Taken (Sinful Series - book 1)
Chapter 26 - Leverage

Violet

Landon never told her much about his work and she knew better than to ask him. She did not discuss her clients, and Landon was extended the same courtesy. But it was so darn hard to keep her curiosity at bay when he took calls in the spare room. She wondered what would be considered proper etiquette for such instances. Every time he emerged from the room, he looked more irritated. Edgy. It wasn’t what he said or did, but she noticed the small changes. The twinkle in his eyes whenever he smiled was gone. He was constantly looking at the watch or his cell. He was making her anxious just by seeing how hard he tried to hide it from her.

“Landon,” Violet said as she pointedly looked at his leg tapping against the floor. “Spit it out already. Personal or Work? What’s wrong?”

“Violet,” Landon cautioned her. It was obvious he did not want to lie to her.

It was the possibility of personal problem where she could help out that triggered her next question.

“Your girlfriend,” Violet gave him an out.

She could see herself falling in love with his honesty and forwardness. He wasn’t half as bad as Jack made himself sound. What terrified her was she knew next to none for the man in front of her, and he had already been in her bed. Napping together had felt more intimate than having sex. Not that her experience with Karim could count. By Casey’s standards he had severely under-performed. Violet was intrigued to know what she was missing, and Landon seemed like a suitable option.

“Non existent,” Landon replied. He chuckled as he realized by denying the girlfriend angle, he indirectly admitted it was work. He pointed at her and then told her, “You are good.”

Violet couldn’t stop her smile from spreading. The possibility of Landon having someone special truly terrified her. She wasn’t ready to lose him yet. His assumption she was trying to make him talk about work was welcomed distraction. She would much rather have him believe that than see through her not so noble motives.

“If it is work, then whatever you need to do, go do it. Velvet is a block away. I will be fine.”

“Are you sure?” Landon said glancing at his phone again.

“If it makes you feel better about it, I will kick you out of my home. How does that sound?” Violet asked him. This time the smile he gave her wasn’t faked. In fact, Violet thought her eyes would start hurting with the brightness of his smile.

“Are you sure you would be able to handle me?” Landon teased her.

It wasn’t what he said but how he said it that made her knees turn jelly. He knew of his effect on her, and he was shamelessly flirting once more. Or was she mistaken?

Before she could stress about figuring out a smart yet flirty come back, the moment was interrupted by the vibration of his phone. Someone was eager to talk to him, and Landon was intentionally ignoring his call for her benefit.

“I could. I would pick that call before someone pops an aneurysm,” Violet told him, biting the inside of her cheek. Landon’s cyan eyes held her hostage for longer than proper.

“I’ll try to make it quick,” Landon casually replied looking at the phone and quickly took his jacket.

“Don’t forget I still need my guard, so don’t do anything crazy,” Violet called out from the living room before she heard him pick the phone as he was through the door in record time.

Landon

The inner satisfaction of hearing her parting words was immense. She had not just picked up on his agitation at staying put while there was so much to do, but she had done what few were capable. She had helped him not break his promise to her. There was a fine line between protection and negligence. The reason why personal protective services utilized teams instead of individuals was to increase focus, thus to prevent burnout. They also decreased the chance of schedule conflicts and personal attachment. Landon’s schedule was anything but predictable making him unreliable at best. Violet deserved better. Yet he couldn’t bring himself to leave her.

Landon kept replying the events at Jack’s all afternoon, zoning out of the movie they were supposed to be watching. Alpha Rossi’s call came unexpected. The rogue was singing like a canary, and Landon was required to continue his now voluntary interrogation. Such surrender was rather suspicious and too convenient just like Glen’s timing. There were simply too many pieces in motion and Landon knew he was doing Violet a disservice but could not revoke himself from her case.

She was his life-line. True, her connections had been his primary objective, but now instead of following up with Aberdeen, he was content taking naps and going to brunches with her. He could see himself happy with such a life. But circumstances never worked in his favor.

