Page 3 of Bad Business

Brian stands straighter, his expression filled with confusion. It’s the first time I’ve asked him about the case.

“It was made to look as if it was a home invasion, but we suspect otherwise.” He pauses. “What did she say, Willow?”

“She mentioned a man being at the house and that he told Lark that he was going to take Juniper. Apparently, they argued, but Juniper’s three, Brian. I don’t know if what she’s saying happened that morning or another day.”

“Shit.” He runs his hands through his hair and paces in front of me. “Did you know what Lark was doing for work, Willow?”

“She was working for a marketing firm. She traveled for them when they needed it. It’s the reason they came to live with me. Lark needed me to watch Juniper when she was gone overnight. What does that have to do with her death?”

“No, Willow, she wasn’t.” His next words rock my world to the core. “Lark was an escort. She was paid to be a companion to men. And we think… no, we know that her death is related to that. Fuck.” He pulls out his phone. “And based on what you’re saying, I think you might be in danger.”

I glance around the empty house, searching for my niece, “Juniper!” I call out, pushing past Brian and heading down the hall to her room. When I push open the door and find her playing as if her mother isn’t dead, I nearly collapse. Brian wraps his arms around me and holds me up.

“It’s going to be okay. You’re going to be okay.” He rubs his hand down my back. “I promise I’m going to make sure nothing happens to you two.”

His words do little to soothe the storm inside me. My sister’s secret life has just turned our world upside down, and I’m terrified of what that means for Juniper and me.

1

WILLOW

Two months, and I’m no closer to having my life back. The weeks that followed Lark’s death were chaotic and stressful. I learned that my sister was living an alternate life, one that likely got her killed. To top it off, Juniper was the last one to see her mother alive and the man responsible for her death.

When evidence illuminated the danger Juniper and I may be facing, all because of my sister's poor decisions, Brian made a few calls and found us a place to hide. The choice was to take him up on his offer or go into police custody. I couldn’t do that to Juniper. That has me standing in a club—a sex club.

Glancing around at the space, I can’t help but appreciate the beauty of its interior. Dark burgundy mixed with shades of gray and black line the walls. Chrome fixtures illuminate the space with a soft glow of light. Women scantily clad in sexy clothing strut around the space. Some of the men dress in suits, while others wear almost as little as the women. The atmosphere is one of both elegance and sensuality, a paradox that seems fitting, given the circumstances I find myself in. I gave up my career—my life—to protect the last thread to my sister. Juniper is all that I have left, and I will do whatever it takes to protect her. Even this.

Everywhere I look, there are reminders of the life I didn’t know my sister was living. The opulence of the club contrasts with the grim reality of why I’m here. It’s a constant reminder of the duality of human nature and of the secrets that can lie beneath the surface of even those we think we know best.

“Miss Rivers.”

Everything about that voice makes me want to scream. When Brian told me he had someone who could help, the last thing I expected was Dallas Nash. Granted, Dallas’ Uncle Loren is the one who got me this job, but Dallas is still pissed I’m here and that he can’t fire me. From the moment he met me, Dallas has been nothing but a gigantic dick. I realize some of his frustration is due to his uncle insinuating I was a man, but it’s not my fault he got his wires crossed. Taking a deep breath, I turn around and face him.

“You need something, Mr. Nash?”

He blinks, surprised at my lack of professionalism. I don’t need this job for money, and if he keeps pushing my buttons, I’m going to tell Brian I would rather deal with being in police custody.

“Less attitude would be nice, for starters.” He cocks an eyebrow at me. “I’d like to know why you fired the bartender without consulting me first.”

I purse my lips before speaking.

“Well, Mr. Nash.” I lean against the wall, frustrated with him for a variety of reasons—none that I’ll ever admit to the man before me. “The pig of a bartender seemed to think it was okay to touch women without their consent. And while I realize this is a sex club, that doesn’t mean he can do what he wants.”

My words shock him, and I watch as a myriad of emotions filter across his features.

“You’re right. We don’t condone that here. People come to the club for privacy—to live out their fantasies. Being mauled or forced into something goes against everything we stand for. Thank you for taking care of the matter.”

He crowds me against the wall. The proximity is both intimidating and oddly exhilarating. There’s an intensity in his eyes that I haven’t noticed before, a mix of anger and something else that I can’t quite place. My heart races as he continues to stare down at me, and I can’t help but wonder what exactly he sees when he looks at me. His arms trap me in place as his woodsy scent floods my senses. I swallow down the nerves my racing heart is causing.

“You say sex club likes it’s dirty, and to some extent it is, but it is wanted dirtiness, Miss Rivers. Why are you here if you disapprove of the environment?”

“I needed a job.” Lie one. “And a friend of mine is friends with your uncle, who offered to get me this position.” Lie two. God, I’ve turned into someone I hate. Lying is necessary to protect my niece. The fewer people who know what’s happening, the safer she and I will be. Brian told his friend who works for Loren Dominic, and they agreed to help me hide out. While Mr. Dominic knows why I am here, his nephew doesn’t. Coming to Nashville seemed like the best way to hide in plain sight. It’s supposed to be easy while the police back in Reno build a case against the escort company. As far as anyone in Reno is concerned, I live in Atlanta, not Nashville.

“I think you’re lying to me, Miss Rivers. Why are you really here?”

“I…” I take a deep breath and push under his arm. “Need to get back to work.”

As I move toward the bar, I am astutely aware of him behind me. Just as I make it to the counter, my cell phone vibrates in my dress pocket. Slipping my phone out, I see the nanny calling me. “Kara, is everything alright?”

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