Afterglow: A Brother's Best Friend Romance, page 19
It isn’t the same as one I would get from a coffee shop, but we don’t want me to be seen in public with a bodyguard, and it isn’t safe for me to be without one yet.
We are trying to give off the illusion I feel safe now that Leo is in custody so life can return to normal, even though that is far from the truth.
Leo’s cryptic-ass message was actually a blessing in disguise. He wanted Dax and me to be scared, but it was stupid of him to give us a heads-up. It gave us the opportunity to figure out who he’s working with and come up with a plan.
“Are you sure you want to go through with this setup?” Rachel mutters into her cup. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”
A soft grin pulls at my lips, and I reach across the island to place my hand on hers. Rachel’s empathy is one of her best qualities. She isn’t the only person worried about tonight, but I know I won’t be in any real danger. We have everything set in our favor. Nixon and Dax have made sure of that, and they would never let anything happen to me.
“She isn’t going to get hurt,” Caidance says. “I’ll kill that bitch myself before I let her touch a hair on my best friend’s head.”
I snicker at how protective Caidance is, but the way her eyes have a hint of an evil gleam, I wouldn’t put anything past her.
The day after Dax was kidnapped, we sat down and put our heads together, needing to come up with a game plan to put all of this behind us.
Nixon and his crew knew right away that Noelle was Leo’s partner.
Unfortunately, all of the evidence we have is superficial at best. It was certainly not enough to have her arrested, which is how we came up with the idea to set her up.
This morning, I made a social media post saying how happy I was that life was returning to normal. I made sure it was vague enough so people who I’m not close with didn’t get all the dirty details of how crazy my life has been lately but had enough information to make it seem like I was letting my guard down. At the end of the post, I informed the internet I would be celebrating with my new boyfriend at our favorite place. If Noelle reads it, which I’m sure she will, she’ll know where that place is.
The owners of Afterglow willingly agreed to help us out, wanting to prove how sorry they were for the photo incident. They want Noelle caught as much as we do, but without proof, she’s free to continue terrorizing us.
If everything goes according to plan, Noelle will be arrested tonight.
Finally, Dax and I will be free to live a normal life again.
The afternoon goes by quickly, all of us trying to stay calm, keeping our minds off of the setup. There is no point in stressing out. That’s why we have every last detail planned out.
Before I know it, it’s five o’clock, and Dax will be home soon.
“I’ll see you on Monday,” Rachel says and gives me a tight squeeze. “Don’t you dare get fucking hurt tonight.” She pulls away to stare into my eyes, imploring me to listen to her.
“I promise.”
Her face stays firm for a second, and then she nods and pulls me in for another hug. I melt into her for a minute before we both let go, and she heads to the elevator.
“You know you don’t have to come tonight,” I remind Caidance after Rachel is gone.
“You’re an idiot.” She scoffs and rounds the counter to stand in front of me. “Briana and I are going to be there tonight, and there is nothing you can do to stop us. I’m not letting my best friend attend a sting operation to catch a person who most likely wants to kill her without me.”
“You’re too good for me.”
“Obviously,” she teases, making me laugh. “Now, what are you making us for dinner?” Then, turning on her heels, she heads toward the pantry on the hunt for food.
“Do we need to go over the plan one more time?” Dax checks while grabbing the back of his neck and pacing in front of the elevator.
Stepping forward, I wrap my arms around him, trying to calm his anxiety.
“We’ve been over the plan so many times I could repeat it in my sleep,” I assure him, resting my head on his shoulder. “Everything is going to be okay.”
He shakes his head, the scruff of his short beard rubbing against my forehead.
“What if it isn’t?” His voice shakes, and it breaks my heart to see him so nervous.
“Do you want us to stay home?” I ask. “We don’t have to do this if you’re having any doubts. I want us to both be one hundred percent on this, or I’m calling Nixon right now calling the whole thing off.”
