Bouncer (Bad Boys in Big Trouble Book 2) (13 page)

“Very funny. I’ll have you know that I spent considerable time straightening my hair to get it to look this good. Trust me. We’re going out.”

He gave her a predatory grin. “Perfect.”

“Also, I have another not-so perfect surprise.” She glanced over her shoulder and then gestured him inside. There were two mismatched suitcases by the sofa in the living room and he heard voices beyond a door on the other side of the room.

“I have two unexpected guests.”

“I see that.” His gaze went to the door across the room again when laughter peeled from there.

“My semi-flaky, yet very lovable college roommate, Elsa, and her boyfriend Gordon surprised me less than an hour ago. They came for an impromptu visit.”

“That’s okay. Are we still going out?” He glanced at her hair again. “I mean, you did spend all that time on your hair, which looks amazing, by the way. Honestly, you look stunning.”

“Thanks.” She directed her gaze to the floor, pushed out a breath, shook her head and started talking. “The thing is, I told them where I was going tonight. They squealed in delight and immediately assumed they’d be able to go with us.” Her gaze flitted to his face before dropping to the floor again. Her cheeks were pink.

“I see.” She was adorable.

“I’ll understand if it’s a problem.” From across the room, they both turned when another high-pitched squeal came from behind the closed door across the room. “I will, however, make
you
explain it to them.”

Reece took her in his arms and kissed her. She tasted so fucking good. “It’s not a problem, Smith. I’m just delighted we still have a date. I may have mentioned to my co-workers that I was bringing someone to the club tonight. Doesn’t matter how many of us show up as long as you do.”

“Are you sure? I’m not a club girl, as I mentioned, but Elsa most definitely is. The two of them had actually
heard
of your club. I mean, they
really
want to go with us tonight. I hope that’s not an issue.”

Reece winked. “No worries. I can get us all in.” In fact, that would be perfect for his needs tonight. Instead of awkwardly introducing her around the club, he could play host and do it while impressing her out-of-town friends, and while he romanced her publically through the night with all eyes in the club watching them canoodle.

Just then the door across the room burst open and a girl and a guy ambled out, dressed in club clothing and seemingly ready to party all night. By her name, he’d expected Elsa to be a tall, ice-blonde Swedish girl, but she was tiny and brunette. He’d thought Gordon would be a mid-western farm boy, but he was an Asian dude who looked totally in love with his woman. Often stereotypes didn’t work for names, as in this case.

Jessica made quick introductions. Elsa and Gordon were enthusiastic about being able to dance the night away in to the famous Lexicon Club. After a very brief discussion, where Reece formally invited them to the club, they all were headed out the door. He drove, since he could get premium parking. The four of them walked past the very long line of people on the way to the corner door.

“Are you sure it’s okay that we’re passing all these people by?”

Was Jessica expecting booing and hissing from the crowd? She had both hands wrapped around one of his biceps as they made their way to the door.

“Don’t worry. This is just the way it works,” he told her. In fact, many of the people waiting recognized Reece and waved at him. Reece glanced down at her sexy outfit again. If he hadn’t already met her, he would have certainly allowed her access to the club. He nodded to several well-dressed patrons as he passed by them in line before making it to where Hector stood guard. The bouncer gave Jessica a subtle once over as they approached. Hector must have approved, since he gave them a rare smile.

Tonight was a weeknight, but at this club it didn’t seem to matter. Every night was busy. Reece leaned in and said in a low voice that his girl had unexpected out-of-town guests and they’d wanted to come along. Hector only nodded and gave him a knowing look. Lots of people wanted to get inside. Few had automatic access like he did.

Hector unhooked the velvet rope and allowed all four of them entrance without further question or conversation. Reece was relieved, even though he knew he’d be allowed inside regardless of the number of folks he brought along. Not to mention that Arthur had invited him and his new FBI girlfriend specifically.

