Page 57 of Liar & Champion
“I guess it looks like that. You must be Jezebel?” I said, trying to look friendly.
“Oh, no, sugar, I’m Jezzie. That’s Dani Divine, the cellist,” the glam Texan said with a sparkling smile. “I’ve never had pink hairbefore, but she makes it look tempting, doesn’t she? That’s why we call her, Pinkie. Tell me, what’s your story? How’d you end up in Vegas with a degenerate like Nix?” Her voice was honey, but it was hard to read her eyes.
I glanced at Trixie who wasn’t smiling. She already knew the story. Had she not told the other women about it? They were as stunning as Trixie in different ways. The cool cellist didn’t try to be outgoing or friendly, while the voluptuous Texan poured it on thick.
I licked my lips. I needed some serious liquid or I’d start cramping and then all my joints would fall apart. Would Tom step in if they beat me up? “I’m sorry if you had your heart set on him for yourself. I didn’t mean to step on anyone’s toes. We’re not together the way you think. After six months, he’ll be available again, and you won’t have to worry about me getting in the way.”
Jezebel’s smile faded a bit. “What happens in six months?”
“We’ll get a divorce. That’s the plan. It’s not a romantic thing like you’re thinking, it’s just convenient for both of us. I had a situation I needed to get away from, and he had a deal he couldn’t refuse.”
“Well, that’s awfully cold-blooded,” Jezebel drawled.
I sighed heavily. “Maybe, but I understand where he’s coming from. You can’t run away from expectations forever. It was so nice to meet you, but I’ve really got to get some liquid after that long run.”
“She means you,” the pink-haired cellist said, stepping in front of me to block me. “Cold-blooded to take six months of marriage from someone you don’t care about.”
I blinked at her. “Oh. You don’t want him for yourself?”
She smiled, but it wasn’t a nice smile. “I’m married to Dirk. Trix isn’t interested in dating, and Jezebel is pining for her first love. Not Nix. We’re his friends.”
“Ah. You think I’m a cold-blooded gold-digger who’ll end up breaking his heart. You’re right. I definitely married Nix for what he could give me, but I’m not looking for money. I want safety and sex, but can you blame me? Have you seen him naked? Maybe that’s cold-blooded, but am I really supposed to live my life worrying about what other people think about the temperature of my blood? If Nix isn’t satisfied, he can tell me. I intend to keep him very satisfied. If you aren’t emotionally involved, then it’s none of your concern.” I gave her a sunny smile. She was probably going to give me bruises, but I was a quick healer, and I had my board. I probably shouldn’t have stuck all the sex lies in there, but Beastie thought I was a pathological liar, so I had to prove him right sometimes.
“We’re not here to make you feel bad about marrying Nix,” Trixie said, frowning slightly at the cellist. “We’re here to kidnap you as a welcome to Las Vegas. We’re meeting the other girls at the shooting range.”
“A shooting range?” Didn’t that sound welcoming?
“Nix said that you could use a conceal carry license. After your six months together, he’d like you to be able to stand on your own two feet,” Jezebel said sweetly and brushed my hair back. “You do need some water. Look how flushed you are. It only makes you look all the more pretty and sweet.”
“Jezebel,” Trixie said, like Jezebel was being inappropriate, but I’d known a few Texans.
“You’re here to take me to learn how to shoot a gun? Nix sent you?” I felt so uncertain and also kind of shivery and as a rush of warmth flowed through me. It was probably just dehydration, not the fact that the most beautiful man in the world had actually included me in his life. I pulled out my phone and called him.
“Hey, Kitten,” he said in a growly voice that made my stomach curl. I’d missed him so much.
It took me a second to clear my throat. “Thanks for the surprise! I thought they were going to beat me up, but it’s really sweet of you to plan them to come and teach me how to shoot guns. Can we do a self-defense lesson tonight after you get home to work? You’ll probably be too tired, but?—”
“Self-defense tonight is perfect. I’m glad you like the shooting thing. It’s good to hear your voice. You sure you’re okay?”
“I’m great, just a little thirsty. Anyway, I don’t mean to disturb you at work. I’ll see you later.” I hung up and turned to smile at Jezebel. “I thought he didn’t want me to meet you guys, but if he sent you, then he’s not embarrassed by me, right?”
She looped an arm around me and handed a bottle of some kind of clear liquid with foreign writing on it. Chinese? “Of course he’s not embarrassed by you, Kitten. And now that you reported to your parole officer, let’s have some fun.” She winked at me and then let go of me and swung over the door and into the driver’s side.
Trixie opened the door and took the passenger’s seat while the cellist climbed into the back. They all looked at me expectantly, while I looked at Tom.
“I guess I’m going on a shooting spree with these charming ladies.”
“Sure thing. Have her home by eight or Nix’ll have your false eyelashes,” Tom said with a serious nod.
“I don’t have false lashes,” the cellist said coolly.
“I was talking to Jezebel,” Tom replied.
Jezebel laughed airily. “You’re warning the wrong person. It’s Trixie’s girl’s night. We might go for tacos and virgin margaritas afterwards, and if we are then forced to go to a club to dance off some calories, well, who can help that?”
Tom sighed heavily and frowned at me. “You’ll be safe with them if they don’t get you killed. Your choice. You can come back to the hotel with me if you want.”
Was that supposed to be comforting? “Oh, I’m sure it’ll be fine,” I said and then slipped into the backseat with the foreign water and my board. “Bye, Tom! See you soon!” I waved at him and fell over against the pink-haired cellist when Jezebel pulled out aggressively. Maybe she’d kill me with her driving.
