The Runaway Viper (Viper #2) (21 page)

“Does everyone know the plan but me?” I snappily retort. I feel so out of the loop.

“We have to. You know, and you compromise it,” Spencer responds, and I take note of his will to adhere to the plan. “Why wouldn’t you tell me about that Clive guy?”

I sigh.
“Because I didn’t want you to know all the gory details, Spence. I didn’t want either Josh or Jace telling you. There are some things I want you to know, others not so much.” I swallow hard, trying to make my tears disperse. “There are things I’m embarrassed by. This life is total humiliation. I never wanted my baby brother to see me like this.”

“But I have,” he defies my woes, that harsh tone back again. “And I’m not embarrassed by you. If anything I’m proud of you. You’ve been stuck here for so long, and you’re still my sister. You’re not a stranger, Joely, and I know you could have been because of her.” His final word is met with a heated tone, and his eyes go straight to Clara. “The girl I found at home all those weeks ago is the girl we lost. It took us so long to have you back, now that we have, I won’t allow you to leave us again.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” I promise, vowing with a smile as I reach for his hand.

“Clara’s watching a bit too intently,” Eli comments, interjecting our conversation while throwing two cherries into our drinks. He’s keeping it casual and acting as third party to this private moment. “Get those down you and enjoy the party!”

I smile at him. He’s so good at reigning us back in when we get a little too in over our heads. I know Spencer and I have gotten a little too intimate and from the outside we’re a little too serious, so now it’s time to allow the alcohol to buzz through my body and take over. I take my champagne flute, raise it at Spencer before I down it.

I jump down from my stool, ready to go and mingle. I’m almost tempted to
schmooze some men in Clara’s hearing range just to prove to her that I am doing my job tonight and not looking for ways to misbehave.

“
Ahh, Miss. Gilbert,” Jonah speaks nervously from behind me. He looks like he’s ready to run, but I see him mentally prepare himself. “I just wanted to apologize for anything and everything I did the other night. I never wanted you to feel so uncomfortable, but I did, and that’s on me. I forced you into that, and I cannot forgive myself for the state I left you in.”

I feel myself harden – my muscles tensing, my mouth dries and I’m shocked at his apology. What I see before me is a desperate man who needed a chance, but he was given the placebo. I was never a willing candidate to offer my orgasms, and I think Clara knew that. What did she was disappoint a client before he even touched me.

“W-would you mind a dance?” he asks me, stuttering and stumbling over his own words, and I see sweat beading across his forehead.

I nod, agreeing with utmost politeness. I cannot deny how my body responds to him, but I cannot stop myself for feeling my heart throb for this man. He is lost and came here looking for an answer like so many others have. He’s one of a few who came looking in all the wrong places.

I take the lead, weaving through the dance floor to the middle of the crowd. When I turn, he puts his hands on me but keeps himself at a clear distance. He knows there are boundaries, and I’m appreciative that he won’t cross them. Neither of us made them, they were just there. It’s a welcome surprise in this life.

“My wife’s been cheating on me,” he announces and tries to remain strong even though he’s beholden to the horrid truth. He clearly notices how the sympathy floods my entire body as he continues. “It’s fine. I always thought it. I mean the signals were all there, but I went to the club to see if I was the issue, but I’m not.” His face softens toward to me. “I’m sorry you had to be collateral damage in finding out.”

“It’s okay,” I reply gently.

“It’s not,” he reproves my prior statement.

“Really, it is.” It’s so much I’ve forgiven him, but I don’t want to remember how we were forced together, and he was forced to go to drastic measures just to know if he was less than a man. I can see the sincerity on him. It’s hard not to notice when it’s true. Most men have a lot of gusto to give and intent to implore with, but like Jace, Jonah is different. As I hear my name, I frown, knowing I have to deliver my last comment to him before I go find Clara. “You don’t belong in a club like this, Mr. Hart.”

“Nor do you,” he opposes as he allows me to leave his side.

