by Vi Keeland
“Yeah, I did.” Theresa struck a cocky pose with her hand on her hip. “And you can be damn pleased with me because I told your mother that we’d go and check on her. In return, she’s not going to hold it against you that you didn’t invite me to the family dinner tonight.”
“What family dinner? Brianna wouldn’t have been there.” His jaw clenched as he said it. “She got a job at Octave? What the hell was she thinking? That place is dangerous.”
Theresa frowned. “She’s probably thinking it’s the coolest job in the world. You go there all the time.”
“I do not.”
“You take me there all the time.”
“Oh, yeah.” But as his jaw continued to clench and unclench, his anger was obvious. “How the hell did she get a job there?”
“What do you mean? The owner probably lured her there. He’s sucking up to be your friend, Noah. He always does this.”
Her voice rose a notch and his head slunk down. I got the distinct impression this was a fight they had often. My boss shot me a guarded look. There was also an apology there as Theresa started to talk more. “Why you’re friends with someone like him is beyond my comprehension. He’s bad news, Noah. He’s nothing but a—”
“—Theresa,” he interrupted and shot me a pointed look.
“Oh.” She flushed and turned to me. “I’m sorry, Emma. I don’t like one of Noah’s friends, but that’s not something you need to worry about. I’m really sorry. I forgot you were here.” Then she blinded me with her white teeth. “Want to go dancing tonight? Noah knows the owner of Octave. I might not like the guy, but his club is hot to go to.”
Oh dear. I wasn’t sure how to react.
She misunderstood. “Oh, you don’t have to worry. Trust me. I know the place can be dangerous, but whenever I go with Noah, we always get the VIP treatment. We get our own entrance and a private box. It’s completely safe. For us.”
When I didn’t say anything, she grabbed my hand and squeezed it.
She gushed, “I promise you’ll have fun. And it’s not like we’ll even see the guy. He’s barely ever at the club. He’s so important and powerful that he doesn’t have time for his friend.” As she said the last statement, her voice grew thick with sarcasm.
Noah rolled his eyes. “Can you stop griping? You’ve never met the guy.”
She shot him a dark look. “I don’t need to have met him. He’s bad news, Noah. I don’t know why you refuse to see that about him. He’s only using you for The Richmond. You’re the one who told me he wanted to buy some shares last year.”
He shook his head and grumbled, “I didn’t say he wanted to buy shares. I said I offered him more shares.”
She straightened to her fullest height and squared her shoulders back. “You’re crazy for being friends with him.”
“Drop it, Theresa. You don’t know the guy. You don’t know my friendship with him. And,” he sent another pointed look in my direction, “you really want to hash this out in front of your newfound friend?”
That did it. The tension left her in the next second and she squeezed my hand again. “I’m sorry, Emma. I get so angry sometimes.”
I tried to give her a reassuring smile back. “Oh, that’s okay. We all have our…secrets, I guess.”
“Well, it’s not really a secret, but it’s not an argument that needs to happen tonight. I invited you over because I thought it would be fun. This’ll be fun too. You’ll come to Octave with us?” She gave me a puppy-dog look.
Well. This was going to be interesting.
I nodded, but as Theresa cheered and Noah frowned, I wasn’t sure how this night was going to unfold. When we headed downstairs and piled into Noah’s car, I saw my car parked behind us. Oh, great. I hadn’t considered what to tell Mike and the other guards, but when Noah pulled into traffic and my car started to follow, I realized that they already knew what I was doing. I only hoped Carter wouldn’t get mad about the change in plans.
—CARTER—
“Sir.”
Carter glanced towards the door and saw one of his men. He stood from the table and left his business associates behind. When they stepped into the hallway, his man waited until the door was closed before he told him, “The boyfriend met with a Bertal.”
“They found him?”
“No, sir. He went to them.”
Carter’s eyes whipped up. “Are you sure?”
He clipped his head in a nod. “Yes, sir. We held back, but when he returned to the apartment he had a briefcase with him.”
“What was in it?”
