The Fight Club - Boxed Set

by Becca Jameson

  Jacobson exhaled slowly and righted himself to run a hand through his hair. “You’re right.” He turned and left the room. Or stomped rather.

  Rider looked at Zane. “He’s okay. Don’t worry about Jacobson. He’s just stressed. He won’t fuck this up.”

  “Hell,” Zane said, “I don’t even know how he could. It’s not as though we know where Lauren’s being held in order to bust in and fuck anything up.”

  “True. But I’m betting Jacobson’s men know a lot of spots to start looking. He needs to call them back and hang tight just in case. If they happened to hit the right hideout before Dmitry’s ready, she could be killed.” Rider put his hands on his head and leaned back. “Jesus.” He tipped his head toward the ceiling.

  Emily leaned into his side. Her face was swollen from crying. Her heart was too soft for this sort of thing. “Dmitry will get her out. We have to trust that.”

  Zane sure hoped she was right.

  Rider tapped into his phone. “I’ll let Dmitry know we’re giving him some time.”

  Jacobson came back into the room thirty minutes later looking calmer. He held a giant paper bag up and then set it on the table. “I thought you might be hungry.”

  “Thanks, man,” Rider said. “You okay?”

  “Yep. Sorry about earlier. I’m running on very little sleep, and I’m pissed that this slippery bastard has the better of us even from behind bars.”

  “Totally understandable.” Rider stood and pulled breakfast biscuits out of the bag. He passed them around the table.

  Zane stared down at the one in front of him, wondering how the hell he was going to swallow a single bite. He had barely managed to stomach the coffee in his plastic cup so far.

  Abby must have thought the same thing because she didn’t even glace at her sandwich. She sat huddled in the chair with her feet on the seat and her knees pulled up to her chest. Her arms were wrapped around her legs. “Why does Anton have his sights on me? I’m not the one who left him.”

  Jacobson pulled out a chair and sat. “Initially, when he had his men run you off the road, I suspect he was pissed at your interference, and he intended to either eliminate you or teach you a lesson.”

  “But why kidnap me and then not either kill me or worse?”

  Zane flinched. He knew exactly what the “or worse” entailed. “That’s on me. I’m sure Yenin saw an opportunity when he realized you were connected to me and reached for the dollar signs.”

  “Fighting?” she asked.

  Zane nodded. “He’s been hounding me to fight for him for months. I’ve turned him down every time. He knew if he raised the stakes, I would have no choice. He tried and failed to blackmail Conner into fighting for him a few months ago also. I’m surprised he was willing to take such a risk again so soon. But all he saw was money. And then he put me up against a man he also knew was a comrade in the sport. I’m sure the bets placed around that room were enormous.”

  “Yeah, I heard some of them.” She gave Zane a slight grin. “I never knew I was dating such a celebrity.”

  Zane leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Hardly. But underground fighting is definitely where the money is.”

  “So, you think his men will come after me again?”

  “Doubtful. Unlikely that Yenin cares much about you personally,” Jacobson said. “He saw an opportunity, and he took it. He doesn’t even know how it might have panned out in the end. I’m not surprised about him coming after Lauren from behind bars, but the vendetta he had against her is personal. She dissed him. He doesn’t take no for an answer. Lauren’s life will never be hers again. She will need to be relocated and given a new identity.”

  Zane set a hand on Abby’s shoulder when she flinched. “Once someone is involved with the Russian mob, they don’t escape, baby. That’s just how it is.”

  “I’m giving Dmitry one more hour to contact us, and then I’m going to mobilize my men.” Jacobson said all this while staring at Zane.

  Zane nodded. He hoped to hell Dmitry had Lauren safe and sound somewhere before the hour was up. He also wondered if he’d ever see either one of them again. Dmitry was a good guy. Zane knew that. But he wasn’t so squeaky clean and wonderful that he would put his life on the line for a random woman. If Dmitry intended to rescue Lauren, were his motives altruistic? Or did he intend to have Lauren for himself?

