My Surprise Secret Baby (Romance Box Set)

by Lexi Wilson

  “Is that right?”

  I turned, Kisha standing at the door, her arms crossed.

  “Mind your own business,” I snapped.

  “That’s an interesting way to describe the business that’s been putting a roof over you and your family’s head for years, Amber.”

  “I said ‘mind your own fucking business’.”

  She scoffed, shaking her head as she turned and left.

  “You alright?” I said to Maddie, turning my attention back to her.

  “I’m…I’m fine.”

  “You know the right answer,” I said. “You’re in school, you’ve got a nice boyfriend, and you’re still young. Get out while you can.”

  She pursed her lips and dropped into the nearest chair.

  “I’m getting some fresh air,” I said. “If anyone’s looking for me I’ll be on the balcony.”

  “O…OK,” said Maddie.

  With that, I grabbed my jacket and left the dressing room. The dancers had a personal drink stash in a fridge nearby, and didn’t waste any time popping open a bottle of bubbly and pouring myself a glass before going upstairs.

  It wasn’t exactly a cause for celebration, but I needed something to clear my head.

  “The balcony” was another part of the Diamonds that everyone knew about. It was on the second floor, at the far end of the hallway – a quiet place with a sweeping view of the city. Drink in hand, I stepped out.

  Right away, the calm of the night washed over me. I pulled my jacket close around my body and looked out onto the city, Los Angeles sparkling with its evening lights, the towers of downtown jutting out into the sky.

  Something about the view never failed to make me take stock of my life, to think about the direction I was headed. And right at that moment, I was in a line of work that required me to just deal with men like the one who’d touched me. Just came with the territory.

  And Maddie. I couldn’t put my finger on why, but I felt protective over the girl. She was so freaking young, so damn innocent. If there was a job that’d suck all of her youth and innocence from her, it was being a dancer at Diamonds.

  Then there was that guy, the one who’d slugged the dude who’d grabbed me. He looked…familiar. Where the hell had I seen him before?

  I sipped my drink, letting the bubbly booze cool my head. But the door opening behind me snapped me out of my semi-relaxed state.

  It was Kisha. And she was looking smug as ever.

  “What?” I asked. “I’ll be on stage again in a half-hour. Just give me a minute to chill, damn.”

  “Lucien wants to see you.” After she said the word she grinned, as if she’d been thrilled to pass along that piece of information.

  “OK, well, tell him I’ll be in as soon as I finish my drink.”

  “No, you don’t get it,” she said. “He wants to see you now.”

  Her tone, as smug and full-of-herself as it was, put me on edge.

  Something bad was up.

  “What does he want?” I asked.

  “You’re going to have to talk to him to find out. But he’s not happy.”

  I set down my drink and stepped over to Kisha.

  “What did you tell him?”

  “Just what he needed to know about the attitude of one of his most senior employees.”

  “He didn’t need to know a damn thing,” I said, anger in my voice. “And if you were smart, you’d learn to keep shit to yourself.”

  “And if you were smart, you’d learn to not bite the hand that feeds you. Especially when there are oh-so-many other dancers who’d love to be in your senior position, with all the perks it has.”

  “You…you bitch.”

  But she only grinned right back at me.

  “Go talk to Lucien,” she said. “And good luck.”

  At that moment I wanted to smack the taste out of her mouth. But if Lucien was mad at me, I knew something like that wouldn’t do me any favors.

  So, I finished my drink and stormed past her, hurrying inside, my heart pounding with anxiety.

  Moments later I was at Lucien’s door. I took one more deep breath before knocking.

  “Come in, Amber.”

  He knew it was me. He was waiting.

  I opened the door and stepped inside. Lucien was seated behind his desk, lights flashing from the main floor in the window.

  He was alone this time, thankfully.

  But that didn’t mean the conversation was going to be pleasant.

  “Sit down.”

  “Listen,” I said, going right into it. “I don’t know what she said, but-“

  “I said, sit down.”

  There was no smile on his face, only tightly-restrained anger.

  I did as he asked.

  “You were already on my shit list,” he said, narrowing his eyes at me. “The guest you turned down last night wasn’t happy in the slightest about what you did.”

  “If he’s mad I didn’t prostitute myself, then he’ll have to get over it.”

  Lucien raised his palm, indicating he wanted silence.

  “No prostitution happens at Diamonds. Only willing parties spending time with one another.”

  He was always very careful about making distinctions like that. I knew it was all bullshit semantics, him covering his ass to avoid getting in trouble with the law.

  “And I’ve made it clear I’ll never do anything like that,” I said. “No matter how much money you throw at me.

  “Oh, I know. Last night I figured you might want to be more of a…team player. And I know you could use the money.”

  “But it’s-“

  “Shut up,” he said, his tone cutting. “Right now.”

  It was his serious voice. I’d never been one to hold my opinions back, especially when I felt I was being given the short end of the fairness stick, but I knew when Lucien was in one of his moods.

  “But nonetheless, you insulted one of my closest friends. Men like him, Amber, they’re not used to being told ‘no.’ And when he’s ready to throw that much money at you just for a bit of your time, and you still reject him?”

