Page 50 of Body Lock

Quickening my pace, my feet crushed the pavement. I was still ten minutes away, but determination got me there in four.

Grabbing the knob, I tugged the door open. The toxic scent of acetone flooded my senses. Glancing around the room, I noticed Mia sitting in a black leather chair against the back wall.

Her bright pink lips turned up, even brighter teeth glowing under the florescent lighting. “Ah, I knew you wouldn't ditch me.” Her pants curled up on her calves, feet resting in a small tub. “Figured I'd get these girls a little attention too, seeing as how you were running late.” Lifting her toes up, she wiggled them with delight.

“Sorry, I got held up.” Shaking my head, tension pulled wrinkles across my forehead.

“What? What happened?” Crinkling her nose with concern, she tilted her head.

“Nico, that's what happened.”

“Ugh! He's still around?” Distaste rode her tongue, face scrunching up tightly.

Nico had a thing for Mia years ago. He followed her around like a puppy dog and teased her like a prepubescent boy. Yanking her hair when her back was to him, cracking sick jokes about the size of his cock, and how much he'd love to show her.

Mia turned him down every time, and Nico hated her for it. He pressed her more and more, each feeble attempt to try and win her over failed miserably.

“Unfortunately, yes.” Dropping my purse to the floor, I pulled my jacket off, and flopped into the chair beside her.

Holding a tall glass of white wine, she motioned for another, and pointed to me. “Yes, please,” I said, exhaustion and annoyance filling my tone.

“How's the old man? Still riding you like a jockey?”

A woman dressed in a long black coat walked towards me, passing me a half-full glass of wine. The woman turned on the hot water to fill my bucket, and I readily kicked off my shoes and slipped my feet in. The warmth massaged my skin, and relaxation quickly followed.

Sipping the glass, I said, “He's the same, things don't change much. Except...” Trailing off, air spilled out behind my lips.

“Except?”she asked eagerly, swirling the drink in her glass. Her bright green eyes glowed with wonder, head leaning in closer just to make sure she could hear every word.

“I have a little crush.” I spoke softly into my glass, the words echoing off inside, enhancing the volume.

“Really? My little Cadence, who swore off men ages ago, has a crush? What does your dad think about him?” Tilting her head back, the remaining liquid sloshed down her throat.

“Come on Mia, what do you think? You know my dad.”

“So, he doesn't know then, huh?” A loose giggle expelled from her lungs.

“No, not exactly.”

“Cadence, you're twenty-three years old. You shouldn't have to hide a boyfriend from him anymore.” Mia eyed me with a sideways glance, a thin brow arching high.

Tapping my forefinger against the glass, my lips pursed tight. “I know, I know. But this one won't fly at all.” Shifting to look at her, I could see she knew why without me even saying it.

“How long has he been fighting for him?”

“Well, he actually isn't, not yet anyway. He said he won't. But my dad is pretty certain he can make him.” Biting my lower lip, fear filled my chest.

I knew what Quinn had said, what he had gone through, he told me as much. But, to know for sure that my dad wouldn't be able to weasel his way into convincing him it's worth his while, I had no guarantees.

He was a man who rolled good cops to his side, made hard working guys empty their bank accounts in one match. Louis Powell was a salesman of his trade, a man who knew how to talk, and how to skim off the top even better.

“So, who is he? Anyone I know?” she asked.

“No, his name is Quinn. He came in the bar last week, and honestly, I can't get him out of my fucking head.” Closing my eyes, my head fell back against the plush chair.

“Have you screwed him yet?” The single question tugged my lip up, smirking as I filled my mouth with alcohol. “Ah, that's my girl. Take him for a test drive before you make the purchase.” She let out a high-pitched giggle, clapping her hands together with her own amusement.

“Mia!” I gurgled out, almost choking on my drink.

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