20. Twenty Lakey
Twenty: Lakey
I jolted awake, my heart pounding like a jackhammer. Janine's face, twisted in that grotesque smile, burned behind my eyelids. My legs moved of their own accord, carrying me up and down our hallways. Fuck. I couldn't shake this feeling, like maggots crawling under my skin.
I paced our dimly lit apartment, the flickering streetlight outside casting eerie shadows. My bare feet slapped against the cold floor as I circled back to the bed where Cam's hulking form lay sprawled.
"Cam," I hissed, shoving his shoulder. "Wake up, you asshole."
He grunted, rolling over. "The fuck, Lakey? It's ass o'clock."
"We gotta deal with Janine. Now."
Cam's dark eyes cracked open, fixing me with an annoyed glare. "Can't this wait 'til morning?"
I shook my head, my fingers twitching with restless energy. "No, it can't. Something's off. We need to handle this bitch before she causes trouble."
He sat up with a grunt, running a hand through his messy hair. "You and your fucking intuition," he grumbled, but I could see the corners of his mouth twitching. He always got a kick out of my more unhinged moments.
"Don't pretend you don't love it," I quipped, already pulling on my leather jacket.
Ten or so minutes later, we roared up to Janine's house on our bikes. The engine's rumble faded to silence as I cut the ignition, leaving only the faint chirp of crickets.
I stared at the familiar structure, memories flooding back. How many nights had I spent crouched in those bushes, watching that little girl through her bedroom window? My fingers tightened on the handlebars as I remembered her wide, frightened eyes. How had I not known that fucking Janine lived here? All this time… I could have saved that girl from whatever the hell was going on in there.
"Earth to psycho," Cam's low voice broke through my thoughts. "You gonna sit there all night or are we doing this?"
"Let's go," I said, swinging my leg over the bike. "Time to pay our old friend a visit."
As we approached the dark house, adrenaline surged through my veins. We looked in all the windows, but the place looked dead. Almost abandoned. Whatever Janine was hiding, whatever game she was playing – it ended tonight. And if things got messy? Well, that was just part of the fun.
Cam leaned back on his bike, a smirk playing on his lips. "Brings back memories, huh? You used to be so fucking obsessed with this place." His dark eyes glinted in the moonlight. "Should I be jealous?"
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the smile tugging at my mouth. "Please. You know you're the only soulmate for me, babe. I… I come here when you are busy, so I guess I still am obsessed, as you so politely put it."
He chuckled, but I caught the concern lurking behind his teasing as we walked back to the bikes and sat on the sidewalk. "Seriously though, you good? This shit's got you wound tighter than usual."
"I'm fine," I snapped, then softened my tone. "Just... something's off. I can feel it."
Cam nodded, his expression growing serious. "I trust your instincts, Lakey. We'll figure this out."
Hours crawled by, the monotony of surveillance settling in like a lead weight. Cam had asked three times why we weren’t going up and checking the house. The truth was, I didn’t know why. I wasn’t used to feel the intensity of emotions like the ones running through me, rampant, unchecked. I desperately wanted to know. To see her. To save her. But I couldn’t force my legs to move my body any closer. Eventually, Cam just stopped asking, opting to wait in silence while I tried to figure my shit out and shove those feelings back in the box.
My eyes burned from staring at the lifeless house, willing something — anything — to happen. My fingers drummed an impatient rhythm on the bike's frame. The fucking sun was rising and nothing was happening. Not even the glow of the girl’s nightlight came from her darkened window.
"Fuck," I hissed, frustration boiling over. "What if we missed something? What if—"
Cam's hand covered mine, stilling my restless tapping. "Easy, killer. We've got all day if we need it."
I bit back a snarl, torn between appreciating his steadiness and wanting to claw something apart. The house loomed before us, a silent taunt, holding its secrets close.
I couldn't take it anymore and stood, bending down to touch my toes. The stillness, the waiting — it was driving me insane. I swung my leg over the bike, my movements sharp and jerky.
"I'm out," I spat, my voice razor-edged. I was heated. Having the one place where I found peace, watching her, changing, empty, it fucked with my head. I can’t deal with it. Don’t wanna know what the fuck happened. What if she was dead inside? No. I need to leave, to go, run, kill, dance. Something . "Need to blow off some fucking steam before I lose it."
Cam's eyebrows shot up, but he didn't try to stop me. Smart man. "Where you heading, sweetheart?" he asked, his tone casual but his eyes intense.
