Roman's Choice (Saddles & Second Chances Book 1)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  “So, what do you think of our hasty marriage?” She needed to ask—wanted to hear someone’s true opinion. If she loved Roman, and she was certain she did, then she needed to know his brothers’ view.

  Penn lifted his shoulder and let it drop. “Doesn’t matter what I think. As long as you two are happy. Roman certainly seems as content as a pig eating slop.” He pulled off his hat and hooked it on his knees and pushed his fingers through his hair. “I think it’s obvious you didn’t marry him for his money. You have your own.”

  “Did his ex-wife marry him for money?”

  “Well, it ain’t a secret that we inherited a large amount of money and the business when Pops died. I’d never seen a woman so hot on a man’s trail that she would’ve been willing to claw anyone in her way.”

  Pippa had gotten an up close and personal testimonial to how far Uma would go to earn a dime. Throwing a glance Roman’s direction, he had his head bent back. She loved the sound of his laughter. Loved how his eyes lit up. She was so intertwined with this man that she wasn’t sure what her life was like before him. He’d shown her so many things in such a short amount of time. She’d been entangled in her work, helping others, but not really ever helping herself.

  And love?

  Before Roman, she would have thought love was meant for the couples who sat before her, spilling their emotions and feelings, attempting to recharge a failing marriage—never certain that she would find love herself.

  “Damn leg is itching again. Sorry, ma’am.”

  She turned just as he lifted the leg of his jeans, showing off the prosthetic limb. She blinked.

  “Ro didn’t tell you, huh?”

  “No…but…” What could she say.

  “Lost it in a motorcycle accident, lost some other things too, but it’s been three years.”

  “Is that why you retired from the circuit?”

  He nodded. “I’ve gotten used to it, the new leg, except for the constant itching. Doc said a number of people who’ve lost a limb feel the same phenomenon, itching from the limb they’ve lost. Nothing worse than having an itch you can’t scratch.”

  “I had a client who lost an arm in a car accident. He complained of odd sensations of his missing fingers swelling and aching.”

  “How long ago was his injury?”

  “Ten years ago.”

  “Damn. I guess I know what I have to look forward to.” He dropped his pant leg and stretched his leg out again. “I gotta say, I’m glad you’re here. About time we had a woman around here.”

  She smiled. “Thank you. That really means a lot to me.”

  “Pippa!”

  Pippa heard the voice a second before tiny arms wrapped around her shoulders. “Brie! I was wondering where you were.”

  The little girl pulled back. “I was taking a nap.” She huffed and rolled her eyes like a saucy woman in training. “I’m so tired of being treated like a baby.”

  “Hey, short fry.” Penn tousled her hair. “If you took a nap, why are you still angry?”

  “I’m not angry.” Brie narrowed her eyes on him. “Pippa, will you do my hair?” Her eyes lit up.

  “Sure I will.”

  Brie clapped her hands in excitement. “I’ll go get my brush and rubber band.”

  “She’s exactly why we need some womenfolk around here. She’s going to grow up thinking it’s okay to spit and curse like a sailor.”

  “Hey, are you saying my spitting in public and cursing is not ladylike?” Seeing his widened expression, she couldn’t hold her laughter. “Just kidding, but don’t get me drunk.” She winked.

  He chuckled, then his expression sobered. “Have you ever done any investigative work?”

  “Does research count?”

  “As far as I’m concerned it counts. I have a client who has hired SCS to catch her husband with his pants down. She says he visits the gentleman’s club three times a week and that’s where he’s fu—” he stopped, as if he realized who he was talking to. “having secret affairs with the dancers. I’ve been to that damn club twice now and I can’t snap the photos because he has a VIP pass.”

  “What’s a VIP pass?”

  “They get exclusive rights, if you know what I mean, in the private room.”

  “It must be an upscale club.”

  He nodded. “Only the wealthy.”

  “So what are you needing?” She shifted in her chair and faced him, excitement cascading down her spine.

  “Maybe you should speak to Ro first. He might not want you helping.”