I find Clara standing alone with Brianna and approach with minor caution. The moment she spots me, her face illuminates, and I am now on edge. I haven’t seen Clara like this since I walked back into the club. She looks at ease, there’s no readying short retort to offer. If I could say one thing about her, it’s that she is positively glowing.

“I don’t know how you’ve done it, but both you girls have had the most attention.” She smiles even harder, and I wonder how her Botox can tolerate it. “It’s like old times. I see some changes coming to the club.”

I snort. This cannot be good.

“Cassidy has only gotten one new client. Between the two of you, we have thirteen new clients ready to join! There is a reason I crowned you two my head Viper Girls in the first place. No matter what you do or how much you disappoint me, you’re a client pleaser.”

I refrain from snorting this time around. I’m good on the eye, not good in the club. I cross my arms over my chest, seeing Brianna has the same thoughts as I do. Her body language speaks volumes that she doesn’t have to.

“I’m thinking it’s time we work out the logistics and see about changing the club up again,” Clara remarks, flicking her hair back over her shoulder. I don’t miss the look of slight fear in her. Clara has no idea what she’s going to do to change her club up. She’s just trying to appease everyone.

“I think that’s a great idea,” I chirp, hoping I’m convincing. “But just be careful with some decisions.”

“You don’t want them having a permanent effect,” Brianna steps in, catching onto my drift.

“They won’t, believe me. My two runaway Viper Girls came to me. That’s all the proof I need.” Clara saunters off without another word. She doesn’t see what havoc putting both Brianna and me on top may have.

“She’s screwed,” Brianna mutters as she steps besides me.

“So screwed,” I agree, shaking my head in disbelief that Clara could be so fickle with her own viper chain.

“Serves her right!”
Brianna brandishes and turns to me giddily. “I saw you and
Mr. Merriweather
.” She laughs as I blush. “You two were hot on the dance floor, and I didn’t know why until he asked me if I wanted a drink.”

“Sometimes you just can’t take the club out of the man,” I announce with a wink and decide to go freshen up. “I’ll be right back. Get me a drink in.”

“You got it, girlie.”

I walk around the side of the dance floor, watching Cassidy try to dance with several men at once. She’s lacking poise and grace, and that’s her biggest downfall. Most focus on one client and reap those rewards; Cassidy works on however much male attention she can have in a matter of minutes. I continue, pleased to see the line for the ladies’ restroom is practically nonexistent.

“Not yet,” the forced baritone voice from earlier speaks. I’m dragged to the side, much like Clive did, but I’m more a willing counterpart. Jace pins me to the wall in one of the isolated corners of the rooftop. There are people walking around, getting to know one another. But here, Jace and I are alone. We’re tucked away just enough.

“I thought I’d get one last moment in.”
Jace’s eyes say everything they need to –
he doesn’t want to leave, he’s not ready to, and he wished he didn’t have to go.
“Tonight has been fun,” he comments, forcing my back further into the corner. He brings his hand up, pushing back a loose piece of hair. “It’s been good living this lie again with you.”

“Yeah, it has,” I agree, my voice nothing more than a wistful whisper.

Giving me no other answer, Jace pushes his hand up the back of my neck, only stopping once his fingers start to thread through my hair just after my hairline. His lips crash against mine, and I’m met with the same greed he always lives by, like he’s always taking one for the road. He pulls away, not knowing when we’ll be caught. He places his forehead to mine, our breathing matched, our eyes staring at one another.

The weight of human emotion renders me weak, and I ponder when I’ll see him again. We’ve used all our opportunities because life will resume at the
strike of midnight. He’ll be gone and I’ll be back to my viper duties.

“I’ll be seeing you soon, Mrs. Mason.”

Like he arrived, he was gone.

I take a moment to find myself, before I step out and join the gangs of people. I use the pad of my finger to remove any smudged lipstick before I straighten my mask. Feeling empowered, I see Josh talking with Eli and decide it’s time to keep my current client happy by sharing a drink with him.

“How was Jace?” Sam asks, grabbing me by the wrist, preventing me from leaving like I had planned.

I try not to feel intimidated by him, so just grin sweetly. I don’t know what’s come over me, and I’m not quite sure where the attitude has come from, but it leaves my lips before I have time to process it.
“Tonight or the other day when Clara announced the party?”

