
“I don’t know.”
“I’m drunk that’s what,” he chimes in again.
“Clearly. Why were you outside my apartment?” I question him. His face wrinkles up as he glances around the room.
“You live in this shit?” Now it’s my turn to roll my eyes.
“Take him home,” I tell Danny.
“I can’t. I have a client at the shop. I had to stop when you called.” Shit and double shit.
“I’m sorry. Shit, Danny. Just… leave his ass on the couch then.” Danny peers up at me giving me the ‘are you sure’ look. I fucked up his appointment, I can’t force him to take Knox home now.
“Yeah. Come back in the morning though,” I say pointing at Knox.
“I will. Love you, Liz.”
“Love you too,” I tell him as I watch him head out the front door. I move behind him and lock up before gazing at my window.
“Aww, you love him,” Knox slurs.
“Shut the hell up.” The weather is a little cooler now, winter is on its way. I don’t have anything to board the window up with so I grab an extra blanket from the hall closet and hang it up there instead. If any idiot tries to come in, I would hope Knox would hear it. When I turn back, he’s passed out on the couch. I decide to head back into my room, close the door and lock it behind me. Finding my phone, I set it back in its spot on the table and climb into bed. Fear is real for me. The things I’ve seen in the past, things I’ve had to endure. I can’t let my guard down even if I wanted to.
Closing my eyes, I finally fall asleep. That doesn’t stop the dreams from coming. I can see it all just like I did that night. I could hear the shots, see her fall. I could taste the metallic blood on my tongue and feel those arms wrap around me. I fought, trying to get free when I jolt awake. The sun is barely peeking through the curtains when I notice why I feel trapped.
“Get the hell off me!” I scream, shoving at Knox. He’s not even awake. He pulls me harder against his body and sighs into the back of my hair.
“It’s cold out there,” he mumbles.
“You can’t sleep here,” I tell him, trying to remain calm when all I want to know is how he got in here without me hearing him. I should have heard him.
“It’s warm. Just sleep,” he grumbles. I move to lift his arm once more but he doesn’t budge. With a huff, I adjust my position and close my eyes praying for at least another hour of sleep. Then I can deal with this. Deal with him.
Sleep must have taken over because I feel completely refreshed when I wake up. Knox isn’t in the bed anymore and I’m thankful for that. I throw my legs over the side and stand, stretching as I go. I drag myself out into the kitchen to find a note saying someone would be by to fix the window. No, I’m sorry for breaking it or scaring the shit out of you. No, thank you for letting me sleep off my drunken bullshit. Not that it surprises me at all. Just as I’m about to make some instant coffee, someone knocks. I walk over and peek through the small peephole to see Danny. Unlocking the door, I pull it open as he holds up a bag of donuts.
“Why are you even alive at this hour?” I ask.
“I run on very little sleep. You okay?” I step aside and let him in as I nod.
“I’m fine. I’m really sorry about that.”
“I want you to come stay with me.”
“Not a chance in hell,” I say as I grab my coffee mug.
“I mean it. My place has better protection.”
“Don’t knock my apartment,” I laugh.
“I’m not. I’m just worried is all.” I sit at the table next to him and grab his hand in my free one.
“I know and I’m sorry. I was freaked out a little and then Knox being in the alley…”
“Where is he anyway?”
“Left before I got up. He left a note saying he would have the window fixed,” I add. Danny chuckles.
“Yeah, I’m sure he will. What are you doing today? Want me to finish up your ink?” My eyes light up and so does my heart.
“Yes!”
“Okay,” he laughs. “Let’s eat and then we can head over. Have you decided about the club tonight?” I reach into the bag and pull out a donut, taking a huge bite.
“Do you want to go?” I ask him.
“If you want to. I think it’ll be fun. It’s the reopening and they’re having some competition dances too. You might like it,” he says.
“Okay. Might as well, I don’t have anything better to do.”
“Good. You have to dress up,” he says, raising an eyebrow.
“What are you trying to say? That I don’t know how to dress?”
“Nope. Just saying that your normal baggy clothes won’t cut it at that place.”
“Really?” I’ve never really been to a club that made you dress up. We all kind of hung out in what we were wearing and that’s it.
“Yeah. Intensity is all about its name. The people, the music, the clothes. You’re going to love it,” Danny tells me, grabbing a donut out and taking a bite. I guess I need to up my game tonight.
7
Knox
We’re in the middle of the dance floor, me and Leddy, when Next’s Too Close comes over the speakers. One of my all-time favorites. Leddy starts to march around the floor as my eyes follow her body, then she drops down, rolling her hips and popping back up. I smirk as she sways her hips and comes toward me. This isn’t our usual dance music but she is making a point tonight. Her hand wraps around my neck as she rolls her body against mine. I start to move, pulling her closer as the crowd screams. I nod my head once and she pulls away. I spin her around, grab her hips and grind against her. Shoving her forward, she bends and arches her back. This dance is sexual as fuck and that’s what I like about it. It’s not just a dance, it’s a mood. It’s a feeling, one that can’t be explained.
