Bad Love ~ an 'Essex Boys' story ~ Chapter 3
Well, I finally finished Chapter 3 - man....this one was giving me all sorts of pain!! For a while it was like pulling teeth just to get a paragraph out!
But it's here, finally!
You get a bit of backround on Alex in this one, but Jason shows up about halfway through... ;)
Oh, and this is a rather looong chapter.......
~ Chapter 3 ~
When Mick Abbott walked into the Avalon late the next morning, he was surprised to see the lights turned up and all the tables and chairs moved to the dance floor. Bobby was in the far corner with a mop and bucket. “What are you doing?” he asked with a slight chuckle.
The other man looked up glaring. “What’s it look like?” Bobby snarled.
“Bobby, my man, we’ve only been open two days, don’t you think this is a bit extreme?”
“It’ll only get worse.” He said gruffly and went back to work.
Mick raised his brows; it was unusual to see his friend in such a bad mood. The only time he was this grumpy was when Alex…yes, of course, Alex. “Is Alex upstairs?” he asked cautiously.
Bobby slammed the mop into the bucket splashing water all over the tiled floor. “How the fuck should I know? You think she’d tell me anything? She only wants me when she’s in need of a shag.”
Mick sighed. “Not again.” He thought to himself and tried to comfort his friend. “Bobby…”
“Mick, don’t even say anything.” Replied Bobby in obvious frustration as he mopped up the excess water. “I know…okay? I know.”
Shaking his head, Mick knew the best thing to do right now was to give Bobby some time to himself. He could not understand why Alex kept doing this. She broke it off, but she just would not leave the poor guy in peace. Alex had this way of using people, especially men, to get whatever she wanted. She knew better than to try it with him, though, and he’d be damned if he would let her continue doing it to Bobby.
Determined, he climbed the stairs only to find the office empty. He continued to the end of the short hall and pounded on the door at the end. Scarcely waiting a few seconds he pounded again. He heard cursing on the other side of the door and saw the peephole go dark before Alex turned the latch on the door. “Christ, Mick! I just got out of the shower; you couldn’t wait two seconds for me to get to the door? What the hell is your problem?”
Mick glared at her as he entered the apartment. “That’s what I should ask you! What the fuck is your problem?”
Alex closed the door and turned around to face Mick as she pulled her robe tighter. “You want to tell me what you’re talking about?” Her tone revealed she was not in the mood to play guessing games.
“I’m talkin’ about Bobby.” He stated harshly, “Why can’t you just leave him the fuck alone?”
“Just stay out of it Mick.” Replied Alex and made her way to the kitchen. “It’s none of your business.”
“It bloody well is my business!” Mick countered. “He’s my friend.”
“And I’m not?” Alex asked as she picked up the kettle from the stove.
“You both are, damn it!” the man exclaimed in exasperation. “That’s what bothers me so much. He’s down there with his heart in shreds and you’re the cause of it! I don’t want to take sides, but Alex, you’re wrong for doing this to him. If all you wanted was a fuck, there were at least a hundred guys in the club last night that I’m sure would have been more than happy to oblige!”
Alex was quiet as she filled the kettle at the sink and then put it on the stove for her tea. “Mick, you know I’m not like that anymore.”
“Then what are you doing?” He looked at her bewildered. “Don’t you care about him at all anymore?”
“You know I do. I’m not a heartless bitch.” Alex said.
“No, just a selfish one.” Was Mick’s snide reply, ignoring her glare. “Don’t you know what you’re doing to him? Why can’t you see what you’ve got right under your nose? You were good together; you know that, you could have that every night and it wouldn’t tear his heart out.”
“I just can’t, alright?” Alex was quickly tiring of this conversation. “And I can’t marry him. It just doesn’t feel right.” Alex sighed as she opened the tea bag and dropped it into the empty cup.
“It feels right enough when you get the urge for a quick shag though, eh?” snarled Mick.
Alex spun around to face him. “Enough, Mick! I get your point, okay? But don’t put all this on me! I didn’t force him to come up here; he knew it was not going to be anymore than it was. He’s a big boy, he could always say ‘No’ if he can’t handle it!”
“You know he would never do that. He still loves you.” Alex didn’t respond as she poured the steaming water into her cup. She already knew that for herself. Bobby had said as much this morning after he had made love to her for the third time, only to storm out minutes later when she refused to return the sentiment. “Why did you do it?” Mick continued. “You promised me it wouldn’t happen again.”
“I know…” she said, ashamed. “I don’t do this to hurt him, I just…” Alex shrugged as she plopped herself down at the small table by the kitchen window. Looking out at the nearly empty street, she sighed deeply. “Yesterday I just …” She wasn’t sure she should tell Mick why she felt compelled to take Bobby back to her bed. She didn’t really want to admit it to herself.
“What happened yesterday?” Mick asked. “We had a pretty busy night, but was it really that stressful? Shaun and the boys handled all the problems well enough.” He paused and then chuckled a bit. “Or was dealin’ with Locke too much for you?”
Mick had said it as a joke but when he saw the look in Alex’s eyes he knew that was exactly what her problem was. Locke had gotten to her, but not in the way he had meant at first. “That’s it, isn’t it? What exactly happened with him, Alex?”
Her brown eyes turned back to the window. “Nothing.” She said, though not very convincingly.
“Bollocks! Something did, I can see it in your eyes.” Mick laid his hand over hers. “Alex, you cannot get involved with him. It would be insane! Not to mention making things much more difficult for us.”
“I know that, Mick!” she snapped. Alex took a deep breath before turning to look at her friend. “I know.” She repeated, calmly this time. “Nothing happened.” Mick raised one brow; it was obvious he didn’t believe her. Sighing her surrender, Alex confessed. “He kissed me, okay? He just…kissed me.” She turned to stare out the window again as the encounter with Jason came flooding back to her. She could still feel his lips on hers, the heat of his body as he pulled her tight against him. Alex’s fingers tightened around her teacup as she remembered the feel of his firm cock in her hand. Color began to rise in her cheeks.
“Must a been one hell of a kiss.” Mick commented noticing her blush.
“It was, Mick.” She said softly, watching as truck rumbled down the street. “It was.”
~~~~~~
Jason’s been makin’ me crazy pacin’ about like ‘at. He’s been listenin’ to Peter on tha phone wit one a tha boys an’ he heard the name Perry Elley. That name dont sit well wit Jason at all. Ya see, Perry Elley is likely our biggest rival in tha clubs, an’ it sounds like he paid a visit to tha Avalon las’ night. An’ I know Jason ain’t gonna let no one move in on tha Avalon an’ Alex Sinclair.
After we left tha Avalon yesterday aftanoon, Jason ‘ad me drop ‘im at the flat a this little blonde bit ‘e visits on occasion. That’s one thing I jus’ can’t understand, all a Jason’s women. I mean, He’s got a beauty like Lisa at home and he’s always fuckin’ about wit whatever bird catches his eye. An’ now it seems this Alex is his latest thing; an’ he’s determined ta ‘ave her, no doubt about ‘at. We’ll jus’ see how long it takes…an’ how long it lasts.
“So what’s the word on Perry Elley, then?” Says Jason when Peter hangs up tha phone. “Don’t tell me she fuckin’ signed on wit him.” He had that hard look in ‘is eye, too. He was not gonna let Perry Elley anywhere near the Avalon.
Peter jus’ shrugs. “I don’ know, Jason.” he says. “Tommy says Elley was talking with Alex Sinclair las’ night. They sat at a table for almost an hour. He said it looked like they was talkin’ business, it wasn’t a social call.”
“It betta not a bin a social call!” Jason screams at Peter. “He betta stay tha fuck away from ‘er!”
Peter stood up an’ I thought he was gonna smack Jason. “Jason, forget about the fuckin’ broad! Keep yer mind on business!” Christ, I cringed waitin’ for Jason ta go at Pete, thought fer sure he was a goner. But Jason jus’ stood there fer a minute an’ then kicked one a tha bar stools over. I bet Peter’s tha only one that could get away with talkin’ ta Jason like ‘at! “Jason, I’m jus’ hoping that sendin’ our guys in there last night didn’t back-fire on us!”
Ya see, after I picked Jason up again from gettin’ ‘is jollies off wit ‘is little blonde number, we met Peter an’ Wayne at Dante’s and they decided to send a couple boys ta the Avalon to show ‘er just what she’d be dealin’ wit if she didn’t give us tha job. Ol’ Pete was worried they played right inta Perry Elley’s ‘ands.
“Nah.” Jason says after thinkin’ ‘bout it fer a bit. “She ain’t one ta be pushed about or ta settle fer sometin she don’ want. She wouldn’t take tha first offer from ‘im, either. She’ll play us against each other.” He was grinnin’ now, like tha cat that ate tha canary. He thought he ‘ad her pegged fer sure. “I think it’s time ta play our next ‘and, eh?” An with that he grabs tha keys off tha table an’ tossin’ ’em ta me says, “Time ta drive, Billy Whizz.”
~~~~~~~~~
Alex looked up at the sound of a soft knock on the office door. “Yeah?”
Mick poked his head through the door half smiling. “You gonna hide up here all night?” he teased as he came in and sat on the sofa. Alex had not been downstairs all day, he wasn’t sure if she was avoiding Bobby or hiding from Jason Locke.
“I had thought about it.” She answered with a weak smile.
Mick chuckled, he couldn’t stay angry with her for long, she was still his best friend, she just needed to be nudged in the right direction sometimes. “It’s after five, I just sent Shaun for take-away. You in the mood for Chinese?” Alex just shook her head; truthfully, she wasn’t even hungry. “Come on. Bobby’s calmed down some, he knows it’s as much his fault as it is yours.” He paused when he saw the regret in her eyes. “Look, Alex…I’m sorry if I was a bit rough on you earlier…”
“No, Mick, don’t apologize. I deserved it.” She said firmly. “You are right, I can’t do that to him anymore.” Alex got up from her desk and walked to the glass, she sighed as she watched Bobby behind the bar preparing for the evening’s business. “And if you even think I’m going to, slap me, okay?”
Mick laughed as he joined her at the window. “I’d be delighted.” He teased. They watched together, the bar was more than stocked and ready for a Sunday night but Bobby kept busy, and they both knew why.
“You think every Saturday is gonna be as rough as last night?” Mick asked. Though there were no major problems really, it just seemed that as soon as they took care of one problem another one popped up, and they all seemed to involve the same four guys in one way or another.