I don’t stick around for a response, just shake him off and resume my part in the festivities.

I giggle as Eli makes a mockery of his own job. He’s trying out new cocktails and making quite the show of it for Brianna and me. I laugh as he nearly drops the cocktail shaker and then adds some pizzazz out of the moment.

“It’ll be doubly delicious now ladies,” he jokes as he pours the pink drink into our glasses. “It’s got a bit of that Eli charisma in it.” He gives us a wink as he puts the shaker down and adds an umbrella to each of our glasses.
“Bottoms up!”

Brianna and I hesitantly take the glasses, lift them to one another, clink and then drink. I await the rancid taste of two liquors spoiling one another to hit my taste buds, but the refreshing burst in my mouth is delicious.

“That is amazing!” I exclaim, taking another welcome sip. “This has to be your speciality, Eli.”

“Especially after those last four drinks you made!” Brianna agrees, draining her drink entirely.

“Easy girl!” I chime, watching set her glass down and beg Eli for another. “I think we need to talk.”

“Uh oh,” Brianna begins, her eyes watching me carefully. “This sounds like a breakup.”

I laugh heartily at that, spurred on by the playfulness Brianna and I have again and the alcoholic buzz going on in me. “It’s about my brother.”

“Oh,” Brianna mouths, barely making her monosyllabic wording heard.

“What’s going on there?” I ask her casually, leaning back. “For the first time in a while you seemed comfortable with a male client.”

“I am,” she murmurs, blushing brightly. “But he’s your brother. It was all to make it look like he was interested in others besides you.”

I don’t reply, just stare at her and she shakes her head, knowing where my mind is going.

“He’s your brother!” she exclaims in a hushed tone. “That’s a no-go zone, Lee! I’d never do that to you.”

“But it’s not my decision,” I say, beginning to slowly grin. “And I happen to know he likes you too.” I giggle childishly as Brianna’s eyes widen with disbelief. “We talked before he left, and he kept asking about you. When does Brianna work? What type of clients does Brianna prefer? Would you mind if I took advantage of my time at the club and signed up for Brianna? To be honest, I’m sick of your name after last night.” I tease her ruthlessly, making her blush deepen. But I know I need to tread carefully. “I know after the last man you fell for you ended up at rock bottom, but if Spencer can still love me after all the things I fucked up with, then he can definitely share a little love

“Do I see a Jace and Joely take two happening?” Eli jokes, pouring another of his pink delicious cocktail for Brianna.

“That’s already happening,” I remind him cheekily. “Brianna is an extension of my wonderful teaching.”

“I don’t think I can do it again,” Brianna steps in, her tone frightful. “You and Jace did well, and you still have one another, but the last time I did it, I lost you.”

“You aren’t losing anyone,” I announce, taking her hand. “And if I have anything to say about it, you’re not going to be here much longer either.” I then toss my head to the side, nodding in Eli’s direction. “Plus, you’ll always be left that there.”

“That?” Eli jokes, his voice mocking hurt. “Gilbert, you always wound me.”

I roll my eyes at him. “Now please wipe that look off your face, we have business to deal with tonight and a potential new rank to enjoy.”

“Oh that,” Brianna face screws up, her nose crinkling as she does so.
“We’ll see if that happens, but for now, Master Stephenson,” Brianna pauses, smiling ever so sweetly to Eli. “Make more of those drinks! I’ll be right back.”

I smile as she runs off. She seems so carefree and happier now, and I love she’s come back from her own pit of darkness. Knowing I had some affect of her resulting to drugs for a break from reality kills me every time, but the Brianna
who’s come back is unlike the other. She’s grounded, knows what she’ll lose, and cherishes what she has.

“I don’t think I’ve ever thanked you,” I speak up, turning my entire body to face him.

“For what?” Eli asks shifting glasses around to fit clean ones out. “I’ve done nothing special.”

“You’ve been my hero on more than one occasion, Eli,” I defy, offering a look of sheer honesty. “I couldn’t have asked for a better best friend.”

