Breaking the Storm (14 page)

I
couldn't help wondering how Mom would’ve handled this. I wasn't her. I knew this. But she wouldn't be around to clean up our mess forever, which is something she’d been trying to tell me for years. No, this Knox issue I had to fix myself. I never understood the lifestyle of our escorts—didn't want to, frankly. But it was hypocritical of me to want to bask in the money that came from their efforts while I looked down my nose at them for it. Light was right. This I had to do.

“The
goddess of fate has truly screwed me over.” I sighed. “There's nothing left to do but to go through with this.”

“Exactly!
He wants to make you squirm. But think of this as a fantasy rock camp except with a hundred percent chance of getting laid.”

“You
know our mothers will kill us if they ever find out about this, right?”

“What
happens when the hags are away… stays between Team Us.”

I
sighed heavily. “That's what I'm afraid of.”

* * *

I clenched my teeth as I sat in the SUV, refusing to get out. This was ridiculous. I looked at the entrance, trying to calm the disturbing excitement that was building from finally seeing Knox again.

“Ms.
Credence?” The driver looked at me through the rearview mirror.

I
nodded. I was ready to face him… I think. The driver swiftly stepped out, opening my door. I placed my hands in his and allowed him to escort me out.

He
smiled. “Have a nice evening, Ms. Credence.”

“I
don't know about that,” I mumbled under my breath as I walked away, stepping into the entrance of the restaurant to be greeted by stares—Other stares. It was the Credence factor… again. We were like unicorns; spotting one of us was intriguing. It was strange to be around so many Others intermixed with humans. Humans who mingled, clueless to the subtle Other eye flash—my only clue to their Other status. Others were not easy to detect even by another Other. Some of them had centuries of expertise of blending into society for safety’s sake.

I
lifted my chin proudly as the men’s eyes narrowed with interest. I looked good tonight, that much I was sure of. I was such a nervous wreck that Light had to help me get ready. My thick, auburn hair flowed around my bare shoulders. The nude, backless dress was a nice contrast against my skin. Something that Knox somehow knew, which told me he personally picked out the skintight dress. A dress that hugged all of my size-nine curves in all of the right places. I finished off the look with my favorite kickass stilettos that I'd been dying to wear.

The
light was dim like some upscale club, setting the mood for an anything-goes vibe. I looked around the well-known private restaurant owned by a former model named Vivica, who was also a vampire. It was more of a VIP restaurant frequented by the rich and famous Others and humans with a long waiting list. It was also known that Vivica scrutinized each person. But the difference between this restaurant and other celebrity-frequented restaurants was that everyone that came here wanted their privacy because of the type of acts that took place here. Sexual acts orchestrated on a stage for all to see while patrons ate, watched, and, given proper motivation, had their own private show in their own private booths.

A
tall, pale redhead dwarfed by two burly men walked straight toward me with a huge smile on her face. “Stormy Credence. I'm Vivica, owner of this sinful establishment.” She gestured dramatically. “Welcome to Redemption, darling.” She patted their arms before they fanned out, watching the crowd like some sort of security.

Vampires
weren't known for being really friendly, but I sensed no falseness in her tone. So I smiled back. “Thank you.”

She
circled me. “Oh my goodness! You look so much like your mother,” she gushed with a sultry voice.

I
raised my eyebrows. “Minus the attitude, right?”

“No
, darling, I can tell you have the same spitfire attitude.”

I
looked around at the celebs sauntering around inconspicuously. “Look, nothing against your beautiful restaurant, but this place has more celebrities than rehab. And it's really not my scene.”

She
puckered her pouty lips. “Then why are you here, darling?”

I
adjusted my hem nervously. “I'm meeting someone. Not sure if he's here yet.”

She
rolled her eyes like she was having a mini orgasm. “Oh, Knox is here, darling. Waiting for you… impatiently, I might add.” She looped her arm through mine. “Come with me.” We walked through the expensively designed restaurant draped with rich fabric across the ceiling. The whole middle section of the floor was wide open, making way for the strange circle configuration of several booths with high backs and wide sides facing toward a large platform, which pretty much obstructed the view and chance of any voyeurs.

Vivica
practically glided across the floor. “I bet you didn't know that I used to work for Credence O.,” she stated matter-of-factly.

I
glanced at her with shock. “Really?”

“
Uh-huh. If I do say so myself, I was one of Ava and Lia's best girls. But this was way before you were born.”

I
knew that vampires were eternally youthful, but Vivica looked about my age.

Vivica
snickered. “The stories I could tell you about your wild mother and aunt. We use to raise hell on assignments. And your mother? She had clients lining up to book her.”

I
almost tripped. Mom worked as an escort? What about all the rules she cackled about not breaking?
Oh, what a hypocrite… Wait until I tell Light.

She
winked at me. “I guess she didn't tell you about that, huh?”

There
was no sense in pretending. “No… she didn't.”

“I
was really rough around the edges when they took me in and gave me a home and life direction.” She sighed. “I went from a distrustful, resentful vamp who thought the world was out to get her to a woman who was ready to embrace life. When I found my mates, it was time to quit.” She abruptly stopped, staring at me before saying, “Trust me when I say life is about taking chances. Leave the past behind and trust him enough to take you to a place you've longed for. Peace, trust, and maybe love.”

I
blinked back the emotions. “All those things have to be earned.” And frankly, I didn't think Knox was up to the job.

