UNDER CONSTRUCTION
(Book One of the Cartel Series)
By Summer Ellis
SMASHWORDS EDITION
PUBLISHED BY:
Summer Ellis via Smashwords
Copyright July 2011 by Summer Ellis
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction and does not in any way advocate irresponsible behavior. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
-----
PROLOGUE
I came around slowly, both disoriented and queasy. In the gloom, the small warehouse seemed stained with things I didn’t even want to imagine as I knelt barefoot on the grimy concrete floor in only my silk dress and torn stockings. I struggled to force the sludge from my brain; although, it wasn’t just my head that felt bruised. I’d probably been dumped like a sack of potatoes as pay back for all the kicking and fighting. My arms throbbed and the sound of metal chain links sent shivers whispering across my skin as I tested the cuffs trussing me bondage style, wrists to ankles behind my back, to a vertical pole.
A rough Russian voice filtered through from somewhere behind me. “She is coming around… Perhaps I should hit her again, for dislocating my knee.”
Stiff limbs protested as I jolted to attention, searching the shadows around me. “Don’t cry, Angel.” Another voice, this one soft with a Southern drawl, drew my attention to the far corner of the room. A curvy, petite woman with short black curls and a dazzling smile emerged from the gloom. I’ve been abducted by Betty Boop?
Swallowing a slow, shallow breath, I tried to determine where I stood, or knelt as it was, in this mess.
“I know this is a silly question, but who are you and what do you want with me?”
CHAPTER 1
Seven Months Earlier, May
Galveston is one of those places a lot people just see as muddy water, scrubby streets, and neglected buildings. They don’t stop to feel the breeze flowing off the water, like an arm extended to carry the sea spray. They don't enjoy the sound of the gulls crying out to each other, stalking the bait fish in the shallows.
For a girl from dusty West Texas it was utopian. I loved it.
Wallowing in the sand, I tilted my face toward the sun. “Do you think we could just stay here? I mean like, just pull an old empty school bus or travel trailer up, and just live right here like hippies, in this very spot.”
“Oh my god, you sound like my mother!” My best friend, Max, laughed. “I swear. The two of you would rather be on an ugly beach than anywhere else in the world.”
“That’s not true,” I replied with a grin. “I’d rather be on a pretty beach... but I’d make due with any beach, rather than none.”
“Well, you can have your sand. I want some damned nightlife.” Max gazed toward the seawall. “Tonight we’re going to the bar, sans dinner... It kills my buzz and food always tastes better after you’re drunk anyway.”
“A lot of things are better after you’re drunk.” I informed her with a laugh, standing to brush the sand off my bottom. “I’ll be back. Do you need anything?”
“No, I’m good. God, do you see this guy walking… mmm.” She whistled low under her breath.
I winked at her, chuckling on my way to the car. I had to dig under the seat to find my camera. It wasn't anywhere near as good as the equipment Max owned for her freelancing, but for my purpose it would work just fine.
I’d recently finalized my divorce, divesting myself of one cheating husband, and securing complete ownership of the construction company we’d started early in our marriage, by giving up everything else. I was still recovering from a small attack of identity crisis, but I really wanted to start building memories in my new life. I turned to snap a few pictures of Max and the shops and hotels along the road. “They need character…”
"They do," someone agreed; and I turned to smile at the older gentleman standing behind me.
“Oh wow… I think that’s a sign. I’m obviously crazy, talking to myself out loud like that.”
“Not at all! I’m positive that many of the great minds of our time spoke their thoughts aloud. I believe it helps the creative process.” Something about him made me stand a little taller. Lean, at just under six feet with salt and pepper hair, he seemed out of place standing on the seawall in a business suit in the heat of summer. He was in no way threatening. In fact, he was charming without being creepy. There was something about him though, something compelling, as if you'd agree with him before he'd even said a word.
Tilting his head at my hesitation, he apologized. “Forgive me. I intruded on your thoughts. I’m starting a local project in the next few months, and you seemed to mirror my own opinions. It does need character.” Looking up and down the seawall, he shrugged as if to say what a shame.
I pulled myself back from reflecting on his character. “Well, I know the hurricane last year really did a number on the locals. I think it took most of them months of fighting to get insurance settlements. If you don't mind my asking, what sort of project will you be starting? I don’t mean to pry, but I’m a contractor from Houston, so it interests me.”
“Really?” His eyes took on a gleam. “The first job of the season will be a boutique hotel, followed by several smaller retail spaces. Tell me, what type of jobs do you handle?”
“To be honest, the company is in a transitional period." I pulled one of the company brochures from my car, letting him glance it over as I explained. "We’ve made a name for ourselves by supplying distinctly custom homes, including everything from hidden passages and indoor grottos, to hand carved doors and exotic animal enclosures. We’ve even provided custom furniture, carved by my very own carpenters, at the request of several clients. We’re in a great position to expand our horizons now, so we're looking for our next challenge.”
“I think the fates must have brought me here to meet you today. I absolutely want my hotel to have a unique flair and I’m in the process of interviewing contractors right now. Let me give you my card.” He dug in his pocket for the card, glancing at his watch, “I hesitate to leave the company of a beautiful woman, but I’m afraid I was just out for a quick look at the area and have to meet with a business partner shortly. However, please do give me a call.”
“Certainly. Would Tuesday of next week be too late? I'll be returning to Houston Monday evening.”
“That would be fine. I look forward to hearing from you, Ms...”
“Oh, I’m so sorry! McKenna, Alexandra McKenna of Kingdom Builders, Inc.”
