JD's Redemption

by Lauren Firminger

  Pulling my car into the back parking lot of the Phoenix, I got out and locked it behind me. As I walked to the back door, I let out a soft chuckle at the thought of bouncing her ass.

  “You gonna share that joke?” Jumping as the voice from behind scared the living fuck out of me, I turned and saw JD standing, leant up against his bike with a smirk on his face.

  “Asshole! You scared the shit out of me. No one is ever around at this time of the morning.” He held up his hands and walked over to me. Leaning down to press a kiss to my cheek, I took in the smell of his aftershave and felt myself relax. I didn’t want to admit how happy I was that he was here though. Resting my head against his chest and closing my eyes. “What are you doing here? Thought you would still be passed out at Thomas’.”

  “I came to see my Goddess and to make sure those assholes actually came to do what they are meant to be doing.” His arms wrapped around me and I melted against him. “More the seeing my Goddess part though.”

  “Well your Goddess is glad you came.” I lifted my head from his chest and my gaze met his as he looked down at me. Standing on my tip toes, I pressed my lips against his softly. “Really glad you came.” I kissed him again quickly and pulled away from him. Unlocking the door to the agency, I turned off the alarm and stepped back to let him in. Once he was passed, I shut and locked the door again and headed down the hall toward my office. Once you hit that then it was an equal distance to the bar where I spent the night or the agency where the girls spent their time hanging out before they met with the clients. In here though, no one was to disturb me unless it was life or death. We had security watching the girls or the bar when I wasn’t, or I had security cameras and monitored them from my office if I didn’t want to deal with people and would hide away from the world. I loved my job and what I did, or I wouldn’t still be the owner. I had offers coming at me left, right and center to buy me out but these were my girls.

  I sat my mug down on the desk after drinking the last of it and put my bag in my bottom draw. Taking my phone out before closing it up and locking the draw. JD made himself at home in the chair on the other side of my desk. Taking a seat, I leant over and switched on my computer. I was a creature of habit and would always check my emails while I waited for my deliveries to get here then I would make myself another coffee and get started on my list. With JD here though, I had the strong feeling though, nothing was getting done around here. Once my computer booted up, I opened my emails and the security program. Before I could put in my login details, my phone rang. Seeing Max, my delivery guys number, I picked it up and answered the call.

  “Hey Max. You out back?”

  “Yeah, Darlin’. I am. Wanna come let me in?”

  “Be right there.” JD stood up before I could and was gone back the way we came. Deciding to let him handle this one, while he was here he could make himself useful, I logged into my monitors and brought them up. JD was out with Max and just as they got the back open, two more bikes pulled up. I guessed those were the prospects that he’d enlisted to help. Leaving the guys to handle it, I picked my mug up and headed in search of more coffee. Maybe I could get Katy to hook me up to an IV full of it.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  JD

  After spending the morning with Ellie, making sure that the prospects actually showed up to help her out like I needed them too, I made sure she was okay before heading into the clubhouse. Corey knew where I was, and I was taking no missed calls or text messages to be a good sign, but I wasn’t one to assume. I would only relax once I had seen for myself that everything was how it was meant to be. Once I got in, I sat down with Corey to plan our trip into the mountains. Duke was going to hook up our bikes with everything tech related that we needed while Trigger would get our packs ready in case we needed the extra fire power. Sure, we rode with pieces strapped to our chests but you never knew what you were in for, so it was better to be safe than sorry. We mapped out the route and when we were finished planning, we called the boys in and let them in on the plan. Not all of us were going though. Raven was going to come in if needed but we were leaving the prospects here and a couple of the other guys but the more experienced of us would ride out before sunrise.

  “I thought you were going to let the prospects handle shit with Ellie this morning?” I looked up as Corey lent against the door.

  “I was. Just wanted to make sure they actually turned up.”

  “You and Ellie good?”

  “Yeah brother, we are. Just don’t like that her security won’t help her with all that stock is all.” He gave me a nod and ran his hand over his unshaven jaw.