  Zane was sharp enough to realize that. He almost smiled at the notion of rock-hard, serious Dmitry Volikov falling for a woman.

  Zane sat in his chair again and opened the sandwich. He nodded at Abby. “Eat, baby. Could be a while.”

  But it wasn’t as long as expected. Half an hour later, Rider’s phone vibrated on the table top. He stared at it for a split second and then snatched it up.

  “‘She’s safe. I’m going to ground with her,’” Rider read.

  “What?” Zane asked when Rider finished reading. “Is he crazy?”

  Rider smiled. “Nope. He’s perfectly sane.”

  Zane hesitated. “You think—”

  Rider chuckled. “Come on, man. You know Dmitry. Have you ever seen him with a woman?”

  “Not more than once.”

  “Ever seen him stick his neck out for one?” Rider asked.

  Zane smiled now too. “Not once.”

  “What the hell are you guys talking about?” Abby asked. “What does Dmitry mean by ‘going to ground’? Is he gonna bring her here?”

  “No.” Jacobson shook his head. “He’s taking her safety into his own hands.” He exhaled slowly. “As much as I hate to admit it, he’s probably doing the right thing. The department is stretched thin. Keeping her safe is a huge undertaking. If Dmitry can do it, let him.” He turned to Rider. “Think you can get him to put Lauren on the phone so we’ll know she’s okay?”

  “I’ll give it a shot.” Rider started typing.

  Zane stared at Rider’s phone, hoping Dmitry would understand what they were really asking—for proof that Lauren was okay so Jacobson would call off his men. They didn’t want to outright insult Dmitry, but the phone call would give the cops something to breathe easier about.

  The phone buzzed again. Rider read, “‘Of course. And then I’m ditching this phone. I’ll contact you or Zane in a few weeks when things calm down.’”

  Rider waited another minute, and the phone rang.

  He handed it to Abby and let her answer. “Lauren? Thank God. Are you okay? No one hurt you?” Abby looked at Zane. “Yes, Zane knows him. I think you’re in good hands. But please be careful and stay alive. That’s what matters. If something doesn’t feel right, you can always get to a police station and get help… Okay, sweetie. Be safe. Talk to you later.” She ended the call and handed Zane the phone. “I think she sounds appropriately scared out of her mind and safer.”

  “That’s what matters,” Jacobson said. “Now, if you all don’t mind, I could use a short nap.” He stood and faced Rider. “I’ll be in touch if I hear anything you should know.” He turned to Abby next. “Stay with Zane or Rider. Don’t go back home yet. It’s just a precaution, but I wouldn’t take any chances.”

  Abby nodded and reached for Zane’s hand to squeeze it. “Thank you,” she directed at Jacobson.

  Epilogue

  Two months later…

  “Baby, are you ready?”

  Abby spun around to check the back of her hair in the mirror, ignoring Zane’s voice traveling from the living room. She set the hand mirror down finally and met her gaze over the vanity. You look fine.

  When she stepped into the living room, Zane was standing by the front door jiggling his keys. He lifted his face to meet her, a smile spreading across his lips as his gaze roamed up her body and back down. He gave a low whistle.

  Abby flushed. She loved that he found her so attractive, but she still felt embarrassed when he so plainly admired her body.

  “Sexiest dress ever, baby.” His voice was low and rough. “Aren’t those things supposed to be ugly and ill fitting?”

/>   She giggled. “Usually. But Sabrina has good taste.” She turned around. “Is the back okay?”

  He ambled toward her as she tipped her head over her shoulder to look back at him. “I’ll have to beat men off you all evening.” He wrapped his arms around her from behind and pulled her into his front, his mouth landing on her neck to gently nibble her skin. His hand trailed down the bare skin of her back. “Lord, this is sexy.”

  “It’s not too low?”

  His hand dipped inside the opening above her butt and stroked her cheeks. “For what?” he whispered.

  She shivered at his touch and leaned her head against his chest. “Stop that,” she muttered. “We’ll never get there on time if you keep that up.”

  “What? This?” He reached farther and danced his fingers down her crack. “Hmm.”