“Any day, Gilbert.” His response is short, and he leans onto the bar, looking at me. “What new ranking?”

I chuckle, feeling a sense of power bolt through me. “Clara said we got more new clients than Cassidy. She’s seriously thinking about rethinking mine and Brianna’s ranking in her viper chain. She’s impressed with how her two Runaway Vipers have stepped up.”

“Oh, you’re not the only one now?” Eli asks, teasing me. I shake my head, and he nods his head impressed. “And here was me thinking you dug your heels in and kicked up a fuss alone.”

“Sister
solidarity,” I admonish with a small smirk. “Brianna just shows her defiance a little different than me, but she always come out on top.”

“Who does?” Brianna asks as she resumes her seat. She laughs as she notices our faces. “Me?” she quizzes, pointing at herself. “It takes me a while, but I can drag my ass up from rock bottom.”

“I think this calls for a drink,” I say and raise my glass to Brianna. Again we clink and immediately drink Eli’s cocktail. As I enjoy the drink I look at Eli. “This needs a name. If I’m going to be stuck here, I want to live off this.”

“Eli Stephenson’s love juices?” he questions, a bright wide smirk on his face. “What?” he asks as Brianna and I just give him our best incredulous looks. “Not a winner?”

“Nowhere close,” I state disdainfully. “How could you even think that sounded like a good name? It’s not at all fitting and it’s more than a little disgusting.” I shudder as the name resonates within me.

“Plus, it should be Viper Rooms related,” Brianna adds on, pointing out a fairly obvious statement we all seem to miss.

“Okay, okay,” Eli agrees, putting his hands out. “How about
The Viper’s Bite
?”

“Okay, I love that!” I exclaim, and Brianna agrees. “Rather that than your idea of trying to get laid in a gentlemen’s club where the women are otherwise occupied.”

Immediately after, Brianna and I burst into a fit of laughter. We’re both under the same impression Eli needs to get laid. He’s here almost as much as we are, but we get a reprieve. He has to watch a whole horde of girls swan around in negligee or skimpy dresses pretty much all week.

“Can we talk?” Luca breaks mine and Brianna’s tipsy giggles.

I find my sobriety hit me quickly, and I look from Brianna to Luca. “Er, sure,” I agree and push away from the bar. “Of course.”

Luca heads over to the farthest away booth possible and slips in her side. I follow quickly and just look at her. She looks different than she used to. She’s lost so much aggression from her small stature, and she looks worried by something.

“What’s wrong?” I ask softly, leaning, ready to help her. “Luca?” She looks up at me, with her eyes swollen with an onslaught of tears, and my worry peaks an all-time high. “You can tell me.”

“Why are you even being nice to me? I so was nasty to you,” she queries me so clearly with such incredulity that I have to smile. What else am I to do? Cry over what she said to me when she was being honest? Nope, that’s not how I handle things.

“I don’t care about that,” I remark truthfully. “You were honest, and it was the truth.” I shrug, leaving my body language open and carefree. “I was put in charge of you from day one, and I failed at what I promised, but not anymore. If you need me, I’m here for you. Always will be.”

She takes in a shaky inhale, her nervous hands wringing one another. “Cassidy never wanted to be my friend,” she admits a fact she should have learned from day one. “She proved that last night and I feel like a fool.”

I don’t speak. This isn’t my place. This is Luca’s time to vent.

“She wanted my clients and last night she got them all. I have no one on my list anymore.” She’s bleeding herself dry before me, and I feel like I’m, once more, her mentor. “It’s why she didn’t get many new
clients, she’s out to steal everyone else’s.” Luca looks at me, her eyes wide as she bears her soul to me. “If you’d never left, she wouldn’t have been given the opportunity to bring us all down.”

“Luca,” I start slowly, trying to keep my head thinking straight. “Cassidy may think she can take every one of our men off us, but Clara will beat into her over it. I know I left and every changed, but my leaving only accelerated the process. Clara had the plans for the club for years. She just took her frustrations out on you. I will forever be sorry for that.” I lean a little further, keeping the proximity comfortably intimate for this heart-to-heart. “As for Cassidy, she will never be anyone’s friend. She is in it for herself and better you learn that now than in a few years after and she’s managed to alienate everyone around you.”