Alex shook her head. “No, I think someone was just trying to prove a point.” She discerned. “I’m just not sure if it was Locke’s boys or Perry Elley’s, but I’m sure it was just a taste of what to expect if we don’t hire their security.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.” Agreed Mick with a chuckle. “To bad we can’t tell ‘em it was a wasted effort since it’s Locke and his boys we wanted in here from the start, eh?”
Alex’s stomach turned flips as the front door opened and she saw Jason Locke enter the club followed by the rest of his boys. “Yeah.” She replied, quietly. She just didn’t expect to want Jason Locke in the way she did. “You know, it might be a good idea if you didn’t leave me alone with Locke.”
~~~~~~~
Jason entered the club with a determined strut. He scowled when he saw only Bobby who was just taking a seat at the far end of the counter and lighting a cigarette. “I need ta see Alex.” Growled Jason. Bobby just glared at him. He didn’t like Locke, didn’t like his cockiness and definitely did not like the way he looked at Alex. “Did ya hear me?” Jason snarled.
Bobby took a long, slow drag on his cigarette before he answered. “Yeah, I heard ya.”
“Then git off yer arse and tell’er I’m ‘ere.” Bobby’s only response was another puff on his cigarette and then a long sip of the coffee in front of him. Jason’s minute bit of patience was quickly disappearing. He looked at Peter, obviously agitated. “Will ya get a load a this, bloke? Guess he wants ta make things difficult, eh?” Jason went up to stand next to Bobby, leaning close for emphasis. “You got two seconds ta get ‘er down ‘ere, boy.” Bobby ignored him and picked up his cup for another drink. Before he got it to his lips Jason knocked it from his hand to the floor behind the bar. “Now, where tha fuck is she?”
Bobby glared at Jason through the corners of his eyes. “Fuckin’ prick.” he thought. He decided the best way to get to Jason was to be honest; he knew he wouldn’t like the truth. “Not sure.” He said with a shrug, his voice not revealing a shred of the anger beginning to build inside of him. “Haven’t seen her since I left her bed this morning.” Bobby was unfazed by Jason’s menacing glare. “She could still be in bed, we sure didn’t get much sleep.”
“You expect me ta believe that?” Jason said half laughing. Bobby only shrugged again and took the last drag on his cigarette before snuffing it out in an ashtray. Jason gave a quick nod to Wayne who moved around behind the bar. “So she spent las’ night slummin’ wit tha likes a you, eh?” With a glance from Jason, Wayne casually slid a bottle of vodka off the back of the bar, sending it crashing to the floor. Bobby made to get up, but Jason pushed him back down, grabbing the thick curls at the back of his neck. “Is ‘at wot yer tellin’ me?” Wayne pushed a few more bottles to the floor.
“Fuck you.” Snarled Bobby.
Jason twisted his wrist, painfully pulling on Bobby’s hair and then kicked the barstool out from under him. Bobby fell flat on his back and Jason couldn’t resist a kick to his ribs before he bent to pick up the bar stool by its legs. He spun around to heave it at the huge mirrors behind the bar when Alex appeared from around the corner, her Desert Eagle in hand, followed closely by Mick, who casually rested a shotgun on his hip. “Put it down, Locke.” Alex said firmly. “Nicely.” She added, her brown eyes locked on Jason’s. If it had been any other woman he would have laughed and ignored her, but it was obvious she knew how to handle a weapon, and the look in her eyes told him she was dead serious. Locke smirked as he set the barstool down.
Alex slowly lowered the gun. “What the hell were you thinking to accomplish? You think trashing this place is going to do either one of us any good?” Jason stood smugly before her as Mick helped Bobby to his feet. Gently laying a hand on Bobby’s shoulder, Alex looked at him with concern. “You okay?”
Bobby pulled away from her and glared at Locke. “I’m fine.” He growled.
“Is’at any way ta talk ta yer boss?” Jason scolded with an arrogant cock of his head. “Ya oughta learn some better manners, Chico.”
The derogatory ethnic reference sent Bobby’s temper flying. His fist connected with Jason’s jaw before Locke had time to react. He stumbled back into Peter who wisely held onto him to prevent him from retaliating. Alex stepped in front of Bobby pushing him back with her hand firmly planted on his chest. “Bobby, stop…just calm down.”
“You’re gonna defend him?” Bobby said in disbelief. “That fuckin’ bastard?
“I’m not defending anybody. I just don’t want any trouble.” Alex told him calmly. “I believe he’s here to discuss business, if not we’ll get his arse out of here, okay?”
“I’ll get his arse outa here.” growled Bobby pushing forward again.
“C’mon!” taunted Jason, coming at Bobby again. “Let’s see wot ya got, ya fuckin’ poof!”
With her left hand pushing Bobby back she turned and pointed her gun at Jason’s head. “Back off!” She warned, noting the challenge in Jason’s green eyes. “Don’t make me tell you again.” Their eyes locked for a moment, neither willing to back down.
Finally, Jason stepped back, his mouth turned up in a half-grin, but his eyes never leaving Alex’s. Her heart was pounding, and it wasn’t just from the potentially volatile situation. With those intense green eyes burning into her she could barely think. She took a deep breath and turned back to Bobby.
Bobby’s dark eyes were still on Locke. No, he did not like the way Jason looked at her at all. “Bobby…” Alex said softly, in the voice she used to use when they were alone. He lowered his eyes to look into hers. “You’re even now, okay?” She reached up to tenderly brush an errant curl out of his eyes. “Let it go…please.” His eyes softened at the sound of her voice, and he nodded slightly.
As Jason watched the exchange between them his gaze hardened. So maybe the bastard was telling the truth after all. That would never do. When Alex turned around to face him she could read the jealousy on Locke’s face and flashed him a rather defiant look.
Turning back to Bobby she handed him her gun. “Watch this for me, alright?” Bobby nodded as he took it and wrapped his fingers around the grip before looking up at Jason. Alex laughed softly. “Just promise me you won’t shoot him for no reason.”
“And if he gives me a reason?” asked Bobby, still staring at Locke.
“Then by all means,” she said turning to Jason. “Feel free.”
Jason’s green eyes narrowed at the suggestion. She was a real piece of work, this one. He was going to enjoy putting her in her place.
“So did you have business to discuss or did you just come in to piss everyone off?” She asked haughtily.
“Yeah, I got bis’ness.” He said with a glare meant to intimidate. “Wot tha fuck were y’talkin’ ta Perry Elley about las’ night?”
Guess that answered her question as to whose goons were in the club the previous night. Alex looked at Jason with that knowing smile that made his balls tighten. “And what makes you think I was talking to Perry Elley?” she asked coyly.
Jason took a few steps closer as he continued to glare at her with hard green eyes. “Look, don’ try ta deny it, I know ev’rythin’ that goes on ‘round ‘ere.”
“Mmhmm.” Alex murmured with a soft chuckle. “I bet you do.”
Jason’s left brow went up as he wondered if she was accusing him of something. “Wot’s that s’posed ta mean?”
Alex just smiled and shrugged off the question. No sense in laying blame, he would no doubt deny any involvement with the men all the trouble centered around last night. “Mr. Elley came in here with a business proposition, similar to the one you offered yesterday, only his offer was a tad better, though still not quite good enough to suit me.”
“Is ‘at right?”
Alex looked from Jason to his associates. “Now will you boys be interested in sitting down and negotiating or will you be moving on?”
Jason scoffed, “Movin’ on?”
Peter stepped in front of his friend with his hand up to silence him. “Miss Sinclair, we have not been properly introduced. I’m Peter Chase, Jason’s business partner.” He said offering his hand. “We would be more than happy to discuss things. I have no doubt we can come to an agreement that’s suitable to both parties.”
Alex shook Peter’s hand, stealing a quick glance back at Jason before giving him her full attention. “Please, call me Alex.” She said pleasantly. “You must be the more level-headed one in the firm, hmm?”
Peter smiled. “You must forgive Jason. Most of the people we do business with ‘round here are…well, shall we say, not as sensible as you obviously are. Jason’s methods work very well with them.”
“I’m sure.” Replied Alex coolly, giving Jason a look that was equally cool. He responded with his now familiar devilish grin. “Shall we?” offered Alex motioning to a nearby table.
Peter nodded his agreement and sat at the table with Wayne sitting at the table behind him. Close enough to hear what was going on, but it was obvious he would not take part in the negotiations.
“Mick, why don’t you join us as well.” Suggested Alex. Mick nodded and made to join them when the front door opened and Shaun returned with their food. “Ah, yes, dinner.” She said hesitantly.
“Please!” assured Peter seeing their hesitation. “Don’t let us stop you. Go ahead, eat.”
Alex motioned Shaun to the next table, where he relieved himself of his parcels. “Why don’t you boys go ahead, I’ll eat later. But be sure to listen in and offer any opinions you may have.” She looked at the bar where Bobby was getting the broom and mop out to clean up behind the bar. “Bobby, come on and eat, we’ll help you with that when we’re done.”
Bobby looked at the men at the table and watched as Jason took the seat next to Alex. “I’m not hungry.” He stated. “I’ll just do this now.”
“Billy, why don’t you help him clean up that mess, eh?” offered Peter. Billy nodded and went to see what he could do.
“It’s alright.” Bobby told him as he came up to the bar. “I can get it.” The tone of his voice made it obvious he was irritated by the fact he had to do it at all and he spared an evil glance in Jason’s direction.
Alex caught his eye and nodded, urging him to accept the help. It’s the least they could do, she told herself. Bobby sighed and handed Billy the broom, and they set to work cleaning up the mess of glass and liquor.
Proper introductions were made around the tables and Mick got drinks for everyone before they got down to business. It didn’t really take long once they started discussing things in a civilized manner. Both sides gave a bit and before long came to an agreement that worked for everyone. Alex could feel Jason’s eyes on her the entire time, though she could only return a very brief glance here and there. His presence beside her was so strong, though she did her best to try and ignore it. When the discussion was finally ended Alex was eager to get up from the table, eager to be able to breathe again properly.
“Well, gentlemen,” she said standing, her smooth voice hiding the turmoil she was feeling inside, “I guess we have a deal then.”
Peter stood and shook her hand. “Thank you, Alex. I think we will work well together. I’ll bring the contract round tomorrow afternoon.”
“That’ll be fine.” Replied Alex and then hesitantly turned to Jason who stood with that goddamned grin on his face. “Mr. Locke.” She said, hoping it sounded casual but not too familiar.
Jason took her hand in his, a handshake to seal the deal, a handshake that was more like an intimate caress than the end of a business transaction. “When are ya gonna start callin’ me Jason?” he said seductively, holding her honey-brown eyes with his steady gaze.