We keep moving when I see her. Liz. She’s standing by Danny, her eyes wide as she watches us. Gripping Leddy’s waist, I lift her. She wraps her legs around my waist as I buck my hips. She leans back, her hands planted on the floor before I shove her off me, watching her as she flips and comes down in a split before slowly wiggling her way back up. The crowd is going insane just like we knew they would. Two more dancers come into the middle just as I lick my lips and head toward Liz. I’m watching her like she’s my prey and for tonight? She is. Danny laughs when I grab her hand and pull her toward me. She shakes her head and tries to pull away but I don’t let her. Callan walks up behind her, grabbing her hips. She nearly jumps straight off the floor as we laugh.
“Cal
m down, it’s only a dance,” Callan says over the music. Liz glances over her shoulder at him before nodding slowly. Callan begins to move his hips, pressing against her. At first I’m not sure she’s going to move an inch, but when I grab her hands and throw them over my shoulders, she slowly starts to roll her body. I nod my head letting her know to keep going. Her body begins to rock to the beat as I really get into it. Callan steps back once he sees she’s starting to move with me. I run my hands down her sides, keeping her at pace with me. She’s soft under my palms and my cock responds. Her eyes burn into mine as we move around the floor. She loosens up, follows my lead and before I know it, we’re grinding like we’re about to fuck right here and now. When I see the need in her eyes, I know it’s time. I step back and spin around, grabbing some random girl and pulling her against me. I spin us enough to see Liz, the pink on her cheeks, the fire in her eyes. She’s pissed that I left her standing there the way I did. I think she’s going to run when she grabs Callan and jerks him into her arms. He laughs, throwing his head back and grabs her hips. Steele moves in behind her, and the three of them grind together when Whisper joins them. She shoves Callan out of her way and moves up close to Liz. I watch her for a reaction but I don’t get one. Instead, she pulls Whisper in close, whispering something in her ear. Then before anyone can think, their lips collide. Steele stops moving, his jaw dropping. I shove the girl that I was dancing with off me and turn to walk away when Callan stops me.
“The player is being played.” He laughs hysterically. I shrug him off and head toward the exit. Storming out, I’m pissed and don’t even know why. As soon as I make it outside, I see her rush past me and around the corner of the club. Out of curiosity or maybe I’m just being a fucking prick, I follow her around. Liz is bent over, her hands on her knees as sobs shake her body.
“Not really the reaction I thought you’d have.” Her head snaps up, her tear-filled eyes meeting mine.
“What did you think?” she asks, cocking her head to the side.
“Honestly? I thought you were about to fuck one of them on the dance floor,” I say with a shrug.
“You would think that.” With that she stands, wipes her eyes quickly and starts to walk past me. I don’t let her. Pressing my hand to her stomach, I shove her back a few steps. Our eyes connect and I see something dark in hers. Something she doesn’t want anyone to see.
“What should I think? I saw you kiss my brother’s girl after you nearly dry fucked them all.”
“Fuck you,” she sneers. She starts to move once more when I move faster. Slamming her against the wall, I lean into her space.
“You couldn’t fuck me if you tried,” I hiss, letting my fingers slowly run down her neck to her collarbone. She freezes when I slip my other hand between her thighs. She’s wearing a tiny leather skirt that left very little to my damn imagination. I slide my hand slowly up as her breathing picks up.
“I could say the same to you,” she says softly. So softly, I nearly missed it. But then I smirk, running my fingers over her soaked panties and groan.
“Then you’d be lying. You’re wet, Liz.”
“Not for you, I’m not.” I like her. She’s a challenge. One that I’m willing to take. I slowly lower myself in front of her, pulling her skirt up her thighs. I wait for her to stop me but she doesn’t. Slipping her panties to the side, I lean in and give her a long lick. Liz’s hands find my hair, tugging and pulling as I lick at her sweet pussy. She rolls her hips, trying to get me closer. I slide a finger inside of her and nip at her flesh.
“Fuck,” she hisses. I can feel her body tightening. She’s so close to coming but I won’t let her. Instead, I pull my finger free and stand quickly, pressing my wet lips to hers. My tongue dives into her mouth against her protest but she quickly calms and kisses me back. When she’s panting, damn near begging for more, I move. Her eyes are lust-filled and dazed as she stares at me. I smirk knowing I’m not going to give her what she wants. That’s when she surprises me. Her hand slides down her stomach, pulling her skirt up her hips. Her fingers dip inside of her as her lips part. She pulls them free and circles her clit. She’s panting, moaning and then she’s coming in a wave as she leans against the side of the building. My cock pulses in my jeans as I watch the fire in her eyes. What is with this girl?