  “That’s not my problem.”

  “I figured you’d say something like that. Unfortunately, it’s the kind of attitude I’ve come to expect from you. But you behaving that way is one thing – putting nonsense into the ears of one of my most promising new girls? That’s something else.”

  “What did Kisha tell you?” I shot out.

  “She told me what you said – easily backed up by security footage and audio recordings. So don’t bother trying to lie your way out of it. Maddie should be allowed to make her own decisions, don’t you think? She’s a grown woman, and if she wants to take advantage of an opportunity that you’ve turned down, then who are you to tell her she shouldn’t.”

  “She’s barely out of high school,” I said.

  “And you were pretty young yourself when you started here, if I recall.”

  “I had a kid. It was different.”

  “Tell yourself whatever you want. You were hired here at a young age, and now that you’re aging out of the spotlight you’re allowing your bitterness to ruin the promising careers of my up-and-comers.”

  “What?” I snapped. “Lucien, I’m twenty-seven – hardly an old maid. And I don’t know if you’ve checked the books, but I’m bringing in a hell of a lot of money.”

  “Maybe so, but you’re at the age when the returns will become…diminishing. And I have to start asking myself questions. Such as, does it make sense to let you get away with what I allow you to, or would it be wiser to invest my energies into new talent? And when the new talent is more willing to play ball, and not smack our guests in the face, it becomes an easily call.”

  “Are you serious?” I asked. “That guy grabbed my ass in the middle of the floor? Are you really going to tell me he didn’t deserve that smack?”

  “It doesn’t matter. We worked him over, but we still had to bribe him into signing an NDA to make sure he didn
’t become litigious on us. You’re a money-maker, sure. But as of tonight, I’ve decided you’re not worth the cost.”

  “…What?”

  “Between last night and tonight, I’ve just about had it with you, Amber. You’re done here at Diamonds. And I’ll make sure you’re done at any other club where you seek employment.”

  “Wait, you’re going to blacklist me? Why?”

  “Because you’re not the right fit for this industry,” he said, calm and composed as he told me my life was over. “You’re a pretty girl, and you’ve made good money for me in the past. But frankly, you’re beginning to become more trouble than you’re worth. And as a man in this business, I owe it to other club owners to have advanced word on what kind of employee you’d be, should they decide to hire you.”

  “But…Lucien, I’ve got a kid! I’ve got a sick mom to take care of! You can’t just…throw me out on the street like this!”

  “I can, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. I’m well aware of your home life, and perhaps that’s something you should’ve taken into consideration when you turned down my friend’s generous offer last night. But you made your decision.”

  “Please,” I said. “Don’t do this.”

  “It’s done. Your dances for tonight have been covered, and your space in the dressing room has already been cleared out. You’re done here, Amber. Now leave before I have security drag you out.”

  “But-“

  Before I could say another word, he pressed the red button on his desk that called security. Mike and Jack stepped in and crossed their arms.

  “Come on, Amber,” said Mike. “Don’t make us have to get rough with you.”

  I looked at Mike, then Jack.

  They weren’t joking.

  “Leave,” said Lucien. “Before I’m forced to make you.”

  “You…you prick.”

  He only smirked.

  “Bye, Amber. Don’t let the door hit that gorgeous ass of yours on the way out.”

  I gave him the finger before turning and leaving, anger running through me. The guys escorted me to the dressing room, the rest of the girls watching with wide eyes and closed mouths.

  Sure enough, my box was there, all packed up with my clothes.

  “He said you have to leave now,” said Jack.

  “Wait, I don’t even get time to change?”

  Jack shook his head. “Sorry. Boss’s orders.”

  “Whatever.” I scooped up my box, my eyes going wide for a moment as I realized it was heavier than I thought it was. It took some doing, but I carried it myself.

  And, of course, Kisha appeared at the entrance to the dressing room, that smug smile still on her face.

  “Meeting with the boss go well?”

  “Fuck you.”

  I blew past her, not wanting to waste another word on that piece of trash. Mike and Jack brought me to the back door to the alley and opened it up.

  “Good,” said Mike.

  “Yeah, and sorry,” said Jack.

  I mumbled a “bye” and stepped out.

  The moment the door shut and I was along, tears formed in my eyes.

  I was screwed. Totally screwed.

  I set the box down on the ground, wiping away the tears that trickled down my cheeks.

  “Rough night?”

  A man’s voice carried down the alley and I stood up straight and looked around.

  It was him – the guy who’d punched the jackass who’d grabbed my ass.

  He was tall and handsome, blond and built.

  And he looked familiar.

  He raised his finger, wagging it in recognition.

  “Now I know where I remember you from – the grocery store.”

  At first I was confused. Then it hit me.

  “Oh yeah!” I said. “You’re the guy who slammed into me like an idiot!”

  He laughed. “Alright, that’s fair.”

  “And now you’re the guy who punched someone in the middle of the fanciest dance club in the city.”

  He stepped closer, and I could make out a red splotch on his face. He touched it.