“I’m Victor Belarus, my dear. I’ll speak to you next week.”
“Yes, nice to meet you… and thank you.”
I watched him walk away with a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach. Fate, he said?
CHAPTER 2
Putting the meeting with Mr. Belarus out of my mind, I concentrated on enjoying the rest of my day with Max. We decided to call our other close friend, Cody, and take a cab into Downtown Houston for a girl's night out at the newest hot spot in town, Heaven and Hell. We were all dying to see what all the fuss was about, with nine separate clubs settled into one space.
I knew that Heaven was the upstairs VIP exclusive dinner and dancing special. Apparently, you had to know or be somebody to get in without making reservations months in advance. There were seven ground level communal clubs nestled below that, each devoted to one of the seven deadly sins, including a gluttonous five star restaurant, a slothful hookah bar, and a lusty passion lounge complete with naughty boutique and soft core stage performances. Hell was supposed to be an underground feral revelry, wracking up critic reviews as the naughtiest club in the city for it’s ‘anything goes’ fetish vibe. It seemed fitting that I would celebrate my first real girl's night since the divorce in Hell.
“Hello there, darlin’. Can I buy you a drink?”
The hottie extending a hand from the bar was wearing very little under his brown cowboy hat. I couldn't decide which I'd rather look at more, the pearl snap nipple clamps, low slung denim and chaps, or sexy megawatt smile. Although to be honest, I was a little surprised that his sexual preferences included me, but who was I to judge? “Thanks, but I’m meeting friends,” I hedged with a smile. On the one hand, he was adorable and obviously up for a good ride; on the other, I wasn't quite sure I was ready for a one night stand.
“That’s too bad. I’d love to be your friend. The offer’s still good if you change you mind later,” He persisted, tipping his hat with a flash of dimples. It should have been corny, but he was just sexy enough to pull it off.
It was tempting. I fussed at myself before mentally reinforcing the promise I'd made after the divorce. I wasn't going to be a wall flower anymore, wasn't going to live in the bubble... but maybe I'd start with a man who wasn't wearing a costume.
“Oh my god, Alex! You look so hot!” Max and I joined Cody at a table in the middle of Hell. I smirked, twirling to show off the little green halter dress with the plunging neckline that clung to every generous curve of my body.
I knew I would never win any pageants, but with my grandmother's black hair and hazel green eyes, I had a cute face. Plus, I knew how to play up my assets – namely full breasts and a plump ass with a relatively small number of rolls in between so far. “What do you think? Compliments of Mr. McKenna’s secret savings plan which I raided before we finalized papers...”
She whistled in agreement. I complimented her in return, not that it was necessary, more like obvious. Cody, who was my lawyer in addition to being one of my best friends, was willowy, statuesque, and unfairly beautiful. Her silvery blond hair and lavender eyes, which tilted up ever so slightly at the corners, made her look a little fey.
Max took one look at her corseted dress and grinned. "Damn, we're going to have to start calling you Kinky Cordelia! Nice leather."
Cody sniffed in mock hostility. "At least I'm wearing clothes. Where's your dress?"
Max giggled, flipping the hem of her mini dress to flash her sequined panties in our general direction. She was your typical petite, brunette girl next door, but the thing about Max was: she snuck up on you.
Her brown hair was more mink than mouse, and her blue eyes were actually a dark grey. Her easy going clothes and attitude hid the fact that she had the kind of ass that men salivated over, enough wit to keep you in stitches, and a temper that could burn you to ashes if provoked.
“Excuse me,” a waitress interrupted. “Mr. G would like to buy you a round of your choice.” She indicated a big man standing near the employee entrance to the club.
“You tell Mr. G that we'd be happy to accept a round of his best vodka for our newly single friend, Alex." Max piped up, batting her eyes and blowing him a kiss. "Thank you very much!”
Mr. G tipped an imaginary hat before turning and exiting the club through the employee entrance.
“Jeez Max, you know that guy or something?” I teased.
“He was just thanking us for coming in and making his club look good. Look at some of these ho-bags, they wouldn’t know sexy from slutty if it hit ‘em in the hoo-ha!” She laughed in her cute little way. “Now let’s drink!”
-----
A normal person would probably crave a little serenity or at the very least sanity, but even with the drama of the divorce I had the wild urge to do something crazy. I wanted to break out and be someone else, just for a while, leaving the un-fabulous and insecure divorcee behind to become… who, what?
I didn’t know exactly, but the wild urge, or maybe it was the booze, told the cab driver to drop us off at a tattoo parlor around two o’clock that morning.
Throughout history, people - Native Americans, Vikings, Aborigines, etc. - used animals, as inspiration to exhibit their inner spirit and show their personal strengths. Today we do the same thing, except instead of being the clever fox or the fierce bear… we manifest our inner badass by assuming the persona of our inner gangster or pin-up girl.
Tonight, I was going to manifest my new inner spirit.
“Alex, are you s-sure you want to do th-his?” Max slurred.
“I feel gr-reat, Max! Like… a teenager, but with m- … money!" The hiccups weren't helping me express myself. I giggled knowing I must sound ridiculous. "Do you realize how long... long it’s been since I truly just… had fun? Com’on! Where’s your sense… sense of advenshur!” I feel into a fit of giggles.
“Ok, you asked for it... Com’on money b-...bags, you’re buying me the biggest tattoo I can find!”
Max grabbed my hand but stopped abruptly just inside the door. “Oh, mama!” she murmured under her breath; or at least it was meant to be under her breath, but the guy leaning against the counter grinned.