  “I’m sure Ro will be okay. Tell me the details.”

  *****

  “Are you sure you want to do this?” Roman looked across the seat at Pippa who was applying lipstick in the reflection of the console mirror.

  “What kind of wife would I be if I didn’t accompany you to a strip club at least once?” She gave him a side-glance and a grin, then went back to puckering her lips and smacking them together to set her lipstick. He watched her adjust the slinky crop top that showed off the tops of her firm breasts.

  She dropped back into the seat and he skimmed his gaze down the length of her legs in the Daisy Dukes. He was sweating already and they hadn’t even entered the club yet. “This is work. I haven’t been to a gentleman’s club since I was in my twenties. And I’m still pissed at Penn for asking you to do this.” He squeezed the steering wheel until his knuckles ached. The last thing Roman wanted was for his wife to be waitressing at a club where men salivated over every female that walked by.

  “If this is too much for you, then you should stay outside and let me and Penn handle it alone.”

  He looked at her. She was serious. “If you think I’m sending you in there without me close enough to protect you, then that tight shirt is cutting off the circulation.”

  Chuckling, she threaded her fingers through her hair. He’d noticed that she’d taken an extra amount of time with her hair, curling it until it flowed in coils down her back. He’d wanted to see those waves spread out over the pillow since she’d walked out of the bedroom earlier.

  “Relax, sweetheart. I can take care of myself. I waitressed all through undergraduate school.”

  He didn’t like that she seemed completely at ease, as if this was going to be a walk in the park. “That’s different. Trust me.”

  “And trust me, waitresses always get flirted with, and sometimes felt up.”

  Anger sliced through him like a hot iron. “And trust me, one bastard who touches you will land in the hospital.”

  “It’s not as if I will like it.”

  And that’s supposed to make me feel better how?”

  “I’m doing this to help SCS out. That’s what families do, right? I’m your wife.”

  She looked at him with pride in her eyes and he practically melted in the leather seat. Every time she referred to herself as his ‘wife’ or ‘family’ his chest burst with pride. “Yes, true. What if someone recognizes you though? I can see the headlines now, “Sales drop and Pippa takes her talent to the strip club.”

  Biting her lower lip, she gave her head a quick shake. “Believe it or not, the tips are great.” She winked. “Anyway, no one will recognize me. I have layers of make up on and my hair hasn’t been this puffy since…well, never. I think I did a great job in disguising myself.”

  “Look, as much as it pangs me to say this, thank you for helping with this case. And if you need me, I’ll be close at all times. Penn is meeting us there and he’ll also be nearby.”

  She leaned over and touched his arm. “I love how you look out for me. You’re very sweet.”

  “Don’t give me too much credit, sweetheart. I’ve been meaning to ask if you’d keep the heels on tonight.” He wagged his brows.

  Playfully pinching his arm, she sat back on her side. “Only if you tip me well.”

  “That can be arranged.”

  “I’ll even leave on this bra. It promises to enlarge the bust by three sizes and it works. How have I misse
d this all of my post-pubescent life?” She pulled out the deep scoop neck shirt and glanced down at her cleavage.

  His cock about busted a seam. Damn, if he got through tonight without slamming any of the patrons head in a table or breaking the teeth of his zipper, he’d deserve an award.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  “FIRST DAY ON the job, honey. I always recommend a shot before you work the crowd.”

  The woman had introduced herself as Diamond. She had platinum blonde hair and tip-worthy double Ds.

  “So why are you waitressing and not up there?” Pippa nodded toward the stripper pole.

  “Pfft.” She waved a hand. “I’m too old for that. Anyway, I make more money working the crowd. These babies are worth more up close than afar.” She lifted one bikini-top covered breast and winked. “Beware, Robert will probably have you talked into dancing before the night’s over—and demanding that you lose the top. It covers too much. He’s a charmer when he thinks he can earn a dime. An asshat any other time.”

  “I told him when he hired me that I was just looking to waitress. Anyway, I’m lacking in the goods, so to speak. I doubt he will be pushing for me to undress.”

