Bad Love ~ An Essex Boys story ~ Chapter 2
Ah, yes....Jason Locke....my favorite bad boy.....
I shoulda known it’d a bin useless to ‘ope ol’ Jason would be in a better mood t’day. Last night did not sit well with ‘im at all an’ from tha look a ‘im, he ‘ad a fairly rough night of it. My guess would be ‘e took it out on Lisa, too, from tha looks a ‘er. Her eyes was all red an’ swollen when I picked ‘im up, an’ she was quiet, real quiet.
Y’know, I’m not really sure why I’m still drivin’ ‘im about. After that big deal a ‘is, he’s rollin’ in it. Got ‘is fancy new house, it’s nuffin’ as grand as Peter’s, but it’s nice, real nice. An’ he bought imself a Jag, he did, but he don’t hardly drive it, still wants me ta chauffer ‘im about. Guess it makes ‘im feel important or summat. I don’ mind tho’, he’s decent enough ta me, I s’pose, especially since I took care a that one problem for ‘im a few months back. Took care a it, an’ never spoke of it again, an’ neither ‘as he. An’ they pay me very well, very well indeed. Sure beats cabbin’ anyway.
As soon as we got in tha car he was askin ‘bout ‘is mystr’y lady, an’ he wasn’ ‘appy when I told ‘im I found nuffin’ on ‘er.
“Ya disappoint me, Billy.” He says. “I thought you was Billy Whizz, an’ you can’ even get ‘er fuckin’ name for me?”
What I wanna ask ‘im is why he didn’ ask ‘er name last night, if he fancied ‘er so bad, why didn’ he get it ‘imself? But I don’t. “Sorry, Jason, I asked everywhere, nobody knew who she was.” Was what I did say. “I went down round tha Avalon, and no one ‘ad seen ‘er. Or if they did, they ain’t sayin.”
“Yeah?” says Jason. “Well, maybe we’ll ‘ave ta check some a tha other clubs tonight, eh? A looker like ‘at don’t go about unnoticed, does she? Somebody knows ‘er…” he kinda trailed off an’ stared out tha winda then. I guess he was probly thinkin’ ‘bout ‘er. He sorta laughed then an’ shook ‘is head. “She’s got balls, I’ll give ‘er that!” he says.
That was when I knew I’d ‘ave no rest ‘til we found ‘er.
~~~~~~~~~~
Billy pulled the Mercedes up in front of the Avalon at precisely three o’clock. They had gone by Peter’s to pick up Peter and Wayne before going on to the club. Everyone could see Jason was in a fowl temper and decided wisely to keep the chatter to a minimum on the ride in. Jason got out of the car and strode determinedly into the club with the others hurrying to catch up.
Inside he found the manager, Mick seated at the bar with the doorman from the night before and the same bartender behind the counter. Jason scowled; he was in no mood to be toyed with. “Tell Sinclair we’re ‘ere.” He said gruffly. “I’ve no time t’fuck about.”
“Ah, Mr. Locke,” appeased Mick as he stood and approached Jason. “It’s a pleasure to see you again. Can we get any of you a drink?”
Jason ignored the offered hand and glared down at the man. “Look’ere, Abbott, I don’ appreciate bein’ put off like we was last night.” Jason sneered, “I wanna see Sinclair an’ I wanna see ‘im now.”
“Yes, yes, of course.” Replied Mick, seemingly unaffected by Jason’s demeanor. “Alex is upstairs.” Mick nodded to the bartender, who picked up the phone behind the bar. After pressing a two-digit extension he spoke into the receiver while looking up at the dark glass over the dance floor. “Locke is ‘ere.” He said abruptly, nodded and then hung up.
The bartender looked at Jason and gestured with a nod of his head toward the narrow hallway that disappeared beside the bar. “Up stairs, first door on yer left.”
Jason said nothing but only looked at him as if to say “It’s about fuckin’ time!” and made his way around the side of the bar. When the rest of Jason’s crew made to follow the bartender put out his hand. “Just ‘im.”
Peter protested. “I ‘ave to go, too. I’m the one that usually handles this side of our business.”
“Alex says jus’ Locke,” repeated the bartender.
Jason walked back and put a reassuring hand on Peter’s shoulder. “No worries, Pete, I can ‘andle it.”
That’s exactly what was worrying Peter, Jason’s way of handling things did not always provide the best results. He had wanted to approach this one in a more professional manner than some of the others. He was tired of strong-arming owners into compliance. They offered a legitimate service, in this case, and there should be no need for force. “Jason, I don’t think you’re really in the best of moods today to be making deals.”
Jason had to laugh, but it was a hard, cruel sound. “Bollocks! I’m in tha perfect mood ta deal with ‘im!”
Jason turned to make his way upstairs but Peter stopped him by grabbing his arm. “Jason, be nice.” He warned.
That sinister grin spread once more across his lips. “Ain’t I always?” Jason laughed again as he headed down the hallway. This fit his plans perfectly, he decided as he climbed the narrow stairs. This guy needed to know how things were going to be right from the start. Peter was always trying to hold him back. Some people needed more than words to seal a deal, and something told him this Sinclair bloke was one of those people. He’d learn quickly you don’t keep Jason Locke waiting for nothing.