Stepping closer, I grab her hand and jerk it free from between her legs and bring it to my mouth, sucking her fingers clean. I nearly growl at the taste of her on my tongue. This girl infuriates me for a reason I don’t even know, but I can’t stop myself from wanting to taste her, touch her.
“Good thing you can please yourself,” I say as I drop her hand.
“I know. I don’t need a man to make me feel alive.” She adjusts her skirt and walks away as I adjust myself and follow. Danny comes out and observes us, a lazy grin on his face.
“What’s going on?”
“Nothing. I’m heading out. You might want to keep an eye on that one,” I say, nodding toward Liz. She flips me off and walks back inside as Danny laughs.
“She’s a handful,” he says.
“I can see that.”
“She isn’t a toy, Knox. I get it, the way you are, but she isn’t the girl to play games with. She’s got a lot on her plate right now.” I cross my arms over my chest. I don’t like being told what to do.
“Like what?” Now I’m curious to know what she has going on.
“Not my business to say.” Just as the words leave his mouth, shots can be heard. Screams echo as people run from the building. This cannot be happening again. I rush past Danny and start shoving people out of my way to get back inside when I find Steele.
“What’s going on?”
“I don’t know. Someone fired shots,” he hollers over the noise. The music is off now, the building quieting down.
“Liz!” Danny calls out as we hear sirens.
“Anyone hit?” I ask, glancing around.
“No. Not that I’ve seen. Just scared.”
“Have you seen Liz?” Danny frantically asks Whisper.
“No. She may have gone outside though. Come on,” she says grabbing his hand and leading him through the door. It doesn’t take long before the cops come swarming in, Blake finding us immediately.
“What happened?”
“We don’t know. Someone fired shots. The club cleared out,” Steele informs him. He nods and rambles on about something when Danny comes running back in.
“She isn’t out there!” He’s frantic.
“Whisper, check the bathroom,” I tell her. She nods and takes off as the rest of us break up to search the club.
“She’s in here!” Whisper’s voice blasts through the open space. Danny takes off as I lean against the wall and wait.
“Well that was one hell of a reopening,” Callan chuckles, leaning in next to me. Blake’s off talking to Leddy as I assess the club.
“This doesn’t have anything to do with us this time,” I say out loud.
“Sure as hell hope not. That would mean someone is coming back from the dead,” Steele adds with a pissed tone.
“It’s not us,” I say once more. I shove off the wall and head toward Leddy when Danny comes out.
“You still have a doctor?” I hear him ask Steele.
“Yeah, why?”
“I need a favor,” Danny says. That catches my attention. I turn around and stalk back toward the bathroom wondering what the hell is going on now. When I step in, I see Whisper kneeling next to Liz. Liz’s eyes are vacant, like she isn’t even here.
“What the fuck is going on?”
“She’s not okay, Knox,” Whisper says just as Liz’s body begins to tremble. I move toward her, kneeling next to Whisper, waving my hand in front of Liz’s face. She doesn’t respond.
“Well that isn’t good.”
“Great observation, asshole! Get her off the floor!” Whisper snaps. Without overthinking it, I reach for her and lift her in my arms carrying her out of the bathroom.
“S
he’s just in shock,” I announce as I walk out. Danny is at my side in seconds.
“You don’t get it. This is bad.”
“What don’t we get?” Steele asks as Callan walks up.
“She’s running. Fuck! I shouldn’t be telling you this.”
“Spit it out, Danny. If you want our help, you better open your mouth,” Callan growls.
“Liz witnessed a murder. They knew she saw them. She’s been running for months now.”
“Whose murder?” I ask, glancing down at the trembling girl in my arms before peering back at her cousin.
“Her mom’s. The guy, he was a drug dealer that knew some of the cops.” Well that changes things.
“We aren’t getting involved,” Callan states as simple as that. Steele looks to me and then the girl in my arms before slowly lifting his gaze once more.
“What?”
“Your call,” he says causally.
“Why the hell is it my call?”
“No. We’re not risking Whisper, Shane or Bella for this girl. We don’t know shit about her!” Callan snaps. He’s been like this since he and Shane got Bella back. I can’t say that I blame him either.
“How do we know that’s who fired the shots?” I ask, looking between everyone. When no one answers, I nod. “Exactly. There’s nothing for us to get involved in. Let’s get the hell out of here before Blake starts asking a hundred questions that I don’t feel like answering.” With Liz in my arms, I walk out the front door and straight to my truck. I heft her shocked body into the back as Danny climbs in the front. This night has gotten a little strange.
8
Liz
He sits there with his feet kicked up on the table in front of him, a drink in his hand. He doesn’t glance over at me, just stares straight ahead. I’m worn out, my body aches as if I’ve been run over by a truck. My head pounds and my stomach turns as I think about what happened at the club.