  “You know you can always replace them. My cousin owns a security company in Carolina. I can put the call in and get him to do me a favor?” I shook my head.

  “Ellie wouldn’t budge.”

  “Come on, if anyone can get her to cave, it’s you. I saw the way you two were looking at each other last night.”

  “You been talking to Abby?”

  “No, why? She know something I don’t?”

  “She thinks she does. Just as you do. It’s all in your heads though.” He let out a snort.

  “Yeah… okay. So are you going back to the Phoenix later?” I shook my head no.

  “Not if we are riding out at the crack of dawn.” I looked up. “You doin’ okay? You look tired.”

  “It was just a long night when I finally got Abby home and in bed. She decided that she wanted food when we got back and tried to make something herself and because she was so drunk, she almost burnt herself. I think I will be having an early night myself.”

  “Is she going to be okay while you are gone? We’re not sure how long we are gonna be out there for.”

  “She is staying with Hailee and Raven for the night.”

  “Alright, well if you need anything, let me know.” He clapped me on the shoulder.

  “Thanks bud, I will.” He left the room to go and check on some last minute details and I stood up from the desk. I made my way out into the workshop where Duke and Ruby were working on our bikes.

  “How’s it going in here?” They looked up at me. Duke held his hand out to me, fist closed. Bumping my fist against his, I looked down at the bikes as he ran me through what they had been doing. When he had finished and got me up to speed on all the gadgets and how to use them, we set the time for him to come in the morning, so he could run the guys through all the software and how to use it. Once I was done with Duke, I went to make sure that Trigger had everything that we would need set up. When I was satisfied that everything was going as planned, I sent the text to the guys that were riding out with a time and meeting place. If they weren’t here, we would be going without them and Raven would deal with them after that. I went back into the office and pulled up Ellie’s number. I know I hadn’t been away from her long, but I just wanted to make sure everything was okay. Just as I was about to tap my thumb on her number, I decided to just leave her be. She had told me the night before that she needed time to think about what I was asking so the last thing I wanted to do was crowd her so she couldn’t do that. If she had any issues then she would call me so I just let it go for now. Instead, I pulled up Raven’s number and called him instead.

  “Speak.”

  “You do know there is a word most people use. Starts with h. Has a few variations that you can use.”

  “Always the smartass, JD.”

  “Of course. You would think I was sick if I wasn’t.”

  “Well that is true. What’s up? Everything okay?”

  “Yeah, all good. Got the run for tomorrow sorted, everyone has been texted times and meeting place. Are you able to come past after we leave though and deal with the idiots who didn’t take me seriously?”

  “Yeah no problem. Duke get everything hooked up?”

  “Yeah, he did. You’ll be able to track us all the way and when we get into the mountains. The signal won’t drop out when we hit the dead spot unless there is someone up there to block us. H
e is gonna be watching then and if we go off the radar, he is gonna call me on the satellite phone and get us out of there.”

  “Back up plan?”

  “We have the nomads on the other side. If Duke can’t get us at any point, he will alert them, and they’ll come in for us.”

  “Sounds like you have all your bases covered.”

  “I feel as though I am forgetting something though. I just can’t put my finger on what.”

  “You sit down with Corey?”

  “Yeah, we did that first thing this morning when I got in. We mapped out the route we were taking plus picked the alternate one in case we needed it, went through what we needed Duke to do, made the list of who was staying and who was going. They will all be in later to see Duke and learn the new software so they don’t fuck it up and cause panic. I checked on the bikes with him and Ruby, Trigger has all the packs sorted if we need more firepower. I was gonna take the van in, but I think if we were to find anything, it would stick out like a sore thumb but then if we don’t have it and we find something, we have to get one of the guys to bring it to us. I guess we can cross that bridge when we come to it or have one of the guys follow a couple of hours later. You have the rest of the guys sorted. Hailee and Abby are at yours, Katy is with Chaos.” I paused for a minute. I knew what I was leaving out, or to be more specific, who I was leaving out. I had every base covered with the exception of one. Ellie.

