Chapter 46
CHAPTER
FORTY-SIX
COLTER
After the police came and took photos and ensured the car wasn’t triggered with anything, we took Mer to work. Holden wanted her to call in, but she insisted that dancing would be the most helpful in dealing with her emotions, especially since she was starting in a new room tonight. Whatever that meant.
She’d called her boss and told him a watered-down version of what was happening since she would be late. He’d insisted she take the night off, too, but Mer was determined. When my girl wanted something, she was a force to be reckoned with.
After taking a seat in the small club area, I was amazed at the place. I couldn’t quit looking around. It gave the impression you’d stepped into a different place. “How did I not know this place existed?”
“Because you’ve been too busy studying and playing football the past four years,” Holden said.
I shrugged. He wasn’t wrong. But so had he, which begged the question, “How did you know about this place?”
“I didn’t. Not until I followed Em one night. ”
I smirked, swirling the ice in my drink around as Holden scoffed.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“It’s something. You’re smiling like you know something.”
“Because I do.”
“Out with it. I’m not in the mood for games.”
That made two of us.
Sighing, I rubbed my ribs at the reminder of the man playing games with our girl. The sight of the petals had made my injuries hurt worse, like my brain knew the person responsible for hurting me was near.
Relenting to Holden’s unwavering stare, I said, “It’s just nice seeing you love something as much as football.”
“I don’t love Em as much as football.” My heart sank. Damn. Did that mean he wasn’t as in as I believed? “I love her more than football.”
I blinked in shock. “I did not expect that.”
He shrugged like he hadn’t just rewired my brain about who he was. “Football is my passion. But that girl, she’s my everything.”
Now that I got.
“To our girl.” I held up my empty glass and knocked it against his. I wasn’t under any misconception that our life would be easy. Choosing to have an unconventional relationship would raise eyebrows. People would assume things about Holden and me, and Mer, too. But having people believe lies about me and the people I loved wasn’t enough reason not to do it. They would believe them regardless, so why should I miss out on living my life to the fullest? I wouldn’t.
“Have you told your parents yet?”
I shook my head. “Nah. It’s been almost a year since I’ve talked to them; I don’t think telling them I survived a car explosion is high on their priority list. They’ll just make me feel worse about myself, and I don’t need that garbage in my life.”
“You’ll always have me, bro.”
“I know.”
Holden squeezed my shoulder, and my body relaxed. While there wasn’t anything romantic between us, the platonic love and connection we had was special. It was why I knew I could share a romantic partner with him, because having him and a woman I loved made my life better. If I ever had to choose, I’d spend my life feeling like I’d lost a limb.
The music changed, and the lights dimmed in the small cocktail lounge. I didn’t understand the system or the different rooms, but I was happy Mer was happy. I’d gladly watch her dance anywhere.
“Do you know what to expect?” I asked.
Holden shook his head. “I haven’t worked in Wildfire. I’ve only been on the main floor, Ember.” He glanced at his watch. He still had about forty minutes until he clocked in.
Smoke billowed over the stage, and lights illuminated in different colors, creating a cool effect with the music. When they flashed back on, I gasped at the dancers who appeared. Six girls stood in formation, holding a sparkly shape. I instantly found Mer at the end, her body calling to me like a siren song.
“Holy fuck,” Holden murmured, sitting up straighter in his seat. I didn’t understand what he meant initially, but I understood when the music started and the shapes moved. Each girl was wearing some version of a silky nightgown. Mer’s was a dark purple with lace. It sculpted her body, showcasing all of her delicious curves. My dick instantly took notice, perking up as she moved to the music.
“Holy fuck indeed.”
“I’m half tempted to pull her off the stage. I don’t want any of these other fuckers looking at her.” Holden gritted his teeth, his eyes scanning the crowd like he wanted to beat up anyone who looked at her. I got it. I didn’t like the thought, either. But when she glanced at our table, her eyes brightened, and she gave us a secret smile. She moved flawlessly with the other girls, and if I hadn’t known she’d only learned this dance in a day, I’d believe she’d been here the whole time.
She was gorgeous and effortless as she seduced everyone in the club. I loved how alive she became when dancing, often pulling the focus to herself. Maybe that was just me because I couldn’t look at anyone but Mer. She sparkled like the brightest diamond to me. Wait…
“Ah. It’s a diamond.”
“Huh?” Holden asked, but his eyes stayed glued to Mer.
“The thing they’re holding. It’s a diamond.”
“They’re holding something,” he mumbled, and I laughed.
“If only Mer could hear how gone you are for her.”
“Right? She still doesn’t believe me. We’re going to have to put a ring on her for her to understand. Maybe I’ll get her name tattooed on me.”
“Yes. Let’s do that. After the season, let’s get tattoos.”
“You want one?”
“You doubt my commitment?” I pulled my gaze away, narrowing my eyes at my friend. If he thought he’d hang around until I left, he was wrong.