Alex didn’t answer but pulled her hand from his. “If there’s nothing else,” she said finally, looking at Peter, “Mick will show you out.”
“No, I think we’re finished here, we’ll start tomorrow night, after we’ve signed the contract then?” Peter said looking at everyone involved.
Alex nodded. “That will be fine. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” A glance at Mick told him it was time for them to leave and Mick nodded in response before Alex left them and went to the bar.
Jason watched her as she walked away. The dress she was wearing today was light and soft, suitable for the warm summer day outside. The flowing pale green fabric swayed with the movement of her hips as she walked and Jason swallowed slowly as his eyes travel down her shapely tanned legs. Mick and Peter were discussing something about tomorrow night, but he didn’t hear a word. He just kept watching Alex as she approached the bar and began talking with Bobby.
Alex leaned against the bar; she didn’t sit, she would go upstairs as soon as Jason was gone. She waited because she knew he would no doubt follow her and she considered it much safer here with her friends.
Bobby set her Desert Eagle on the bar next to her. “You want anything?” he asked gruffly, obviously still not very happy with her and recent events.
“If you wouldn’t mind.” She said. “On the rocks…make it a double.”
Bobby was a little surprised by her request. She never ordered a double. He didn’t need to ask what she was drinking; she only drank one thing on the rocks. He filled a glass with ice and grabbed the bottle of Grey Goose vodka. “You sure you want a double?” he asked before pouring. Alex nodded in response and Bobby shrugged and poured a generous shot.
“Thanks.” Alex said softly as he set the glass in front of her.
“Somethin’ wrong?” Bobby asked, though he knew she wouldn’t tell him if there was. She just shook her head. Just as he thought; she used to tell him everything. He sighed as he put the bottle of Grey Goose back on its shelf. He wished he at least knew what happened, what he did. They should be married now, not just occasional lovers when the mood took her.
“Can I bum a smoke?” she asked, interrupting his thoughts.
“Why don’t you buy your own?” he huffed as he tossed his pack of cigarettes on the bar followed by a lighter.
“You know I don’t smoke that much.” She answered. “Only when I’m drinking.”
Alex took a cigarette out of the package and flicked the lighter as she put it in her mouth. He was definitely still upset with her, she thought. He always lit her cigarettes. Glancing over at Jason, she saw he still watched her. Christ, why don’t they leave? She felt a headache building and the vodka probably wasn’t going to help much.
Finally, Mick started guiding their guests to the door. “I’ll meet ya outside.” Said Jason his eyes on Alex. “I need a piss.”
Mick watched Jason go to the rear of the club where the restrooms were. Leaning down to Shaun, who was finishing up his dinner, he whispered. “I’ll walk them out. Keep an eye on Locke, eh?” Shaun nodded and Mick went out with the rest of the men.
Alex was relieved when the men started heading for the door until Jason left them and went to the darkened corner to the bathroom. She couldn’t help but wonder what he was up to. She took a good drink of her vodka and reveled in the tingling sensation in her spine as it went down. Maybe she would just take the bottle upstairs with her. After she was sure Jason was gone, of course. Good idea, she thought. They could handle a Sunday night without her. She would go upstairs, relax, collect her thoughts, and forget about Jason. And she would leave Bobby alone, too.
She sighed as she watched Bobby and her conversation with Mick earlier came back to her. Alex knew she should apologize. Bobby hadn’t spoken to her since he gave her his cigarettes. She had hoped maybe he had released some of his anger on Jason, but it looked as though that had only made it worse.
Might as well get it over with, she told herself and taking a deep breath, swallowed her pride. “Bobby…” she started, his big, brown eyes looked up at her through the fringe of his hair as he washed the lemons and limes to be cut up for the drinks that night. “…about last night…”
He frowned and looked down at the sink. “What about it?”
Alex took a drink. She didn’t expect this to be easy, but damn. “Well, last night I never should have…I’m sorry…I don’t mean to upset you.”
Bobby shook his head and looked up at her. “Last night is not what upset me, Alex. It was this morning that pissed me off.”
“Bobby, you knew it was just…”
“Just sex.” He said with a sharp sting in his voice. “Yeah I know.” He ran his fingers back through his hair gathering it into his ready-for-work ponytail and pulled the elastic band from his wrist to secure it. “Can I help it I’m a hopeless romantic? Well, hopeless at least.” He paused as he washed his hands. “Maybe I was just hoping that maybe, eventually, one of these nights, I could spark something inside you…like I used to. But I guess somewhere along the line I started doing something wrong, ‘cause all of sudden you didn’t want to be with me. God only knows what it was…I sure as hell don’t!”
“Bobby, you didn’t do anything wrong.” Alex said sincerely.
“No?” he cried, his voice raising enough to draw Shaun’s attention from across the bar. “C’mon, Alex! One day we were engaged, planning the final details of our wedding and the next you say you can’t marry me! Somethin’ happened to make you change your mind over night!”
Alex closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. This was not going anything like she had hoped. She didn’t expect him to smile and accept her apology, but she didn’t really expect to go into all this either. “Bobby,” she started slowly, “It wasn’t something that happened overnight.”
He stabbed the knife he had picked up to cut the fruit into the cutting board and looked up at her, his eyes on fire. “Is that supposed to make me feel better? Huh?” He leaned on the bar in front of her and looked right into her eyes. “So how long was I living in a lie thinking you loved me? A month? Two? Did you ever love me?”
“You know I did.” Alex murmured.
Bobby laughed a cold, disheartening laugh. “I don’t know anything anymore, Alex. Especially when it comes to you. Can you really tell me you don’t love me anymore?”
Alex turned her eyes down. She really couldn’t tell him that, a part of her still did love him, but a bigger part of her knew they did not belong together. If only she could get him to see that. She jumped suddenly when Bobby slammed his hand on the bar in front of her.
“Look at me, damn it!” Startled, her eyes flew to his. “Look at me and tell me you don’t love me.” Alex bit her lip. She knew she should just say it so maybe he could move on, but she had hurt him so much already, she knew hearing those words would devastate him. And they wouldn’t really be completely true. “You can’t do it can you?” Bobby said in exasperation. “Jesus, Alex! You can’t tell me you don’t love me and you won’t say that you do. What the fuck am I supposed to do?” He turned away from her, he knew the pain he felt at that moment had shown clearly on his face and he’d be damned if he let her see it.
Alex was quiet for a minute. She didn’t know what to say. Everything she had said, or didn’t say, only seemed to make matters worse. He hadn’t been this bad since they broke up. “Bobby, I’m sorry…” was the only thing she could think of saying without putting her foot in her mouth, and she wasn’t even sure of that.
“Why, Alex?” he asked softly before turning around. “Can you at least tell me why? What did I do?” Though he tried to keep his face as expressionless as possible, his eyes showed his true sadness and Alex’s heart sank when she looked at him.
“You didn’t do anything, Bobby.” She tried to assure him. “It’s not you.”
“How can you say that?” he asked. “Who else can it be? You didn’t leave me for another bloke, ‘cause where is he? You obviously just don’t want to be with me. What, am I not good enough for you? I know practically growing up on the streets can’t even begin to compare to a life in Hampstead, but I didn’t think that mattered to you.”
“It doesn’t, and you know that!” Alex said defensively.
“Mmm…I’m just good enough to bring up for a fuck every couple a months when you’re in the mood, eh?” he snarled. “Is that really enough for you? Christ, Alex, we made love nearly every day! Don’t you at least miss that?”
She really did not want to go there. “Bobby, let’s talk about this later, alright? We don’t need to get into that here.”
Bobby shook his head, she didn’t want to talk about it later, she didn’t want to talk about it at all. “Fine.” He said coldly. He pulled the knife out of the cutting board and threw it in the sink and then slammed the board into the sink as well. “We’ll talk about it later, if that’s what you want.” He looked up at her with cold dark eyes. “You always get what you want anyway, don’t ya?” With that he grabbed the mop and bucket and stormed off to the backroom.
Alex sighed and drained her glass. She had sure made a fine mess of things today. She had been doing pretty well, they had been so busy getting the club ready to open she hadn’t had time to think of much else. Then she had to meet…she was startled out of her thoughts by a strong hand squeezing her shoulder. Jason Locke.
“Lover’s quarrel, babe?” he said almost mockingly.
“Piss off, Locke.” She muttered and shrugged off his touch only to have his fingers lightly trace down the smooth, bare skin of her arm. She had her hair pulled up in a simple ponytail and she could feel the heat of his breath on her neck.
“Now ‘at hurts, love.” murmured Jason next to her ear. “‘Specially when we bin gettin’ on so well t’day.”
The skin on Alex’s arm tingled at his touch; she hoped it was the vodka, or even the fact that her nerves were on edge from her argument with Bobby. She knew it was more likely a combination of the closeness of the man standing behind her, the warmth of his gentle touch on her arm and the seductive purr of his voice in her ear. She could not understand his effect on her. Alex knew she needed to get him out of here as soon as possible before she did something stupid and quickly glanced at her gun on the bar next to her.
Guessing her thoughts, Jason covered the weapon with his right hand and slid it down the bar out of her reach. “Now, y’won’t be needin’ that, babe.” He said assuredly and rested his hand once again on her arm. He moved closer, his chest pressing against her back and he slid his left hand slowly down her other arm. “Ya know, you’ve pointed that thing at me twice now, I wouldn’t plan on doin’ it a third time unless ya actually plan ta use it.”
“Well, I suggest you don’t give me any reason to then.” Alex replied coldly. “I don’t have any problems using it, especially on the likes of you.”
Jason chuckled and she could feel the vibration of it against her back as he pushed her up tight against the edge of the bar and slid his hands down to cover hers. “Now there’s me tough girl.” He teased. “I wondered wot ‘appened to ‘er. Ya didn’t talk ta yer boyfriend like ‘at.”
“He’s not my boyfriend.” Alex answered sharply. Now she was wondering just how much he had heard.
“No?” Jason leaned his head forward. His face was so close to hers she could feel his hair tickling her ear. He laced his fingers through hers and folded their arms together wrapping her in his strong embrace. “I’m s’prised you’d let one a yer skivvies talk t’ya like ‘at.”
Alex swallowed slowly. God, but his arms felt good wrapped around her! “Bobby is not just an employee.” She said struggling to keep her voice even. “Besides he had a good reason.” She sucked in her breath at the light touch of his lips at the base of her neck.