The door at the top of the stairs was slightly open and he heard music coming from inside, it was a Tom Petty song; ‘I Won’t Back Down’. He scowled when he pushed the door open wider and saw the empty desk. He stepped inside and was surprised to see a woman standing by the window that overlooked the club. Not just any woman, but his mystery woman from the night before, the beautiful brunette with the honey-brown eyes.
“So we meet again, Mr. Locke.” She said smoothly, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
It was obvious Jason did not expect to find her there. “Wha…” He was going to say “What the fuck are you doin’ here?” but stopped himself. That could explain a lot about her behavior the night before. If she was Sinclair’s woman, she would of course have to keep Jason at a distance, at least while in her boyfriend’s club. But there was no sign of anyone else around, she couldn’t be…
Her laughter interrupted his thoughts. “You haven’t forgotten me already, have you?” she teased, seeing the confusion in his sultry green eyes.
Jason scoffed. “Nah…I remember you awright. Ya walked out on me before we finished our conversation.”
“Did I?” she shrugged, as if she remembered it a little differently. “I’m sorry, I thought we were finished.” Jason watched as she walked to the shelves behind the desk. Today she wore low-rise jeans that hugged her shapely hips and a white t-shirt that clung to her other curves and left about an inch or so of her smooth, tanned stomach exposed. This was covered with a short red jacket and finished off with red heels. Jason took a deep breath as she moved across the office.
In a world that keeps on pushin' me around, but I'll stand my ground…
The brunette reached up and flipped the switch on the stereo, leaving them in silence.
“Nah, we weren’t anywhere near finished.” Jason told her. “You never told me anythin’ about yerself. Ya seem ta know a lot about me, but I know nuffin’ ‘bout you. I’d say you ‘ad quite an advantage there, eh?”
Smiling, the woman went over and leaned against the side of the desk. “Oh, and I bet that just kills you, doesn’t it?” Green eyes narrowed, Jason didn’t like being made a fool of. Laughing, she stood straight and offered her hand. “I’m Alexandra Sinclair.” She said with her Mona Lisa smile. “You can call me Alex.”
Jason’s eyes widened. “You’re Sinclair?” He scowled as he took her hand, squeezing it harder than was customary. “Ya couldn’t tell me that las’ night? Ya fuckin’ lied ta me.”
Pulling her hand from his Alex leaned back against the desk again. “Not really. You asked if I knew anything about the ‘bloke’ that owned this place. Well, a bloke doesn’t own it, I do, and in case you haven’t noticed I’m not a bloke.”
“Aye.” He said, his green eyes traveling over her shapely form. “I ‘ave noticed that.”
Alex studied Jason for a minute watching his eyes fill with lust, as he looked her over. What was it about this guy? She knew from his reputation he was a vicious, arrogant bastard, but that look in his eyes sent chills down her spine and not the fearful kind. None of the information she had on him said anything about him being so damned attractive. He had the sexiest green eyes she had ever seen, though she knew, too, how hard and evil they could be. He dressed well, too, his soft green shirt complimented his eyes and was tucked into nicely fitted, black trousers. Very nicely fitted, indeed.” Okay, keep your mind on business, girl.” She told herself. Clearing her throat, she continued her explanation. “As for last night, I just wanted to observe the opening, without having to impress anyone, that’s what I have Mick for.” She paused as Jason took a step closer, that look still burning in the depths of his green eyes. “You know, get a feel for things…”
A smile spread slowly across Jason’s lips. “Oh yeah, I know.” He said barely above a whisper. “’At’s what I was ‘opin’ fer…t’get a feel fer things…” He now stood only a few inches in front of Alex and her heart was pounding faster the closer he got.
“Now what was this business you’ve been so eager to discuss?” she said in an attempt to move the conversation away from where she knew it was going. Standing quickly, she tried to move away from him only to have Jason’s hand come up and gently grip her shoulder.
“I think maybe we’ll mix a little business with pleasure, eh?” he murmured, leaning closer.
Alex turned her head away from him. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Grabbing her chin firmly, he turned her face back, forcing her to look at him. His green eyes smoldered with the hunger that was growing with each passing second. “You don’ seem ta like any a my ideas, why is that?”
Before she could think of a response, Jason slid his other hand through the soft, dark locks spread over her shoulder to the back of her neck, and pulling her to him covered her lips with his own. To his surprise Alex did not resist and he moaned as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
Jason’s tongue pried at the first slight parting of her lips and she tasted of cappuccino with a hint of vanilla. He pulled her body tighter against his, one hand leaving her chin and slipping around her waist. Alex groaned as her breasts were crushed against his firm chest and his tongue plunged deeper. Warmth spread through her quickly and the familiar tingling began to grow between her legs.
Jason pulled back slightly, his breathing labored as he watched her lashes flutter open. A smile of satisfaction touched his lips as he saw the desire in her eyes. “Not such a bad idea after all, eh?” he said huskily before pulling her mouth back to his.
Alex knew she should stop this but, damn, he knew how to kiss! It would be easy to give in, lose control. “He’s married.” She kept telling herself as his arms pulled her tighter. Jason’s right hand moved slowly down to grope her left cheek through her snug-fitting jeans at the same time pulling her hips to his so she could feel his cock, hard and firm, straining against his trousers.