  “With an ass like yours, no one will care that you have small tits. They’re perky. And just a hint, because I like you, you’ll earn more tips if you lose the bra at least. The outline of hard nipples makes a man crazy. They’ll pay big for a sneak peek.” She laughed. “Hell, I earned enough for a Hawaii vacation just from flashing the girls.”

  Pippa wasn’t brave enough to go braless, but as she scanned the other waitresses gathering around the bar, she was the only one who lacked guts.

  “First day jitters. I’ll keep it on.”

  Any questions before your shift starts, doll?”

  “No.” Pippa scanned the dark space filled wall to wall with tables and ample seating, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and not much else. People definitely weren’t there for the ambiance. Upbeat rap music played from speakers located at each corner of the room and guests were starting to arrive. Several well-dressed men with slicked back hair were greeted by Robert and led down the hall, probably to the back room Pippa had heard so much about. Finally, Roman and Penn stepped in. Pippa felt an instant drop in blood pressure. Knowing her husband was close always made her feel better.

  Subtly, he brought his gaze to her and they passed a silent word of assurance.

  “Holy cannonballs. I hope those two cowboys sit at my table.” One of the waitresses said as she snapped her gum loudly. She had on purple eye shadow and matching eye liner that made her eyes pop.

  “Big tippers, you think?” another said.

  “Big all around.” Those words caused an eruption of laughter from the group.

  Pippa turned and bit her tongue. I’m here to help. I’m here to help.

  “I’m one lucky woman tonight, ladies. They’ve sat at the best table in the house.”

  Pippa slid her gaze down the pockmarked bar to see who was speaking. A tall brunette with a model’s body fanned her face and swirled her spanky-covered hips seductively.

  As long as the hips stayed off Roman, Pippa wouldn’t complain or use her fists.

  “Looks like we have a new girl aboard. I’m Candy.” One of the women leaned in, her naked breasts pressed against Pippa’s arm.

  “I’m Jessica,” A thin, very young looking girl said.

  The very tall, gorgeous brunette with the purple-lined eyes and perfect breasts sashayed toward Pippa. “One rule, sweetie. Stay in your territory and we won’t have a problem.”

  “Relax, Tiff. Put the fangs away,” Diamond said. “We’re all here to do our job and earn a dime.”

  “Come on, ladies. What are you waiting for? Prince Charming?” Robert barked and waved them away from the bar. “And you, show me you can work that ass like all of the other girls.” He smacked Pippa on her bottom.

  It took all of Pippa’s strength not to slap him. She gave Roman a quick glance and thankfully, for Robert’s sake, her husband was busy looking at his phone.

  “Good luck, sweetie. Need anything, just give me a holler.” Diamond glided toward the crowd.

  Nervously, Pippa nibbled at her bottom lip and strolled closer to the wall where she could scan the entire crowd. Tiff was already servicing Roman and Penn with a wide smile and a tilt of her slender hip. Roman was looking at the door, but Penn was giving her his best Jericho smile.

  “Wake up. You have a patron,” Robert said from behind her.

  “Okay.” She jerked into motion, making her way to the table where a stocky red- haired man was settling into the chair while wiping sweat from his brow. As she approached he sent his beady gaze down her body and licked his bottom lip. Oh, this is going to be just wonderful. “What can I get for you, sir?” A bib to wipe up the drool perhaps? She plastered a smile on her lips, but didn’t quite give the same slant to her hips as Tiff did to impress. Pippa refused the desire to look over her shoulder to see what Roman was doing.

  “What’s on the menu, honey?” The balding man slurred. He must have already tapped into the bottle, or two.

  “A full bar. Are you in the mood for something out of the tap or you want the bartender to whip you up a cocktail?”

  “How about you surprise me.” He winked.

  Pippa gulped. Couldn’t he make his own mind up, she moaned under her breath. “Sure thing.” At the bar, she saddled up between two of the waitresses who were waiting for their orders and placed hers for a bottle of International beer.