Jason grinned at her reaction. “So if ‘e’s not yer boyfriend and ‘e’s more ‘en just a bartender, then wot is he, eh?” he asked, his voice low and entrancing.
Alex cleared her throat before answering. “We’re all partners here, the four of us, I just put up most of the money so I get to sign the cheques.”
Jason’s lips moved slowly up the side of her throat, increasing pressure and causing Alex’s stomach to turn flips. She took another deep breath in an attempt to calm herself. Locke smiled against her skin. He had no doubt he was getting to her and aimed to continue exactly what he was doing. “Now, Alex, I know yer more ‘an just business partners with ‘at bloke.” He said softly against her ear. His breath sent shivers down her neck and Jason chuckled as he tightened his arms around her.
“We, um…we used to be engaged.” Alex replied hoarsely.
“Wot?” That got Jason’s attention and lifted his head to look at her profile. “Engaged? You were gonna marry that wanker?” Alex nodded, smiling slightly at his reaction. “But yer not now? So wot happened? Came ta yer senses, did ya?”
Alex hesitated; she was not going to go into details about her relationship with Bobby with Jason. She had probably said too much already. “I just realized we weren’t right for each other.”
Jason laughed. “I coulda told ya that!”
Alex turned her head to look at him. “Well, you weren’t here then, were you?”
His strong arms tightened around her and he leaned in close again. “Well, I’m ‘ere now, ain’t I?” He kissed her neck in earnest now, nibbling as he moved down to the juncture of her shoulder.
She knew she had to stop this, though try as she might, Alex could not escape him. Jason only smiled as she attempted to wriggle free. “Relax, love.” He whispered, pressing her tighter against the bar, his hips pushing against her backside, his erection trapped between them.
He held both of her arms now with his left hand, leaving his right free to caress her bare skin once again before moving slowly down her side. “Yer partner there said he spent las’ night in yer bed.” Jason said, his growing desire evident by the slight growl in his voice. “Is ‘at true?” Alex did not answer but Jason guessed it was. “So ya don’ wanna marry ‘im, but yer still shaggin’ ‘im, eh? Not a bad set up, I guess.”
“Only once in a while.” Alex said in her defense. “When I’m…”
“When yer wot?” Jason coaxed.
“When I’m in the mood for it, I guess.”
A chuckle rumbled in Jason’s chest. “An you was in tha mood las’ night, eh?” His lips pressed against her neck as his hand moved down her hip. “Wonder why that was?” he added sarcastically. Alex turned her head away from him as best she could, she would never admit to him he was the cause. Jason smiled as his hand moved further over the soft fabric of her dress. “No worries, babe. I was in need of a good fuck when I left ‘ere yesterday, meself.”
“Oh? And did you get it?” Alex asked snidely, surprising herself with the jealous tinge in her voice.
Jason heard it, too, and smiled. “Yeah…but it wasn’t good enough.” His fingers curled around the hem of her dress, the tips brushing her bare thigh. “I still want you.” He whispered.
No kidding, thought Alex. Jason shifted slightly to his right, his hand now fully caressing the length of her thigh. A low growl escaped Jason’s mouth as his fingers moved slowly inward and up under her dress. Alex tried to pull away, but he still had a good enough hold on her to keep her in place.
“Jason…”she whispered. “Please don’t”
Jason’s cock twitched at the sound her voice. He was sure that had been the first time she had called him by his first name, and to hear it so breathlessly from her lips stirred him to no end. “Now, c’mon Alex, fair’s fair.” His hand dipped between her legs. “You gotta good feel yesterday, didn’t ya? Now it’s my turn.”
Using his right knee he spread her legs apart slightly. Jason then slowly moved his hand up, his fingers finally brushing the silky fabric of her panties. Alex held her breath as his hand moved further, his fingers coming in full contact with heat of her sex. “Mmm…” moaned Jason, his fingers moving slowly back and forth. “I think yer gonna need a change a knickers, love.” His nimble fingers stroked her through the thin fabric as his mouth moved back to her shoulder. Alex closed her eyes and tried to steady her breathing. “You’re so warm…” murmured Jason huskily. “Why don’ we go upstairs where I can do this right?”
Alex shook her head slightly. “No.” she whispered, barely able to get the one syllable out.
“Why?” Jason asked, his voice shaky, his breathing becoming ragged. “Ya know ya want it as much as I do.”
“You know why.”
Without warning Jason slid his hand up over the smooth skin of her stomach and then quickly back down, underneath the fabric of her panties. “Mmm…smooth…I like that.” He commented before sliding two fingers deep into her wetness. Alex gasped as he entered her. Jason could not suppress a loud groan. “God, yer so fuckin’ wet…”
Jason lifted his head to look at her face. Her eyes were closed, her lips parted slightly. He had never seen anything more beautiful in his life. He watched her face for a moment as his fingers moved inside her. “Look at me.” He whispered.
Alex slowly opened her eyes and turned her face toward him meeting his sultry green gaze. He swallowed slowly before speaking again. “Alex…I’ll stay with ya t’night, I swear. I’m yers all night.” She wanted desperately to say yes, but then he’d be gone in the morning, she reminded herself. Jason read the doubt in her honey-brown eyes and took a deep breath, waiting for her to answer. They stood entranced for a moment until the spell was broken by the sound of the front door opening.
Wayne stood there holding the door. “Jason, you comin’ er not?”
Jason looked at Alex; she could see the question in his eyes before he even asked it. “So wot’s it gonna be? Ya gonna let me finish this or will we both be needin’ a substitute again?”
The thought of him finding relief with someone else burned her, but she knew it would be twice as difficult to have him go in the morning. Go home to his wife. Sure he would give her tonight, but then what? He wasn’t about to spend every night with her, and she knew that. Slowly, she shook her head. “I can’t.” she said quietly.
Jason closed his eyes as he took a deep breath. “I’ll be out in a minute.” He told Wayne gruffly. He heard the door close as Wayne went back out. Looking up at Alex he slowly withdrew his hand from her panties. He leaned his right arm on the bar and released his hold on her with his left, leaving it resting on her shoulder.
“All right, then. I’ll wait.” He brought his moistened fingers to his lips, his tongue flicking out for a lick before taking them in his mouth. His balls tightened at the taste of her. “Fer a bit.” He added, knowing he would not be able to wait long. “I don’ norm’ly wait fer anyone, but when this ‘appens, an’ it’s gonna ‘appen.” He stressed. “It’ll be worth it, I’ve no doubt about that.”
Alex cringed inside. She knew it would happen eventually, too, but hopefully they could finish their business here before it did. Alex tried to step away as Jason reached up to touch her face. “Can I at least get a kiss goodbye?” He asked leaning toward her, but she put her hand up against his chest to stop him. “Wot? Afta all ‘at I can’ even get a kiss?”
“Jason, just go.” She told him. “Your friends are waiting.”
“Let ‘em wait.” He said gruffly, cupping the back of her neck with his right hand. “A kiss goodbye, then I’ll leave ya ta yer boy.”
Alex look up into those tempting green eyes, one little kiss can’t hurt, she decided. Leaning forward she pressed her lips against his for a brief moment then attempted to back away.
“You call that a kiss?” scolded Jason and pulled her back to him. His mouth devoured hers as he pulled her against him. She tried weakly to push him away before surrendering with a groan and sliding her arms around him. They were both breathless when he released her. “Now, ‘at’s a kiss.” He said with a smirk and looked up to see Bobby standing at the end of the bar, his arms full of boxes of napkins and cocktails stirrers. “She’s all ready fer ya, mate.” He gave Alex a quick wink and turned. He could feel all eyes on him as he walked away and passed Mick just inside the door, who had come in to witness that last kiss. “See ya, Mick.” He said with a grin, and left the club.
Outside Peter was getting antsy. “What the hell took so long?”
Jason grinned. “Jus’ getting’ ta know our new client betta.” He said and got in the car. Even though he was painfully hard and in desperate need of relief, he somehow had a great feeling of satisfaction as well. He had no doubts now. He would have her and there would be no need to force her. She wanted him just as much as he did her. The only question now was when.
Back inside the club, Mick was chastising Shaun. “I thought I told you to watch him!”
Shaun took offense that he had been lax in his job. “He didn’t look ta be causin’ no trouble. Looked like she was enjoyin’ herself!” He said with a look to Alex. “Ya didn’t tell me ta keep him away from Alex.”
Mick nodded. “You’re right, I’m sorry.” He went up to Alex. “You alright?”
She didn’t answer; Alex could not look at anyone. The look on Bobby’s face when she had turned around was devastating. How long had he been standing there? He hadn’t said a word; she could only imagine what must be going through his head. She walked behind the bar to where he was stocking the extra napkins and stirrers. “Bobby…”
No response. “Bobby.” She repeated, putting a hand on his arm. He shrugged it off and turned away. “Say something, damn it!”
Bobby spun around, his dark eyes hard and cold. Alex could see the cords in his neck stiffen as he fought to control his anger. He stared at her; for a minute she wondered if he was going to hit her, she had never seen him this angry. “You disgust me.” He said coldly.
Alex turned away from him now. She didn’t think he would ever say anything like that to her. She needed to get out of there. Her previous plan was sounding pretty damn good now. She quickly snatched up the bottle of Grey Goose, walked around and picked up her gun from the bar and turned to Mick. “If you have any problems tonight, handle them. I don’t want to hear about it.” With that she turned and disappeared up the stairs.
~~~~~~~~
Now I know I ain’t known Jason long, but ev’n I can see this Alex Sinclair ain’t like ‘is other women. He ain’t never been like this wit any a the other birds, least not since I met ‘im. She was all he was thinkin’ ‘bout now.
“Billy, you talk ta that bloke much?” he asks me. “That bartender, wot’s ‘is name?”
“Um, Bobby, I think.” I tell ‘im.
“Yeah, that’s it. Ya talk to him much when ya was helpin’ ‘im out?”
“Nah, he don’t seem ta be a very friendly chap.” I tell Jason.
“Well, make ‘im friendly.” He says. “I want ya to getta know ‘im. We’ll be spendin’ a lot a time there. I want ya ta hang out at the bar, chat ‘im up some. Be nice. Find out wot ya can about Alex fer me without askin’ too many questions. They used ta be engaged, I wanna know wot happened, and anythin’ else ya can find out about ‘er, right?”
“Yeah, I guess.” I tell ‘im. “I don’t know that he’ll tell me anythin’. He seemed ta be the real quiet type, ya know?”
“Yeah, well I ‘appen ta know he was in a particularly bad mood t’day. I’m sure ya can get ‘im ta open up a bit. I have faith in ya, yer Billy Whizz.”