“Money, sir.”
Carter’s eyes closed in a grimace. He knew what that meant. “Are you certain?”
“He opened it in the car. Vance got a picture of it. It looked like a lot of money too.”
“Okay,” he sighed. “Double the guards on her. Make sure they blend.”
Carter returned to his meeting, but it took a few minutes before he was able to concentrate on what they were telling him. His mind was on Emma and what this meant for her. He didn’t like it. It happened too fast for his liking. The time to tell her what was going on was nearing, but he didn’t want that. Not yet. It was too soon for her to be as scared as she needed to be.
THIRTEEN
As Noah neared Octave, my phone buzzed. When I saw it was from Carter, my entire body grew warm. Theresa had insisted that I dress up. She threw a white dress to me. I hadn’t expected much, but when I put it on, it was the perfect choice. It hung low on me. The ends of the dress touched my toes, but the front of it separated. Instead of an actual dress, it was two lengths of cloth. Theresa tied it around so each one covered my breasts and wrapped around my torso once. She declared I was a goddess and I had to admit that I felt like one. I was even more grateful now that I had listened to her advice. Tingles of excitement and nerves soared through me, but when I read it, a rush of desire made my head spin. I’m coming back tonight. Finished my work in one day. I’m flying back now. Where are you?
I replied. Will be at Octave soon. Going with my friend who knows your friend. Noah Tomlinson.
Thomas and Mike?
In the car behind me. I rode with Noah and Theresa, she’s my friend I told you about.
Stay close to Noah. He can fight and will protect you. The guys will watch over you at the club.
“Who are you texting?”
My head jerked up and I almost dropped my phone as Theresa frowned at me. Her eyes fell to my phone and warmth surged to my cheeks as I fumbled to keep my screen hidden. I knew I was redder than red. I must’ve been a lobster because Theresa grinned and lifted an eyebrow. “Do you have a boyfriend, Emma? You haven’t mentioned him all week. I want to know!”
I slid my eyes to Noah, who had tensed behind the steering wheel. “You didn’t mention a few things yourself.”
Her mouth clamped shut and her cheeks grew pink. “Point taken. Well done.” She chuckled as she turned back around. “But I want to know all about him.”
No, you don’t. You really don’t.
I looked in the rearview mirror and saw that Noah had been watching me. I could tell he shared my unspoken thought. From what I had been told and heard, Theresa would not like Carter’s relationship with me. And yes, I frowned and hung my head. I just admitted to myself that there was something between us. I sucked in my breath and my hands started to tremble. My stomach churned and formed knots, but I had to admit that something was growing between Carter and me. He hadn’t said anything outright to me, but he desired me. I knew it. I felt it, but during the past week, he never made a move.
He was always home when I returned from work. We had dinner every night. After that first night, I never used my bed again. When I got sleepy, he would lead me to his. He always held me in his arms and stroked my back until I fell asleep. There were a few times when I would wake in the middle of the night and he was gone. The first time, I checked the gym, but he wasn’t there. I remained awake for the rest of the night until he returned after five in the morn
ing. No light was turned on, but I heard him return to the room and slide back into bed with me. He drew me back against his chest and wrapped his arms tight until I felt his chest move up and down in a deep sleep. When his breath evened out, I fell asleep as well.
The second and third time when I woke to find him gone, I didn’t search for him. I fell back asleep and woke again when he returned to the bed. I always snuggled back into his arms, and when I would leave for work in the mornings, he woke as well. He never seemed tired. He was always alert and he had coffee and breakfast ready for me by the time I made it to the kitchen. Then, he’d ride with me to my job.
Every morning he would give me a kiss as I left the car, but he never kissed me when we were at home or in his bed.
I will come to you and find you there.
I bit my lip. I could only imagine Theresa’s reaction. Maybe you shouldn’t.
Why?
Theresa is protective of Noah. She doesn’t like you.
Has she met me?
I couldn’t hold back my grin. He didn’t even know. No, but your reputation speaks for itself.