  Abby groaned and reached over her head to grab his head as he nudged her hair aside and nibbled her neck. “Zane…”

  Suddenly his hand was gone and he gripped her hips, his breathing erratic against her bare skin. “We have to go. But I can’t wait to dance with you.”

  She spun in his embrace to face him, tipping her head back to see his eyes. The look of lust that met her made her pussy clench. Her nipples already stood at attention. She closed her eyes, fighting to recover enough to exit the house. “You’ve turned me into a nymph.”

  He chuckled as his hands wandered around to her back once more and spread across her bare skin. “And this is a bad thing?” His lips landed on hers, briefly. “I don’t want to mess up your lip gloss, but if we don’t leave this instant, I’m going to mess up far more than that.”

  Her eyes popped open. “I’m not standing at the front of the church with just-fucked hair.” She pressed on his chest. “Let’s go.”

  He released her, but his shoulders slumped.

  Abby grabbed her purse and stepped toward the door on wobbly legs that wanted to collapse. The thong she wore was drenched. And her chest had expanded until her nipples rubbed against the satin of the front of the dress provocatively. It would be a miracle if no one noticed the tips. The dress didn’t permit a bra.

  Zane opened the door for her and took her arm to help her to the truck. When they reached the passenger side, he lifted her into the seat and shut the door.

  Abby squirmed. She squirmed nearly every time she was with Zane, and that was a lot lately. She’d all but moved in with him.

  Her mind wandered to other things as Zane drove. “Do you think she’s okay?”

  “Who?” Zane twisted around to look at her, his brow furrowed, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.

  “Lauren. It’s been weeks. Dmitry said he would be in touch.”

  “He will. When it’s safe. Yenin has only been arraigned so far. It will take months for him to go to trial. And now that his father is on the scene, I don’t see the local Russian mafia falling apart any time soon. Lauren is safer with Dmitry wherever they are.”

  “I guess so.” She lifted her gaze farther. “Where did Yenin’s father come from?”

  “New York. He’s a big member of the mob on that side of the country. He gave his son free reign to take on this territory. Now that Anton has presumably fucked things up, Grigory has decided to step in and run the Vegas contingency himself.”

  “That can’t be good.”

  “Not really. We’ll have to wait and see.” He set a hand on her thigh and squeezed.

  Every time he did that she fell under his spell. He knew exactly what he was doing. Distracting her.

  She set her head against the seat and took a deep breath. “This still feels a bit awkward.”

  “What?”

  “Me being a bridesmaid in Sabrina’s wedding. I just met her two months ago.”

  He glanced at her smiling. “That may be true, but it’s perfect. Every member of The Fight Club and their significant other is in the wedding party. Besides, you and Sabrina are like peas in a pod. I can tell she will be a lifetime friend. You’re closer to her already than any of the other women.”

  Abby smiled. “True.”

  “What were the chances that two of us would meet a woman secretly working on the next great American novel?” He winked at her.

  “I do love her, and she’s a godsend when it comes to helping me understand the publishing world. Without her, I never would have had the balls to finish my book. Besides, she’s also volunteered to whip it into shape for me before I submit it anywhere.”

  Zane’s hand traveled up her thigh, pushing the silky black material of her dress higher.

  Abby set her hand on his to halt his progress before she lost her mind.

  When Zane wanted to distract her, he was an expert. “Let me touch you, baby. You’re uptight.”

  She was uptight all right. Every time she thought about Lauren, she stiffened. She’d only known her a month, but it worried her that her friend had now been off hiding with some Russian guy for twice that long. What if she was being held against her will? She squeezed his hand tighter. “Being in this truck is no safer for me than the living room. You’ll mess me up and I’ll look like I’ve been rolling around in the hay at the front of the church.”

  He chuckled. “I promise no hay. And I promise not to mess up a hair on your head. Now, remove your hand, baby.”

  She glared at him, but the tone of his voice had slipped into Dom mode.

  His face was on the road, but his hand gripped her thigh harder. “In fact, take off your panties.” He released her.

