Page 18 of Bound by Desire
“No thanks. I’ll see yaaround.”
I lift the phone, just about ready to hit the end button, when she says, “I’ll be at your house in twenty.” Then sheclicksoff.
“Fuck!”
Tossing the phone to the bed, I climb out quickly and move to the bathroom. Noting the makeup still on my face from last night, I jump in the shower and cleanmyselfoff.
Princess is coming to my damn house. I didn’t even know I was on her radar in the first place. All of this because of last night. One incident and now the head of the club is showing up at my doorstep to get me to change my mind.Fuckinghell.
The Ravage MC is big in this town. There are so many rumors flying around about the club, though most of it is hearsay—nothing confirmed. My assumption is that’s how they want it. They don’t like people in their business, and I don’t blame them one bit, since I don’t like peopleinmine.
After showering, I toss on some jeans and grab a T-shirt that says “suck it.” Staring at the woman in the mirror, a small smile plays on my lips. My blonde hair comes to my shoulders with the tips a cross between blue and purple. When I went to the salon, I told them I wanted fun and got this. I love it. It’sdifferent.
I chuckle just as the doorbell rings, followed by a fist pounding on the door.Alrightythen.
Another round of pounding occurs as I reach it, unlock it, and then swing it open. Princess stands there in ripped jeans and a shirt cut low on her chest. Her dark hair reflects the sunlight, not to mention the fire red streaks. She wears a smile on her face, but a sinister vibe flows from her. Not many can match me, but I’m thinking Princess could. At the same time, it doesn’t intimidate me in the least. If anything, it makes me respect herevenmore.
“Come on in,” I say, stepping back from the door and letting herenter.
My place is me. Bold colors of reds and purples accent the space while the walls are a light gray. It’s not messy, but it’s not picked up and tidy, either. Who has time to waste on putting shit away when you’re just going to get it back out in a couple of days? My time is moreimportant.
Princess moves into the living room, taking a moment to look at my space before her focus comes back to me. She’s definitely on a mission, exuding so much confidence I’ll need to keep onmytoes.
“What can I do to get you to cometoX?”
A chuckle escapes me as I sit in my recliner. She follows, taking a spot on the couch, never taking eye contact away. She’s intense, that’s fordamnsure.
“Look, I appreciate you wanting me on your team, but it’s not a good fitforme.”
“Why?” she fires back. “Because of Ravage? Or is it because you just don’t want to? Clearly, a strip club isn’t an environment you dislike, since you and your friends came in to chill, so what is theproblem?”
“It’s because I make enough money with Schade that I don’t have to. For as little time as I actually work, I don’t need the cash. It would just take up my time.” I shrug more to myself than her. There really isn’t an issue with working in a strip club. Hell, my girls and I went there for fun; she’s right about that. Money is always great, but bottom line, I don’t want club shit atmydoor.
“Bullshit.”
“You’re right. It’s the club. Having my ass tied to it could cause me problems, and I’m not into having problems, Princess.” While rumor on the streets is the Ravage MC has cooled down quite a bit over the years, they still do what they do, and with that comes trouble. Trouble Idon’tneed.
Her face grows hard while my body goes on red alert. I have no doubt a duel between her and I would rival any fight in the ring. She is undoubtedly used to getting what shewants.
“I’ll guarantee you that nothing with the club willaffectyou.”
I smile. “Yeah, and how does thatguaranteework?”
A slow grin breaks over Princess’ face, obviously thinking she’s won this battle. “Easy. Club shit stays out of X. You’re in X; therefore, it doesn’ttouchyou.”
“And ifitdoes?”
“Then I have your back. The club has your back. No questions asked.” She leans back against the couch. “I get it. I do. There’s always a risk, but know we protect our own. Bottom line is, I have shitgoingdown.”
My head tilts inquestion.
“No, personal shit. I need someone I can trust to take over the security so I don’t have to deal with itrightnow.”
“And what makes you think you cantrustme?”
Her eyes narrow. “You sayin’ Ican’t?”
I meet her stare straight. “You can. But how doyouknow?”