The moment he opened the door to the club, loud music poured past them and into the street. The three entered the song-filled fray and he followed them inside. The host, Sam, who handled the premium seating in the club, saw Reece and waved him over to the booth to the right of the entry.

“Reece. I heard you had a special guest tonight, bro, so I reserved a table in the exclusive area for you.”

“Really? Thanks. Will it seat four? My date had surprise guests this evening so we brought them along.”

“Of course. Nothing but the best for you. As a matter of fact, I’ve got you center court.”

Center court meant the best table in the house. Arthur had gone all out. They’d even have a private waiter taking care of their complimentary food and drink orders. It also meant that Reece wouldn’t have to find Arthur, he’d find them now that he’d put them center court in the club. Everyone in attendance would see them. That could be good or bad.

Reece pretended everything was going to be good.

“Thanks, Sam.”

“Need an escort?”

“Nope. I can do it.” Reece guided Jessica and her friends to the premium area, hoping tonight would go as smooth as his Jessica’s lovely hair.

The best seat in the place was half a story up in the middle of the club with a private entrance to the dance floor. They walked up an exclusive wide ramp that wound upward along the edge of the vast dance floor to the oversized, horseshoe-shaped table on its own platform.

A decorative cascade of wide steps on the other side of the platform offered direct access to the dance floor. If one walked further along the ramp, they’d come to several more premium tables situated facing the dancers, also with access to the private bar servicing them. However, any needs of this premium table were met first and foremost by the exclusive bartender.

“Order whatever you want tonight, my treat. It isn’t often I get to use this perk, so enjoy.”

Elsa and Gordon oohed and ahhed, suitably impressed with the club in general and especially the premium table and open bar, thanking Reece repeatedly for allowing them to come along tonight.

They’d barely gotten seated before the waiter asked for their drink orders. Jessica’s friends ordered top-shelf stuff and then folded into each other, soon dancing their way to the edge of the main dance floor.

It wasn’t long before the owner made his way over, with his ever-present bodyguard in tow. Arthur didn’t have much patience when he had an agenda. He did make a big show of it, though, strolling up to the table with arms open wide like they were long-lost relatives reunited once again. His personal assistant and bodyguard, Dixon, stood back a couple of paces to let his boss work. “Reece, it’s so good to see you here on your night off.”

Reece stood and shook hands with Arthur to add credence to the show, hoping he wouldn’t have to give him hugs and kisses, as well. One big happy crime family was on the menu for this evening’s entertainment, but it didn’t mean they had to get fake physical, in his opinion.

“Who do you have with you tonight?” Arthur leaned down to Jessica, raising his voice to be heard over the thumping beat of the music.

Reece played his part. “Arthur, this is my good friend, Jessica. She’s the one I told you about. Jessica, this is the Lexicon Club’s owner and my boss, Travis Arthur.”

Arthur looked genuinely happy when he extended a hand to her. “So good to meet you, Jessica. It’s exceedingly rare that Reece brings anyone to our club. In fact, I don’t remember the last time. You must be very special.”

Jessica smiled and shook his hand. “Thank you. I’m pleased to meet you, as well. Your club is beautiful.”

Arthur nodded, glancing over one shoulder with utter pride coating his expression. He was very proud of himself and his stellar place of business. “It is my favorite of them all. Have a wonderful time here tonight.”

“I will.”

Reece breathed a sigh of relief. He was afraid she’d be given twenty questions regarding her profession. Then again, his boss wasn’t foolish. He played along. He never made anyone feel uncomfortable. That was likely why he had so many important contacts. Arthur knew how to cultivate and keep them. Reece just wished he knew the method used.

Jessica would be categorized as his government girlfriend, filed away, and then trotted out for use at some future date when Arthur needed a favor. Reece hoped he’d be out of this business well before Jessica was ever brought up again. However, it might be wishful thinking on his part.