“Bienvenidos chicas! Come in.” Oh lord, here we go!
Max had this little addiction problem; she couldn’t seem to help herself. She liked tough looking men and this guy had a smile that said you might as well go ahead and drop your panties sooner rather than later, because it was inevitable. As if that wasn’t enough, he had sexy voice and massive brown arms with wicked tattoos running the length of them, perfect for holding you down while he had his way with you.
“Hi.” Max answered him, the alcohol taking over as she sauntered up to him. “How would you like to tattoo your name on my ass, big man?”
His chuckle was down right evil. “That would make my day. I’m Cash. What’s your name, beautiful?” He flirted, taking her hand to escort her over to his chair.
“Mackenzie…” Her voice evened out into a sexy purr. “I’m thinking Cash might cause people to get the wrong idea about me… but maybe we can work something else out.”
Where the hell did my barely audible drunk friend go?
“Hey, yo! You wanna get inked?”
I turned around to nod and had to close one eye to steady the spinning in my head. “Yep! Let’s do it!” I announced, finally able to focus on the skinny little dude motioning me over. I couldn’t see one patch of clear space on his skin; the guy was a walking advertisement for his profession.
“A’ight. I can get you over here..." He helped me into his chair and shoved a clipboard at me. "There’s a few forms to sign for health concerns. Just so you know... when you sober up, you can’t sue me for whatever the hell you asked me to do tonight, or if the tattoo looks fucked up because you bled all the ink out from the alcohol, got it? So, you know wha’chu wanna get done?”
“I’m guessing… you’re not one of those touchy f-feely types that want help me find something… something meaningful to have on my body for the rest of my life, huh?”
“How about a big burning skull, you know something real girly like that?” he joked.
“Cute, but m-maybe we could start with something a little more … like, actually girly.” I once again closed one eye to focus on the sketches lining the walls. “How about a... butterfly?”
“Hell no! You don’t want no fuckin' butterfly; every girl in the trailer park has one of those. Besides, I’d have to charge you double if you made me waste my talent like that. I’m a fuckin’ artist, you know? Detailed shit… So like, what’s new in your life?”
“Um… I just got divorced from m-my cheating bastard of a husband… and I’m thinking about expanding my construction company down here…" The mention of my company reminded me. "I m-met a developer who wants…”
He cut me off, “Hold up, hold up! I got it. How about something like…”
-----
I laid there for what seemed an eternity while Jake 'the artist' worked his magic. I wasn’t paying much attention to anything around me, being preoccupied with not flinching, until Max’s gasp caught me by surprise. “SERIOUSLY... A DOMINATRIX WHIPPING A GUY BENT OVER A DOLLAR SIGN?”
Her shout of astonishment turned into gut busting laughter. “Jeez! I get a simple flower on my ass... but you... you get a full mural of 'ode de la triumphant woman' on yours!”
I grinned up at her. “Well, go big or go home, right? Besides, what was I supposed to do while you crawled up in his lap, practically begging him to take you right there in the chair? You didn’t even start the damn flower until almost two hours after we got here. Speaking of which… Show me.”
Max shimmied her jeans down a little, peeling the bandage away. She had an angry red outline on her freckled bottom of what would eventually be a gorgeous pink peony.
"Cash does good work; it's beautiful."
“It hurts!” She grimaced, putting the bandage back on and pulling up her pants. “We should have picked somewhere I didn’t have to sit or sleep on.”
“Ah, mi paloma, I thought you liked the pain. Didn’t you tell me you liked it like that?” Cash chuckled as he came up behind Max, wrapping his arms around her. Looking over Jake’s work as he nuzzled Max’s shoulder, he commended my choice. “I didn’t take you as such a badass type, chica.”
“Thanks!” I grinned. “I’m not. I think its temporary insanity… but I like it.”
The men exchanged a look and chuckled.
CHAPTER 3
The next morning was a revelation in discomfort. You haven’t known suffering until you’ve had a raging hangover while trying to recover from a masochistic need to literally engrave a pattern into your ass.
As bad as I felt, I still had to stifle the urge to laugh in surprise when I turned over. I'd gotten dropped off last night while Max stayed out for a while with Cash. She wasn’t the type to get drunk and bring a stranger back to the hotel for a one night stand… but that wasn’t a pile of pillows next to her in the other bed.
Not wanting to intrude on the ‘morning after’ embarrassment, I got up and dressed as quickly as the clanging bells in my head would allow. The music in the elevator was calming, but the ride down had my stomach doing flips and I walked out into the hotel lobby gratefully.
I helped myself to a cup of coffee in the breakfast room and grabbed a newspaper before settling to wallow in my own misery at one of the small side tables. To my surprise, Max came around the corner a few minutes later with Cash in tow. They were both smiling. “Good morning.”
Cash smiled, kissed Max on the cheek, and went to grab some breakfast. Waiting until he was out of earshot and Max was seated, I asked, “Uh, so… what’s going on?”
“Well, it looks like I might be visiting Galveston more often.”
“Oh really...” I smiled. She was blushing, which meant he'd made a serious impression.
“I know it just seems like I was drunk and he was there; but he’s so nice. He was the one to ask when we could see each other again.”
“So, my KensieCakes is being pursued by a man!” I whispered, using the silly nickname I saved for special torture sessions.
“Oh shut up!” She smiled happily. “... but yeah.”
Cash walked back toward the table with a heaping plate of food. “Will this bother to two of you? I could sit somewhere else if either of you aren’t feeling well.”
Max looked at me, and I shrugged. “I think we’re both fine as long as you don’t share.”