He licks his lips and takes a deep inhale, the motion causing my head to rise and fall with his breath. He repeats this a few times until I notice his muscles finally relaxing.
“I want to do this, but I won’t be able to bear it if you get hurt,” he says while he runs his hands up and down my back, like comforting me eases the worry inside him.
I place my hand on his cheek while staring into his eyes. His face is a little clammy from his sweat, and I consider calling this whole thing off. I hate seeing my strong man doubt himself like this.
“The plan was designed so I won’t get hurt,” I remind him. “But it’s not the plan that’s bothering you, is it? It’s the idea that shit could hit the fan, and you would be left without any control.”
“That’s exactly it. I don’t do well when I’m not in control.”
“We don’t have to do this,” I repeat, but the look of pure determination behind Dax’s eyes tells me he isn’t backing out of this.
“If you’re okay with this, then I can get over my nerves and be on board too,” he declares with a curt nod.
I tilt my head to him, indicating I’m ready for a kiss, and he complies right away, his lips landing on mine for a passionate kiss. Tingles run along my spine when his tongue snakes into my mouth, eliciting a moan from me. My heart races when he grabs my hips, pulling me flush against him. It’s like he needs me as close to him as humanly possible. Need flutters between my legs as he deepens the kiss, and I want to cancel the plans for tonight. Not because of fear but because of carnal need. I don’t want to wait for the club. I want him to fuck me now.
“I need you,” I beg, breaking the kiss momentarily.
My chest heaves as I pant, but breathing is overrated. I don’t need air. I just need to be ravished by the man I love.
“This is going to be quick. We don’t have time to mess around,” Dax explains.
I nod, and he spins me around and pushes me toward the couch. Bending me over, Dax makes quick work of lifting my dress to my hips and cursing under his breath.
“Have you grown allergic to panties?” He growls.
I bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from giggling. Caveman Dax is one of my favorite sides of this man.
“You always make me change into something else at the club. I just figured there was no point in having one more item of clothing to take off,” I tease, glancing over my shoulder with a smirk.
A large hand lands firmly on my ass, and I cry out from the sudden sting.
I gasp. “What the fuck?”
Dax raises a brow at me, a hint of a grin on his lips.
“Want another?”
“No, Sir,” I mutter under my breath, turning back to the couch.
“That’s a good girl.” He rubs gently on the sore spot, soothing the sting away. “Now stay still so I can fuck you like you so desperately need,” he commands, and I swear my pussy pulses.
Dropping to his knees, Dax spreads my legs farther apart and licks me from front to back. Waves of desire flush through my body while he eats me like he’s been deserted on an island for a year, and I’m his first real meal. His tongue is warm and wet, lapping at my center with slow, soft movements, causing me to make noises that most only hear in porn.
“I need your cock,” I beg as he fucks me with his tongue.
“Patience,” he insists and goes back to work.
Slurps and moans echo against the walls of the open space, turning me on more. If I were wearing panties right now, they’d be soaked, but Dax is doing a good job at lapping up all my juices.
I’m not sure how long he assaults me with his tongue, but I miss it the second he moves away to undo his pants.
“Hold on, baby,” he instructs, lining himself with my dripping-wet entrance.
Dax slams into me, stretching me so fast I scream, “So good,” and a rush of euphoria washes over me.
Like I was promised, Dax fucks me hard and fast. His hips slam against mine with every thrust in and out, trying to send us both over the edge we desperately need.
“I fucking love you,” he growls, keeping his punishing pace.
“Yes,” I reply, not having other words at the moment.
I can tell I’m close to my climax by the way my heart is thumping so loud it feels like it’s in my head. and my pussy is fluttering, but I can’t seem to make it to the other side.
Knowing my body almost better than I do, Dax reaches around to pinch my clit, finally forcing me over the edge.
“Fuck,” I yell.
It only takes a few more pumps before Dax is shouting and collapsing on top of me. Our breaths are labored, and I feel his heart thumping against my back.
