Destructive Luxe-A Luxe Novel: Book 2 Page 6

  As expected, she's slipping through the door a few minutes later and the smile on her face has me unable to help myself from pouncing on my prey. I naively stake my claim by sucking a hickey onto her neck and by the way her mouth ravishes mine, I know she doesn't realize what I've done. The stupidity in my act pulls me away from her. She's going to be pissed. Luckily it's far enough back that she can let down her hair and hide it.

  "I've left a mark," I pant while I pull the clip from her hair.

  "Oh, Ian," she groans rubbing her neck. "Where? Is it noticeable?"

  "No. Who were you talking to?" I'm grateful her hair hides it. I wasn't thinking about anything but leaving my imprint on my girl.

  "Leigh Rumplesburg. I used to work with her. I haven't spoken to her in a while but she wants to fill me in on Sloan. I guess he's been in jail," she says while fluffing her hair.

  "So you're leaving?"

  "How long did you need me to stay, baby?" She looks tired, but I know she's only tired of this party.

  I want to say all night but I won't do that to her. Staring into her smiling face and wide eyes has me hating the life I've created for us.

  "Who were you with last night?" I blurt, and judging by her face she knows I know. "Why'd you lie to me?"

  "Because you said you didn't want to know about any of the men I'm with."

  "You like him?" I can't believe I'm asking this; she shrugs. She fucking shrugs!

  "He's fun." Her voice is so small it doesn't even sound like her.

  "Have you slept with him?" I'm remaining calm because the last thing I want to do is fight with her then send her off with Shaun.

  "No." The resolution on her face makes me believe her.

  "How long is Shaun in town for again?"

  "Through Thursday."

  "Friday is Halloween and we always have an office party."

  "Great. Me and Karen are really working on becoming best friends, especially after she met Shaun. I don't know if she wants to fuck him or just at ease now that she thinks I don't want to fuck you." Her lips purse and she looks away from me.

  "Yeah well, she caught me staring at you." Disappointed in myself, I pinch the bridge of my nose.

  "Baby," she huffs grabbing my shirt. "Get out of here before you get us both caught."

  "Where's your ring?" I notice she hasn't been wearing it for a few days.

  "Ian." She's losing her patience with me. "I'm not going to wear my engagement ring with Shaun."

  "You weren't wearing it Friday either."

  "I was working Friday. Go." She kisses me with comforting lips and I want to take her home to bed but thanks to our double lives it's going to be a few days before that happens.

  "Don't lie to me anymore," I say sternly but I'm unable to stop my smile when she gives me the reassuring look that I have nothing to worry about. "I love you." I push my forehead to hers. "Thanks for coming."

  "I love you too, baby. Go." She pinches my ass and I leave the sauna room.

  Why can't I just stop making this so difficult when I know she's the girl I want?

  Lilith found Shaun talking to Aurora and Ashley. The conversation was a whirlwind of inappropriate jokes and sexual innuendoes.

  She grabbed his hand, leaning into his ear. "A friend has invited us for a drink. You up for it?"

  "I'm by your side." He smiled at her, making her grin and look away to hide her blush; Ian saw it.

  She began to say her goodbyes and when she stopped at Karen, liquid courage had gotten her to the point to hug her. Karen happily accepted, but it became evident it was because she was looking forward to hugging Shaun. While Karen hugged him, Lilith hugged Ian. He pressed his nose into her hair, inhaling deeply and she quickly pulled away.

  "Have a good night," Ian said with a nod then shook Shaun's hand. "Good to meet you, man. Hope to see more of you."

  "Likewise. It was an enjoyable evening. You and your family are good people." Shaun smiled taking Lilith's hand.

  "Bye." She made it to the door when Ashley stopped her.

  "I can't believe you're fucking leaving me," she mumbled, hugging Lilith again.

  "Come with me." Lilith grinned.

  "No one will notice."

  "No one," Lilith whispered then looked at Shaun who smiled at her alluring happiness.

  Ashley slipped out with them and the girls drunkenly ran down the street like they were ditching school midday. At the car they continued their girlish giggles and Shaun couldn't help but laugh at them.