  “Raven?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Do we have anyone who can keep eyes on Ellie and her security in case something happens? Usually the boys and I will do a drive by but with us gone, we don’t have anyone on it.”

  “Don’t worry, Corey has your back on that one. He spoke to me earlier about getting in some reinforcements that no one knew. He said he spoke to you but that you knew Ellie wouldn’t go for it so we kept you blind so you didn’t have to lie and say you knew nothing about it.” I felt myself relax a little at his words.

  “Thanks, Boss.”

  “Got your back, don’t you worry.” I took a deep breath. I knew all of these boys did. “You still have time though so if you think of anything else, we can get it sorted out before you leave. From everything you have listed off to me though, you are all set. Just worry about getting plenty of rest tonight. I will come in and sort them out tonight.”

  “Won’t Hailee kill you?” He snorted.

  “Probably, but she will bring me back because she loves me.”

  “Patience of a saint, that woman.”

  “They all do. Well Katy has her moments but Hailee, Abby and Ellie all do. They put up with a lot of shit from us.”

  “This is true, they do!” We talked through the plan for a little bit longer before saying goodbye. I needed to fill Corey in on the updates so he and I could get out of here and sleep.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Ellie

  It took me until well after lunchtime, but I finally got the rooms turned over and ready for the night ahead. I was going to speak with Melissa tonight on why it wasn’t done last night before they left like it should have been. I had been training her as my second in charge but clearly, she wasn’t ready for the responsibility. Maybe Abby would be interested in some night work. I know she still wasn’t sleeping a lot so perhaps getting her out of the house and doing something might help. I loved the Phoenix but for my sanity’s sake, I needed a break sometimes or my relationship with this place would become unhealthy. If I wanted any chance of a healthy relationship, I also needed JD to stay away from this place. Not that I didn’t trust JD. If we were going to do this, then the past would be staying in the past, but I didn’t trust all of the girls who worked here not to try something. Hearing a knock on the door, I looked up from the bookings book.

  “Come in.” Sitting my pen down as Mischa came into the room, I opened the draw and pulled out her bookings for tonight. Sliding the envelope across the desk, I picked up my pen once more and went back to working on Celeste’s list. I fought not to roll my eyes as I heard her open it up and read through the list. I was surprised she could actually read the names on it by herself. Maybe she had been practicing in her spare time.

  “So, no club boys again tonight?”

  “Nope. You know better than that. They don’t book. They come in if they feel like it and I set them up with whoever is available.”

  “Except for JD. You hand pick his.”

  “Because he has a particular taste. Not that it matters though, Jason is busy tonight and won’t be in. Most of them are.”

  “You know this how?”

  “When I saw him this morning, he told me that he wouldn’t be in for a while.” My lips curled into a smirk as I looked up. I was a smug bitch right now, but she deserved it.

  “Well, I might just have to go to the clubhouse then.”

  “You can try but you will also be looking for another job while you are it. You are booked solid tonight and if you leave, I will have one of the other girls replace you. The client will then see you as unprofessional and you will be back to walk in’s if I decide to let you keep your job. Now you have two choices, Mischa. Use the door to get ready for work or use the door and not let it hit you on your way out because your fired. I don’t care either way just get out of my sight.” Deciding not to argue with me today, I heard the door open and slam closed a few seconds later. This time I did roll my eyes. Just a little bit longer. I just had to keep from killing her for a little bit longer. I took a drink from my coffee cup as I finished off the last of tonight’s bookings. Putting it in an envelope and writing Celeste’s name on it, I took the others from my draw and stood up. Taking them out, I put them in the girls’ lockers. Moving over to the whiteboard with the names of who was on, I put “booked” or “walk ins” next to the girls’ names. Hearing someone clear their throat behind me, I turned around to see JD standing there. He looked as tired as I felt. Crossing the room, I took his hand and went back to my office. Once we were in there, I shut the door as he moved to sit down.