It was that action that brought Alex back to her senses. She slid her hand slowly down Jason’s arm and firmly gripped his wrist. He moaned into her mouth, taking it as a form of encouragement. Before he could make any further advances Jason found himself face down on the desk, his right arm twisted behind his back with Alex’s forearm firmly pressing his shoulders immobile against the wood. Jason grunted from the suddenness of the assault.
He tried to laugh, but it came out more like a cough. She was much stronger than he would have thought. “Is ‘at how ya want it, love?” he wheezed as he tried to turn his head to look at her. “’At’s awright, I don’ mind it a bit rough!”
“God, what a cocky bastard!” thought Alex. She moved her hand up to push his face into the desktop. “Just because I allowed you to kiss me,” she snarled, “does not automatically mean you may take further liberties.”
“C’mon, babe,” mumbled Jason into the desk, “ya know ya want it as much as I do.”
“Want it?” laughed Alex, “Want what?” Still holding his arm behind his back and pushing him down, she used her other hand squeeze his ass. “To be groped like a fuckin’ whore?” Her hand then moved between his legs and roughly gripped his swollen cock. “Or you probably think I want some of this, don’t you?” she taunted as she squeezed bringing a deep groan from Jason’s throat. “You think we all want some of this, don’t you?” Her hand gripped him tighter and she roughly manipulated him through the soft fabric.
“Yeah….” Moaned Jason, not discouraging him in the least.
“Pig.” She muttered and abruptly released him. “Why don’t you take it home to you wife?” Alex quickly settled in the chair behind the desk and opened the top drawer as Jason stood up and straightened his clothing. His eyes burned into her as he walked around the desk.
“I don’t think so, babe.” He said as he approached. Alex looked up at him and he rubbed his hand over the huge bulge in the front of his pants. “This is all for you.”
Without blinking an eye Alex pulled her hand out of the desk drawer and Jason found himself staring down the chrome barrel of a .50 caliber Desert Eagle. “You know,” Alex said coolly, “I hate being called ‘babe’.” She had the gun pointed between Jason’s eyes. “As I said, I am not your whore, I do not fuck married men, no matter who they are. You won’t be having your fun here with me and then go home to your wife. I don’t play like that.”
Jason smiled cruelly. “That’s a pretty big gun for a bit like you, sure you can ‘andle it?”
“Oh, I can handle it, no worries there…babe.”
To Alex’s surprise Jason laughed, his eyes traveling over the smooth barrel to meet hers. He’d give her this round, he decided, though he didn’t really think she would use the gun on him, but he figured he could wait, for now. He’d have her, he was sure of that, but he didn’t want to force this one. He wanted her begging for more, it wasn’t going to be one of those quick fucks. He would bide his time and savor every minute of it.
“Now, I suggest you either state your business or get the fuck out.” Alex stated firmly.
“Awright.” He said, putting his hands up, mocking surrender and still laughing. “We can talk business.” Jason confidently turned his back to her and her gun and walked to the sofa next to the door. He turned around, still smiling and made himself comfortable. Alex cautiously laid the gun on the top of the desk and listened. “Here’s what we’re gonna do.” Began Jason. “My boys are gonna take care a the door for ya t’keep out all the undesirable types that hang about down ‘ere.”
Alex had to laugh. “Is that right? But aren’t your boys the type your talking about?”
“Nah.” Replied Jason with a grin, “They’re good boys, they do wha’ I tell ‘em.”
Leaning back in her chair a bit, Alex smiled that smile that she already knew got to him and was rewarded with slight narrowing of green eyes as Jason took a deep breath and adjusted the bulge that still filled the front of his pants. “Unfortunately,” she said confidently, “I already have my boys at the door, so I don’t need yours, do I?”
Jason laughed. “Yeah, they did a good job a keepin’ me outta ‘ere las’ night, didn’t they?”
“The only reason you got in last night was because I allowed it.” Assured Alex. “Why would I want to pay you for a job we can do ourselves?”
“Yer not from around ‘ere, I knew that tha minute I saw ya.” Jason replied. “And neither are your boys. They don’t know who’s who round here. I know every low-life scum in Essex…”
“I wonder why?” interrupted Alex sarcastically.
Jason’s green gaze narrowed, but he continued with a devilish grin. “It would be in yer best interest to keep ‘em out a yer club. An’ since we run security fer nearly ev’ry other club round ‘ere, they’re all gonna come ‘ere ‘cuz they can’t get in anywhere else. Then yer boys’ll ‘ave more trouble than they can ‘andle.”
Alex stared at him across the small office. He wasn’t telling her anything new. She knew of their monopoly on the security racket in Southend, and she was sure he could make things very difficult for her if she refused, but she was not one to be manipulated. She was not going to just lay back and just let them move in. “So…what’s this little ‘service’ of yours going to cost me?”
“We keep the take at the door,” Jason said, noting the subtle rise of Alex’s finely shaped brow. “Plus 5% of the bar.”
With her brown eyes wide in surprise, Alex let out a hearty, sarcastic laugh. “You’re out of your fuckin’ mind!”
Jason was unfazed by her reaction. “It’s the same deal we ‘ave with all the other clubs. They don’t seem ta mind.”
“Then they’re all idiots!” exclaimed Alex. “Not only do you expect all of the cover charge, but you want 5% of my bar, too?” She shook her head in disbelief.