  Lilith walked into the bar first and saw Leigh, embracing her in a long hug. There was no interesting information on Sloan, or maybe there was but Lilith was too drunk. All she informed Lilith was Felicia Mac was also being arraigned, but Quincy Rodriguez hadn't mentioned Lilith's name as far as indictment and Leigh made it seem like it was thanks to her.

  As Lilith finished her third drink, a loud, familiar voice called her name.

  "Lily." Ed Jacks was suddenly standing behind her.

  Lilith stiffened like she had been caught by her father with a boy in her bedroom.

  "Hi, Ed." A forced smile graced her face as she hugged him and kissed his cheek.

  "Who's your friend?" His stringent gaze met Shaun, but he held out his hand.

  "Ed, this is Shaun, he's a close friend. Shaun, Ed is Ashley's father." Though she wanted to go running from the bar, she managed to hold a smile to her face.

  Her only saving grace was she knew once Ed found out his daughter was there he would probably back off. It was clear he was there to be with Leigh, and no surprise, but Ed Jacks was not single.

  "Nice to meet you." Shaun firmly shook his hand.

  Ed's stare went to Lilith with a contemplative grin across his face, until he looked up because he heard Ashley.

  "What the fuck, dad?" She approached, then looked at Leigh, catching on to the obvious. "Oh, hell no." She drunkenly started to laugh and Lilith smirked. "You fucking my dad?" Her rowdy laughter began drawing attention.

  "I wasn't aware this was your father," Leigh responded with embarrassment.

  "Really, dad?" Disgust poured from Ashley's glower. "He has a girlfriend," she informed Leigh with no qualms toward her father's embarrassment.

  "Funny you should mention that." Ed looked at Lilith.

  "Who is this lady?" Ashley ignored him. "No offense, I mean, I know you know Lilith, but how do you know my dad?"

  "We're old friends." Leigh's discomfited response made Lilith feel bad for her.

  "Leigh." She stepped forward and hugged her. "Thank you for the information and whatever you did to convince Quincy not to convict me also."

  "Convict you? Of what?" Ed spoke up, looking at Lilith concerned.

  "This is the girl I was talking about," Leigh began, "Sloan Mac—"

  "You?" Ed pointed at Lilith. "You were dating that scum?"

  "Was. Keyword. Good night, Ed." She kissed his cheek. "Leigh, keep in touch."

  "Lily, if you're in legal trouble you contact me first, got it?" Ed sternly told her in a protective manner.

  "Oh god, knight in shining fucking armor Ed Jacks, everyone!" Ashley called out with her hands cupped around her mouth like a bullhorn.

  "Alright." Embarrassment made his cheeks turn red and Lilith grabbed her arm.

  "Night." She quickly grabbed Shaun's hand and pulled both of them from the bar laughing.

  Preoccupied with Shaun's visit, Lilith and Ian had barely any communication.

  When her phone began to ring she couldn't stop her smile. "Good morning," she answered walking away from Shaun.

  "Lily, it's Ian, are you free to work Friday?" Ian's business tone was in full effect.

  "Halloween? Yes."

  "Justin Borg has requested you accompany him to a Halloween Party. It's a costume party. Is this something you're interested in?"

  "That's fine, but I thought Friday was Luxe's party?"

  "Yeah it is." There was no mistaking the discontent in his tone.

  "Okay, well,
yes. I'm free to work. He pays well, which we need to discuss. He pays too much and it's a little embarrassing."

  "I hardly think it's your place to tell me what to charge my customers."

  A quiet gasp escaped. "I guess it's not." It wasn't the time to argue.

  Ian huffed. "What do you think he should be charged?"

  "Ten thousand dollars for one date and I don't even put out. That's a little absurd. It seems like you're trying to make me unattainable."

  "That's not it." Offense backed his tone. "I know what my girls are worth and that's what you're worth, without sex."

  "I'm flattered." Her dry retort was accompanied by a roll of her eyes that she wished he could see. "I'm free Friday. Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Jacks. Kiss Karen for me." She hung up and exhaled, trying to slow her raised heart rate; he called right back. "What?" she snapped.

  "It's a costume party."