“Not that. I know you’re all in. I just didn’t expect you to want to ink your skin.”
“Why? I’m not afraid of pain. I have my dick pierced.”
Holden cringed. “Still don’t know how you did that.” He shook his head like he could clear it of the image. “It’s not that. I guess I assumed you wouldn’t be into it. You’ve never talked about getting a tattoo before.”
I shrugged. “Never had a reason to want one. ”
“Fair.” He paused, watching Mer dance. “She needs to pursue this. She loves it. With her, it’s like she is the dance, not a set of steps.”
“Kind of like you with football.”
Holden’s brow furrowed. “I never thought about it that way.”
“You don’t see yourself on the field.” I shrugged.
“I made a deal with her. If she enters a choreography contest, I’ll enter an art one.”
“That’s big. How do you feel about it? I know you love art, but it’s not something you ever really talk about.”
“I’ve never shown it to people. It feels too personal, too raw. Plus, people look at me with envy when I play football, and I know I can make money at it. It’s different with art.”
“Maybe that’s how Mer feels about dancing. When someone judges something close to your heart, it can leave scars.”
“Yeah. I hadn’t thought about it that way.” He blew out a breath. “If it takes me being vulnerable for her to try, it would be worth it. She’s worth it.”
“That she is.”
The song blended into another, then another, and we watched in amazement at Mer dancing. I could watch her dance all night and never grow bored. Each time she glanced our way, I felt lit up inside. I quit caring about others, seeing how amazing she was, because at the end of the night… she was ours. They could want her all they wanted, but it didn’t matter.
The lights dimmed sometime later, and the music switched to something softer as the girls trailed off the stage. Mer gave us a little wink before she disappeared.
Holden pulled out some cash and placed it on the table. “Come on. I need to change and clock in, but I’ll take you to see her. ”
I didn’t think I could’ve climbed out of that booth faster if I’d tried.
Holden cut to a hallway, nodding to the guy stationed there. The man’s forearms were crossed, his scowl fiercer than Holden’s. He didn’t budge when Holden stopped before him, he just stared at him. Holden sighed and pulled out a name badge, then pointed to me. “I’m taking him to meet Hendrix.”
The guy finally relented and stepped aside. He gripped Holden’s shoulder before he could pass. “That your girl dancing?”
“Our girl. Why?”
The man’s eyes widened briefly before returning to their flat stare. “She’s good. JoJo speaks highly of her.”
“Mer’s amazing,” I said, wanting him to acknowledge her skills properly. He glanced at me and nodded in respect.
“There’s been a sketchy dude asking about her. No one has shared anything when I’ve been around, but I don’t know if that goes for everyone. Most are loyal, but…” he trailed off, stopping himself.
“Say it,” Holden said, giving the guy a look that had most people running in fear.
“Some of the girls are jealous. They might’ve said something if he asked the right one.”
“What did this guy look like?”
“Older. Average height. Nothing too distinct about him, really. He fades into the crowd well. I work private security, and it’s given me a good gauge on people, and this dude, he set every button off. I told Boss, but without a name or face, we’re shooting blanks into the wind and hoping to hit something.”
“Fuck.” Holden rubbed his head, then sighed. “Thanks, man. I’m Holden, and this is Colter.” He pointed over his shoulder at me .
“Rocco. You don’t seem too surprised. Do you know who it is?”
“Mer’s had some asshat stalking her. He crashed his car into his sister, set me on fire, and likes to torment Mer with roses,” I explained.
“Shit.” His eyes widened. “He’s escalating. He’s getting desperate.”
“What do you mean? The police don’t seem that concerned.”
Rocco rolled his eyes. “Of course, they aren’t. But that’s a different story. I work here part time; I’ll keep an eye out and my ear to the ground.”
“Thanks, man.”
He nodded, looking between us. “I have a question.”
“You can ask; it doesn’t mean I’ll answer,” Holden said.
“You’re that football guy, aren’t you? The one bound for the NFL? What are you doing working here?”
“Because she’s here.”
Rocco nodded in thought. “And you guys share?”
“Is that really your business?”
“I’m not judging. More curious than anything.”
“How about you get Hendrix to move me to where Em is each shift and I’ll share more?”
Rocco laughed, the sound deep and hearty. “You’ve got balls, kid. I like you. All right. I’ll stop with the questions. Go see your girl. I’ll even pretend you’re actually taking him to talk to Boss.”
I snorted, but walked down the hallway. I wouldn’t miss my opportunity to see Mer if I could. Holden was quiet as we walked. I knew he was going over ways to keep Mer safe in his head. He couldn’t help his protective nature. It was who he was.
“Stay here,” he said, then stepped into a door. He was only gone a few seconds, returning with Mer. Her eyes widened when she spotted me and wrapped her arms around me.
“Col!”
“I see how it is. You’re all, ‘What’s going on? Why are you in here?’ when I come to get you and all ‘Col!’ when you see this one.” Mer stuck her tongue out at him. Holden smirked, not minding one bit.
