Page 74 of Dark Horse

“I’m going to be such a good girl for him. So fucking good he won’t even believe it’s me on my knees for him.”

“Hellfire…” I say it like a warning for both of us.

“Yes?” She says it in the sweetest tone, her big blue-green doe eyes shifting to mine like she’s just waiting to be told how to please me. And fuck me. I’m not built for this. I want her so badly, even when I know I shouldn’t.

“You don’t want that. Not really. You’ll end up with rug burn over the bruises on your knees and a second set of marks on your neck when the first ones are just now fading enough that you can cover them with makeup. Can’t have that before the wedding.”

There’s a little growl of irritation in her throat, and she nips at my neck before she whispers in my ear.

“I could find a Jim or a Jack or a Johnny, you know. Maybeall three.” It’s an empty threat, but I can tell she’s frustrated that I keep putting her off.

“You wouldn’t dare.”

I just need a little longer. If we can figure out who has the relic, who is behind everything, I’ll be able to plan for the future. I might be able to find a way to keep everyone safe and turn this business more legitimate. Create a world where I could be something more for her than just a guardian. But I need those answers first, and I haven’t found a way to tell her yet.

“I’m starting to think you need a push.” Her eyes search mine. “I don’t know what else you’re waiting for.”

“We need to talk first.”

“All we do is talk.” She sighs softly as she pulls away from me, and I hear the disappointment in her voice.

“All right, ladies. That was a good practice session for lap dances. Time to take a quick spin on the poles.” The blonde stands and claps her hands together, pointing to the portable poles she’s set up on the far side of the room. “We’re not gonna do anything too advanced, but I can at least show you a few basics to get you started. Gentlemen, I think this will work better if the women have some time to themselves again.”

I hear Ramsey grumble to my right, and I’m not thrilled about standing up right now either. But at least the lights are dim, and we can sneak out the side door.

“I’ll find you later tonight.” I run my fingers down the back of her forearm, risking getting caught to make sure she knows I mean it.

“Have fun with your whisky tasting.” She flashes a bright smile, one meant for everyone else in the room, that stabs me in the chest.

THIRTY

DAKOTA

We down anotherround of blowjob shots with our hands tucked behind our backs, one Marlowe manages to down faster than the rest of us much to everyone’s surprise.

“We did them in college a lot.” She looks at us defensively as the bartender hands us another round of vodka tonics to sip on while we decide what activity we’re doing next.

“Y’all, I don’t know how late I’m going to make it.” Hazel sips her drink daintily. “It’s been such a fun week, but I need to get some beauty rest before tomorrow. The makeup and hair people are coming for you at nine in the morning.”

“Good lord. I thought the point of having the wedding at night was we didn’t have to get up as early.” Bristol shoots her a look of dismay.

“I know, but we still have all the pictures to take, and they said that was going to take two hours.”

“You’re lucky I love you so much.” Bristol flashes her a disgruntled look but then wraps her arm around her shoulders and squeezes.

“I love you too. All of you. And I’m so glad we get to be sisters again.” Hazel looks up at Aspen, and she smiles.

“Me too. I missed you keeping my baby brother in line. I always kinda hoped you two would find your way back to each other again.” Aspen’s eyes light with tenderness, and she reaches out and pats the back of Hazel’s hand.

My phone rings then, jarring us all out of the sweet moment.

“I’m sorry!” I apologize, rooting through my purse until I pull out my phone and see Hayley’s name across the screen. I left her in charge of the bar tonight, and she wouldn’t call unless it was important. “Shit. I have to take this. I’ll be right back. I’m sorry.”

“No worries.” Hazel gives me a sympathetic look. She thanked me a million times today, wanting me to know how much she appreciated everything I’ve done.

“Hey! Hold on. I’m in the bar, and it’s loud in here. Let me step outside so I can hear,” I say before I get through the doors and out onto the patio. “Okay. Everything okay?”

“No.” Hayley sounds like she’s choking back tears. “The cops came back, and this time, they were worse. Knocking bottles over, roughing up patrons.” She sniffs back another sob, and I feel my heart bottom out into my stomach. “They’re saying they’re closing down the bar until further notice. They have something that looks official from the health department, and I don’t know what to do. I’m so sorry to bother you. I know it’s Hazel’s big day tomorrow, and you all are out. I feel terrible, but I was scared not to tell you.”

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