“You’ll find it’s worth it.” Replied Jason undaunted.
Alex looked at Jason smiling. “Locke, you’ve got bigger balls than I thought!” she paused, looking him over. “Too bad they won’t get you anything from me.”
“No?” Jason said with a shrug before standing. “Don’t be so sure about that.” As he adjusted the waistband of his pants, Alex couldn’t help but notice he was still hard. She stood as he walked toward her, her fingertips still caressing the handle of the gun on the desk. “I’ll let you think about.” He said huskily. “I’ll come back tomorrow for your answer.”
Alex met his determined green eyes. “There’s no sense coming back unless you have a better deal for me.”
Stopping only inches in front of her, Jason kept his eyes locked on hers as his tongue slid slowly over his lips. “No? We’ll see. Ya might feel differently after you’ve ‘ad time t’sleep on it.” He leaned forward as his right hand came up to caress her cheek, his fingers combing through her chestnut waves. He touched his lips to hers, softly at first before pressing forward, his tongue exploring her mouth thoroughly as she leaned into him. Jason pulled back slightly, just far enough to look into her rich, brown eyes that shone with her desire. His thumb softly traced over her moistened lips. “Tomorrow.” He rasped, before giving her one last kiss and walking to the door. He paused in the doorway and turned to look at her still standing at the desk, her eyes never leaving him. Jason exhaled deeply and disappeared down the steps.
~~~~~~~
Peter stood as Jason came back into the bar. “Let’s go.” Was all Jason said and headed toward the door.
Confused, Peter began to follow. “Jason, do we ‘ave a deal or not?”
Jason paused briefly. “She has until tomorrow t’think about it.” Was all he said before continuing out of the club.
“She?” Peter was even more confused now. “Jason, wait…” he called and followed with Wayne and Billy right behind him.
Mick Abbott smiled and looked up to the dark glass overlooking the club. He knew Alex would not give in right away. He grinned and winked at his friends and took a long drink of his beer.
~~~~~~~
Alex had gone to the window and watched as Jason and the others left the bar. She could still feel his lips on hers, could still feel the warmth that had settled between her legs. She took a deep breath to try to clear her head. She could not let him get to her, not him. Getting involved with Jason Locke could only end badly. She had a plan and she needed to stick to it. And taking Jason to her bed was not part of that plan.
Looking down at her friends, she went over her objective in her head. They would help keep her focused, they were more than employees, they really were friends. They would all know how to keep her on track, or at least she hoped so.
She’d known Mick for about seven years now, and they’d been partners in various projects on and off for the last five. He was almost like a brother to her, he knew her better than anyone.
Shaun she met about fours years ago. Originally from Trinidad, he attended King’s College London, studying law, but upon graduation discovered he hated it, and got into private security. At six foot seven and 265 lbs of solid muscle, he did well and when he met Alex at the gym they joined forces, so to speak.
Then there was Bobby, or Roberto actually. Bobby came from Caracas when his English mother divorced his Venezuelan father and moved the family back to London. Sometimes, Alex felt Bobby was her biggest mistake and then at others she knew it would never work. When Mick brought Bobby into the circle two years ago, sparks flew immediately, though they never did anything about it for several months. On the night they celebrated their 30th birthdays, which were only four days apart they finally gave in. For the months that followed they were nearly inseparable. After six months Bobby proposed and Alex accepted. The engagement lasted another nine months, but as the date approached Alex got cold feet. She called it off a month before the wedding, breaking Bobby’s heart. It had been almost six months and she knew he wasn’t over it yet. The only reason he was still working with them was to stay close to Alex.
She felt guilty that she could never quite explain how she felt to Bobby, why she couldn’t go through with it. Was it the classic fear of commitment? She couldn’t really put a finger on it. Bobby was a good man, he had loved her so much, and she knew he still did. She almost felt as if he was too good for her. She smiled sadly as she looked down at him. He looked almost exactly as he had the day they met. His thick brown hair was pulled back when he was behind the bar, but when it was loose it fell just to his broad shoulders in curls. She remembered how soft those curls were, how his big brown eyes used to be filled with warmth and love, now they were filled with only sadness whenever he looked at her. She still had feelings for him, she couldn’t deny that, but she couldn’t marry him, it just didn’t feel right. Twice she had given into those feelings since the break up, when she was feeling lonely, and just needed a warm body next to her for the night. Bobby was there, waiting, only to have his heart ripped out again in the morning. With the feelings Jason had stirred up, she had a feeling this was going to be another one of those nights.
~~~~~~~~~~
So Jason’s little brunette bit and Alex Sinclair were one an’ tha same, eh? I never woulda guessed it. Okay by me tho’, saves me a lotta ‘eadaches tryin’ ta find ‘er.
When Jason got in tha car, he gave Peter a quick run down of wot ‘appened upstairs. Well, the business side of it, anyways. I ‘ave a feelin’ Jason was leavin’ out a bitta what really ‘appened. I know how much he wants ‘er, an’ when Jason sets ‘is mind ta somethin’, or someone, he don’ let up ‘til he gets wot he wants. I also ‘ave a feelin’ he didn’t get quite wot he fancied, either. I’m not sure if the others noticed, but I saw he left ‘er with…well, let’s jus’ say it were obvious he didn’t find tha relief he was ‘opin fer, an’ leave it at that, right?