Thanks to govi20 for my Jason Animation
But it's here, finally!
You get a bit of backround on Alex in this one, but Jason shows up about halfway through... ;)
Oh, and this is a rather looong chapter.......
~ Chapter 3 ~
When Mick Abbott walked into the Avalon late the next morning, he was surprised to see the lights turned up and all the tables and chairs moved to the dance floor. Bobby was in the far corner with a mop and bucket. “What are you doing?” he asked with a slight chuckle.
The other man looked up glaring. “What’s it look like?” Bobby snarled.
“Bobby, my man, we’ve only been open two days, don’t you think this is a bit extreme?”
“It’ll only get worse.” He said gruffly and went back to work.
Mick raised his brows; it was unusual to see his friend in such a bad mood. The only time he was this grumpy was when Alex…yes, of course, Alex. “Is Alex upstairs?” he asked cautiously.
Bobby slammed the mop into the bucket splashing water all over the tiled floor. “How the fuck should I know? You think she’d tell me anything? She only wants me when she’s in need of a shag.”
Mick sighed. “Not again.” He thought to himself and tried to comfort his friend. “Bobby…”
“Mick, don’t even say anything.” Replied Bobby in obvious frustration as he mopped up the excess water. “I know…okay? I know.”
Shaking his head, Mick knew the best thing to do right now was to give Bobby some time to himself. He could not understand why Alex kept doing this. She broke it off, but she just would not leave the poor guy in peace. Alex had this way of using people, especially men, to get whatever she wanted. She knew better than to try it with him, though, and he’d be damned if he would let her continue doing it to Bobby.
Determined, he climbed the stairs only to find the office empty. He continued to the end of the short hall and pounded on the door at the end. Scarcely waiting a few seconds he pounded again. He heard cursing on the other side of the door and saw the peephole go dark before Alex turned the latch on the door. “Christ, Mick! I just got out of the shower; you couldn’t wait two seconds for me to get to the door? What the hell is your problem?”
Mick glared at her as he entered the apartment. “That’s what I should ask you! What the fuck is your problem?”
Alex closed the door and turned around to face Mick as she pulled her robe tighter. “You want to tell me what you’re talking about?” Her tone revealed she was not in the mood to play guessing games.
“I’m talkin’ about Bobby.” He stated harshly, “Why can’t you just leave him the fuck alone?”
“Just stay out of it Mick.” Replied Alex and made her way to the kitchen. “It’s none of your business.”
“It bloody well is my business!” Mick countered. “He’s my friend.”
“And I’m not?” Alex asked as she picked up the kettle from the stove.
“You both are, damn it!” the man exclaimed in exasperation. “That’s what bothers me so much. He’s down there with his heart in shreds and you’re the cause of it! I don’t want to take sides, but Alex, you’re wrong for doing this to him. If all you wanted was a fuck, there were at least a hundred guys in the club last night that I’m sure would have been more than happy to oblige!”
Alex was quiet as she filled the kettle at the sink and then put it on the stove for her tea. “Mick, you know I’m not like that anymore.”
“Then what are you doing?” He looked at her bewildered. “Don’t you care about him at all anymore?”
“You know I do. I’m not a heartless bitch.” Alex said.
“No, just a selfish one.” Was Mick’s snide reply, ignoring her glare. “Don’t you know what you’re doing to him? Why can’t you see what you’ve got right under your nose? You were good together; you know that, you could have that every night and it wouldn’t tear his heart out.”
“I just can’t, alright?” Alex was quickly tiring of this conversation. “And I can’t marry him. It just doesn’t feel right.” Alex sighed as she opened the tea bag and dropped it into the empty cup.
“It feels right enough when you get the urge for a quick shag though, eh?” snarled Mick.
Alex spun around to face him. “Enough, Mick! I get your point, okay? But don’t put all this on me! I didn’t force him to come up here; he knew it was not going to be anymore than it was. He’s a big boy, he could always say ‘No’ if he can’t handle it!”
“You know he would never do that. He still loves you.” Alex didn’t respond as she poured the steaming water into her cup. She already knew that for herself. Bobby had said as much this morning after he had made love to her for the third time, only to storm out minutes later when she refused to return the sentiment. “Why did you do it?” Mick continued. “You promised me it wouldn’t happen again.”
“I know…” she said, ashamed. “I don’t do this to hurt him, I just…” Alex shrugged as she plopped herself down at the small table by the kitchen window. Looking out at the nearly empty street, she sighed deeply. “Yesterday I just …” She wasn’t sure she should tell Mick why she felt compelled to take Bobby back to her bed. She didn’t really want to admit it to herself.
“What happened yesterday?” Mick asked. “We had a pretty busy night, but was it really that stressful? Shaun and the boys handled all the problems well enough.” He paused and then chuckled a bit. “Or was dealin’ with Locke too much for you?”
Mick had said it as a joke but when he saw the look in Alex’s eyes he knew that was exactly what her problem was. Locke had gotten to her, but not in the way he had meant at first. “That’s it, isn’t it? What exactly happened with him, Alex?”
Her brown eyes turned back to the window. “Nothing.” She said, though not very convincingly.
“Bollocks! Something did, I can see it in your eyes.” Mick laid his hand over hers. “Alex, you cannot get involved with him. It would be insane! Not to mention making things much more difficult for us.”
“I know that, Mick!” she snapped. Alex took a deep breath before turning to look at her friend. “I know.” She repeated, calmly this time. “Nothing happened.” Mick raised one brow; it was obvious he didn’t believe her. Sighing her surrender, Alex confessed. “He kissed me, okay? He just…kissed me.” She turned to stare out the window again as the encounter with Jason came flooding back to her. She could still feel his lips on hers, the heat of his body as he pulled her tight against him. Alex’s fingers tightened around her teacup as she remembered the feel of his firm cock in her hand. Color began to rise in her cheeks.
“Must a been one hell of a kiss.” Mick commented noticing her blush.
“It was, Mick.” She said softly, watching as truck rumbled down the street. “It was.”
~~~~~~
Jason’s been makin’ me crazy pacin’ about like ‘at. He’s been listenin’ to Peter on tha phone wit one a tha boys an’ he heard the name Perry Elley. That name dont sit well wit Jason at all. Ya see, Perry Elley is likely our biggest rival in tha clubs, an’ it sounds like he paid a visit to tha Avalon las’ night. An’ I know Jason ain’t gonna let no one move in on tha Avalon an’ Alex Sinclair.
After we left tha Avalon yesterday aftanoon, Jason ‘ad me drop ‘im at the flat a this little blonde bit ‘e visits on occasion. That’s one thing I jus’ can’t understand, all a Jason’s women. I mean, He’s got a beauty like Lisa at home and he’s always fuckin’ about wit whatever bird catches his eye. An’ now it seems this Alex is his latest thing; an’ he’s determined ta ‘ave her, no doubt about ‘at. We’ll jus’ see how long it takes…an’ how long it lasts.
“So what’s the word on Perry Elley, then?” Says Jason when Peter hangs up tha phone. “Don’t tell me she fuckin’ signed on wit him.” He had that hard look in ‘is eye, too. He was not gonna let Perry Elley anywhere near the Avalon.
Peter jus’ shrugs. “I don’ know, Jason.” he says. “Tommy says Elley was talking with Alex Sinclair las’ night. They sat at a table for almost an hour. He said it looked like they was talkin’ business, it wasn’t a social call.”
“It betta not a bin a social call!” Jason screams at Peter. “He betta stay tha fuck away from ‘er!”
Peter stood up an’ I thought he was gonna smack Jason. “Jason, forget about the fuckin’ broad! Keep yer mind on business!” Christ, I cringed waitin’ for Jason ta go at Pete, thought fer sure he was a goner. But Jason jus’ stood there fer a minute an’ then kicked one a tha bar stools over. I bet Peter’s tha only one that could get away with talkin’ ta Jason like ‘at! “Jason, I’m jus’ hoping that sendin’ our guys in there last night didn’t back-fire on us!”
Ya see, after I picked Jason up again from gettin’ ‘is jollies off wit ‘is little blonde number, we met Peter an’ Wayne at Dante’s and they decided to send a couple boys ta the Avalon to show ‘er just what she’d be dealin’ wit if she didn’t give us tha job. Ol’ Pete was worried they played right inta Perry Elley’s ‘ands.
“Nah.” Jason says after thinkin’ ‘bout it fer a bit. “She ain’t one ta be pushed about or ta settle fer sometin she don’ want. She wouldn’t take tha first offer from ‘im, either. She’ll play us against each other.” He was grinnin’ now, like tha cat that ate tha canary. He thought he ‘ad her pegged fer sure. “I think it’s time ta play our next ‘and, eh?” An with that he grabs tha keys off tha table an’ tossin’ ’em ta me says, “Time ta drive, Billy Whizz.”
~~~~~~~~~
Alex looked up at the sound of a soft knock on the office door. “Yeah?”
Mick poked his head through the door half smiling. “You gonna hide up here all night?” he teased as he came in and sat on the sofa. Alex had not been downstairs all day, he wasn’t sure if she was avoiding Bobby or hiding from Jason Locke.
“I had thought about it.” She answered with a weak smile.
Mick chuckled, he couldn’t stay angry with her for long, she was still his best friend, she just needed to be nudged in the right direction sometimes. “It’s after five, I just sent Shaun for take-away. You in the mood for Chinese?” Alex just shook her head; truthfully, she wasn’t even hungry. “Come on. Bobby’s calmed down some, he knows it’s as much his fault as it is yours.” He paused when he saw the regret in her eyes. “Look, Alex…I’m sorry if I was a bit rough on you earlier…”
“No, Mick, don’t apologize. I deserved it.” She said firmly. “You are right, I can’t do that to him anymore.” Alex got up from her desk and walked to the glass, she sighed as she watched Bobby behind the bar preparing for the evening’s business. “And if you even think I’m going to, slap me, okay?”
Mick laughed as he joined her at the window. “I’d be delighted.” He teased. They watched together, the bar was more than stocked and ready for a Sunday night but Bobby kept busy, and they both knew why.
“You think every Saturday is gonna be as rough as last night?” Mick asked. Though there were no major problems really, it just seemed that as soon as they took care of one problem another one popped up, and they all seemed to involve the same four guys in one way or another.
Alex shook her head. “No, I think someone was just trying to prove a point.” She discerned. “I’m just not sure if it was Locke’s boys or Perry Elley’s, but I’m sure it was just a taste of what to expect if we don’t hire their security.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.” Agreed Mick with a chuckle. “To bad we can’t tell ‘em it was a wasted effort since it’s Locke and his boys we wanted in here from the start, eh?”