He settled into the chair next to Max. “So, Mackenzie tells me you are going to be building a hotel here?"
“Maybe. I’m supposed to speak to a development guy next week about a project he’d like to start. We’ll have to see if he likes my ideas. We’ve never really done anything that big before because the work we do is so detailed and personal to each client. Hotels and retail spaces are usually expected to be more versatile and appeal to the masses, so they can adapt when new trends come through.” My voice trailed off as intimidation set in. I’d never even dreamt of doing something like this, even with John, my ex husband, as a partner.
He shrugged, acknowledging the facts but disagreeing. “When you have something classic it never goes out of style. Have you seen the Hotel Galvez or Tremont House? They are both unique, detailed, beautiful… and people pay to stay there for those exact reasons.”
The truth was so simple. I realized I wasn't that intimidated after all, flashing a grin at Max. “I like this guy, we have to keep him.”
“I know.” She beamed as he leaned over to kiss her cheek.
CHAPTER 4
One Month Later, June
"OH - MY - GOD!” I yelled, hanging up the phone. Thank god there was nobody around. I jumped around before falling to the floor, kicking my legs high and wild. I had just closed the biggest deal of my life… of several lives! I reached for the phone again, still lying flat on my back in the middle of the office. I had to call Joe and Barb.
Joe had been foreman since the company was conceived. He and his wife had become family, taking me under their wing as I grieved for the grandparents who’d raised me and died shortly after I married John.
“Joe...We got it! Not only did he love the plans we came up with, he said if we pull this off within eighteen months, we'll have the contract for the following five retail spaces. Do you know what this means?” I kicked my feet again. “We'll clear more money on this deal than we've banked in the last three years combined.”
I could almost hear Joe smile as Barb laughed in the background. “I knew you could do it, sweetheart. When do they want to start?”
“As soon as possible, I told them that we needed until mid August to interview the additional craftsmen we’d need. We can start prelim work after that.”
“I’ll start calling vendors tomorrow to get the contracts in order to set up our supply chains.”
“Actually, that’s not even necessary. I didn’t realize it when I first met Mr. Belarus, but the man’s not just a property developer. He's a mogul. He owns several material manufacturing companies; it’s his way of cutting costs by not having a middle man.”
“Well kid, I don’t know what to say other than: hallelujah. Now we just have to make sure that we don’t screw it up. Oh - oh hold on, Barb wants to talk to you.”
Barb came on the line with a squeal of delight. “Alex, honey, I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks, Barb."
"I learned how to text, just for you, honey." My confusion must have traveled the length of the phone line because she cackled in my ear before explaining. "I just texted John to tell him his contaminated dick lost him the best partner he could ask for and millions in cold hard cash."
I gaped, hearing Barb use explicit language for the first time ever. The laughter bubbled up in my chest. "Oh my god, I love you, Barb. I hope his jaw breaks when it hits the floor. Tell Joe I’ll talk to him about our plans tomorrow at the office. Tonight, we’ve got some celebrating to do.”
CHAPTER 5
Mid August
Thanks to the generous budget for the project, I'd been able to rent a small cottage in Galveston to be close to the job site. The beach was a perk, but the summer heat was repressive and I dressed lightly for business meetings scheduled later this morning with Mr. Belarus’ various manufacturing supervisors. His chief coordinator was supposed to be picking me up and I was dying to get started.
More than ready, I moved from the front window as I saw a huge, white truck pulling into the driveway; and walked out to meet the driver as he came around the front of the vehicle. Well he-llo there, Big Sexy... A rush of excitement flowed through me. He is so fine. What I wouldn’t give to have his hands…
“W-AHHHH!” I lost my balance. There was no explanation for it; I just fell off my own feet for no reason. Dear God, kill me now.
“Are you alright?” He crossed the last few steps between us quickly, extending his hand. It didn’t look like he was going to laugh, but there was a suspicious twinkle in his eye that I didn’t trust. Yep, he's laughing on the inside. Send in the clowns...
“Who, me? Oh yeah! I’m fine. It’s my special greeting for new business associates. You know, break the ice with a little unexpected clumsiness and everyone feels more comfortable? Don’t you feel better now... It works every time!” Giving him my biggest don’t you think I’m cute smile. I tried to cover my embarrassment as I got back to my feet.
He gave up and laughed with me. “Do you need to go back inside and change?”
“There’s no point in changing. I mean, I’ve got a lot more people to greet today. Heck, if you stick around, you might get lucky enough to observe my infamous spill your drink on yourself or toilet paper on the shoe greetings. They're big hits at parties.”
“Hmmm... well for now, why don’t you let me help you into the truck?”
Hoisting myself into the rolling behemoth with his assistance, I didn't missing the quick appreciative male smirk as my behind hovered in his face. I took the chance to give him a good once over as he walked back around to the driver’s side. Tall, with wide shoulders, thick black hair, and a cute butt… Yum.
I was glad that I’d decided on the sheer, yet conservative, black overlay blouse. Combined with the wide legged pinstripe pants that nicely skimmed my butt, and the chest enhancing stance given by my stiletto mary-janes, my look was professional but feminine. I attempted to pull myself together as he settled into the truck.
“I’m sorry about all that. It's nice to meet you. I'm Alex."
“Calen, pleasure.”
The engine rumbled deeply as it rolled out of the driveway, making you feel as if you were riding in a tank… in a rawhide, leather scented, beast of a truck. I tried not to wonder about the roominess of the back seat.
“Will we be working together or are you just babysitting me today until I meet all the manufacturing supervisors?” I tried not to sound too terribly eager.