As
if she could read my mind, she responded, “I know that he's up to the task, darling. You just have to give him the chance to prove it.” She smiled before pulling me along to a table occupied by not only Knox, but also Liam and a pretty platinum blonde with chestnut highlights. My eyes drifted back to Knox who was looking at me pensively. Goodness, he looked good enough to eat in his crisp, white shirt that was open at the collarbone, displaying his golden-tan skin with an intricate Celtic tattoo on the left side of his neck.

Vivica
pushed me forward gently. “Here she is, Knox. And you can stop glaring at her like you’re about to eat her alive.”

His
eyes sparkled with laughter when he looked at her. “I would love to eat her alive, but these damn booths don't give me the room to show her the power of my tongue,” he responded huskily.

Turned
on by his words, instinctually, I crossed my legs. Oh, this wasn't good. How the hell was I going get through dinner?

She
gave him an amused stare. “Improvise, darling. Eating on the table is always permitted.” She winked at me. “Have fun, darling. This one's a keeper.”

Knox
stood impatiently, ushering me into the booth. “You're late. Don't let it happen again.”

I
ignored him, smiling stiffly at Liam. “I didn't know you were joining us.”

“I'm
not. We're leaving.” He nodded over at the annoyed blonde.

“We
can stay for a bit.” The blonde offered her hand to shake. “I'm Knox's personal manager, Harper Ducaine.” She looked me up and down. “And you are?”

Instantly
, I could tell that she didn't like me. “Stormy Credence.” I nodded toward Knox. “His slut for the evening.”

Harper's
face lightened as she chuckled. “No offense, but you don't look like his typical slut.”

“Really?
What did you expect?”

She
tapped her lip with fake seriousness. “I don't know, less brain and wit. Frankly, he's aiming too high with you—too much beauty and brain.”

I
smiled. “Don't let the dress fool you. This is my groupie disguise.”

“It's
nice to see you again, Stormy,” Liam said.

I
looked at him coolly. Even after all these years, I still didn't like him.

He
checked his watch impatiently. “I have a date with Light.”

Something
that I was against, but Light was a big girl and could handle herself. “It's not a date. It's her granting pity to a loser on a real slow date night.”

He
arched a brow. “Still don't like me, huh?”

I
looked at him silently before responding. “There's not much to like.” It was the emphatic truth. I wasn't sure if it was his sly smile or the way his cold eyes always seemed to be examining me like a piece of meat, but there was something about him I didn't trust nor like.

Harper
chuckled looking at Knox with a gleam in her eyes. “Oh, Knox, I think I'm in love. Can we keep her?” She batted her eyelashes. “Pretty, pretty please?”

“I
don't share,” Knox responded with his eyes locked on me.

Harper
winked at me before saying, “Damn, he's so possessive.”

“She's
all mine for as long as she warms my bed.” He looked at me pointedly.

I
knew what he was making clear, that this was a temporary thing. A fling. And that I shouldn't get any permanent fixture ideas.

“She
actually gets to warm your bed, huh? This one must be very special.” She suddenly looked at me. “He never brings women to his bed. It's some male territorial thing.”

He
looked at her coolly. “That has nothing to do with it.”

“Okay,
then can I join you two? I promise that I won't touch her…”—she winked at me—“much.”

He
gave an exasperated sigh. “Harper. She's not into women.” He brought the glass to his lips, sipping slowly. The wide, silver skull ring that I gave him years ago glistened. He kept it. I swallowed hard over the lump of emotions.

Harper
pouted playfully. “Are you sure? You know how good I am at converting.”

I
waved my hand. “Hello. I'm right here. Why are you two talking around me?” I looked at her. “And to answer your question, I'm only into men.” I nodded toward Knox. “Present company not included.”

Harper
fanned herself. “Oh, honey, when Knox breaks you, it's going to be really hot.”

I
snorted. “Not going to happen.”

She
blinked. “Uh-huh. Do you know how many women would love the chance to warm his bed?”

“I
bet he has them lining up. One leaves, another jumps in. He's Knox Gunner rock star extraordinaire.” I crossed my legs. “I'm not interested in being in the lineup.”

She
pursed her lips with disproval. “Is that what you think? He's dominant, not a whore. Wow, Knox. You got some work to do with this one.”

“I'm
up to the challenge.” Knox leaned back, draping his arm behind me. “I call it project
Breaking the Storm
.” I tried to move away, but he fisted my hair softly with one hand, bringing my face mere inches from his. “Where are you going, beautiful?”

I
didn't even bother to move. I relaxed into his grip. His fingers started to comb through my hair. His green eyes turning emerald green with desire. I didn't even realize I was slowly moving toward his lips until I was startled by Harper's voice saying, “Would you move your ass, Liam? I'm late.”

Liam
was trying to move while she shoved him. When they finally stood, Harper adjusted her black, barely there dress. She looked at Knox with her lips curled up in a wide smile. “This one is feisty. Exactly what you need. Someone to tell you where to stick it.”

Liam
smirked. “Oh, I think he knows exactly where to stick it.”

Harper
rolled her eyes. “What are you, in high school? Come on, let's leave them alone.”

I
watched them walk away before looking back at him. “You got rid of Kaydee? That was a smart career move.” I shook out my napkin, placing it on my lap.

“I
had to change my life. So I fired her that night,” he responded coldly. “Something that you would know if you didn't run away with your tail between your legs.” He took a long sip of water, looking at me over the rim of his glass. “Back then, I needed a woman who was willing to fight. For me and for us. I thought you were that woman. I was wrong.”