Alex’s stomach turned flips as the front door opened and she saw Jason Locke enter the club followed by the rest of his boys. “Yeah.” She replied, quietly. She just didn’t expect to want Jason Locke in the way she did. “You know, it might be a good idea if you didn’t leave me alone with Locke.”
~~~~~~~
Jason entered the club with a determined strut. He scowled when he saw only Bobby who was just taking a seat at the far end of the counter and lighting a cigarette. “I need ta see Alex.” Growled Jason. Bobby just glared at him. He didn’t like Locke, didn’t like his cockiness and definitely did not like the way he looked at Alex. “Did ya hear me?” Jason snarled.
Bobby took a long, slow drag on his cigarette before he answered. “Yeah, I heard ya.”
“Then git off yer arse and tell’er I’m ‘ere.” Bobby’s only response was another puff on his cigarette and then a long sip of the coffee in front of him. Jason’s minute bit of patience was quickly disappearing. He looked at Peter, obviously agitated. “Will ya get a load a this, bloke? Guess he wants ta make things difficult, eh?” Jason went up to stand next to Bobby, leaning close for emphasis. “You got two seconds ta get ‘er down ‘ere, boy.” Bobby ignored him and picked up his cup for another drink. Before he got it to his lips Jason knocked it from his hand to the floor behind the bar. “Now, where tha fuck is she?”
Bobby glared at Jason through the corners of his eyes. “Fuckin’ prick.” he thought. He decided the best way to get to Jason was to be honest; he knew he wouldn’t like the truth. “Not sure.” He said with a shrug, his voice not revealing a shred of the anger beginning to build inside of him. “Haven’t seen her since I left her bed this morning.” Bobby was unfazed by Jason’s menacing glare. “She could still be in bed, we sure didn’t get much sleep.”
“You expect me ta believe that?” Jason said half laughing. Bobby only shrugged again and took the last drag on his cigarette before snuffing it out in an ashtray. Jason gave a quick nod to Wayne who moved around behind the bar. “So she spent las’ night slummin’ wit tha likes a you, eh?” With a glance from Jason, Wayne casually slid a bottle of vodka off the back of the bar, sending it crashing to the floor. Bobby made to get up, but Jason pushed him back down, grabbing the thick curls at the back of his neck. “Is ‘at wot yer tellin’ me?” Wayne pushed a few more bottles to the floor.
“Fuck you.” Snarled Bobby.
Jason twisted his wrist, painfully pulling on Bobby’s hair and then kicked the barstool out from under him. Bobby fell flat on his back and Jason couldn’t resist a kick to his ribs before he bent to pick up the bar stool by its legs. He spun around to heave it at the huge mirrors behind the bar when Alex appeared from around the corner, her Desert Eagle in hand, followed closely by Mick, who casually rested a shotgun on his hip. “Put it down, Locke.” Alex said firmly. “Nicely.” She added, her brown eyes locked on Jason’s. If it had been any other woman he would have laughed and ignored her, but it was obvious she knew how to handle a weapon, and the look in her eyes told him she was dead serious. Locke smirked as he set the barstool down.
Alex slowly lowered the gun. “What the hell were you thinking to accomplish? You think trashing this place is going to do either one of us any good?” Jason stood smugly before her as Mick helped Bobby to his feet. Gently laying a hand on Bobby’s shoulder, Alex looked at him with concern. “You okay?”
Bobby pulled away from her and glared at Locke. “I’m fine.” He growled.
“Is’at any way ta talk ta yer boss?” Jason scolded with an arrogant cock of his head. “Ya oughta learn some better manners, Chico.”
The derogatory ethnic reference sent Bobby’s temper flying. His fist connected with Jason’s jaw before Locke had time to react. He stumbled back into Peter who wisely held onto him to prevent him from retaliating. Alex stepped in front of Bobby pushing him back with her hand firmly planted on his chest. “Bobby, stop…just calm down.”
“You’re gonna defend him?” Bobby said in disbelief. “That fuckin’ bastard?
“I’m not defending anybody. I just don’t want any trouble.” Alex told him calmly. “I believe he’s here to discuss business, if not we’ll get his arse out of here, okay?”
“I’ll get his arse outa here.” growled Bobby pushing forward again.
“C’mon!” taunted Jason, coming at Bobby again. “Let’s see wot ya got, ya fuckin’ poof!”
With her left hand pushing Bobby back she turned and pointed her gun at Jason’s head. “Back off!” She warned, noting the challenge in Jason’s green eyes. “Don’t make me tell you again.” Their eyes locked for a moment, neither willing to back down.
Finally, Jason stepped back, his mouth turned up in a half-grin, but his eyes never leaving Alex’s. Her heart was pounding, and it wasn’t just from the potentially volatile situation. With those intense green eyes burning into her she could barely think. She took a deep breath and turned back to Bobby.
Bobby’s dark eyes were still on Locke. No, he did not like the way Jason looked at her at all. “Bobby…” Alex said softly, in the voice she used to use when they were alone. He lowered his eyes to look into hers. “You’re even now, okay?” She reached up to tenderly brush an errant curl out of his eyes. “Let it go…please.” His eyes softened at the sound of her voice, and he nodded slightly.
As Jason watched the exchange between them his gaze hardened. So maybe the bastard was telling the truth after all. That would never do. When Alex turned around to face him she could read the jealousy on Locke’s face and flashed him a rather defiant look.
Turning back to Bobby she handed him her gun. “Watch this for me, alright?” Bobby nodded as he took it and wrapped his fingers around the grip before looking up at Jason. Alex laughed softly. “Just promise me you won’t shoot him for no reason.”
“And if he gives me a reason?” asked Bobby, still staring at Locke.
“Then by all means,” she said turning to Jason. “Feel free.”
Jason’s green eyes narrowed at the suggestion. She was a real piece of work, this one. He was going to enjoy putting her in her place.
“So did you have business to discuss or did you just come in to piss everyone off?” She asked haughtily.
“Yeah, I got bis’ness.” He said with a glare meant to intimidate. “Wot tha fuck were y’talkin’ ta Perry Elley about las’ night?”
Guess that answered her question as to whose goons were in the club the previous night. Alex looked at Jason with that knowing smile that made his balls tighten. “And what makes you think I was talking to Perry Elley?” she asked coyly.
Jason took a few steps closer as he continued to glare at her with hard green eyes. “Look, don’ try ta deny it, I know ev’rythin’ that goes on ‘round ‘ere.”
“Mmhmm.” Alex murmured with a soft chuckle. “I bet you do.”
Jason’s left brow went up as he wondered if she was accusing him of something. “Wot’s that s’posed ta mean?”
Alex just smiled and shrugged off the question. No sense in laying blame, he would no doubt deny any involvement with the men all the trouble centered around last night. “Mr. Elley came in here with a business proposition, similar to the one you offered yesterday, only his offer was a tad better, though still not quite good enough to suit me.”
“Is ‘at right?”
Alex looked from Jason to his associates. “Now will you boys be interested in sitting down and negotiating or will you be moving on?”
Jason scoffed, “Movin’ on?”
Peter stepped in front of his friend with his hand up to silence him. “Miss Sinclair, we have not been properly introduced. I’m Peter Chase, Jason’s business partner.” He said offering his hand. “We would be more than happy to discuss things. I have no doubt we can come to an agreement that’s suitable to both parties.”
Alex shook Peter’s hand, stealing a quick glance back at Jason before giving him her full attention. “Please, call me Alex.” She said pleasantly. “You must be the more level-headed one in the firm, hmm?”
Peter smiled. “You must forgive Jason. Most of the people we do business with ‘round here are…well, shall we say, not as sensible as you obviously are. Jason’s methods work very well with them.”
“I’m sure.” Replied Alex coolly, giving Jason a look that was equally cool. He responded with his now familiar devilish grin. “Shall we?” offered Alex motioning to a nearby table.
Peter nodded his agreement and sat at the table with Wayne sitting at the table behind him. Close enough to hear what was going on, but it was obvious he would not take part in the negotiations.
“Mick, why don’t you join us as well.” Suggested Alex. Mick nodded and made to join them when the front door opened and Shaun returned with their food. “Ah, yes, dinner.” She said hesitantly.
“Please!” assured Peter seeing their hesitation. “Don’t let us stop you. Go ahead, eat.”
Alex motioned Shaun to the next table, where he relieved himself of his parcels. “Why don’t you boys go ahead, I’ll eat later. But be sure to listen in and offer any opinions you may have.” She looked at the bar where Bobby was getting the broom and mop out to clean up behind the bar. “Bobby, come on and eat, we’ll help you with that when we’re done.”
Bobby looked at the men at the table and watched as Jason took the seat next to Alex. “I’m not hungry.” He stated. “I’ll just do this now.”
“Billy, why don’t you help him clean up that mess, eh?” offered Peter. Billy nodded and went to see what he could do.
“It’s alright.” Bobby told him as he came up to the bar. “I can get it.” The tone of his voice made it obvious he was irritated by the fact he had to do it at all and he spared an evil glance in Jason’s direction.
Alex caught his eye and nodded, urging him to accept the help. It’s the least they could do, she told herself. Bobby sighed and handed Billy the broom, and they set to work cleaning up the mess of glass and liquor.
Proper introductions were made around the tables and Mick got drinks for everyone before they got down to business. It didn’t really take long once they started discussing things in a civilized manner. Both sides gave a bit and before long came to an agreement that worked for everyone. Alex could feel Jason’s eyes on her the entire time, though she could only return a very brief glance here and there. His presence beside her was so strong, though she did her best to try and ignore it. When the discussion was finally ended Alex was eager to get up from the table, eager to be able to breathe again properly.
“Well, gentlemen,” she said standing, her smooth voice hiding the turmoil she was feeling inside, “I guess we have a deal then.”
Peter stood and shook her hand. “Thank you, Alex. I think we will work well together. I’ll bring the contract round tomorrow afternoon.”
“That’ll be fine.” Replied Alex and then hesitantly turned to Jason who stood with that goddamned grin on his face. “Mr. Locke.” She said, hoping it sounded casual but not too familiar.
Jason took her hand in his, a handshake to seal the deal, a handshake that was more like an intimate caress than the end of a business transaction. “When are ya gonna start callin’ me Jason?” he said seductively, holding her honey-brown eyes with his steady gaze.