  “You okay?” I sat down on my desk in front of him. He pulled his chair closer to the desk and laid his head on my lap.

  “I am, just tired.” I ran my hands through his hair and looked down at him. His arms wrapped around me and his hands rested on my back.

  “So you should be at home in bed.”

  “I was headed there but wanted to stop in and see you first. We are going away tomorrow and leave before sunrise. I was trying not to crowd you, but I don’t know how long we will be gone for. The boys know how to get hold of me if you need me.” I moved my hand down to rest on his neck and squeezed it softly, my fingers kneading his skin.

  “You just worry about the task at hand. If I need anything, I will call Cameron until you are home.” At my words, he pulled back to look at me.

  “Please make sure that you do. He is here and there a few guys staying behind so if you get into trouble, you will have backup here straight away.”

  “Thank you, I promise.” Letting my fingertips brush against his neck softly, I moved my hand to rest against his cheek. Running my thumb over his bottom lip, I took in his tired eyes. He was also starting to get frown lines on his forehead that I hadn’t noticed before. His head turned in my hand and pressed a kiss to my palm. “As much as I love seeing you, I can see you are about to fall asleep. Are you okay to get home on your bike? I can give you a lift if you need. We can put your bike away, but you will probably need that in the morning and I’ll kill you if you wake me up at that hour of the morning.” Before I could continue though, JD pressed his lips against mine.

  “I will be fine, Goddess. I am just down the road. You can follow me though if it would make you feel better. Maybe I could even convince you to come and take a nap with me. I know you have had as much sleep as I have.” I didn’t stop to think or I would overthink it. I would talk myself into it and back out of it and not really do what I wanted then spend my time wishing I had. No, I wanted this so my head and my heart were both about to
be on the same page. Pushing him backwards, his arms moved from around me and I slid off the desk. Making sure not to step on his feet, I moved around my desk and took my bag out and my phone. The girls had everything they needed. They knew what to do and I would be back before the clients got here. If not, security would let them in and Melissa could take it from there until I got in. Taking my keys out of my bag, I looked up at JD.

  “We going?” I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing at the look of surprise on his face. He was up and moving to the door though before I changed my mind. Locking my office, I turned around to leave and squealed. JD had picked me up and thrown me over his shoulder. “What are you doing?!” I couldn’t help but laugh as I spoke.

  “Moving things along!”

  “You are such an ogre! Put me down!”

  “Shh! We are almost there.” I let out a defeated sigh and slumped against his shoulder. When he set me down at my car, I smacked my hand against his chest.

  “Quit doing that!” His head fell back as he laughed.

  “Goddess, that is going to happen a lot. I have longer legs and can get places faster.” I smacked him again before unlocking my car and opening the door. JD moved over to get onto his bike and started it up. I followed him out of the parking lot. We got a few blocks away when I realized that we weren’t headed toward his house. We were going to mine. I couldn’t help but feel a little relieved at that. I knew who had been in my bed, but I didn’t know who’d been in his. Pulling into my driveway, he parked up near the garage while I parked beside him. Cutting the engine, I grabbed my bag and got out, and locked it up behind me. JD met me by my car and placed his hand on my neck as we walked to the door. I unlocked it and stepped aside to let him past me. Locking the door behind me, I walked into my kitchen and dropped my stuff. I took two bottles of water from the fridge and turned to see him standing there watching me as I moved around. His gaze met mine and I couldn’t help but smile. I had never done drugs of any kind before, but it felt like this man was a drug to me and damn it all to hell if I wasn’t about to relapse right now. There was no denying what he did to me and I would be crazy to let him go. Crossing the room, I pressed my lips to his, keeping him pressed against me as I walked us backwards toward my room. I pulled away just long enough to get out of my work clothes and into a pair of shorts and a tank top. He got out of his boots and jeans and was waiting for me in bed when I joined him. His arms encased me and I curled into him. Right here was where I belonged. I wouldn’t be leaving again.