“I think I needed that more than you did,” Dax notes between heavy pants.
“So you’re finally calm enough to put this plan into motion?”
His head bobs in what I’m assuming is a nonverbal yes before he presses a kiss on my spine.
“I’m ready,” he says while doing up his pants, and I right my skirt into place.
Time to catch a crazy bitch.
Once we’re dressed, we take the elevator to the parking garage and make our way to the club, where Nixon is waiting for us. Denver follows along in a car behind us, just in case, because Dax and I wanted a tiny bit of space before the crazy night starts. We also didn’t want a bodyguard walking in with us if Noelle was watching the entrance.
I try to keep my anxiety at bay, but I think only a crazy person wouldn’t be a little concerned about tonight.
Honestly, I think we’re both running on nerves and anxiety at this point.
As soon as we arrive at Afterglow, we change and make our way to the main area, where our friends are waiting.
“I love your outfit,” Caidance says when Dax and I join her and Briana at the big bar in Afterglow.
“Thanks,” I beam and do a little spin so she can take it all in, not that there is much to see.
Dax bought me a brand-new blood-red bikini for the occasion, and I’m more than happy to show it off. The top curves perfectly over my ample cleavage, pushing my breasts up almost to my chin. There is a giant bow right in the middle like I’m a present that can’t wait to be opened. The bottoms are simple, with a high cut and ruching that makes my ass look bigger than it is. On each hip sits a smaller matching bow to the top.
Dax can’t keep his eyes off me, exactly how I like it.
Afterglow is hosting a beach party, per Nixon’s request. He’s the one who came up with most of the plan for tonight. Knowing he’s close by and watching from the security room eases some of my nerves.
I thought I was ready for this, and I still don’t want to back out, but when we entered the doors of Afterglow not long ago, it was like a shot of anxiety was injected into my bloodstream.
“You look amazing yourself,” I compliment Caidance in her hot polka-dot bikini, trying to stay in the moment and not let my thoughts drift.
“I know… I’m totally going to win the bikini contest,” she says, and we both giggle.
“Damn right, babe,” Briana agrees with Caidance, wrapping her arms around her neck and giving her a gentle kiss on the cheek.
With a firm hand on my lower back, Dax guides me to the main stage area with Caidance and Briana right behind us, where we grab a booth and wait for the contest to start.
Beach-like music pumps through the speakers, and people have to raise their voices to be heard over the tunes. On a normal night, I’d be enjoying the vibe, but it’s hard to let go knowing someone wants to kill me.
“What happens if she doesn’t show up?” Caidance whispers and bites her lip, clearly a bit nervous.
Brianna rubs her back while Dax puts his hand to his ear. I’m assuming Nixon is talking to him through the earpiece he gave Dax earlier.
“She’s here,” Dax informs us.
Caidance’s eyes go wide. “Did I turn into a witch? It’s like I mentioned the bitch, and she appeared.”
I laugh and say, “Let the fun begin.”
Chapter 27
Dax
My heart is beating incredibly fast while Izzy and Caidance saunter onto the busy dance floor.
“Where is she?” I ask quietly, knowing Nixon can hear me through the earpiece.
“She’s at the main bar, talking with some big guy.”
I blow out a breath and wring my hands in front of me, never once taking my eyes off the girls.
“You think he’s going to be trouble?”
“I fucking hope not.”
“You sure you don’t share?” Briana nudges my shoulder after a few minutes of watching the girls bump and grind. “They look hot together.”
I chuckle and shake my head. “You saying you’d let me fuck Caidance?” I tease. Briana’s glare and tight jaw are answer enough for me.
“Point taken.”
“But you’re not wrong. They do look sexy dancing like that,” I say.
Izzy and Caidance have always been touchy, but neither is attracted to the other. Izzy told me one night they kissed when they were teenagers and had to brush their teeth after. Apparently, it was like kissing a sister. A grin pulls at my lips when the image of Izzy shuddering at the thought pops into my head.