The look I get is so clouded; I cannot even read through it. It’s like Luca’s mind is railroading her with multiple unanswerable questions. “Why are you so forgiving?”

“Because, in a heartbeat, it can all be gone.” My voice carries forth without me thinking about it. These words haven’t aspired from my mind, but my heart. This is the God’s honest truth. “I’ve lost so much, Luca. I don’t want to lose anymore. I lost my home here, my friends,
my husband. I lost my safe haven, and I have no clue if or when I’ll get it back.” I bite my lips as my eyes begin to burn. I tell myself not to cry. “Luca, if you ever need someone to talk to, I mean, about anything, I am always here.”

“I thought you didn’t care seeing how you’ve hardly spoken to me.”

“I didn’t want to annoy you even more,” I admit with a mirthless laugh. “You were so angry with me when I first came back, I just thought I’d offer you my distance.” I just continue to watch her, wondering what she’s really thinking. “And when you’re acting like a bitch around Cassidy, it does nothing to think you want to be a friend.”

“I did it so she’d accept me,” Luca dwells. She’s beating herself up for all of her actions and decisions.
“Lot of good that did me.”

“There are plenty of other girls in this club not out for sabotage.”

“Luca, leave us,” Clara orders harshly as she steps before us.

I jump, as does Luca, but Luca, being the obedient girl she is, gets up and scurries away, looking back several times before she stops at a safe distance. I sit back, looking up at Clara. I’m not in the mood for Clara’s rain of fury tonight. I’m still hung over from last night and to top it all, the cocktails Eli’s been making all evening have made my head woozy.

“I heard Jace paid you a visit at last night’s party,” Clara states sharply.

I
pout a little, confused over her comment. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I remark, furrowing my brow to match my confused state. “Who said that?”

“Sam,” she responds, her face still so full of thunderous energy.

“Did Sam also tell you how he tried to back me into a corner?” I ask, trying to keep myself in charge and on top of my emotions. I then climb out of the booth. “There are many things I don’t like about being here, but almost being threatened by your lap dog while at a party is one I definitely won’t tolerate.” I stand up to Clara, matching my height to hers. “Last night, I welcomed new and old clients into the club, all of which you saw.” I then release my breath. “Maybe you need to give your guards a teaching as well. You keep a closer eye on us than you do them.”

I see Clara’s jaw tighten as she squares it, trying to hold back from an outrageous outburst. I know it’s sitting there, right on the tip of her tongue, and it’s driving her crazy.

“I don’t appreciate his hands all over me in
any
way. Clients I can tolerate, but your little sadist is a bit of a hard limit for me,” I reprimand, standing my ground to her. “Especially after I watched him help kidnap my husband.”

“This isn’t over,” Clara grounds out, looking over me to see Sam standing nearby – as per usual.

“It is,” I contradict her and walk off.                           

I feel her stomp off, in the exact same manner she approached me with. I go back to the bar, Eli and Brianna watching me intently.

“I don’t know whether to get your death warrant to sign or give you a round of applause, Chica,” Brianna teases as I walk over with my head held high.

“Get me another Viper’s Bite,” I demand, ignoring her comment, as I slump down onto my barstool beside Brianna. We’ve still got thirty minutes before we’ll even think about opening, and I need to work this tension away.

“Joely!” My name pierces the air. I feel each syllable of my name punctuated the quiet room and all eyes are immediately on me.

It’s barely been two minutes since I sat down. I look up only to see Clara staring at me. I have never – and I mean never – seen
her this angry. I have pushed her and forced her into corners she would never have been in had she never tracked me down, but apparently something has happened so bad she has bent and broken.

Her pace across the room is matched with each thump of her heels against the room as she stomps heavily. She’s clutching a black book with gold detailing, and I have no idea what she’s about to show me. All I know is clients sign it when they leave, declaring their name and the girls they’re interested in most.