I revved the engine, relishing the roar as she came to life, Cam’s starting up beside me. "Somewhere I can actually do something useful. This stakeout bullshit is getting us nowhere."
We tore through the streets, the wind whipping my hair into a frenzy. My mind raced faster than the bike, plans forming and dissolving like smoke. By the time we reached our apartment, I was vibrating with pent-up energy.
I stormed inside, barely registering Cam's presence behind me. My fingers flew as I stripped off my gear, replacing it with a slinky outfit that left little to the imagination.
"The fuck are you doing?" Cam said from behind me. His hands came to grip my hips as he tried to force me to face him. I stomped on his foot, earning a hiss. It worked though; he stopped trying to get me to turn around.
I smirked, applying a coat of blood-red lipstick. "Going to work, baby. It's Saturday – all-day drink specials. Time to make some real money."
Cam's eyes darkened, possessiveness and desire warring in his gaze. "It’s fucking nine a.m., Lakey, we should get some sleep. I think we slept for a grand total of two hours before you sent us on a wild goose chase. I am fucking grumpy and this is stupid.”
"If I don’t, I will kill someone Cam," I growled, sauntering past him. "Don't wait up. I plan on spending the day there."
His hand shot upwards, gripping my arms. Not enough to hurt – never enough to hurt me – but a clear warning. "Be careful," he murmured, his breath hot against my ear.
I turned, pressing a quick, fierce kiss to his lips. "Always am," I whispered, tasting his concern, pretending like he wasn’t going to follow me there, like he always does. "But the day’s young, and mama's got steam to blow and cash to make. Lots of lonely, sweaty fucks gonna be eager to pay today."
The neon sign blazed against the midday sky, a beacon for the depraved and desperate. I pushed through the doors, the bass already thrumming through my bones. Fuck, it was packed. Slick bodies sat, watching dancers, the dim light making them look even more perverted than they would normally. All were chasing their vices before the sun had even set.
Sick fucks.
I made my way backstage, my skin prickling with anticipation. As I stepped onto the platform, the world fell away. Gone was the frustrated, twitchy Lakey from the stakeout. In her place stood a goddess of chaos, ready to feast on the desires of mere mortals.
The spotlight hit me, and I became liquid fire. My body moved to the pulsing beat, each twist and turn a promise of ecstasy and ruin. I caught sight of Cam in the crowd, his dark eyes burning into me. A thrill shot through my spine. When he watched, it was like a show, just for him. The rest of them faded away and he became my center.
I blew him a kiss. The possessive snarl that crossed his face sent shivers down to my toes.
Cam's gaze never wavered. I could feel the heat of it, even as I teased and tempted the other patrons. He was my anchor, the only one who truly understood the darkness that lived inside me. He understood me better than I understood myself, most days. He hated that I made him fuck other women, but knew I needed the rush. He hated that I danced, but knew I needed the stimulation. The dopamine. The rush of endorphins as money rained down on me. He did absolutely everything humanly possible to make me the happiest girl alive and hadn’t yet clued in that while I may want the stimulation from all this shit, he was the only thing I truly needed.
Some guy in a suit was sitting right in front, staring at me with that look I knew all too well. They saw my tiny body and figured I’d be an easy lay, a quick catch. That I wouldn’t turn them down, and if I did, they’d be able to overpower me. I flashed him an extra bright smile, hoping he’d try something once my set was done. Janine hadn’t panned out, but maybe he’d give me a reason to allow my demons to feast today.
As I gyrated to the pounding rhythm, I caught Cam’s smirk. He knew exactly what I was thinking, the twisted fantasies playing out in my head. It was why he let me go. If he didn’t, I’d have probably killed someone I didn’t need to, and that would have led to problems.
The music faded and the roar of applause hit me like a wave. I stepped off the stage, my whole-body buzzing. Fuck, I needed that. The adrenaline coursing through my veins made me feel alive, powerful. For a moment, I forgot about Janine, the girl, all of it. I was just Lakey, queen of this neon-lit shithole.
"Helluva show, sugar," suit guy called out. I flashed him a sweet smile that didn't reach my heart. These idiots had no idea what I was capable of. If they did, they'd run screaming. He made a move to follow me as I walked by but stopped short when he saw where I was heading. More accurately, to whom I was heading towards.
I sauntered over to the bar where Cam was perched, his dark eyes following my every move before pinning the man in the suit in place with his gaze. God, he looked good enough to eat.