I shoulda known it’d a bin useless to ‘ope ol’ Jason would be in a better mood t’day. Last night did not sit well with ‘im at all an’ from tha look a ‘im, he ‘ad a fairly rough night of it. My guess would be ‘e took it out on Lisa, too, from tha looks a ‘er. Her eyes was all red an’ swollen when I picked ‘im up, an’ she was quiet, real quiet.
Y’know, I’m not really sure why I’m still drivin’ ‘im about. After that big deal a ‘is, he’s rollin’ in it. Got ‘is fancy new house, it’s nuffin’ as grand as Peter’s, but it’s nice, real nice. An’ he bought imself a Jag, he did, but he don’t hardly drive it, still wants me ta chauffer ‘im about. Guess it makes ‘im feel important or summat. I don’ mind tho’, he’s decent enough ta me, I s’pose, especially since I took care a that one problem for ‘im a few months back. Took care a it, an’ never spoke of it again, an’ neither ‘as he. An’ they pay me very well, very well indeed. Sure beats cabbin’ anyway.
As soon as we got in tha car he was askin ‘bout ‘is mystr’y lady, an’ he wasn’ ‘appy when I told ‘im I found nuffin’ on ‘er.
“Ya disappoint me, Billy.” He says. “I thought you was Billy Whizz, an’ you can’ even get ‘er fuckin’ name for me?”
What I wanna ask ‘im is why he didn’ ask ‘er name last night, if he fancied ‘er so bad, why didn’ he get it ‘imself? But I don’t. “Sorry, Jason, I asked everywhere, nobody knew who she was.” Was what I did say. “I went down round tha Avalon, and no one ‘ad seen ‘er. Or if they did, they ain’t sayin.”
“Yeah?” says Jason. “Well, maybe we’ll ‘ave ta check some a tha other clubs tonight, eh? A looker like ‘at don’t go about unnoticed, does she? Somebody knows ‘er…” he kinda trailed off an’ stared out tha winda then. I guess he was probly thinkin’ ‘bout ‘er. He sorta laughed then an’ shook ‘is head. “She’s got balls, I’ll give ‘er that!” he says.
That was when I knew I’d ‘ave no rest ‘til we found ‘er.
~~~~~~~~~~
Billy pulled the Mercedes up in front of the Avalon at precisely three o’clock. They had gone by Peter’s to pick up Peter and Wayne before going on to the club. Everyone could see Jason was in a fowl temper and decided wisely to keep the chatter to a minimum on the ride in. Jason got out of the car and strode determinedly into the club with the others hurrying to catch up.
Inside he found the manager, Mick seated at the bar with the doorman from the night before and the same bartender behind the counter. Jason scowled; he was in no mood to be toyed with. “Tell Sinclair we’re ‘ere.” He said gruffly. “I’ve no time t’fuck about.”
“Ah, Mr. Locke,” appeased Mick as he stood and approached Jason. “It’s a pleasure to see you again. Can we get any of you a drink?”
Jason ignored the offered hand and glared down at the man. “Look’ere, Abbott, I don’ appreciate bein’ put off like we was last night.” Jason sneered, “I wanna see Sinclair an’ I wanna see ‘im now.”
“Yes, yes, of course.” Replied Mick, seemingly unaffected by Jason’s demeanor. “Alex is upstairs.” Mick nodded to the bartender, who picked up the phone behind the bar. After pressing a two-digit extension he spoke into the receiver while looking up at the dark glass over the dance floor. “Locke is ‘ere.” He said abruptly, nodded and then hung up.
The bartender looked at Jason and gestured with a nod of his head toward the narrow hallway that disappeared beside the bar. “Up stairs, first door on yer left.”
Jason said nothing but only looked at him as if to say “It’s about fuckin’ time!” and made his way around the side of the bar. When the rest of Jason’s crew made to follow the bartender put out his hand. “Just ‘im.”
Peter protested. “I ‘ave to go, too. I’m the one that usually handles this side of our business.”
“Alex says jus’ Locke,” repeated the bartender.
Jason walked back and put a reassuring hand on Peter’s shoulder. “No worries, Pete, I can ‘andle it.”
That’s exactly what was worrying Peter, Jason’s way of handling things did not always provide the best results. He had wanted to approach this one in a more professional manner than some of the others. He was tired of strong-arming owners into compliance. They offered a legitimate service, in this case, and there should be no need for force. “Jason, I don’t think you’re really in the best of moods today to be making deals.”
Jason had to laugh, but it was a hard, cruel sound. “Bollocks! I’m in tha perfect mood ta deal with ‘im!”
Jason turned to make his way upstairs but Peter stopped him by grabbing his arm. “Jason, be nice.” He warned.
That sinister grin spread once more across his lips. “Ain’t I always?” Jason laughed again as he headed down the hallway. This fit his plans perfectly, he decided as he climbed the narrow stairs. This guy needed to know how things were going to be right from the start. Peter was always trying to hold him back. Some people needed more than words to seal a deal, and something told him this Sinclair bloke was one of those people. He’d learn quickly you don’t keep Jason Locke waiting for nothing.
