Over My Head

by Wendi Zwaduk

  Randy rested his forehead on her temple. “The stuff that happened—the car, the threats… I’m not about to let you pay for him being an asshole. And if it was Corey who beat the hell out of you the other night, then I’m bringing him down, too.”

  Hand on his arm, she turned and looked at him with moist eyes. She stayed quiet for the longest time, just stared at him. The love he’d hoped to see in her face dimmed with each passing moment. “Then who are you?” she whispered. “Who is this man I slept with, who knows the darkest parts of me?”

  If he had to screw up his life, then he might as well go all the way. “Sergeant Randall Tyson McCall. Eight-year member of the Carrington Falls PD, single child to Myrna and Tyson McCall. To serve and protect has always been my motto. Married once and divorced because she hated the long hours alone. I’m head over heels in love with you and determined to keep you safe.”

  “And you really care about me? You’re a hero.” Her bottom lip quivered. “I’m…I’m a wh—”

  Randy silenced her words with a kiss. No matter what she’d done in the past, she’d always be his. “You’re my girl.”

  Astra shook her head. “No. I can’t be your girl. He will kill us when he finds out what we did.” She had to make him understand. The danger was more than one man could deal with—cop or not.

  “Astra, love, I have the whole of the force behind me. They will take him down.”

  “How? When?” She put her hands in the air. “No, I don’t want to know. Just take me home.”

  “In a little bit. Sweets, you said you trusted me. This is when you need to show me.”

  Her heart ached. She loved Slade. Knowing he was someone else—a cop no less—made things so much more complicated. Who had she fallen in love with? Who had she made love to?

  “Slade might be a figment of my commanding officer’s imagination, but the guy in front of you”—he pointed to himself—“this guy is in love with you and willing to risk his life to keep you and the baby safe.”

  The baby… Despite Slade’s—no, Randy’s—embrace, Astra rubbed her chilled arms. She didn’t have much choice. If she left Randy, Tiny would know she’d ignored his directive. If she played along, would they make it out alive?

  “I know you don’t think you can love me. I understand that. I accept it.”

  His voice wavered just the slightest bit, but enough for her to notice. “Have you ever had to decide which you wanted more? Like you have two options and both are scary as hell, but you can’t not pick?” She placed her fingers on his lips. “Everything tells me to just disappear. Run off to the country and change my name to Gertrude or something. I never should’ve stuck around the Steel or had an affair with Tiny…but in an odd way I don’t totally understand, I’m glad.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Because as scary as things seem, I know way down in my gut you really will keep me safe.”

  Randy kissed her hand. “Thank you, babe.”

  “So what’s the plan? Guns blazing? We ride off into the sunset like Bonnie and Clyde?”

  “We go to work like normal. You put your faith in me and I’ll ensure we get out together.”

  “You’re one in a million.”

  “Nah, I’m yours.”

  Chapter Nine

  Astra stepped off the stage and towelled the sweat from her body. The heat from the lights seemed so much more intense, the attention from the crowd somehow louder. Her blood pounded in her ears. Slade—no—Randy had said to act naturally. How the hell was she supposed to act naturally when Tiny glared from his private table?

  She shook off the bad vibes and flicked her hair over her shoulder. Screw it. Randy wanted her trust, then she’d give it with no qualms. Anything had to be better than the ogling eyes of the less than attractive patrons.

  “Tiny wants you to make your rounds through the crowd once more.” Judy handed her a bottle of water. “And to stop at his table for a private dance.”

  Astra shuddered. Giving him pleasure was the last thing she wanted to do. She gritted her teeth and forced herself to think of something less disgusting. She glanced at the doors. Instead of Corey’s hulking form, Ross stood with his arms crossed. At least that part was going according to plan.

  “I don’t know how you could’ve dated him. Tiny’s…” Jude shuddered and shook her head. “Oh well. Not much longer and I’m gone.”

  Astra smiled, thankful Jude provided the high point in the conversation. “Are you going to take summer classes or are you almost done with your degree?”

  Judy blushed. “I’ve missed too many classes because I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I’m stuck for another semester.” A faraway look crossed her face. “One of these days…”

  Astra toyed with the cap of the bottle. “Jude?”