Leaning down, I squeezed my small tits together, teasing him before sliding onto the stool next to him.
Cam's lips quirked up in that half-smile I loved. "Hi, killer." He leaned in close, his breath hot on my ear. "I gotta say, I was about ready to gut that fucker in the front row."
I laughed, a genuine sound that only Cam could draw out of me. "Aw, you know I can handle myself. Besides"—I traced a finger down his chest— "you're the only one who gets to touch the merchandise."
"Damn straight," he growled, pulling me closer. The possessiveness in his touch sent a thrill through me. If he wasn’t so damn traditional, I’d splay my legs and sink onto his cock right here, but Cam would never. He wasn’t into the whole voyeur thing as much as I was.
"So," I said, flagging down the bartender, "you wanna tell me what's got that big brain of yours all twisted up? You've had that 'I'm planning something' look all night."
Cam's eyes glittered dangerously. "Just thinking about our little problem. Got some ideas on how to deal with Janine, if you're interested."
"Mmmm, do tell.”
“I think I can get into Skeeter’s laptop and find out where she is. If that house is abandoned, it means they’ve moved the girl somewhere else. Obviously not the lab, since they torched it, but Skeets said there’s more. Maybe we can find out where that is. I have this thought I can’t shake. I think Skeets was important to this whole thing, I just haven’t quite figured out how important, but whatever he knows will be on his laptop.”
I downed my drink, the burn in my throat matching the fire in my veins. “Mmmmk, yeah that makes sense.”
Cam smiled. “What a birthday present. Here I am thinking we’d kill some people, and everything would be sunshine and rainbows, but now we’re dick deep in some weird cult shit. Makes me feel like a detective.”
I snorted. “Yeah, if detectives murdered people and got off on it after. Sure, you’re the best detective that ever lived, Cam.”
“Whatever, you know what I’m saying, you don’t have to be a dick about it.”
“Awwww, did I hurt your feelings? Did you wanna be a copper when you grew up, baby? I’m sorry. If you squint real hard, we could pass for cops.” Wiggling my ass, I sat on his lap, snaking my arms around his neck.
He puffed out a huge blow of air. “Yeah, it’s whatever. This is our life and I’m happy with it, Lakes. Sometimes I just wish there was more stability.”
“Yeah. Well.” I leaned in to kiss him. “Not like I can have fucking kids now, can I, Cameron? Stability doesn’t matter when it’s just two psychopathic killers doing whatever the fuck they want with no sperm pets to care for.”
“Hey, hey, keep your voice down, baby. For all we know there are actual cops here.”
"Let's blow this joint. I’m tired of this conversation. It is what it is and that should be enough," I said, sliding off the barstool. My legs were still a bit wobbly from the dancing and the booze, and now I was fucking pissed.
“Baby… hey, baby, slow down. I love our life. Don’t think whatever the fuck you’re thinking. I just had some of my own dreams when I was small, okay? That’s all. I wouldn’t give this up even if I was offered a redo. It’s you and me. That’s fucking it.”
Cam's massive hand found the small of my back as we weaved through the crowd. The cool night air hit us as we stumbled out of the club. I took a deep breath, letting it clear my head. We had work to do.
“I believe you. I’m just fucking pissed at how you said it.” I sighed. “In any case, I want to keep going down this rabbit hole. I wanna see how far it goes.” Just like that, my anger dissipated. The Yin to my Yang.
"You sure about this, darlin'?" Cam asked, his stormy eyes searching mine. "Once we start, there's no going back."
I laughed, the sound sharp and dangerous. "When have I ever backed down from a challenge? If we can find Janine, we’re one step closer."
Cam's answering grin was all teeth. "That's my girl."
As we walked to our bikes, my mind was already racing with plans. The satisfaction from dancing was fading, replaced by that familiar itch under my skin. The need to hurt, to destroy. I inhaled deeply. It was always such a temporary fix.
"You know," I mused, swinging my leg over my motorcycle, "I almost feel bad for that thundercunt. Almost."
Cam snorted. "Save your pity, babe. She made her bed."
I revved my engine, feeling the vibrations course through me. "I mean I feel bad that she is going to experience us. Yes, she made her bed. And now we get to bury her in it."
As we tore off into the night, the wind whipping through my hair, I felt that delicious anticipation building. If we found what we were looking for, we’d be that much closer to burning it all to the ground.