“I see you all the time.” She rolled her eyes.
“Debatable. I’ll see you after my shift. Don’t do anything to get fired.” He narrowed his eyes at me, despite knowing it was pointless. This was my kryptonite—Mer dressed like a sex goddess in a club full of people.
“How much time do you have?”
“About forty minutes. We get an hour between sets in Wildfire versus thirty in Ember.”
“You were incredible, sweetheart. I couldn’t take my eyes off you.”
“I had so much fun. I loved it. I miss dancing with JoJo, but I got to be part of the music tonight. It was exactly what I needed.”
“JoJo’s your friend?”
“Mmhm. I’ll bring her over to meet you if she’s around later. She knows about us.” Her face heated. “She asked to join and said she had a girl crush on me.”
I growled into her neck. “No way. I’ll only share you with Holden.” She giggled, my dick remembering how hot she looked dancing. “I was so hard for you all through your dance, Mer. Knowing all those people were watching you, wishing they had you, and knowing you were coming home with me. Damn.” I nudged her with my dick, her breath catching as she felt it. “Please tell me there’s somewhere we can have a moment.”
Mer bit her lip, her eyes dancing back and forth as she thought. “There might be. We can try it.”
“Lead the way. ”
She took my hand and pulled me down a hallway, then another, turning right and left. She knocked on a door, and when no one answered, she turned the knob slowly. The door opened to a dark stage area. Light peeked out from beneath the curtain, and soft murmurs of guests floated under.
“Holy shit. Is this the stage?”
“Yeah. Well, the side of the stage. This is used for props. She gestured to the other side where the diamonds they’d danced with during the first number were, along with giant feathers, fans, and silver balls.
“You gonna be quiet for me, sweetheart?”
She whimpered but nodded. My hands drifted down her body, loving how she felt. I’d always enjoyed sex. It was sex. But I usually focused so much on what my partner wanted, I never felt satisfied.
Being with Mer was a completely different experience. She encouraged me to explore my kinks and embraced them so enthusiastically that I never seemed to get enough of her. My refractory period even surprised me.
Lifting the silk of her nightie, I brushed over the apex of her thighs. Her panties were soaked, and I groaned. I wasn’t gentle as I plunged my finger into her, tilting her head back to take her lips with mine as I backed her against a table. We didn’t have much time, but it wouldn’t last that long. This was the riskiest place I’d ever tried to get away with.
I wanted to lift her in my arms and fuck her against the wall, but my broken ribs said no. Pushing her to sit on the table, I stepped between her spread legs, not breaking the kiss or my finger plunging into her. She coated my finger, her cum covering my hand and filling the space with the smell of her arousal.
“Please,” she whispered.
Unzipping my jeans, I freed myself and slid her panties over as I entered. The added restrictions made it hotter as I sank into her wet heat. We moaned into our kiss as our bodies adjusted. With her legs wrapped around my waist, I squeezed her ass and snapped my hips forward. The sound of the audience on the other side spurred me on. The dance Mer had given replayed in my mind, and my orgasm drew near.
“So close, sweetheart.”
“Me, too.”
Our breaths entwined as we panted, joining with the sound of our bodies snapping together. Mer clung to me, her fingers digging into my shoulders as I brought us both to the edge and back.
“Come for me, Mer. Scream into my shoulder and wear my cum the rest of the night, marking you as mine.”
She shuddered at my words, her body going rigid as she did exactly as I told her to, and screamed her release into my shoulder to muffle the sound. After, she turned her head and bit my neck, then sucked on the skin to mark me . It was the last straw, and I fell over, my orgasm smashing into me as I came.
“Fuck, sweetheart. You’re so fucking perfect for me.”
She smiled demurely, and I loved the two sides of her. She could be my sweetheart, my Merbear, and the wildcat Holden called her.
“I love you,” she whispered. Cupping her face, I kissed her gently, cherishing this time with her.
“I love you.”
Smiling, I helped her off the table, and we righted ourselves. Mer peeked out the door, and we walked out together. “I’ll be out there watching.”
“I’ll be the one dancing for you.”
Kissing her one more time, I smacked her butt as she turned to go into the dressing room. She gasped and giggled, making me want to haul her back into my arms. Instead, I returned to Wildfire, nodding at Rocco as I sat at the bar. The booth I’d been at earlier was occupied, but I didn’t care. This was directly in line with the stage, giving me a better view.
It wasn’t long before the lights and music returned, and I sat in anticipation. The thought of doing this for the rest of my life didn’t scare me because it was us. Holden and I both needed Mer. She fit perfectly between us, and I loved our time together and alone. My family didn’t understand me, but these two people did, and I’d do anything for them.
Which meant we needed to find the asshole who was intent on taking it away from me.
You were wrong, motherfucker. She isn’t yours, but ours. You messed with the wrong men.