She doesn’t have to see me for me to see you. I will find you.
I wasn’t aware of the breath I’d been holding until I let it loose. Goodness. There was a promise and something ominous in his last text. Every nerve was stretched tight and ready for him. The throbbing had started when I got his first text. It was too much for me by the last one. Carter was making me go crazy over the past week. I wanted him. It was to the point where I needed him. I couldn’t think straight when it came to him.
“We’re here.”
As I looked out the windows, I was surprised to see that we had pulled into the alley beside Octave. Then I remembered the couple I watched from the street, as they were hurried through a side door into the club. When a door opened and two large men stepped outside, I knew it was the same thing. Noah opened his door and stepped aside as Theresa crawled over his seat and hopped out of the car. My door was opened and a giant stood next to it, waiting for me to do the same.
As I got out, I glanced around and saw that Mike stepped next to one of the guys from the club. He blended in with them.
“Come on, Emma,” Theresa called from inside.
Mike nodded for me to go in so I did. He followed behind, along with three other men. As I joined Noah and Theresa in a small hallway, I saw another two men with them. She gave me a squeal and wrapped her arms around me for a hug. Her body was riddled with delight. “This is going to be so much fun.” She whispered into my ear, “I’ll never admit this to Noah, but I do like that he knows the owner sometimes. We always get the best treatment here and this place is amazing. I just don’t want them to be as close as they are. The owner scares me.”
I hugged her back, but shook my head. A week ago, I never would’ve thought Theresa was the kind to let loose and go to a club like Octave. A lot of things would’ve surprised me a week ago. And a part of me was getting riled the more she badmouthed Carter. I understood. She obviously knew he was connected to the mob, but she had never met him. And at that thought, a different anxiety filled me. What would she think if she did meet him? Would she not want to be my friend? Or would she want more to do with Carter? I wasn’t a fool. I could tell that some of her reaction to Carter was from the intrigue and how the media portrayed him. Carter was seen as a real-life mobster from the movies. He had the smoldering looks, but he was out of reach for so many. He was too powerful.
“Ma’am.”
I jumped at Mike’s one word reminder.
Noah and Theresa had followed the other two guards down the hallway. They paused halfway and waited for me, frowning at me.
Mike and the other three guards stood behind me. I shook my head as I started towards them. Tonight was going to be interesting indeed.
We were shown into a box that opened to a shared dancing area with two other boxes. The six guards took up positions against the wall and were camouflaged by the dark shadows; after awhile it seemed as if they weren’t even there. However, Theresa kept glancing at one of the bigger guys. She said to Noah, in an awed voice, “Your friend is really pulling out all the stops with you tonight.”
She flashed Noah a knowing smirk, but he ignored her and frowned in my direction. We both knew the truth. They were there for me.
It was at that moment a guy came in and approached Noah. He oozed sleaze. He was dressed in a business suit. Everything was flashy about him. His hair was gelled into spikes. His teeth were perfectly white. This was the slicked-back type of guy I thought my boss would’ve been. The two shook hands and clasped each other on the shoulder. It wasn’t long until Noah motioned Theresa over. The three of them talked for a few more minutes as drinks were brought in by two servers. Then, as I watched, Theresa laid her hand on the guy’s arm and motioned for him to bend down. She whispered something in his ear, smiling at Noah the whole time, whose frown had reappeared. Then they were laughing again.
For some reason I wanted to melt into the background. I must’ve inched backwards without realizing it because a hand touched my elbow in a discreet manner. I jumped, turning to see Mike behind me. He gave me a small nod. “Ma’am.”
I sighed, “Mike, you can use my name by now.”
He gestured towards Theresa. “Your friend might be jealous, ma’am.”
I grinned, but he was right. She wouldn’t be jealous, but she’d be curious. He had heard her thoughts on Carter. All of the guards had heard.
“Emma, come over here.”