  The shorter dancer gasped. “You…you used my name. In here.”

  “We have to keep an eye out for each other.” She pulled Jude close. “Don’t let down your guard. Ever.”

  “Astra?”

  Randy. Astra grinned despite her twinge of displeasure. She should look at him as Slade, but her brain and heart wouldn’t cooperate with logic. He might be Slade to the rest of the club, but he’d always be the Randy she cared about…and yes, she cared about him. “What are you doing back here?” He wasn’t supposed to go beyond the curtain. “Are you already clocked out?”

  “Nah. Hiya Judy.” He nodded once. “I couldn’t wait any longer.”

  Wait? For what? Astra fought to keep her breathing level. “What are you waiting for?”

  “You.”

  A smile, one she hadn’t noticed before, crossed his lips. Every nerve ending zinged and the hairs on her neck stood on end. Randy fumbled in his pocket, his jacket rustling.

  “What…what are you—?”

  Randy held a box in his hand, just the right size for a…ring.

  “Oh wow,” Jude said with a sigh. “This is so romantic.”

  Randy dropped to one knee. “Astra, I want your sexy back, your sexy front, all of your sexy being all to myself. Marry me, babe.”

  Astra stared at the box. She’d waited for this moment for her entire life. Waited for someone to love her. Was this part of the act or his true feelings?

  Jude nudged Astra with her elbow. “You gotta say something.”

  “I—yes.” She’d never get out of there if she didn’t play along. “I will marry you.”

  “Married? Who the fuck is getting married?” Tiny stomped into the room and pounded his fist on the closest makeup table. “What the fuck?”

  Astra froze. The shit had officially hit the fan.

  “Judy, please tend to the customers while I have a chat with Sexyback and Slade,” Tiny said through clenched teeth.

  Jude scooted out of the dressing room.

  Tiny narrowed his eyes and his lips curled. “Well.” He yanked the sides of his jacket open, accentuating the Glock on his hip. “Now, what in the name of fuck is going down?”

  Call her stupid, call her foolish, Astra stepped in front of Randy. “He asked me to marry him. I haven’t decided if I will or not.”

  Tiny snorted. “Marry you?” He slipped the gun from the holster and waved it in her general direction. “I have heard some shit in my time. Slade, do not tell me you’re wasting your time on this…” Tiny’s gaze raked up and down her body, giving Astra the shivers. “I’d say woman, but she’s hardly that.”

  “Actually, she’s quite a woman.” Randy placed his hands on her shoulders, edging her to the side. “You seem to have no issue sending customers her way. I’m…taken with her.”

  “You’re a fucking moron.” Tiny paused, the muscle in his jaw working overtime. He crooked one brow. “Has she told you about her little secret?”

  Randy tipped his head. “Secret?”

  “I didn’t think so.” Tiny sat down on the nearest makeup table. “Let’s see. She might look sexy, but she’s on her third…or is it fourth owner? I lost count.”

  “Doesn’t bothe
r me.” Randy’s voice remained level. “I knew she wasn’t a saint.”

  “She just had an abortion. She can fuck but God help you if you want a family.” The self-serving grin on his face widened. “You’re gonna marry a bitch who can’t have kids, whose been used and shows her body off to any asshole who walks into this club? She’s mine and fuck off.”

  Astra fought to drag air into her lungs. Her skin stung all over. She knew this was part of the plan, but God… Her mettle evaporated.

  “Astra, what do you want from your life? Marry a dickhead because he’s got a ring?” Tiny snorted and rubbed his thick fingers under his nose. The gun shook slightly in his other hand. “He talks big, but it’s shit. Three months, tops, he’ll all the sudden lose interest and where will your ass be?”

  Astra glanced at Randy. She needed all the fortification she could get. Her lunch reversed its course. The more Tiny trembled, the more she wondered if he’d partaken of his personal drug stash. If he had, there was no guessing what he’d do.

  “Are you going to let the dick here rescue you just to have him drop you like hot lead or are you going to stay where you’re appreciated?” Tiny wriggled his fingers on the grip of the handgun. His index finger hovered over the trigger as he waved it towards the exit. “Now go on stage so you don’t get hurt.”