“I’ll always be available if needed, but I don’t have much to do with the process once the materials are delivered to you. Mr. Belarus relies on me to make sure everything runs smoothly during his various import and exports from the factories.”
“Oh, I see. From what I gather his business is extensive, so you must be a very busy man."
"Yes, ma'am."
Cale, as he liked to be called, spent the day catching me up to speed on the last minute details as we traveled from one factory to the next. There actually wasn't as much time to flirt as I'd hoped and by the time he dropped me off at my house again that evening, I was both exhausted and exhilarated. I couldn't wait to start the job, but I was a little disappointed to be saying goodbye. "Well, thank you for all your help today. Any final pointers before I dive into the deep end?"
"Just hold your breath and go for it…" He grinned, handing me a business card. "If that doesn't work, call me. I'll come fish you out."
-----
Things slid smoothly into place over the next few weeks. Joe and the crew had come ahead to survey and level the ground work while I was busy hiring the additional craftsman we'd need. We were already ahead of schedule, into the foundation and structure phase of the build, and everything was going well until materials started disappearing. When they started reappearing, it was just too strange and I jumped at the opportunity to call Cale.
“Hi, it's Alex… the new project manager for the hotel in Galveston.” I hesitated, feeling self-conscious as if he might not remember me from the few weeks that had past.
“Hi, Alex.”
I could tell he was smiling when he said my name and it sent a tingle down my spine. I smiled dumbly in return before remembering what I was calling for. “Hi... um, I don’t know if this is going to sound crazy, but do you know what’s going on with the materials? They keep pulling a magic act. It’s weird. Like, I’ll have sixteen bags of quick-crete one day, it’ll be gone the next and then back again the day after that.”
"They're probably just being moved around the site and what's left over is returned if it's not needed."
"All sixteen bags... being taken, not used, and returned at the same time?"
There was the slightest of pauses on the line before he replied. “We have other projects underway and sometimes there are mix ups with orders. Maybe my guys realized they made a mistake and came to fix it. I'll talk to them. It should be all taken care of, but if it happens again don’t worry about it. Sometimes we have kinks in the system. If you need something that seems to be missing, just let me know and I’ll expedite it to you.”
My bullshit alarm was going off in earnest, but there was no way for me to say that without sounding rude. I didn't want to ruffle any feathers, and he Mr. Belarus' right hand. Besides, he offered to fix it if we didn't have what we needed, so I tried to let it go. “Really? Well ok. At first I thought we had thieves, but then when the materials were replaced, I just got confused. So… Thanks. I’ll talk to you la-”
“Alex.”
“Yes?”
“Have dinner with me tonight?”
The offer, out of the blue, sent my heart hammering in my chest and I felt the blood rush up to my face. “Um, I can’t tonight, Cale. I’ve got other plans. I’m sorry.”
“No problem. We’ll do it another time.”
“Absolutely, sure thing, another time…” Stop babbling and wrap it up, Alex. “Um, I guess I'll Talk to you later. Bye.” Flustered, I ended the call and tried to figure out what the hell just happened.
I liked Cale, obviously. In fact, I'd fantasized about him quiet often since we'd met... but it’d been a long time since I’d been on a date. You just panicked. No harm done. Next time you'll be ready to say yes… if there was a next time. The thought that there might not be a next time seriously upset me and I decided to move on to more important things. Like, why the hell didn’t I believe him about the materials?
It was better to be safe than sorry and I called Max to have her order some site security equipment. She knew more about camera distortion ratios and such, having spent much of her time doing freelance photography and surveillance detail for investigation firms. Her ‘girl next door’ appearance almost always guaranteed success, because nobody suspected that such a cute girl would be taking sordid pictures as evidence of someone doing the nasty, instead of bird watching for a college paper.
She had the equipment overnighted, but it was almost dusk the following day before we finally got started installing it. That was the nice thing about starting a business from the bottom up, eventually you knew how to do everything yourself if needed; and I didn't want anyone else to know about the added security until I'd found out what was really going on.
The night acclimated cameras would surround the site, camouflaged inside the speaker boxes of the sound system we used for announcements, alarms, and lunch bells. Motion activated, the cameras would scan and calculate the proportions moving objects. If they were under a certain proportion, like a bird, the camera would deactivate after the initial scan. If there was something of larger mass moving, perhaps a person or vehicle, the camera would record until there had been no motion in the area for an allotted time and then deactivate again. We would add an undisguised decoy camera at the front gate. They cost a pretty penny, but I'd wanted something that would hold up to saltwater and weather without compromising video quality.
Max was cleaning the cameras and getting them ready as I installed them. I still hadn't spilled the beans, but this was as good of a time as any.
“So, did I tell you about Cale?”
“You told me he was tall, dark and tasty.”
“Well… he asked me out.”
“WHAT? When did this happen?” Excitement filled her eyes, and I dreaded the next part of my explanation.
“He asked me to dinner the day before yesterday... but he didn’t seem mad or anything when I said I couldn't go.”
“Why would you say no?”
I winced, already feeling like a coward without her help. "I just panicked, I think, because it was so unexpected…Plus, I think he's lying to me about some stuff here at work. It was really weird. That's why we're putting up some extra security."
“Maybe you shouldn’t make any dates until you know for sure. We'll just have to wait and see. Although, I don’t know what he could be hiding. I mean, we’re talking about concrete and insulation and stuff right?”
“You’re probably right. I'm kind of kicking myself now, because he's so hot, you know? He's got that calm before the storm thing going on; like he'd be really good in bed once you get him worked up..." My stomach growled reminding me I'd skipped lunch that afternoon. "Hey, you want go grab a bite to eat after this?”