  "I really don't give a crap right now, Ian."

  "If you're under too much stress I can find another girl."

  "And lose out on your ten grand?" Lilith snickered.

  "I think he'd be willing to pay that for any of the girls." It was a blatant lie and he knew it.

  "Then go ahead and do that. I'm not accepting. Thank you." After disconnecting, she turned off her phone.

  Ian pinched the bridge of his nose and Karen returned to his office with paperwork. He quickly disguised his annoyance by taking a sip of his coffee.

  "She declined the date. Get on the phone with Tanya and see if she's willing."

  "She declined?" Karen asked confused. "Is it because she wants to come to our party?"

  "Uh no. I think maybe she has other plans, or perhaps it's because her boyfriend is in town." It killed him to say that, but it was for Karen's benefit.

  "That's ten thousand dollars, babe!" she snapped. "Did you inform her it wasn't a smart decision to decline?"

  "Yes, Karen! I can't tell her what she can and can't do."

  "Yes you can. You can fire her ass. We don't even need her."

  "She brings in more money from one asshole than three girls do in one night. Get ahold of Tanya. I'm going to call Justin." He glared at her until she exited.

  "Jacks," Justin answered the phone eager to hear he had another date with Lilith.

  "Unfortunately Lily isn't available Friday, but I have my girl Tanya who's just as good, if not better, and she's less expensive."

  "What? Really?"

  "I'll even drop the rate because this is inconvenient. I wasn't aware she had plans."

  "She can't change her plans?" There wasn't a doubt in Justin's mind she wanted him. He didn't know why she was making it so difficult. Especially when he was offering money.

  "I tried, but she uh, she didn't want to." He acted apologetic, but Ian was using the situation to his advantage by making Justin think she wasn't interested.

  "I'm good on Tanya right now. Thanks."

  "If you want me to get you over those rates, I can. I think you'll like the price."

  "I'm good right now. I'll get back to you."

  "Alright, man, sorry about that."

  "Yeah, no problem." Justin hung up annoyed.

  As Lilith and Shaun sat in the small diner enjoying lunch, Justin spotted her.

  He approached the table wearing a smirk. "Hey, El. Heard you got plans Friday."

  Her wide eyed gaze went from Justin to Shaun, then back again.

  "Justin." Pulling out of the awkward stare down, she said, "This is my boyfriend Shaun. Shaun, this is a client. Justin Borg."

  Justin shook Shaun's hand, sizing him up. Finding out she wasn't involved with a female, he felt a little threatened.

  "Nice to meet you, man."

  Shaun smiled. "Same."

  "What're you doing around here?"

  Justin held in his laughter. Her nervousness only further confirmed his assumption she wanted him just as bad.

  "My office is right there." He pointed north.

  "Oh." Her tense smile went from Justin to Shaun.

  "I need to use the restroom." Shaun slid out of the booth, wanting to ease some of her anxieties that he didn't understand. "Nice meeting you."

  With a nod, but focused on Lilith, Justin said, "For sure."

  Shaun walked away and Justin slid in. "Alright, I have to say, I thought you were lying about being in a relationship, but I also thought if you really were, it was a woman," he quickly admitted.

  "You know what they say about assuming things."

  "Why won't you see me Friday? You have plans? With your man?"

  "No, I'm free." She smiled and took a minute to appreciate the chameleon in his suit, all tattoos hidden.

  "Jacks said you declined the date."

  "Oh yeah, through work. If you'd like to take me out, I'm free." Staring into his handsome face, she watched his confusion shift to his genuine smile.

  "Really?"

  "Yeah. Between you and me, I'm just trying to piss my boss off so I declined the date. I've been busy, but I was going to contact you. Don't get used to this though. I like making a living off you."

  "Oh I'm sure." He grinned and stood. "I'll pick you up? Or maybe we should meet up?" He glanced toward the bathrooms.

  "Pick me up from my apartment."

  "The condo from the other night?"

  "No, my apartment. I'll text you the address."

  With a grin he couldn't wipe from his face, he said, "Costume party. Wear something hot."

  "This isn't paid for so you can't dictate that. I think I'll be a burrito."