  Drugs or not, faith or not, she wasn’t about to play the game any longer. “No.” She shook her head. “I’m done.”

  “You’ll never walk out of here alive,” Tiny snarled.

  “No?” She grabbed a T-shirt from her table and yanked the garment over her head. Randy wanted her to be strong? Fine. She could be strong. Even if it got her ass killed. “I’m done. I’m not marrying you or anyone. I don’t want to be tied down, so the both of you can shove it.”

  Head hanging, Randy put the ring box back into his coat pocket.

  “Good girl.” Tiny slapped her ass, propelling her towards the stage. “Now get ready for your next turn. I don’t want to have to send in my heavy guns again.”

  “My next turn?” Her voice cracked and she clenched her fists. “You think you own me? You are nothing to me—guns or not. Corey is an asshole who hurts people. You’re no better.” She kicked off her high heels and plopped down on to the nearest chair. She pulled her jeans on as she spoke. “No more having my ass slapped so you make extra money. No more drugs and no more fucking whoever you want so you look like a God damned pimp. Fuck you.” She stood, shoved her feet back into the heels and tossed the wad of condoms at her former boss. “Find another girl to sell and worship you. A nice, naïve young one who will believe your shit because I’m done. I quit.”

  “Over my dead body.” Tiny lunged from his chair and aimed at her head. “You. Are. Mine.”

  “Astra. Go.” Randy withdrew his gun and aimed at Tiny. “Get out of here.”

  “You’re going to risk your life for a piece of ass?”

  Astra held her breath, awaiting Randy’s answer. If he felt any concern or worry, it didn’t show on his face. Hell, she couldn’t read his expression and not knowing scared her more than the gun. God, what have I done?

  Randy clenched his teeth. Show no fear. He fought to keep his breathing even, despite his guts twisting in triple knots. If he fucked up, he’d lose her as well as jeopardise the whole operation. What did he want? The desperation and total trust in her eyes made the decision for him.

  “Not at all.” Randy nodded to Astra. Screw the cover. Being Slade wasn’t going to help him now. All he had was his faith in Astra. “Go.” He turned his attention back to Tiny. “I’m willing to risk my life for a girl I care about.” He disengaged the safety on his handgun. “Now let her go or I blow your hand off.”

  “Bullshit.” Tiny aimed the gun at Randy. “The boys won’t let you shoot me.”

  “Bet me.” Randy fired. The shot exploded, knocking the weapon from Tiny’s hand. Red streaked across the room from the wound. Tiny slumped to the ground.

  “You shot my goddamned hand! Bastard.” With his left hand, he patted his chest. “Ross, Corey, where the fuck are you?” His voice broke and rose two octaves. “I’m bleeding you assholes!”

  Astra bolted from the room in a blur of blonde hair. Her footsteps thumped on the carpet. Randy crossed the space to Tiny’s crumpled form.

  “I figured a big ass like you would drop because of a little bullet.” Randy kicked the gun from Tiny’s reach. “Don’t bother to call them. You gave Corey the night off and Ross can’t touch me.”

  “You’re a dead man.”

  “I doubt it.” Gun in hand, Randy crouched beside Tiny. He pressed the barrel of the gun against Tiny’s temple. “The cops know and they are going to shut your drug op down. Mark my words.”

  “Where are you assholes? I’m shot,” Tiny growled.

  “Leave her the hell alone. You hear me?” Randy nudged Tiny with the barrel of the gun. “Astra and I ran off to Vegas and you’re happy for us.”

  “Fuck you,” Tiny spat. He reached for the gun once more. “Asshole.”

  “Have it your way.” Randy aimed at Tiny’s other hand and fired, leaving an explosion of blood and tissue on the carpet. “It’s a shitty carpet.”

  Randy stepped over Tiny’s bleeding body and made his way from the dressing room. He flipped his phone open and pressed the buttons to make the call. “Done and ready for you to go in.”

  Before the person on the other end could speak, he snapped the phone shut. Time to get the fuck away from the Silver Steel.