Alex didn’t answer but pulled her hand from his. “If there’s nothing else,” she said finally, looking at Peter, “Mick will show you out.”
“No, I think we’re finished here, we’ll start tomorrow night, after we’ve signed the contract then?” Peter said looking at everyone involved.
Alex nodded. “That will be fine. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” A glance at Mick told him it was time for them to leave and Mick nodded in response before Alex left them and went to the bar.
Jason watched her as she walked away. The dress she was wearing today was light and soft, suitable for the warm summer day outside. The flowing pale green fabric swayed with the movement of her hips as she walked and Jason swallowed slowly as his eyes travel down her shapely tanned legs. Mick and Peter were discussing something about tomorrow night, but he didn’t hear a word. He just kept watching Alex as she approached the bar and began talking with Bobby.
Alex leaned against the bar; she didn’t sit, she would go upstairs as soon as Jason was gone. She waited because she knew he would no doubt follow her and she considered it much safer here with her friends.
Bobby set her Desert Eagle on the bar next to her. “You want anything?” he asked gruffly, obviously still not very happy with her and recent events.
“If you wouldn’t mind.” She said. “On the rocks…make it a double.”
Bobby was a little surprised by her request. She never ordered a double. He didn’t need to ask what she was drinking; she only drank one thing on the rocks. He filled a glass with ice and grabbed the bottle of Grey Goose vodka. “You sure you want a double?” he asked before pouring. Alex nodded in response and Bobby shrugged and poured a generous shot.
“Thanks.” Alex said softly as he set the glass in front of her.
“Somethin’ wrong?” Bobby asked, though he knew she wouldn’t tell him if there was. She just shook her head. Just as he thought; she used to tell him everything. He sighed as he put the bottle of Grey Goose back on its shelf. He wished he at least knew what happened, what he did. They should be married now, not just occasional lovers when the mood took her.
“Can I bum a smoke?” she asked, interrupting his thoughts.
“Why don’t you buy your own?” he huffed as he tossed his pack of cigarettes on the bar followed by a lighter.
“You know I don’t smoke that much.” She answered. “Only when I’m drinking.”
Alex took a cigarette out of the package and flicked the lighter as she put it in her mouth. He was definitely still upset with her, she thought. He always lit her cigarettes. Glancing over at Jason, she saw he still watched her. Christ, why don’t they leave? She felt a headache building and the vodka probably wasn’t going to help much.
Finally, Mick started guiding their guests to the door. “I’ll meet ya outside.” Said Jason his eyes on Alex. “I need a piss.”
Mick watched Jason go to the rear of the club where the restrooms were. Leaning down to Shaun, who was finishing up his dinner, he whispered. “I’ll walk them out. Keep an eye on Locke, eh?” Shaun nodded and Mick went out with the rest of the men.
Alex was relieved when the men started heading for the door until Jason left them and went to the darkened corner to the bathroom. She couldn’t help but wonder what he was up to. She took a good drink of her vodka and reveled in the tingling sensation in her spine as it went down. Maybe she would just take the bottle upstairs with her. After she was sure Jason was gone, of course. Good idea, she thought. They could handle a Sunday night without her. She would go upstairs, relax, collect her thoughts, and forget about Jason. And she would leave Bobby alone, too.
She sighed as she watched Bobby and her conversation with Mick earlier came back to her. Alex knew she should apologize. Bobby hadn’t spoken to her since he gave her his cigarettes. She had hoped maybe he had released some of his anger on Jason, but it looked as though that had only made it worse.
Might as well get it over with, she told herself and taking a deep breath, swallowed her pride. “Bobby…” she started, his big, brown eyes looked up at her through the fringe of his hair as he washed the lemons and limes to be cut up for the drinks that night. “…about last night…”
He frowned and looked down at the sink. “What about it?”
Alex took a drink. She didn’t expect this to be easy, but damn. “Well, last night I never should have…I’m sorry…I don’t mean to upset you.”
Bobby shook his head and looked up at her. “Last night is not what upset me, Alex. It was this morning that pissed me off.”
“Bobby, you knew it was just…”
“Just sex.” He said with a sharp sting in his voice. “Yeah I know.” He ran his fingers back through his hair gathering it into his ready-for-work ponytail and pulled the elastic band from his wrist to secure it. “Can I help it I’m a hopeless romantic? Well, hopeless at least.” He paused as he washed his hands. “Maybe I was just hoping that maybe, eventually, one of these nights, I could spark something inside you…like I used to. But I guess somewhere along the line I started doing something wrong, ‘cause all of sudden you didn’t want to be with me. God only knows what it was…I sure as hell don’t!”
“Bobby, you didn’t do anything wrong.” Alex said sincerely.
“No?” he cried, his voice raising enough to draw Shaun’s attention from across the bar. “C’mon, Alex! One day we were engaged, planning the final details of our wedding and the next you say you can’t marry me! Somethin’ happened to make you change your mind over night!”
Alex closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. This was not going anything like she had hoped. She didn’t expect him to smile and accept her apology, but she didn’t really expect to go into all this either. “Bobby,” she started slowly, “It wasn’t something that happened overnight.”
He stabbed the knife he had picked up to cut the fruit into the cutting board and looked up at her, his eyes on fire. “Is that supposed to make me feel better? Huh?” He leaned on the bar in front of her and looked right into her eyes. “So how long was I living in a lie thinking you loved me? A month? Two? Did you ever love me?”
“You know I did.” Alex murmured.
Bobby laughed a cold, disheartening laugh. “I don’t know anything anymore, Alex. Especially when it comes to you. Can you really tell me you don’t love me anymore?”
Alex turned her eyes down. She really couldn’t tell him that, a part of her still did love him, but a bigger part of her knew they did not belong together. If only she could get him to see that. She jumped suddenly when Bobby slammed his hand on the bar in front of her.
“Look at me, damn it!” Startled, her eyes flew to his. “Look at me and tell me you don’t love me.” Alex bit her lip. She knew she should just say it so maybe he could move on, but she had hurt him so much already, she knew hearing those words would devastate him. And they wouldn’t really be completely true. “You can’t do it can you?” Bobby said in exasperation. “Jesus, Alex! You can’t tell me you don’t love me and you won’t say that you do. What the fuck am I supposed to do?” He turned away from her, he knew the pain he felt at that moment had shown clearly on his face and he’d be damned if he let her see it.
Alex was quiet for a minute. She didn’t know what to say. Everything she had said, or didn’t say, only seemed to make matters worse. He hadn’t been this bad since they broke up. “Bobby, I’m sorry…” was the only thing she could think of saying without putting her foot in her mouth, and she wasn’t even sure of that.
“Why, Alex?” he asked softly before turning around. “Can you at least tell me why? What did I do?” Though he tried to keep his face as expressionless as possible, his eyes showed his true sadness and Alex’s heart sank when she looked at him.
“You didn’t do anything, Bobby.” She tried to assure him. “It’s not you.”
“How can you say that?” he asked. “Who else can it be? You didn’t leave me for another bloke, ‘cause where is he? You obviously just don’t want to be with me. What, am I not good enough for you? I know practically growing up on the streets can’t even begin to compare to a life in Hampstead, but I didn’t think that mattered to you.”
“It doesn’t, and you know that!” Alex said defensively.
“Mmm…I’m just good enough to bring up for a fuck every couple a months when you’re in the mood, eh?” he snarled. “Is that really enough for you? Christ, Alex, we made love nearly every day! Don’t you at least miss that?”
She really did not want to go there. “Bobby, let’s talk about this later, alright? We don’t need to get into that here.”
Bobby shook his head, she didn’t want to talk about it later, she didn’t want to talk about it at all. “Fine.” He said coldly. He pulled the knife out of the cutting board and threw it in the sink and then slammed the board into the sink as well. “We’ll talk about it later, if that’s what you want.” He looked up at her with cold dark eyes. “You always get what you want anyway, don’t ya?” With that he grabbed the mop and bucket and stormed off to the backroom.
Alex sighed and drained her glass. She had sure made a fine mess of things today. She had been doing pretty well, they had been so busy getting the club ready to open she hadn’t had time to think of much else. Then she had to meet…she was startled out of her thoughts by a strong hand squeezing her shoulder. Jason Locke.
“Lover’s quarrel, babe?” he said almost mockingly.
“Piss off, Locke.” She muttered and shrugged off his touch only to have his fingers lightly trace down the smooth, bare skin of her arm. She had her hair pulled up in a simple ponytail and she could feel the heat of his breath on her neck.
“Now ‘at hurts, love.” murmured Jason next to her ear. “‘Specially when we bin gettin’ on so well t’day.”
The skin on Alex’s arm tingled at his touch; she hoped it was the vodka, or even the fact that her nerves were on edge from her argument with Bobby. She knew it was more likely a combination of the closeness of the man standing behind her, the warmth of his gentle touch on her arm and the seductive purr of his voice in her ear. She could not understand his effect on her. Alex knew she needed to get him out of here as soon as possible before she did something stupid and quickly glanced at her gun on the bar next to her.
Guessing her thoughts, Jason covered the weapon with his right hand and slid it down the bar out of her reach. “Now, y’won’t be needin’ that, babe.” He said assuredly and rested his hand once again on her arm. He moved closer, his chest pressing against her back and he slid his left hand slowly down her other arm. “Ya know, you’ve pointed that thing at me twice now, I wouldn’t plan on doin’ it a third time unless ya actually plan ta use it.”
“Well, I suggest you don’t give me any reason to then.” Alex replied coldly. “I don’t have any problems using it, especially on the likes of you.”
Jason chuckled and she could feel the vibration of it against her back as he pushed her up tight against the edge of the bar and slid his hands down to cover hers. “Now there’s me tough girl.” He teased. “I wondered wot ‘appened to ‘er. Ya didn’t talk ta yer boyfriend like ‘at.”
“He’s not my boyfriend.” Alex answered sharply. Now she was wondering just how much he had heard.
“No?” Jason leaned his head forward. His face was so close to hers she could feel his hair tickling her ear. He laced his fingers through hers and folded their arms together wrapping her in his strong embrace. “I’m s’prised you’d let one a yer skivvies talk t’ya like ‘at.”
Alex swallowed slowly. God, but his arms felt good wrapped around her! “Bobby is not just an employee.” She said struggling to keep her voice even. “Besides he had a good reason.” She sucked in her breath at the light touch of his lips at the base of her neck.
Jason grinned at her reaction. “So if ‘e’s not yer boyfriend and ‘e’s more ‘en just a bartender, then wot is he, eh?” he asked, his voice low and entrancing.