  "A burrito?" He laughed. "You can be the pizza and I'll be the pepperoni." He winked at her before heading back up to the counter to wait for his lunch.

  Shaun returned and she chuckled. "I didn't mean to call you my boyfriend." She was grateful he was there to convince Justin her in-a-relationship status was plausible.

  Perhaps it would dissuade his interest in her. What wouldn't deter him though, was her offering dates unpaid.

  "I didn't mind it, Lilith." Shaun took her hand from across the table and kissed it.

  Justin nonchalantly watched them while he waited on his order. Lilith leaned into the table giving Shaun her other hand and he gently rubbed his thumbs over her knuckles.

  Receiving his order, Justin headed toward the door and she looked up. He slightly waved with a nod, Lilith smiled.

  Shadows betray JUSTIN

  So I meet her boyfriend and now I can't help but want her more. I know it's sick, but it's what I do. I did it with Layna, the cheating bitch that trashed my life. Found out she was cheating again. She filed for divorce, moved in with the boyfriend, and I had to have her back. I wanted her more than I did when I did have her. She came back, continued to cheat and I finally got rid of her in January. With solid confirmation El is off the market, I want her more.

  Why is she with this guy but willingly going out with me? I know she's attracted to me, but what isn't he giving her that she's hoping to get from me, or is she just a whore?

  I can't stop thinking about her and I want to text her and ask her what's wrong with her boyfriend, but it's really not my place. And all in all I couldn't care less. I just don't want to be a relationship ruiner. I don't care what the guy thinks about me, but I do know what I want to do to the fucks that cheated with my wife.

  Stopping at the desk before my office, I deliver the beautiful Pamela her lunch.

  "Your ex called while you were gone." She hands me a piece of paper with the info and I roll my eyes.

  Great timing.

  "Sorry." She touches my hand and I huff. "Thanks for lunch."

  Pam's really cute, but I don't get involved like that anymore, especially with women close to me. Took me a while to get over my failed marriage. It wasn't my ex I couldn't get over, it was failing at something so colossal. And I really don't want to go through anything like that again, so I've opted the solo life. Contrary to the feebleminded general population who watch and read Hollywood entertainment garb
age, I don't date my clients. I do, however, pick up a slut a few times a month at a bar, screw her, then get rid of her. I have a couple girls in my phone I know I can call for a good time. If I need to be entertained by a woman I have Jacks' girls. And now I have El.

  I'm not sure what's drawing me to her so much other than she's drop dead gorgeous. She's smart too, and her eyes…she's just…alluring.

  This piece of paper with Layna's name and number on it is in my hand like it's melded to my skin. I'm telling myself I'm not going to call her, but my finger is dialing the number.

  "Hey," I say when she answers.

  "I need to borrow some money."

  Big fucking surprise there.

  I close my eyes and rest my face in my hand. "For what?"

  "You know for what," she bitches at me as if I owe her something.

  "How much?" I mutter.

  Why do I do this? I guess because I've been doing it for years. She should start asking her dipshit boyfriend for money, but the fucking loser has no money. He's a drug addict, just like she is and here I am supporting their habit. I think I hate this woman, yet I can't stay away from her.

  "Only five."

  "Only five hundred dollars?" I say dryly. "Is that fucking all?"

  "Mushy, please."

  I hate when she calls me mushy. When we were in high school I loved it, but it turned into her using it to get her way with things instead of a flirty endearment. I only loved it because it was her pet name for me and I was infatuated with this woman at one point as a kid.

  "Yeah," I breathe. "I'll bring it to you after work."

  Why the hell do I do this to myself?

  Right now I'm relieved El isn't making me pay for Friday. Not that five hundred bucks is going to break me, but seeing El at two G an hour… I can't stop seeing her. I want to see her more than once a week for more than five hours at a time. I'm really fucking myself, and all for a fucking prostitute.

  Like Ian's text instructed, after dropping Shaun at the airport she headed to Luxe. It'd been a few days since she'd seen him, so she entered the building with an undeniable smile.

  "Lily!" Karen squealed with delight when Lilith rounded the corner from the elevator. "Where's Shaun?"