Everything inside of me clenched, but I couldn’t ignore Theresa. For some reason, I didn’t want to be anywhere close to the other man. However, as she crossed and grabbed my arm, she dragged me over to them and squeezed my shoulders. “This is my friend, Emma. Emma, this is Scott. He’s the night manager at Octave.”
A seductive smirk appeared as he held his hand out for me. “Emma, it’s very nice to meet you.”
Noah snorted in the background.
With my skin itching, I shook his hand but released it as quickly as possible. I tried to smile so he wouldn’t know how uncomfortable I was, but I couldn’t stop the dark chill that went down my back. “It’s nice to meet you too, Mister.”
“Emma!”
What? I glanced at Theresa. Her mouth hung open as her eyes had widened. What?
“Mister?” Scott grimaced but still grinned at me. “I haven’t been called that by anyone except my niece’s little friends. They call me Mr. Scott. Please, call me just Scott.”
I nodded but moved back a step.
Noah chose that moment to pinch Theresa’s side. She rounded on him, but he ducked her arm as he chuckled and moved at the same time. As he settled in front of me, blocking me from Scott, I knew the entire thing had been on purpose.
I was grateful.
He wrapped an arm around Theresa’s waist as he touched his drink to Scott’s. “So, I hear my little sister is working for you. How’d that happen?”
“Oh, uh.” Then Scott laughed, tipping his head back. “She came in here and asked for an interview. How could I deny the little sister of The Great Noah Tomlinson? She’s a good worker, Noah. You should be proud of her.”
Noah’s shoulder stiffened. “It’s her first night.”
“She’s been doing great so far. I’m sure she’ll be one of the best girls within a few months. She could move all the way up to bartending the privates pretty soon.”
“As long as she sticks to the bartending services, Scott.” A dark warning was in his tone.
“Yeah, yeah, of course.” A sick laugh left him. “What else did you think I meant? You don’t think I’d do that to your little sister, do you?”
“Does Carter know Brianna is working here?”
“Why would The Big Man know? That’s my job.” An uptight tension settled over the group. Scott’s tone turned sour. “I do the hiring and firing.” He paused for a beat. “You don’t want me to fire your little sis on her first night, do you, Noah
? Theresa said you were here to check on her and make sure she was doing a good job. I’m getting the opposite feeling here. I know Brianna would be upset.”
During the exchange, I had floated back to where I felt comfortable. It wasn’t a conscious decision, but I relaxed when I felt Mike beside me.
Theresa gave both men a strained smile. “Come on, guys. I’m feeling thirsty. Scott, could you order some wine for us? I promised Emma that we’d have wine tonight.”
“Already did.” Scott never blinked. “It’s on the tray behind you.”
The two didn’t look away as they stared at each other.
I couldn’t take anymore and turned to Mike. “I don’t want him here.”
He nodded and pressed his ear. He murmured something and it wasn’t long before someone cleared their throat from the entrance to the box. “Mr. Graham.”
Scott turned in shock. “Gene? What are you…” His voice trailed off and his eyes looked past the man. “Is Carter here?”
I started forward to see what Gene looked like, but Mike grabbed my elbow and held me still. “Please…Emma.”
I relaxed and stayed where I was.
“Can you come with me, Mr. Graham?”
“Why?” Scott frowned and glanced at Noah with a question in his eyes. “I’m here with friends, Gene. Whatever it is can wait until tomorrow unless Mr. Reed is here.”
“Can you come with me, Mr. Graham?” The question was asked with a reinforced authority now.
Scott’s shoulders sagged. The small battle was over. He flashed an apologetic smile to Noah and Theresa and nodded to them. “I’m needed somewhere else, but I’ll try to get back before the night is over.” He turned for me and frowned when he saw Mike’s hand on my arm. “It was nice to meet you, Emma.”
I gave him a small smile, but Mike never moved his hand.
Scott didn’t move. He remained and stared at me. It was another minute before Gene cleared his throat again. “Mr. Graham.” Then he shook his head and turned to leave. As soon as he left, Mike’s hand fell from my arm and I felt like I could breathe again. I didn’t know what it was, but I was jarred from his presence.