Alex cleared her throat before answering. “We’re all partners here, the four of us, I just put up most of the money so I get to sign the cheques.”
Jason’s lips moved slowly up the side of her throat, increasing pressure and causing Alex’s stomach to turn flips. She took another deep breath in an attempt to calm herself. Locke smiled against her skin. He had no doubt he was getting to her and aimed to continue exactly what he was doing. “Now, Alex, I know yer more ‘an just business partners with ‘at bloke.” He said softly against her ear. His breath sent shivers down her neck and Jason chuckled as he tightened his arms around her.
“We, um…we used to be engaged.” Alex replied hoarsely.
“Wot?” That got Jason’s attention and lifted his head to look at her profile. “Engaged? You were gonna marry that wanker?” Alex nodded, smiling slightly at his reaction. “But yer not now? So wot happened? Came ta yer senses, did ya?”
Alex hesitated; she was not going to go into details about her relationship with Bobby with Jason. She had probably said too much already. “I just realized we weren’t right for each other.”
Jason laughed. “I coulda told ya that!”
Alex turned her head to look at him. “Well, you weren’t here then, were you?”
His strong arms tightened around her and he leaned in close again. “Well, I’m ‘ere now, ain’t I?” He kissed her neck in earnest now, nibbling as he moved down to the juncture of her shoulder.
She knew she had to stop this, though try as she might, Alex could not escape him. Jason only smiled as she attempted to wriggle free. “Relax, love.” He whispered, pressing her tighter against the bar, his hips pushing against her backside, his erection trapped between them.
He held both of her arms now with his left hand, leaving his right free to caress her bare skin once again before moving slowly down her side. “Yer partner there said he spent las’ night in yer bed.” Jason said, his growing desire evident by the slight growl in his voice. “Is ‘at true?” Alex did not answer but Jason guessed it was. “So ya don’ wanna marry ‘im, but yer still shaggin’ ‘im, eh? Not a bad set up, I guess.”
“Only once in a while.” Alex said in her defense. “When I’m…”
“When yer wot?” Jason coaxed.
“When I’m in the mood for it, I guess.”
A chuckle rumbled in Jason’s chest. “An you was in tha mood las’ night, eh?” His lips pressed against her neck as his hand moved down her hip. “Wonder why that was?” he added sarcastically. Alex turned her head away from him as best she could, she would never admit to him he was the cause. Jason smiled as his hand moved further over the soft fabric of her dress. “No worries, babe. I was in need of a good fuck when I left ‘ere yesterday, meself.”
“Oh? And did you get it?” Alex asked snidely, surprising herself with the jealous tinge in her voice.
Jason heard it, too, and smiled. “Yeah…but it wasn’t good enough.” His fingers curled around the hem of her dress, the tips brushing her bare thigh. “I still want you.” He whispered.
No kidding, thought Alex. Jason shifted slightly to his right, his hand now fully caressing the length of her thigh. A low growl escaped Jason’s mouth as his fingers moved slowly inward and up under her dress. Alex tried to pull away, but he still had a good enough hold on her to keep her in place.
“Jason…”she whispered. “Please don’t”
Jason’s cock twitched at the sound her voice. He was sure that had been the first time she had called him by his first name, and to hear it so breathlessly from her lips stirred him to no end. “Now, c’mon Alex, fair’s fair.” His hand dipped between her legs. “You gotta good feel yesterday, didn’t ya? Now it’s my turn.”
Using his right knee he spread her legs apart slightly. Jason then slowly moved his hand up, his fingers finally brushing the silky fabric of her panties. Alex held her breath as his hand moved further, his fingers coming in full contact with heat of her sex. “Mmm…” moaned Jason, his fingers moving slowly back and forth. “I think yer gonna need a change a knickers, love.” His nimble fingers stroked her through the thin fabric as his mouth moved back to her shoulder. Alex closed her eyes and tried to steady her breathing. “You’re so warm…” murmured Jason huskily. “Why don’ we go upstairs where I can do this right?”
Alex shook her head slightly. “No.” she whispered, barely able to get the one syllable out.
“Why?” Jason asked, his voice shaky, his breathing becoming ragged. “Ya know ya want it as much as I do.”
“You know why.”
Without warning Jason slid his hand up over the smooth skin of her stomach and then quickly back down, underneath the fabric of her panties. “Mmm…smooth…I like that.” He commented before sliding two fingers deep into her wetness. Alex gasped as he entered her. Jason could not suppress a loud groan. “God, yer so fuckin’ wet…”
Jason lifted his head to look at her face. Her eyes were closed, her lips parted slightly. He had never seen anything more beautiful in his life. He watched her face for a moment as his fingers moved inside her. “Look at me.” He whispered.
Alex slowly opened her eyes and turned her face toward him meeting his sultry green gaze. He swallowed slowly before speaking again. “Alex…I’ll stay with ya t’night, I swear. I’m yers all night.” She wanted desperately to say yes, but then he’d be gone in the morning, she reminded herself. Jason read the doubt in her honey-brown eyes and took a deep breath, waiting for her to answer. They stood entranced for a moment until the spell was broken by the sound of the front door opening.
Wayne stood there holding the door. “Jason, you comin’ er not?”
Jason looked at Alex; she could see the question in his eyes before he even asked it. “So wot’s it gonna be? Ya gonna let me finish this or will we both be needin’ a substitute again?”
The thought of him finding relief with someone else burned her, but she knew it would be twice as difficult to have him go in the morning. Go home to his wife. Sure he would give her tonight, but then what? He wasn’t about to spend every night with her, and she knew that. Slowly, she shook her head. “I can’t.” she said quietly.
Jason closed his eyes as he took a deep breath. “I’ll be out in a minute.” He told Wayne gruffly. He heard the door close as Wayne went back out. Looking up at Alex he slowly withdrew his hand from her panties. He leaned his right arm on the bar and released his hold on her with his left, leaving it resting on her shoulder.
“All right, then. I’ll wait.” He brought his moistened fingers to his lips, his tongue flicking out for a lick before taking them in his mouth. His balls tightened at the taste of her. “Fer a bit.” He added, knowing he would not be able to wait long. “I don’ norm’ly wait fer anyone, but when this ‘appens, an’ it’s gonna ‘appen.” He stressed. “It’ll be worth it, I’ve no doubt about that.”
Alex cringed inside. She knew it would happen eventually, too, but hopefully they could finish their business here before it did. Alex tried to step away as Jason reached up to touch her face. “Can I at least get a kiss goodbye?” He asked leaning toward her, but she put her hand up against his chest to stop him. “Wot? Afta all ‘at I can’ even get a kiss?”
“Jason, just go.” She told him. “Your friends are waiting.”
“Let ‘em wait.” He said gruffly, cupping the back of her neck with his right hand. “A kiss goodbye, then I’ll leave ya ta yer boy.”
Alex look up into those tempting green eyes, one little kiss can’t hurt, she decided. Leaning forward she pressed her lips against his for a brief moment then attempted to back away.
“You call that a kiss?” scolded Jason and pulled her back to him. His mouth devoured hers as he pulled her against him. She tried weakly to push him away before surrendering with a groan and sliding her arms around him. They were both breathless when he released her. “Now, ‘at’s a kiss.” He said with a smirk and looked up to see Bobby standing at the end of the bar, his arms full of boxes of napkins and cocktails stirrers. “She’s all ready fer ya, mate.” He gave Alex a quick wink and turned. He could feel all eyes on him as he walked away and passed Mick just inside the door, who had come in to witness that last kiss. “See ya, Mick.” He said with a grin, and left the club.
Outside Peter was getting antsy. “What the hell took so long?”
Jason grinned. “Jus’ getting’ ta know our new client betta.” He said and got in the car. Even though he was painfully hard and in desperate need of relief, he somehow had a great feeling of satisfaction as well. He had no doubts now. He would have her and there would be no need to force her. She wanted him just as much as he did her. The only question now was when.
Back inside the club, Mick was chastising Shaun. “I thought I told you to watch him!”
Shaun took offense that he had been lax in his job. “He didn’t look ta be causin’ no trouble. Looked like she was enjoyin’ herself!” He said with a look to Alex. “Ya didn’t tell me ta keep him away from Alex.”
Mick nodded. “You’re right, I’m sorry.” He went up to Alex. “You alright?”
She didn’t answer; Alex could not look at anyone. The look on Bobby’s face when she had turned around was devastating. How long had he been standing there? He hadn’t said a word; she could only imagine what must be going through his head. She walked behind the bar to where he was stocking the extra napkins and stirrers. “Bobby…”
No response. “Bobby.” She repeated, putting a hand on his arm. He shrugged it off and turned away. “Say something, damn it!”
Bobby spun around, his dark eyes hard and cold. Alex could see the cords in his neck stiffen as he fought to control his anger. He stared at her; for a minute she wondered if he was going to hit her, she had never seen him this angry. “You disgust me.” He said coldly.
Alex turned away from him now. She didn’t think he would ever say anything like that to her. She needed to get out of there. Her previous plan was sounding pretty damn good now. She quickly snatched up the bottle of Grey Goose, walked around and picked up her gun from the bar and turned to Mick. “If you have any problems tonight, handle them. I don’t want to hear about it.” With that she turned and disappeared up the stairs.
~~~~~~~~
Now I know I ain’t known Jason long, but ev’n I can see this Alex Sinclair ain’t like ‘is other women. He ain’t never been like this wit any a the other birds, least not since I met ‘im. She was all he was thinkin’ ‘bout now.
“Billy, you talk ta that bloke much?” he asks me. “That bartender, wot’s ‘is name?”
“Um, Bobby, I think.” I tell ‘im.
“Yeah, that’s it. Ya talk to him much when ya was helpin’ ‘im out?”
“Nah, he don’t seem ta be a very friendly chap.” I tell Jason.
“Well, make ‘im friendly.” He says. “I want ya to getta know ‘im. We’ll be spendin’ a lot a time there. I want ya ta hang out at the bar, chat ‘im up some. Be nice. Find out wot ya can about Alex fer me without askin’ too many questions. They used ta be engaged, I wanna know wot happened, and anythin’ else ya can find out about ‘er, right?”
“Yeah, I guess.” I tell ‘im. “I don’t know that he’ll tell me anythin’. He seemed ta be the real quiet type, ya know?”
“Yeah, well I ‘appen ta know he was in a particularly bad mood t’day. I’m sure ya can get ‘im ta open up a bit. I have faith in ya, yer Billy Whizz.”
Thanks to govi20 for my Jason Animation