I could tell something was up when she didn’t immediately answer. Max had a twinkle in her eye, which meant she was fixing to ask me to do something I wasn't comfortable with. “Well, actually... I was going to invite you to a party at Cash’s house. He really wants you to come and meet some of his friends.” My stomach twisted into knots, but if Max wanted me there I would go. That’s what friends do and I'm not a wall flower anymore dammit!
She’d brought clothes for us both, so we went into the office to change. I took one look at her selections and rolled my eyes. “Are you serious? I know I’m trying to bring out my new self, but I really don't think she's is a hooker.”
She busted out laughing. “Fine, here. Take my shirt and shoes.”
After swapping out, I still didn’t feel completely comfortable, but I’d deal with it. I ended up in a pair of beige, wide legged, pinstripe trousers that rode low across my hips, barely covering my ass and showing off the top of my tattoo. I’d thought the shirt was a plain white tee until I put it on. It was several sizes smaller than I usually wore and my boobs looked like they were going to rip through at any moment over my bare stomach. The white patent stilettos finished off the look which said, ‘yeah, I’m a ho-bag, but I’m feeling casual today.’ At least, that’s what it said to me, but I was a twenty-nine year old newly divorced woman who hadn’t been out partying for years, so what did I know?
Max looked great, as usual. You’d never have known I made her switch with me. She ended up braless in a black mesh shirt that looked like someone had painted solid stripes to cover only the vital areas. If I’d tried to wear it, I’d have felt completely naked. Max looked totally comfortable with the ‘cleavage’ showing just beneath the thick stripe that covered only the middle of her breasts. The denim skirt fit perfectly, showing off what a spectacular ass she had, and the cute black heels brought her up to around five foot-eight from her usual five-four. She should have looked like a skank, but with her casual demeanor and minimal makeup, she just looked sexy.
“I have no idea how you pull that off, but you go girl.” I laughed.
Max laughed and put on her sultry come-hither face, stalking up to me with hips swaying. “I’d say the same to you, Sexpot Sally. How about we ditch the party and I just lay you across this desk?”
I giggled as she grabbed my ass, dragging me close to grind our hips together. My hands went to her sides, thumbs brushing that daring line of cleavage, as she brought her lips against mine in a kiss that should have burned down the building.
I loved the taste of her, but pushed away with another laugh. “Stop it, whore! No means no."
We’d been playing this game forever. I wasn’t into girls, but sometimes Max made me wonder and she knew it, so she used it from time to time to tease me. I didn’t mind. I was still me, but that didn’t change the fact that she was a great kisser.
She smiled and brought my fingers to her mouth for a quick nibble before letting go. She gathered all the discarded clothes while humming the song from Lambert, the Sheepish Lion.
I rolled my eyes and helped grab the stuff. “You know,” I mumbled. “That lion finally got brave and attacked one day.”
She smiled, “Come on, lambkins. I’m not making fun of you. I like you just the way you are. Now, let’s go have some fun!”
CHAPTER 6
We pulled up in front of a three story house that had to have been built a hundred years before. When you looked up and down the street, you saw these kinds of houses one after the other in a row. It amazed me that, through all the hurricanes and storms, they pulled through with just a little paint peeling and maybe a flooded room or two. From what I could tell, under the strings of party lights, this one was a happy aqua color that had faded a bit with sun and salt water.
The noise and people spilling down the front stoop, however, seemed out of place. As we sauntered up the walkway, it didn’t take long for us to get a little attention. “What’s up, mama?...How you doin’?...Hey baby girl, what’s ya name?”
I’d been scared stiff on the ride over, but for some reason I was totally fine now. Maybe I was tired of worrying all the time or maybe it was those crazy urges again. Either way, the nerves melted away as I faced the reality of being single and social again.
Hell yeah, I still got it.
I smiled and said hi to all the cute little boys, but kept walking. I wasn’t into the whole Mrs. Robinson thing, and they all looked a few years too young. Max stopped to talk to a couple at the top of the stairs and I waited patiently for her. Reggaeton beats blasted out of the front door and my hips found the rhythm without me realizing it.
A guttural voice from behind surprised me, “You move well.”
I turned and took my time inspecting the guy standing behind me, half in shadows. Starting at the bottom with the black combat boots that laced up to meet nicely fitting black cargo pants, I paused and let myself enjoy the firm bare stomach and chest. He was a big man. I thought distantly that he was more solidly built than Cale, who had wide shoulders but tapered down to very narrow hips. This guy kind of looked like an action hero, except he didn't preen or flex, just leaned there against the house looking like a wall of warm brown flesh. I finally moved up to the face and was surprised that it didn't match the movie star image I’d built up in my head. The standard features were all there - eyes, nose, mouth - but they were unusual. The eyes were bi-colored, one a deep chocolate with a starburst of green, the other completely green. The nose, slightly crooked, probably broken at least once. Only the full, almost pillowy, lips were the only thing of 'movie star quality'. Ryan Phillipe eat your heart out…
Realizing I was still standing there looking at him, I joked back with a friendly smile. “I don’t mean to brag, but I am a champion in-the-shower dancer.”
“I’d like to see that.” He replied. He wasn’t smiling.
I felt his gaze scald me through my clothes and my own smile faded. I was fine dealing with the younger guys out there, but this one was intense. He looked like he was getting ready to pounce on me and rip me to pieces. Creepy…
I gave him a small shake of the head, to let him know I wasn’t down with whatever he was thinking, and moved away towards the door to wait for Max. His eyes stalked me as we headed inside, and I couldn’t help but glance behind me to make sure I wasn’t going to get grabbed by the boogey man.