The door at the top of the stairs was slightly open and he heard music coming from inside, it was a Tom Petty song; ‘I Won’t Back Down’. He scowled when he pushed the door open wider and saw the empty desk. He stepped inside and was surprised to see a woman standing by the window that overlooked the club. Not just any woman, but his mystery woman from the night before, the beautiful brunette with the honey-brown eyes.
“So we meet again, Mr. Locke.” She said smoothly, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
It was obvious Jason did not expect to find her there. “Wha…” He was going to say “What the fuck are you doin’ here?” but stopped himself. That could explain a lot about her behavior the night before. If she was Sinclair’s woman, she would of course have to keep Jason at a distance, at least while in her boyfriend’s club. But there was no sign of anyone else around, she couldn’t be…
Her laughter interrupted his thoughts. “You haven’t forgotten me already, have you?” she teased, seeing the confusion in his sultry green eyes.
Jason scoffed. “Nah…I remember you awright. Ya walked out on me before we finished our conversation.”
“Did I?” she shrugged, as if she remembered it a little differently. “I’m sorry, I thought we were finished.” Jason watched as she walked to the shelves behind the desk. Today she wore low-rise jeans that hugged her shapely hips and a white t-shirt that clung to her other curves and left about an inch or so of her smooth, tanned stomach exposed. This was covered with a short red jacket and finished off with red heels. Jason took a deep breath as she moved across the office.
In a world that keeps on pushin' me around, but I'll stand my ground…
The brunette reached up and flipped the switch on the stereo, leaving them in silence.
“Nah, we weren’t anywhere near finished.” Jason told her. “You never told me anythin’ about yerself. Ya seem ta know a lot about me, but I know nuffin’ ‘bout you. I’d say you ‘ad quite an advantage there, eh?”
Smiling, the woman went over and leaned against the side of the desk. “Oh, and I bet that just kills you, doesn’t it?” Green eyes narrowed, Jason didn’t like being made a fool of. Laughing, she stood straight and offered her hand. “I’m Alexandra Sinclair.” She said with her Mona Lisa smile. “You can call me Alex.”
Jason’s eyes widened. “You’re Sinclair?” He scowled as he took her hand, squeezing it harder than was customary. “Ya couldn’t tell me that las’ night? Ya fuckin’ lied ta me.”
Pulling her hand from his Alex leaned back against the desk again. “Not really. You asked if I knew anything about the ‘bloke’ that owned this place. Well, a bloke doesn’t own it, I do, and in case you haven’t noticed I’m not a bloke.”
“Aye.” He said, his green eyes traveling over her shapely form. “I ‘ave noticed that.”
Alex studied Jason for a minute watching his eyes fill with lust, as he looked her over. What was it about this guy? She knew from his reputation he was a vicious, arrogant bastard, but that look in his eyes sent chills down her spine and not the fearful kind. None of the information she had on him said anything about him being so damned attractive. He had the sexiest green eyes she had ever seen, though she knew, too, how hard and evil they could be. He dressed well, too, his soft green shirt complimented his eyes and was tucked into nicely fitted, black trousers. Very nicely fitted, indeed.” Okay, keep your mind on business, girl.” She told herself. Clearing her throat, she continued her explanation. “As for last night, I just wanted to observe the opening, without having to impress anyone, that’s what I have Mick for.” She paused as Jason took a step closer, that look still burning in the depths of his green eyes. “You know, get a feel for things…”
A smile spread slowly across Jason’s lips. “Oh yeah, I know.” He said barely above a whisper. “’At’s what I was ‘opin’ fer…t’get a feel fer things…” He now stood only a few inches in front of Alex and her heart was pounding faster the closer he got.
“Now what was this business you’ve been so eager to discuss?” she said in an attempt to move the conversation away from where she knew it was going. Standing quickly, she tried to move away from him only to have Jason’s hand come up and gently grip her shoulder.
“I think maybe we’ll mix a little business with pleasure, eh?” he murmured, leaning closer.
Alex turned her head away from him. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Grabbing her chin firmly, he turned her face back, forcing her to look at him. His green eyes smoldered with the hunger that was growing with each passing second. “You don’ seem ta like any a my ideas, why is that?”
Before she could think of a response, Jason slid his other hand through the soft, dark locks spread over her shoulder to the back of her neck, and pulling her to him covered her lips with his own. To his surprise Alex did not resist and he moaned as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
Jason’s tongue pried at the first slight parting of her lips and she tasted of cappuccino with a hint of vanilla. He pulled her body tighter against his, one hand leaving her chin and slipping around her waist. Alex groaned as her breasts were crushed against his firm chest and his tongue plunged deeper. Warmth spread through her quickly and the familiar tingling began to grow between her legs.
Jason pulled back slightly, his breathing labored as he watched her lashes flutter open. A smile of satisfaction touched his lips as he saw the desire in her eyes. “Not such a bad idea after all, eh?” he said huskily before pulling her mouth back to his.
Alex knew she should stop this but, damn, he knew how to kiss! It would be easy to give in, lose control. “He’s married.” She kept telling herself as his arms pulled her tighter. Jason’s right hand moved slowly down to grope her left cheek through her snug-fitting jeans at the same time pulling her hips to his so she could feel his cock, hard and firm, straining against his trousers.