  “I just got my nipples pierced today and they hurt like a son-of-a-bitch. Priscilla, what’d you do when you got your pierced?” The woman looked down the bar, beyond Pippa, to the other woman.

  “Suffered.” Priscilla laughed.

  “I’ve heard you can put hemorrhoid cream on them. Takes down the inflammation.”

  The pierced nipple lady looked at Pippa with a narrowed expression. “You have yours pierced?”

  “No, but I had a client—” Realizing what she’d just said, she started to explain, but the other woman smiled.

  “We learn so much from our clients. I’ll try that.”

  Wrong kind of client, but Pippa wasn’t going to correct her. Once she had her beer on the tray, she carried it to patron. He saw what she’d brought and his eyes widened. “A beer? Seriously? I’m more of a red hot man, if you know what I’m saying.”

  “Speak up or shut up.” Damn, it wouldn’t be right to piss off her first customer. “I mean, you seem rough and tough, the beer type. Something that puts hair on your chest.”

  A smile slowly covered his expression. “Yeah, I see your point. I like things rough. How about you?”

  Oh Lord. Did everything evolve around sex with this guy? Just her luck. “I like ‘em easy. Patrons who watch the show and let me fill their belly with alcohol.”

  He nodded. Thankfully, the music changed to something slower and strobe lights came on—flashes of blue, red and green. The spotlight shown on the center of the dance floor and the first dancer pranced her way to the pole.

  She had a feeling this was going to be a long night.

  *****

  Roman glanced at his watch and moaned. They’d only been at the club for an hour and he was ready to say “fuck it” and get his wife and go home. He’d watched her the entire time and, so far, he didn’t feel the need to break any man’s arm. The red-headed guy kept his narrowed gaze glued to her bottom, but as long as he didn’t touch…

  He just hoped the target came soon and they could get this over with.

  “Brighten up, Ro. It’s not every day a wife not only lets a man hit the strip club, but she’s along for the ride.” Penn took a long swig from his bottle.

  Roman had the urge to wring his brother’s neck. “I’m still pissed at you.”

  Penn shrugged. “Man, I didn’t see the big deal. We’re here. She’ll be safe.”

  “I’d like to say when you have a wife that I’ll ask her to help out on an undercover case,
but we all know you’ll never have one.”

  “What’s your problem?”

  “How the hell am I supposed to concentrate when Pippa is half dressed and every man in the place can’t keep his eyes to himself,” he growled, downing half his beer in one swig.

  “I get it, bro, I do. I shouldn’t have asked. But Rosita is out of town and I needed someone who can get to the private room and get the shots we need. I didn’t think about the stuff that comes with it, like the lack of clothing and the stares.”

  Roman swiped a hand down his face. “What time does Monroe usually get here?”

  “Can’t be long now.” Penn waved the waitress over who had earlier introduced herself as Tiff.

  “Can I get another round for you, cowboys?” She bent over and her large breasts were within inches of Roman’s face. Penn didn’t pass up the chance to ogle, but Roman ground his teeth and looked across the shadowed space to where Pippa was standing at the bar. He’d lost interest in anyone but her. She looked amazing with her ass lifted high as she reached for the drinks the bartender laid out for her. By far, she was the most beautiful woman in the room, at least to him. How had he gotten so lucky?

  “I do,” Penn answered. “How about you?” He looked at Roman.

  “Sure.” He better get a little more alcohol in him to loosen his muscles up. He continued to stare at his wife, not listening to chatter between Tiff and Penn.

  “She’s asking you a question, bro.” Penn elbowed him.

  Reluctantly, Roman brought his attention to Tiff. “What’s that?”

  She chuckled and saddled up close to him, blocking his view of Pippa. She rolled her tongue along her moist bottom lip and clicked her tongue. “You like the new girl, huh?”

  He shrugged. “She definitely has my attention.” Damn, he had to be careful.

  “Want a lime with that beer?”

  “No.”

  “I think she’s hot too. You interested in a little girl-on-girl action, handsome?” Tiff brushed her fingers down his shoulder.

  He shifted and her hand fell away. “Not in the slightest.”