“What the fuck?” I gasped as soon as we were out of ear shot. “Who was that freak?”
“What freak?” Cash repeated as he came up beside us. He took a good look at us and grinned. “Damn...”
Max laughed and grabbed him for a kiss and a grope. When they'd finished saying hello, I continued. “The big dude on the porch… the one with the bicolored eyes.”
“His name’s Banker.” Cash said, his voice going flat. “Don’t mess with him. I don’t think he’s your idea of a good time.”
“Yeah, I got that feeling. By the way, what’s the deal with the names around here? Please tell me you haven’t changed Max’s name to Dollars or Bonds.”
“Ooh! I like it! I could be Bond, Max Bond…” she laughed.
Cash shook his head with a laugh and pulled us along and out to the back yard to meet some friends. “Nah, but I do have a friend named Penny… Everybody, this is mi paloma Mackenzie and her amiga Alex. Girls, this is Manito, Josh, Chris, Ana and Gabe.”
We greeted each of them in turn and accepted the beers that were offered. Cash’s friends were great. They weren't shy about being friendly or even flirtatious. They talked above and around each other, trying to one-up the others for best story of ‘remember when’, trying to embarrass each other. Apparently from the little snatches of conversation I caught here and there, Cash and several of his buddies, including Banker the psycho, had made money in nefarious ways when they were younger. I wondered if they still did on occasion, but I let it go.
When the drinks began taking their toll, I excused myself to find the ladies room and was startled to find Banker lounging in the kitchen.
"Um, do you know where the restroom is?" I asked, not really sure what to say to him, but needing to fill the silence.
"Sure, follow me."
"That's ok. I can find it, if you just tell me."
He paused, looking at me in silence for a long moment before settling back against the counter and pointing up the stairs. I nodded my thanks and tried to ignore the glare burning a hole in the back of my head as I went up.
Deciding to avoid the kitchen on my way back down, I took the other set of stairs through the front room. As I stepped out of the front door, intending to make my way around the side of the house to the back yard, I realized that Banker wasn't in the kitchen any longer. He'd once again stationed himself on the front porch, and I felt the heat rise to my cheeks as his eyes narrowed, realizing I was trying to avoid bumping into him again. I ignored the tingle that skittered up my spine and continued on my way, pretending nothing was wrong.
Settling back into a chair beside Max, I let the laughter and good humor around me drown out my embarrassment. All in all, it turned out to be a great night, and around two in the morning I made my third attempt to leave. “Sorry, but I’ve got a long day tomorrow, so I’m out.”
"Me too," Ana agreed, standing up and side stepping as one of the guys tried to make a grab for her. “I can give you a ride.”
“Thanks. See you tomorrow, Max.” I gave both her and Cash a kiss on my way out. I could hear laughter and the guys to make lewd comments about threesomes as we walked to Ana’s car. It startled me when a hand came around from behind me to open the car door for me. I stared at Banker for a second before my pulse slowed down and I mumbled, “Thanks.”
I tried to brush off the disturbing feeling of being snuck up on. It wasn’t a long drive to my rental, and as we pulled up in front of the house I turned to Ana, “Thanks again for the ride. Come by sometime and hang out. I work a lot, but I’m usually home by seven or eight. Stop by anytime.”
“I’ll do that. G'Night!” I waved and turned to my front door as the car disappeared down the street.
A shadow crossed the ground an instant before rough hands grabbed me, one at my waist and the other over my face. I froze as I was pulled to the ground, unable to process what was happening as the weight of a large body pressed me into the concrete walkway.
A man leaned down to whisper in my ear, crushing me even further. “I’m going to take my hand away so you can breathe. But, if you yell, I'll knock you out and drag you to my car to do whatever I want to with you. Understand?”
I nodded frantically as my heart pounded in my chest. If I didn’t get air in the next two seconds, I was seriously going to pass out. He slid his hand away and I looked up into Bankers face. Basic instinct told me breathing was more important than anything he had planned, so I took my time sucking in large gulps of air.
“Banker...”
“So you asked around about me.”
“Yeah. I was told to stay away from you. Why are you here?” I tried to sound normal.
“I'm here. That’s all that matters right this second, isn’t it?”
“What do you want?” My voice rose in irritation and his fingers moved up to squeeze my jaw.
“Listen to me. I could rip your pants down to your ankles and take you right here in the front yard and no one would stop me. So how about we just play the game?"
"What game?" His words scared me, because I knew they were probably true. That didn't mean I was just going to give in, though. "Seriously, what fucking game are you talking about, because this isn't exactly fun."
He smirked. "The what's the bad man going to do game. Since you've already decided that's what I am, I might as well fulfill your assumption. Obviously, it won't matter if you're having fun or not. Now, get up and be quiet.” He grabbed a handful of my hair, using it to steer me to the door of the house.
"Stop it... Stop! Help!"
"Everybody's asleep for now, but go ahead and keep yelling if you want. Make me shut you up. I dare you."
I lost my shoes along the way and dropped the keys on the porch. He pushed me down to retrieve them, and I tried kicking his kneecap to scramble away. He moved quickly, avoiding the blow, and pulled me back by my hips, grinding them into his own. “Oh, yes. You want to play, don’t you? Don’t worry, baby. I’ll be your bad man. Get inside.”