It was that action that brought Alex back to her senses. She slid her hand slowly down Jason’s arm and firmly gripped his wrist. He moaned into her mouth, taking it as a form of encouragement. Before he could make any further advances Jason found himself face down on the desk, his right arm twisted behind his back with Alex’s forearm firmly pressing his shoulders immobile against the wood. Jason grunted from the suddenness of the assault.
He tried to laugh, but it came out more like a cough. She was much stronger than he would have thought. “Is ‘at how ya want it, love?” he wheezed as he tried to turn his head to look at her. “’At’s awright, I don’ mind it a bit rough!”
“God, what a cocky bastard!” thought Alex. She moved her hand up to push his face into the desktop. “Just because I allowed you to kiss me,” she snarled, “does not automatically mean you may take further liberties.”
“C’mon, babe,” mumbled Jason into the desk, “ya know ya want it as much as I do.”
“Want it?” laughed Alex, “Want what?” Still holding his arm behind his back and pushing him down, she used her other hand squeeze his ass. “To be groped like a fuckin’ whore?” Her hand then moved between his legs and roughly gripped his swollen cock. “Or you probably think I want some of this, don’t you?” she taunted as she squeezed bringing a deep groan from Jason’s throat. “You think we all want some of this, don’t you?” Her hand gripped him tighter and she roughly manipulated him through the soft fabric.
“Yeah….” Moaned Jason, not discouraging him in the least.
“Pig.” She muttered and abruptly released him. “Why don’t you take it home to you wife?” Alex quickly settled in the chair behind the desk and opened the top drawer as Jason stood up and straightened his clothing. His eyes burned into her as he walked around the desk.
“I don’t think so, babe.” He said as he approached. Alex looked up at him and he rubbed his hand over the huge bulge in the front of his pants. “This is all for you.”
Without blinking an eye Alex pulled her hand out of the desk drawer and Jason found himself staring down the chrome barrel of a .50 caliber Desert Eagle. “You know,” Alex said coolly, “I hate being called ‘babe’.” She had the gun pointed between Jason’s eyes. “As I said, I am not your whore, I do not fuck married men, no matter who they are. You won’t be having your fun here with me and then go home to your wife. I don’t play like that.”
Jason smiled cruelly. “That’s a pretty big gun for a bit like you, sure you can ‘andle it?”
“Oh, I can handle it, no worries there…babe.”
To Alex’s surprise Jason laughed, his eyes traveling over the smooth barrel to meet hers. He’d give her this round, he decided, though he didn’t really think she would use the gun on him, but he figured he could wait, for now. He’d have her, he was sure of that, but he didn’t want to force this one. He wanted her begging for more, it wasn’t going to be one of those quick fucks. He would bide his time and savor every minute of it.
“Now, I suggest you either state your business or get the fuck out.” Alex stated firmly.
“Awright.” He said, putting his hands up, mocking surrender and still laughing. “We can talk business.” Jason confidently turned his back to her and her gun and walked to the sofa next to the door. He turned around, still smiling and made himself comfortable. Alex cautiously laid the gun on the top of the desk and listened. “Here’s what we’re gonna do.” Began Jason. “My boys are gonna take care a the door for ya t’keep out all the undesirable types that hang about down ‘ere.”
Alex had to laugh. “Is that right? But aren’t your boys the type your talking about?”
“Nah.” Replied Jason with a grin, “They’re good boys, they do wha’ I tell ‘em.”
Leaning back in her chair a bit, Alex smiled that smile that she already knew got to him and was rewarded with slight narrowing of green eyes as Jason took a deep breath and adjusted the bulge that still filled the front of his pants. “Unfortunately,” she said confidently, “I already have my boys at the door, so I don’t need yours, do I?”
Jason laughed. “Yeah, they did a good job a keepin’ me outta ‘ere las’ night, didn’t they?”
“The only reason you got in last night was because I allowed it.” Assured Alex. “Why would I want to pay you for a job we can do ourselves?”
“Yer not from around ‘ere, I knew that tha minute I saw ya.” Jason replied. “And neither are your boys. They don’t know who’s who round here. I know every low-life scum in Essex…”
“I wonder why?” interrupted Alex sarcastically.
Jason’s green gaze narrowed, but he continued with a devilish grin. “It would be in yer best interest to keep ‘em out a yer club. An’ since we run security fer nearly ev’ry other club round ‘ere, they’re all gonna come ‘ere ‘cuz they can’t get in anywhere else. Then yer boys’ll ‘ave more trouble than they can ‘andle.”
Alex stared at him across the small office. He wasn’t telling her anything new. She knew of their monopoly on the security racket in Southend, and she was sure he could make things very difficult for her if she refused, but she was not one to be manipulated. She was not going to just lay back and just let them move in. “So…what’s this little ‘service’ of yours going to cost me?”
“We keep the take at the door,” Jason said, noting the subtle rise of Alex’s finely shaped brow. “Plus 5% of the bar.”
With her brown eyes wide in surprise, Alex let out a hearty, sarcastic laugh. “You’re out of your fuckin’ mind!”
Jason was unfazed by her reaction. “It’s the same deal we ‘ave with all the other clubs. They don’t seem ta mind.”
“Then they’re all idiots!” exclaimed Alex. “Not only do you expect all of the cover charge, but you want 5% of my bar, too?” She shook her head in disbelief.
“You’ll find it’s worth it.” Replied Jason undaunted.
