Page 134 of Restless
“Keep you off Sharper’s radar.”
“Er—”
“At least when Viv was alive, he had an air of respectability.”
Two years ago, Vivian Banks’ car crash, a block from her husband’s church, had been a huge story. Sharper’s grief at his wife’s untimely death lured Pearlene’s sympathy for the widowed father. His two young sons in tears at their mother’s graveside reminded Roxy of her own father’s death years before. Admittedly, she’d been excited to meet the great man. She’d even hoped to see the two little boys in person rather than in newspapers and coverage of their mother’s funeral.
Now, she questioned the minister’s character. Worse, once she told Pearlene about the goings-on, her mother would be so upset.
A blubbery motherfucker with a thick black beard stopped in front of K-P and handed him a tub of beers. He grinned at her. “Story’s already changed from a butterknife you picked up out of convenience to you packing your own blade.” He held out a hand. “I’m Rack, by the way.”
“Roxy,” she said, shaking firmly and ignoring his sweaty palm. His denim vest with patches of scorpions dotting the material proclaimed him vice-president.
“Are you hungry?” Rack asked.
She was starving. “Nope.”
He laughed. “Sharper’s on the grounds, so I have business to see to.”
After Rack walked away, K-P gave her an unopened beer. “There’s also wine, champagne, and hard liquor.”
She set the bottle on the table. “Thanks, but no.”Fuck no!
Swigging his beer, he leaned closer. “You’ve got to work with me, babe,” he whispered. “I can’t protect you without your help.”
“Protect me?” she echoed. She didn’t have to ask from who. “Why should I believe that’s your intentions? You don’t know me.”
“There’s a blonde girl two tables down,” he said, instead of answering her. He finished his beer and placed the empty bottle in the tub. “I was heading to her when I saw my little brother over here. Joe was coming to you.”
“Who the fuck is Joe?”
“We switched,” he continued, ignoring her question. “Now, he’s by the blonde and I’m with you. I’m not complaining. The moment you stood and walked to the podium, you got attention, including from me. Some girls appreciate Sharper’s attention. You snatching that fucking butterknife told me you wouldn’t be one of them.” He slid his chair so close, their denim-clad thighs touched. “Your refusal won’t matter, babe. Do you get what I’m saying?”
Loud and clear. She swallowed.
“If you tell me you want to fuck him or Cee Cee or Rack, I’ll step aside. But if you don’t—”
“Sharper wants this cunt, Kaleb,” Brother Caldwell interrupted, grabbing her arm and dragging her up.
K-P jumped to his feet and knocked Brother Caldwell’s hand away. “Get the fuck away from her, fuckhead. She’s mine.”
Brother Caldwell glanced between the two of them. “Sharper paid a lot of money for her pussy. She’s his, fuckface.”
“My pussy’s not for sale!” Roxy flared. “I don’t have a fucking pimp.”
“What’s going on over here?”
The sharp question drew K-P and Brother Caldwell’s attention. A gorgeous blond man glared between them.
“Nothing that concerns you, Joseph,” Brother Caldwell sneered.
“Roxanne’s with me, Joe,” K-P stated. “Cee Cee came to fetch her for Sharper. Not fucking happening.”
“How the fuck didyouget to her, Kaleb?” Brother Caldwell asked. “You were headed to that mouse…never mind. Quincy, the dumb ass, drew attention to himself.” He scowled at Roxanne.
Cornered, she dropped her gaze. She didn’t trust any of them. Otherwise, she might’ve sidled closer to K-P. She’d been protected as she grew up, but not sheltered, so she knew nothing in life was free. He’d want something from her, too.
Abruptly, cries, claps, shouts, and greetings replaced the music and the three men stiffened. Joe melted away. K-P grabbed her hand and held tightly, while Brother Caldwell positioned himself at her side. Reverend Banks zeroed in on them and started their way, his entourage dogging his steps.
