Page 2 of Wicked Lies

What an interesting choice of words since Jimmy barely drew a sober breath anymore—a shame because the fast, sharp, charismatic guy who swept her off the streets didn’t exist anymore.

It was midnight, and with the anticipation of freedom on her mind, listening to another one of Jimmy’s get-rich-quick plans made Cheryl’s ears bleed.

He stubbed out his cigarette in the overflowing ashtray. “Bullet says this job is a sure thing.”

Another sure thing? Like his producer friend who hustled them to a seedy garage in Queens for porn flicks. When she refused to join in, Jimmy ranted and screamed insults at her for about ten seconds before he slapped her hard enough to leave a welt under her left eye. Cheryl should’ve left him then, but in some crazy way, obligation and an intense fear of being alone held her back. Still, she wasn’t waiting until he lashed out again. Cheryl had enough for a one-way ticket far from New York with the money she’d socked away.

“Really?” Even she heard the sarcastic edge in her voice.

“C’mon baby, don’t be like that. I can still picture you on those expensive European sheets while I fucked—”

“They were Egyptian cotton sheets.”

“European, Egyptian, who the hell cares?” Jimmy fisted her bicep and angled her in front of him. “The point is, it’s a sure thing.”

Over the last few weeks, he’d become more erratic and unpredictable. The drugs and booze were the symptoms, but failed dreams and lost hope was the disease.

“All right, let’s hear it.” She’d feign interest, and after he passed out, she’d retrieve the backpack of money she stashed under the sink and be gone.

“Fuck.” Jimmy stared over her shoulder.

Cheryl followed his gaze to a guy who could’ve rocked aGQcover. She tried unsuccessfully not to gawk, snared by six-feet-plus of yummy male wrapped in a black button-down designer shirt and slacks that could probably pay two months’ rent on their apartment. The crowd seemed to part as the mysterious stranger’s long, lean muscles rolled with every deliberate step. Dark hair cut to perfection, and even darker eyes squinted against the smoke-filled room.

“Hey, Nick,” Jimmy pushed away from the bar. “Can I get you a drink?” He snapped his fingers for the bartender, but the mysterious stranger remained serious, a grim twist to his lips.

Cheryl shivered, anticipating the danger swirling around him. His quick once-over cut through her, and her muscles tensed with all kinds of red flags.

“You know why I’m here.” His bored voice rumbled over the din, but its roughness sent a jolt straight to her toes.

“Doesn’t mean we can’t have a drink first.” Jimmy slapped the bar top and shouted for the bartender.

“Maybe you’d rather do this in private.” Nick’s gaze shifted to her again. His deep, haunting ebony eyes lingered just long enough to make her wonder what he was thinking.

“I got no secrets from her,” Jimmy said.

“Fine.” Nick shrugged. “You owe ten grand. I want it. Tonight.” Nick pursed his lips. She sensed he didn’t like his job either.

“Tonight?” Jimmy’s leg twitched as he gulped at the cheap whiskey the bartender placed in front of him.

Jimmy had massive gambling debts, but owing ten grand to a guy who could star in the next generation ofThe Godfather?Not smart.

“You have it or not?” Nick’s eyes narrowed, but his tone remained even. His smooth, low rasp was more intimidating than if he’d yelled the question.

“I got five hundred,” Jimmy offered, then swallowed hard.

Jimmy had told her earlier that he won some big money on the horses. Was he just bullshitting her, or was the booze screwing with his brain so much he thought he could outsmart this guy?

“This isn’t gonna end well.” Nick’s cool, calm voice raised the little hairs on the back of Cheryl’s neck, and old loyalties to Jimmy nagged at her. True, she wanted to get far away from him and his drama, but she didn’t want him floating face down in the East River.

“He can give you more.” Cheryl’s voice surprised her—as her thoughts tumbled from her mouth without permission.

“Shut the fuck up.” Jimmy grabbed her arm, then yanked her to his side.

Nick stepped into their space and glared at him until he released his grip. Nick’s commanding presence radiated authority. This wasn’t some tough-guy act; this was real, raw, and . . .sexy as hell.

“Seems like she’s got more sense than you.” Nick jerked his chin in her direction.

“I don’t know about sense.” Jimmy switched gears. “But she does have someveryinteresting talents.” The amount of sleaze in his voice made Cheryl regret her moment of sympathy.

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