  Abby wasn’t sure about this plan. It could only lead to messy hair and skewed makeup.

  Zane stopped at a light and turned to face her. “Now, baby. Take them off and spread your legs.”

  More wetness flooded her pussy as she squirmed against the seat, her hands fisted in uncertainty. In the car? How was he going to drive and touch her at the same time?

  “Unless, you want me to spank your sweet ass over my lap inside this truck in the church parking lot, I suggest you do as I’ve asked twice now.”

  Abby flinched. She bit her lower lip as she lifted her butt off the leather seat and wiggled her thong over her hips and down her legs.

  “I’ll take that.” He reached out his hand.

  She set the scrap of lace on his palm and watched as he pocketed her thong. When his hand came out of his suit pocket, he held something else. He’d traded her panties for what?

  She couldn’t see, but she didn’t have to wait long.

  In a second, he flipped his hand over and revealed the contents.

  She gulped. She was already hot and bothered from his play on the way out of the house. His dominance in the car was making it seem warmer than it was. And now this. “What is it?” She knew it was some sort of vibrator. And she was smart enough to realize it was going inside her, but if she could buy a bit of time with small talk, perhaps they would run out of minutes. No way could she endure something like that right now.

  “It’s an egg. Put it in you. Don’t hesitate.”

  So much for stalling… Abby reached with shaky fingers and picked up the oval from his hand. How bad could it be? She flipped it around, looking at it.

  “Enough examination. Press it in your pussy as deep as possible.”

  With a deep breath, she spread her legs and reached between them to do as he asked.

  Oh. It was more filling than she expected. Her pussy gripped at it as she slipped it deeper. After a second, she had control of herself. As long as she didn’t move…shit. It started to vibrate. Abby twisted her face to find Zane smirking, not glancing her way. He lifted up a small black box, which she realized was a remote control.

  “No.”

  He gave her a sharp glance. “What was that?”

  “Zane. I can’t.” She lifted her ass off the seat as the vibrations grew stronger. A moan already slipped out. “You can’t…” She panted as it got even stronger.

  “I can. And you will. Sit down, baby. Hands at your sides.”

  She let her ass
fall back against the leather, but that made the egg press in deeper.

  “Look at me, baby.” His voice was hoarse. She affected him.

  She turned her face toward him, her hands in tight fists, her teeth gritted together.

  He couldn’t watch her because he was driving, but she didn’t dare take her eyes off him.

  The vibrations increased and decreased seemingly at will. She wasn’t sure if it was a setting or if Zane was continually pressing buttons on the remote. Finally, he pulled into the parking lot and chose a spot at the end of a row of cars, not directly under a street light. He shut off the engine and turned toward her.

  It seemed she could hear the egg throbbing inside her. Was it loud? Or just in her mind? “We need to go inside,” she whispered, trying not to move too much or breathe.

  “We will.” He didn’t touch her, but the vibrations shot higher again. “After you come. Eyes on me, baby.”

  Oh God. It was unimaginable that he wanted her to come in the front seat of his truck in a church parking lot…and without touching her. It was also inevitable. She was so close.

  She panted through the waves of intense pleasure driving her higher by the second. “Zane…”

  “Baby, you’re so gorgeous when you come.” He reached for a lock of her hair and lightly bounced it on his finger, casual as can be. “Come for me.”

  She inhaled deeply and held that breath, all her energy focused on her pussy and how close she was. She kept her gaze locked on Zane’s face, but she no longer really saw anything.

  “Come, baby. Let it go.”

  That was it. She tipped over the precipice, gripping the console with one hand and the arm rest on the door with the other, gasping as her pussy gripped the egg and pulsed around it over and over. The vibrations gradually decreased as she came down.

  “So beautiful,” he muttered. He leaned over the console, pushed her dress up above her waist and reached inside her with two fingers to ease the egg out of her pussy.

  The contact made her groan with renewed need.

  Zane chuckled. “You’re wet, baby.” He lifted the egg to his mouth and popped it inside.