  Randy caught up with Astra midway across the lot and grabbed her hand. No time to fuck around, he yanked her to the car. Fuck, fuck, fuck. The whole thing had been too damn close to disaster for his taste. Forgetting all manners, he gave her a shove into the passenger seat and slammed the door. The faster they got out of there, the better.

  “Don’t have to be an asshole.” Astra smoothed her hair from her eyes and huffed a sigh of relief. “Are we really out of there?”

  Randy slammed the car into gear. Rocks spewed out from under the spinning tyres. Within minutes, they’d reached the outskirts of town. His heart rate wouldn’t slow until he got to the state line, but he cherished his minor victory.

  “Yeah, we are so out of there, but damn. I’m glad Malsam’s on our side. That was too fucking close.” He owed his fellow officer big time once the damn bust went down. “You’re safe, the baby’s safe. We’re good.”

  “I may lose my lunch before we get to Cleveland, but yeah, I’m okay and the baby’s safe.” She sat quiet for a pregnant moment, staring out the window. When she finally spoke, her voice was so low he had a hard time hearing her.

  “Did you mean what you said?” Astra rubbed the bare ring finger on her left hand. “I need to know.”

  “Does it mean I love you? Yes.” Randy wrapped the fingers of his left hand around the steering wheel and placed his right hand on her thigh. “I love you more than I thought possible…and yes, the ring was coming, just not so fast, but hey—live like we’re dying, right?”

  “You’re scary logical sometimes.”

  “Do you really want to marry me?” He glanced at her from the corner of his eye and pulled the ring box from his coat. “I mean, I did just about get us killed and I’ve got a track record of things not going according to plan. But you’ll never find another man who will love and cherish you like me. I’ll take care of you and love the baby. I’m over my head in love with you.” He flicked open the jewellery box lid and tugged the ring free. “Marry me, little girl.”

  “I don’t know.”

  Randy slid the ring down her finger and kissed the stone. “Diamonds look good on you…and I think the baby wants us together.”

  She snorted. “Maybe things are going to plan—just not your plan.” She took his hand in hers and ran her tongue over his knuckles. “Who else would put a stripper and a cop together and have the love affair actually last? Someone somewhere wants this to happen, you know?” She placed her other hand on her belly. “The
baby’s too small to kick, but I’m pretty sure you’re right. He or she’s good with this.”

  Randy grinned and threw his arm around her shoulders, drawing her tight against his side. “What’s that song…hey baby, let’s go to Vegas?”

  “Kiss this life adios? You bet.” Astra squeezed his thigh and rested her head on his shoulder. “I’m yours forever if you’ll have me.”

  “Forever’s as far as I’ll go.”

  Also available from Total-E-Bound Publishing:

  Someone Like You

  Wendi Zwaduk

  Excerpt

  Chapter One

  “The wet look. Ancient Greek sculpture features drapery and clothing that appears so body-hugging, scholars label it the wet look.” Professor Reinhold tapped his fingers on the podium top. “I hope you’re taking notes.”

  Mindy Dawson rolled her eyes and continued writing in her notebook. ‘Wet look’ her behind. The professor likes saying wet in front of two hundred horny college students is more like it, she wrote in the margin of her notes. She glanced to her right. Speaking of horny and college students…

  He was there. Golden brown hair, cropped tight to his head. A ring glittered from the upper swell of his ear. He looked down at his notebook, no doubt scrawling every last word Professor Reinhold spouted. She licked her dry lips and shifted. Her mystery man always sat five rows up from the lecturer, at least fifteen seats from her position. Had he ever noticed her?

  She should be jotting notes for the upcoming test as well, not drinking in every detail of Mystery Man’s profile. His lips parted and her breath hitched. The guy had kissable lips. At least from the side they looked kissable.

  “He’s probably out of my league,” she muttered and forced her attention to her notebook. “With a girlfriend and a happy little life.”

  A statue of some headless Greek graced the screen above the chalkboard. Muscled and half-naked. What did her mystery man look like under his clothes? What was his name? Being in a lecture hall with a hundred other students didn’t exactly lend itself to learning everyone’s names.