“She’s coming toward the dance floor,” Nixon pipes up through the earpiece.
“Keep your eyes peeled. She’s on her way,” I fill Briana in.
She nods, narrowing her vision on the girls before doing a quick sweep of the area.
My blood boils when Noelle saunters onto the dance floor, a fake smile plastered on her face, holding the hand of a guy I’ve never seen before.
“Who’s the guy?” I probe Nixon.
“A newbie. Jason Markswell. Tonight’s his first night.”
“That doesn’t seem like a coincidence,” I seethe, my teeth grinding together.
Shit, is Noelle one step ahead of us?
“I agree. I’m having Decker take over the cameras and controls. I’m heading your way.”
“Nixon’s on his way,” I let Briana know.
As Jason and Noelle get closer to Izzy and Caidance, the hairs on my neck stand at attention. A sudden burst of unease hits me in the gut, and I gulp in a big breath. I’ve never felt anything like this, but it’s as if something supernatural is informing me that shit is about to hit the fan.
“I want to get the girls off the dance floor,” Briana says, voicing my inner turmoil. “She knows you’re here now. If we wait any longer, we’re going to lose the upper hand. The plan doesn’t involve her confronting them on the dance floor.”
“Go,” I instruct, and she runs to get the girls out of there.
“What’s wrong?” Izzy trembles and rushes directly into my arms.
“Noelle has some guy with her. We didn’t want them wrecking our plans, so we had to get you off the dance floor,” I relay the details to her. “Decker, you need to tell Nixon to hide. If Noelle sees him, she’ll know something’s up.”
“On it,” he responds.
“Come on, let’s head back to the stage. The contest should be starting soon.”
Izzy
We didn’t have to wait long for everyone to crowd around the main stage after the announcement for the bikini contest was made.
Hyper women are lined up, ready to show off their skimpy outfits, Noelle included, as we planned.
Henry invites those of us participating onto the stage, placing us where he wants us to stand. Per Nixon’s instructions, he puts Noelle between Caidance and me.
“Are you excited?” I whisper to Noelle. Her eyes go wide like she’s shocked I’m speaking to her, but she nods. “You look amazing, by the way.”
“Thanks,” she murmurs. “You look good too.”
“I think we got off on the wrong foot last time we saw each other,” I lie. “Dax can be so controlling sometimes. But we got to talking. We both decided we might be open to sharing…” I pause, letting my eyes roam over her. “I mean, if you’re open to it.”
Her breath hitches as an evil gleam sparks behind her eyes. Holy shit. She’s actually falling for it.
“Why don’t we say fuck this contest and go to a private room now?” she suggests.
Plastering on a fake smile, I grab her hand, rushing off the dance floor toward Dax.
“I see you agreed to have some fun.” Dax smirks at Noelle, who nods like a bobblehead, pressing her breasts into his arm and letting her hand snake down to grab his ass.
“You know I’d do anything for you, Sir.” She purrs, and I have to fight the gag threatening to choke me.
Dax puts an arm around each of us, guiding us to the private room he reserved.
“I want you both to go freshen up while I pull out a few toys,” Dax instructs, pushing us toward the bathroom.
“This is exciting, isn’t it?” I giggle once we’re alone, and as suspected, Noelle’s grin turns pure evil.
“It really is. Too bad you won’t be around to enjoy it.” She laughs and pulls out a syringe from her bikini top. Honestly, I’m a little impressed she was able to store that in her tits.
“What’s going on?” I ask, playing dumb.
“If you didn’t go around stealing men, you wouldn’t be asking stupid questions.” She sneers.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
I deserve a fucking Emmy for my acting tonight.
“Did you know Leo and I used to hook up before you sunk your disgusting claws into him? He wasn’t the best Dom I ever had, but he knew how to use his dick and exactly how to make me come. But then you came around. A younger, newer model, and he dropped me like a hot potato. I wanted to kill you back then, but eventually, I met Dax and moved on.”