Alex looked at Jason smiling. “Locke, you’ve got bigger balls than I thought!” she paused, looking him over. “Too bad they won’t get you anything from me.”
“No?” Jason said with a shrug before standing. “Don’t be so sure about that.” As he adjusted the waistband of his pants, Alex couldn’t help but notice he was still hard. She stood as he walked toward her, her fingertips still caressing the handle of the gun on the desk. “I’ll let you think about.” He said huskily. “I’ll come back tomorrow for your answer.”
Alex met his determined green eyes. “There’s no sense coming back unless you have a better deal for me.”
Stopping only inches in front of her, Jason kept his eyes locked on hers as his tongue slid slowly over his lips. “No? We’ll see. Ya might feel differently after you’ve ‘ad time t’sleep on it.” He leaned forward as his right hand came up to caress her cheek, his fingers combing through her chestnut waves. He touched his lips to hers, softly at first before pressing forward, his tongue exploring her mouth thoroughly as she leaned into him. Jason pulled back slightly, just far enough to look into her rich, brown eyes that shone with her desire. His thumb softly traced over her moistened lips. “Tomorrow.” He rasped, before giving her one last kiss and walking to the door. He paused in the doorway and turned to look at her still standing at the desk, her eyes never leaving him. Jason exhaled deeply and disappeared down the steps.
~~~~~~~
Peter stood as Jason came back into the bar. “Let’s go.” Was all Jason said and headed toward the door.
Confused, Peter began to follow. “Jason, do we ‘ave a deal or not?”
Jason paused briefly. “She has until tomorrow t’think about it.” Was all he said before continuing out of the club.
“She?” Peter was even more confused now. “Jason, wait…” he called and followed with Wayne and Billy right behind him.
Mick Abbott smiled and looked up to the dark glass overlooking the club. He knew Alex would not give in right away. He grinned and winked at his friends and took a long drink of his beer.
~~~~~~~
Alex had gone to the window and watched as Jason and the others left the bar. She could still feel his lips on hers, could still feel the warmth that had settled between her legs. She took a deep breath to try to clear her head. She could not let him get to her, not him. Getting involved with Jason Locke could only end badly. She had a plan and she needed to stick to it. And taking Jason to her bed was not part of that plan.
Looking down at her friends, she went over her objective in her head. They would help keep her focused, they were more than employees, they really were friends. They would all know how to keep her on track, or at least she hoped so.
She’d known Mick for about seven years now, and they’d been partners in various projects on and off for the last five. He was almost like a brother to her, he knew her better than anyone.
Shaun she met about fours years ago. Originally from Trinidad, he attended King’s College London, studying law, but upon graduation discovered he hated it, and got into private security. At six foot seven and 265 lbs of solid muscle, he did well and when he met Alex at the gym they joined forces, so to speak.
Then there was Bobby, or Roberto actually. Bobby came from Caracas when his English mother divorced his Venezuelan father and moved the family back to London. Sometimes, Alex felt Bobby was her biggest mistake and then at others she knew it would never work. When Mick brought Bobby into the circle two years ago, sparks flew immediately, though they never did anything about it for several months. On the night they celebrated their 30th birthdays, which were only four days apart they finally gave in. For the months that followed they were nearly inseparable. After six months Bobby proposed and Alex accepted. The engagement lasted another nine months, but as the date approached Alex got cold feet. She called it off a month before the wedding, breaking Bobby’s heart. It had been almost six months and she knew he wasn’t over it yet. The only reason he was still working with them was to stay close to Alex.
She felt guilty that she could never quite explain how she felt to Bobby, why she couldn’t go through with it. Was it the classic fear of commitment? She couldn’t really put a finger on it. Bobby was a good man, he had loved her so much, and she knew he still did. She almost felt as if he was too good for her. She smiled sadly as she looked down at him. He looked almost exactly as he had the day they met. His thick brown hair was pulled back when he was behind the bar, but when it was loose it fell just to his broad shoulders in curls. She remembered how soft those curls were, how his big brown eyes used to be filled with warmth and love, now they were filled with only sadness whenever he looked at her. She still had feelings for him, she couldn’t deny that, but she couldn’t marry him, it just didn’t feel right. Twice she had given into those feelings since the break up, when she was feeling lonely, and just needed a warm body next to her for the night. Bobby was there, waiting, only to have his heart ripped out again in the morning. With the feelings Jason had stirred up, she had a feeling this was going to be another one of those nights.
~~~~~~~~~~
So Jason’s little brunette bit and Alex Sinclair were one an’ tha same, eh? I never woulda guessed it. Okay by me tho’, saves me a lotta ‘eadaches tryin’ ta find ‘er.
When Jason got in tha car, he gave Peter a quick run down of wot ‘appened upstairs. Well, the business side of it, anyways. I ‘ave a feelin’ Jason was leavin’ out a bitta what really ‘appened. I know how much he wants ‘er, an’ when Jason sets ‘is mind ta somethin’, or someone, he don’ let up ‘til he gets wot he wants. I also ‘ave a feelin’ he didn’t get quite wot he fancied, either. I’m not sure if the others noticed, but I saw he left ‘er with…well, let’s jus’ say it were obvious he didn’t find tha relief he was ‘opin fer, an’ leave it at that, right?