Page 42 of Deadly Designs

“Have you had any disturbing events like vandalism?”Christian wanted to know.

“No, but we have a state-of-the-art security system,and not many people want to go up against Chopper.”

“Is that the bouncer?” Aja Blue wondered.

Charlotta grinned cheekily. “No, that would be Tiny.”They laughed with her. The man was a behemoth, so the name was anantiphrasis. “Chopper is a one-hundred-twenty-pound rottweiler. Helooks ferocious, but he’s a sweetie, like Tiny. He does pack a meanbark, though—Chopper, not Tiny.”

Charlotta’s smile disappeared, and her brows dipped.“You know, we did have an incident. A group from a localnarrow-minded church staged a protest the day we opened. They camewith nasty signs and a bullhorn, harassing our customers and eventhreatening them with physical violence. We called the police, butthey were slow to respond. Tiny notified some of his biker buddies,and they ran the protesters off. They haven’t been back.”

The black phone on the desk beeped, and a voice said,“I’m sorry to bother you, Charlotta, but we have a problem withLady Royale. She’s pitching a fit and refusing to go on stage.”

Charlotta rolled her eyes. “Talent,” she lamented.“I’ll be right there.” She stood. “Do you have any otherquestions?”

“That’s all for now,” Christian said.

Charlotta clasped Aja Blue’s hands again. “Promiseyou’ll let me know as soon as you hear from Jay?”

“I will.”

She gave more air kisses, and this time, she includedChristian.

“Please come back and enjoy a show. I’ll be sure toadd you two to the VIP list.”

Christian noted that the club had filled even more asthey were leaving. Another show was taking place on the stage, andthe music was thumping. Aja Blue took his hand, and they walkedback to his SUV.

“Jay’s not okay, is he?”

No, Christian didn’t think he was. “Don’t jump toconclusions yet. Let us investigate his disappearance first.”

Aja Blue stopped walking, forcing him to do the same.“Don’t lie to me, Christian. I want you always to tell me thetruth.”

He hated to upset her, but he’d do as she asked. “Ithink there’s a good possibility that something bad has happened tohim.”

Aja Blue nodded, and her eyes filled with tears. Damnit, that’s why he didn’t want to be honest. It killed him to seeher unhappy. He pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry, babe.”

She clung to him, and he held her while she sniffed.“He’s a good person and a gentle soul. He’d do anything for anyone.Jay didn’t deserve the hate that was directed toward him. He onlywanted to live his life. He always said it wasn’t his decision,that he was born that way, like the Lady Gaga song.”

“I know, babe. People suck sometimes.”

“They do,” she agreed.

He clutched her tightly and let her pour out hergrief. He’d absorb every bit of it and spare her of the pain, if itwere possible. Instead, he could only hold her and let her know shewasn’t alone. When she gathered herself and stepped back, he almostreached for her again. He loved the feel of her in his arms. Shefit perfectly, and her scent entranced him. Everything about AjaBlue LaLonde fascinated him.

Christian had never taken an acting class, so how thehell was he supposed to keep his feelings for Aja Blue hidden fromPresley and Kayne when they arrived the next day? As some of themore recent hires, they’d spent hours together and become goodfriends. He’d be able to tell if one of them had fallen in lo—er,had a thing for someone. People didn’t realize the tells they hadwhen the heart was involved. He included himself in thatassessment. No doubt, he was giving off all kinds of flashingsigns.

The question was, what was he going to do aboutit?

#

When Christian and Aja Blue returned to the house,they retreated to their rooms to shower and change clothes,agreeing to meet in the living room to review the videos. Aja Bluealmost suggested they shower together to save water, but she neededtime to take care of a few things, like shaving her hairy legs. Howlong had it been? She couldn’t remember. Her lotion was scented,and she slathered it on. She found a comfortable T-shirt and a pairof yoga pants. It was tempting to forgo the bra. She wasn’t overlyendowed, so what the heck? Throw caution to the wind.

Christian was seated on the sofa, setting up hislaptop, when she jogged down the steps. His light hair was wet andslicked back from his chiseled face. He’d shaved, and when shedropped to the cushion next to him, she got a whiff of hisaftershave. If she hadn’t already been sitting down, she would’veswooned. It was so masculine and appealing . . . as if he neededanything to enhance his virility.

“Which do you want to watch first?”

You getting naked.

Aja Blue mentally slapped her inner harlot andcleared her throat. Having to relieve the tasing incident didn’tappeal. “The one from my shop.”

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