I half stumbled and tried frantically to come up with a plan as he herded me through the house and into the bathroom. It was a small space, and with both of us inside it turned claustrophobic. Calm down and play along, maybe he’ll just take what he wants and leave… Don't be a pussy. You can survive this, be smart.
Reaching around me to start the shower, his body pressed into mine and I backed up to keep distance between us. Scalding hot water showered down the back of my shirt and I screamed. Jerking me into his arms and out of the spray of water, he adjusted the temperature and cupped handfuls of cool water onto my back. I could feel the tears sliding down my face, but the stinging across my back dulled enough for me to push away from him.
He turned to hoist himself onto the countertop and I glimpsed a handgun tucked into the back of his pants. Oh shit...
My legs trembled, but he began to fiddle with the radio and our earlier conversation came back to me. Apparently, he wanted me to put my money where my mouth was. I stared into his bicolored eyes, anticipating what else he'd want from me. Play along, you can do this...
I lowered my pants and underwear until I was standing on them in the bottom of the shower, but he surprised me, stopping me before I got to my shirt. "Just dance."
My chest felt too way small with my heart beating against my ribs and my lungs panting in an attempt to catch up. Swaying around, I braced against the wall of the shower, letting my ass swing from side to side as I hid my face. I picked up the beat, went to a club in my head, dancing with Max, grinding against her as I dug into the music. Turning again, I ran my hands up and down my body.
"I see what you mean. You're a real pro at dancing in the shower. I'd give you a trophy if I had one."
My lower lip quivered. The a/c was pushing a draft into the room, and the air winding between my wet thighs was disconcerting. "I'd settle for an honorable mention and a free pass on the 'bad guy' game."
"You don't want me to be a bad guy anymore? Who should I be now?"
I chose my words carefully, afraid to upset him further. "Maybe you should just be... yourself. That's what this is about right? You said I decided you were a bad man - so I was wrong."
"Maybe you were..." He slid off the counter, coming forward to brush the wet hair off my face. "or maybe it's what you wanted me to be. So do I punish you or fulfill your fantasies? Do you even know what you want?"
Holding my gaze, he and took the bar of soap off the shelf, bringing it down between my legs. Starting low on my thighs and moving upward to the apex, he slowly rubbed the soap into me, keeping his fingers behind that barrier and touching me only with the soap itself. He was gentle, using just the right amount of pressure to have my breath catching in the back of my throat.
Under the circumstances arousal should not have been an option, but I could feel my body responding, my fear starting to dissolve and mix with the inevitable pleasure of my awakening body. I caught a whimper before it left my throat as he slowly pulled the soap away and returned it to the shelf. He adjusted the shower so that it would pulsate roughly and moved down to rinse me, once again using only the shower head, never actually touching me. The water was almost exquisitely painful on my already sensitive body.
When all the soap was gone, he drew me out of the shower to stand in front of the mirror. The rough material of his cargos brushed against my bare ass as his hands came up from behind me to caress my breasts through my tee shirt, made translucent by the shower. My nipples hardened and a flutter went through me.
“You were afraid of me tonight,” he said. His quiet voice conflicted the hard pinch he gave my nipples, making an arrow of shock run through to my now very wet core. “Without even knowing my name, you looked at me and decided I was trouble… so… I’m a bad man because I would make you scream with pleasure instead of moaning delicately. I am a bad man because I would make you admit that you would beg for me to force my way inside you like a bitch in heat. I am a bad man because you would crave my particular brand of violence…”
He abruptly shoved me to bend over the counter and I could only watch over my shoulder as he examined my tattoo. “Is this your fantasy, baby?” he asked quietly caressing my ass, making baby into an intimate endearment. “Maybe next time you can be the bad lady, hmmm? Maybe next time you can try to scare me. Right now, it's time to finish your punishment.”
His open hand came down across my ass, cutting off any reply I would have made, and my whimper blended into the music. He spanked me again hard, before using his now warm hands to soothe the sting. I whimpered again, hating myself for enjoying it. I knew now that he wasn’t actually going to hurt me. The game, the scare tactics, the spanking, it was all in punishment for 'judging him'… and it made me mad.
I shoved back against him to make some room and turned to hoist myself onto the counter as he had. I dared him with my eyes and he came forward, but didn't kiss me as I'd thought he might. Holding my gaze once again, he slowly bent down and spread my thighs wide. His tongue took a long, languorous swipe across my very wet center. He savored the taste of me, rolling his tongue around his mouth and lips before licking again to gather more of my cream. He teased, watching every gasp and unwilling tilt of my hips answer the stab and flick of his tongue.
Although it was almost impossible to concentrate, I waited; and when he finally closed his eyes to delve farther into my body, I made my move. Reaching down behind him for the gun, I shoved him away from me, sending the heel of my foot deep into his stomach.
“Is this your fantasy, baby?” I rasped, pointing the gun directly at his chest. “Well tell me something. Does your fantasy include a woman who’s not afraid to shoot... GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!”
He nodded and I followed him through the house, slamming the front door as he left. I bolted every lock it had. On a hunch, I released the clip from the gun and swore. No fucking bullets; that asshole had terrified me and the gun wasn't even loaded.
I moved to watch him through the window as he strolled away into the darkness with his hands in his pockets, a carefree whistle floating in the air.
Fuck you, Banker.
-----
Sleep was sporadic that night and did nothing to cool my anger. The most infuriating thing was that I was still turned on the next morning, because I hadn’t even relieve the pressure myself, refusing to give Banker the pleasure of being right. I would not beg. When I got some, it would be because I damn well said so!
Download this book for your ebook reader.
(Pages 1-31 show above.)