  “Yeah, and I paid the price. Got slugged by one of those goons and tossed out on my ass.”

  I leaned against the brick wall of the building, crossing my arms.

  “No good deed goes unpunished, I guess. But for what it’s worth, thanks.”

  “Of course. Not like I’m just going to stand around and let some jackass do something like that.”

  Then he glanced down at the box of my feet, full of things.

  “Now,” he said. “I’m not exactly an expert on strip club employment, but I know enough to get that leaving any job with a cardboard box of personal belongings isn’t a good sign.”

  The last thing I wanted was to get into it all with some stranger, as nice as the chance to vent might’ve felt.

  “I…kinda lost my job.”

  “Really? What happened?”

  “Long story.”

  His eyes flicked down over my body, and I realized I was still in my bra and thong.

  “Um, here,” he said. He slipped the bomber jacket he wore off his body and wrapped it around my shoulders. It was warm, and just from the feeling of it I could tell it was expensive.

  “You don’t have to do that,” I said.

  Without saying anything else, he stepped over to my box and effortlessly hoisted it off the ground.

  “Not sure what’s going on with your work situation, but the least I can do is help you to your car.”

  “Seems to be a theme with you and I,” I said with a grin.

  “Looks that way,” he said, smiling back.

  “I’m right over here.”

  Together we made our way down the alley to the private parking lot for employees. We stepped over to my car and I popped open the back. He set the box there and dusted his hands.

  “Thanks,” I said.

  “No problem.” Then he glanced away, as if not sure to say what he had on his mind next. “Say…you’ve had a shitty night. How about I buy you a drink to take the edge off?”

  Wait, was this guy asking me out on a date? Despite everything that had gone down, the idea seemed…nice.

  And not like he was hard on the eyes, either.

  “It…sounds nice,” I said. “But I really need to get home.” It wasn’t a lie – I needed to get back to Jamie and Mom and start thinking about what I could do next.

  “No worries,” he said. “But can I get your number?”

  I gave the matter some thought. The guy was ballsy, and unlike most of the men I dealt with in my line of work, he seemed like good people.

  Why the hell not? The day had gone terribly, but a pleasant encounter with a decent man was, at the least, a silver lining.

  “Got a pen?” I asked.

  “Of course.” He stepped forward and opened up my –his- jacket, exposing my body. Then he reached into the pocket and slipped out a pen. Then he handed me another card from his wallet.

  I took it and jotted down my number, handing the card back over to him.

  “I’ll be in touch. And I’m Nick, by the way.”

  “Ariel. I mean, Amber.”

  We shook, his hand rough and warm.

  “Talk to you soon,” he said.

  With one more smile he was off.

  And I was alone, the insanity of the night wrapping all around me.

  Chapter 6

  NICK

  Two things were on my mind when I woke up that next morning.

  The first was how fucking badly my cheek ached from where I’d gotten slugged the night before.

  The second was Amber.

  I rolled out of bed, trying to remember how the rest of the night had gone. I didn’t feel hungover, and recalled I’d taken it easy after Diamonds, the rest of the guys getting crazy as we barhopped. I sipped a beer here and there, but not nearly enough to make me drunk.

  And I was grateful for it. Hard-partying and the next-day hangovers wer
e one of the many sorts of youthful nonsense I’d been growing tired of.

  I rolled out of bed, putting my bare feet on the floor. A check of my phone revealed it was a little after eight – pretty early after a wild night out. But then I’d remembered ducking out after one of the bars, getting home a little after one.

  God, was I getting old? I was only thirty, but already I’d gotten tired of all of that crap.

  Then again, I’d met a hell of a woman at the strip club last night.

  I took a quick shower. And as I washed myself all I could think about was her, about Amber. Whenever I’d closer my eyes images of her on stage, swaying her hips to the music appearing in my mind’s eye. My cock went hard, warm water running down my length.

  I wanted her so badly it hurt.

  When I was done I dried off and threw on some clothes, spotting the card she’d written her number on in the pocket of the jeans I’d worn last night.

  Call her now? I thought.

  It was still early. No doubt she was sleeping off the rough night she’d had. It was still hard to believe I’d caught her on the night she got fired. What the hell had she done to deserve losing her job? As far as I could tell, she’d been the victim of what had happened.

  I hoped I didn’t have anything to do with it.

  Natalie was downstairs, seated at the kitchen bar, a bowl of oatmeal in front of her and an iPad in her hand.

  “Morning,” I said, stepping into the kitchen and making my way to the coffee maker.

  She cocked her head to the side, as if having a hard time believing what she was seeing.

  “What the hell happened?”

  I knew right away what she was talking about.

  “Oh, uh, nothing.”

  “Sure.” But that was it. She didn’t smile, she didn’t pry further. Instead, she turned her eyes back to her tablet.

  “Got any plans for today?” I asked, pouring myself a cup of coffee.

  “Just stuff.”

  Then, as if totally annoyed by the conversation, she sighed and got up, dropping her bowl into the sink before snatching up her coffee and tablet and leaving the room.

  “Uh, see you around, I guess.”