Arthur started to walk away. Reece was about sit and get down to serious canoodling when Arthur’s bodyguard, Dixon, suddenly put his hand up to his ear as if someone was speaking or directing him. And it wasn’t Arthur. Dixon glanced around the room as if by reflex, but apparently didn’t see anything out of line.

The entire staff always had earpieces in place during work hours in case extra hands were needed to get rid of an unruly customer. Sometimes all they’d hear was a location repeated. Like trauma workers headed to a code for a patient in distress, workers not otherwise engaged would migrate to the troubled area.

Reece wasn’t wearing his earpiece right now because it was his night off, although he’d certainly help out if needed.

It was one big happy crime family, after all.

Jessica caught his attention when she leaned back in her chair, looking out at the dance floor where her friends danced wildly in the crowd. They were also sliding erotically all over each other. She still seemed worried about them coming along. Meanwhile, Reece was grateful.

The raucous song filled with not so subtle innuendo came to an end and they stopped dancing a few moments later. Elsa and Gordon kissed enthusiastically as a new song began, but started making their way back to the booth. Perhaps they needed refreshments. Or a private room.

Dixon whispered something in Arthur’s ear. Reece could have sworn he heard, “FBI agent.” Was Dixon talking about Jessica? Arthur turned toward the front of the club, as did his bodyguard. Dixon put himself half a step ahead of Arthur.

Reece looked at the front door. Jessica’s nemesis, Agent Neil Wiley, stood just inside the doorway. He wore a determined expression as he searched the room with a disdain-filled stare.

Chapter Nine

“What in the ever-loving
fuck
is Wiley doing at the Lexicon Club?” Jessica heard Pierce’s question blaze in her tiny earpiece, but managed to remain calm. She deserved an award for not acknowledging the voice or leaping out of the booth in shock when she heard Neil’s name.

She’d managed to get through the difficult chore of meeting Travis Arthur, the club’s owner and Reece’s boss, only to hear that Neil was outside the club. Nothing like sneaking in to plant bugs and trying to maintain a nonchalant attitude when vocal alarms were going off in her head predicting impending doom, all while pretending she was only here on a date.

Pierce, currently stationed in the mobile surveillance van somewhere nearby with Seth, was the first to see Neil approach the bouncer on duty. He gave a play-by-play of the events outside the club.

In a low, tight voice that could not be mistaken for anything but seething anger, Pierce said, “Did that dumbass prick just flash his badge to get inside this club? I am going to hurt him. I will tear him limb from limb.”

Apparently, Hector the bouncer wasn’t happy, but let Neil in all the same. This made Pierce’s voice rise to an even higher octave, making clear his further disapproval over her wide-open communication line when Neil was ushered through the front entrance.

“Fuck. Why are you letting him in,
Other
Bouncer Guy? It’s your job is to keep out the riffraff, isn’t it?” Pierce asked those last questions before apparently realizing he’d been shouting over the open channel.

From the dance floor, Gordon said, “Looks like they’ve notified the bodyguard standing with the owner. Everyone at the target table is looking over at the front door where he’s standing.”

Elsa asked, “What do you want us to do? Intercept him?”

“No,” Pierce said. “Go back to the table. Do what you need to do. Maybe if he sees the three of you together he’ll get a clue and back the fuck off.”

Jessica disagreed.
I wouldn’t be so sure. Neil isn’t known for having a clue.
She didn’t think it was a sound plan, but she was unable to comment on the current conversation playing out in her ear.

“I’ll send Seth in,” Pierce said in a more normal tone. “He will shove Neil outside again before that idiot sees anyone, makes a big stink about it, and fucks this mission up any more than he already has.”

“What?” Seth asked in a loud tone. She’d be deaf by the end of the night if this drama kept up.

Pierce whispered instructions to Seth and then it sounded like he fairly kicked him out of the surveillance van with a loose plan for getting Neil out of the club. Meanwhile, Jessica watched Elsa and Gordon kiss exuberantly after their wild erotic dance ended.