It wasn’t until she pointed his foot tapping against the floor, he realized his internal turmoil was now easily noticeable. Although her line of question was leading, it wasn’t intrusive. She was worried about him and was doing her due diligence asking him about his work. It wasn’t until he adamantly denied the existence of a girlfriend, that he realized he was caught. By the bases of his refusal he had admitted it was work. But that paled in comparison to knowing she liked him enough to care for his personal life. Before he could tease her for the obvious interest in him, she continued:

“If it makes you feel better about it, I will kick you out of my home. How does that sound?”

His grin was wide and he felt a burden was lifted from his shoulders. She was giving him an out, a way to tend to his work and keep his promise to her. How could you not feel attracted to such a woman?

“Are you sure you would be able to handle me?” Landon teased her, wondering if he was taking advantage of her friendliness.

Landon was not a flirt. Yet when it came to Violet, he was unstoppable. It was cheesy, but she was his drug he needed to get out of his system to feel himself once again. The problem was he did not want to go back to a life without her.

A betraying redness over her cheeks told him she fancied him, which explained her tolerance to his advances. She had even allowed him to sleep in her bed. Provided they did not do anything other than sleep, it served to increase the tension between then and now. She was a catch, contacts or not, and he wished she was his.

Before she could respond, he felt the vibrations of his phone. A quick glance to the illuminated screen revealed Ethan Aberdeen’s name. This had to be good.

“I could. I would pick that call before someone pops an aneurysm,” Violet told him, biting the inside of her cheek. Landon followed the motion, his imagination drawing scenes of a sensual nature. There was no denying it – they had chemistry together. Chemistry which erupted in fireworks and promised a blissful surrender.

“I’ll try to make it quick,” Landon promised her, grabbing his jacket, and heading to the door before the Alpha lost his temper and hung up.

“Don’t forget I still need my guard, so don’t do anything crazy,” Violet’s words carried through the now shut door. It wasn’t the goodbye he wanted, but if he had stayed any longer he would have never left.

Alpha Ethan Aberdeen

“Hello.”

“About time, Wesley,” Ethan grunted. It was one thing being on the same team, and a whole other for Landon to purposefully waste Ethan’s time. It was not in Ethan’s style to be the one waiting for the call to be answered.

“Easy,” Landon’s voice carried over the phone. “I was busy.”

“I am busy, too. But you don’t see me take forever to answer my private calls,” Ethan grumbled. “Violet hasn’t kicked your sorry ass out yet.”

Landon chuckled, but never answered. Instead he questioned, “So what couldn’t wait?”

“Well, while you were busy batting your eyelashes at my girl, I looked into your prisoner, or should I say Alpha Rossi’s detainee?” Ethan teased Landon by calling Violet his. Landon didn’t bite, instead ignored the question all together, and asking one of his own.

“Anything useful?” Landon prompted.

Ethan growled at the disrespect as any Alpha in his position would.

“Aren’t we old enough not to expect to be praised for every little thing we do?” Landon continued, hinting not so gently he knew Ethan expected his efforts to be recognized.

Ethan guessed Landon had never heard about taking pride in one’s work. Otherwise he could not explain why Landon would leave all the credit of his work to his clients. But then again, that was exactly what made him so damn good at his job. His ‘don’t give a fuck’ attitude helped especially when you wanted an unbiased employee who would put your interest first.

“Then aren’t you old enough to replace your information yourself,” Ethan countered.

“The time spent away has made me insolent. My apologies, Alpha,” Landon immediately reclaimed the conversation. It was this political sway that made Landon a desired fixer.

“You don’t play nice,” Ethan deemed it necessary to inform Landon about his lack of manners.

“The lone wolf syndrome,” Landon explained himself.

“Not so lonely anymore,” Ethan jested then continued, “Let’s start with your detainee. According to the prints and DNA you brought me, he did not exist up until two months ago. He then proceeds to get a phone on a plan, and starts receiving untraceable calls. Burners.”

“So he is a ghost,” Landon concluded.

“Why would you buy a plan with Verizon, which we can trace, if your plan all along is to do something shady? Even kids these days know prepaid burners are the way to go. Something does not match up,” Ethan told him.

“So either he is a trained assassin or the escape goat,” Landon replied.

“Nobody who managed to stay off the radar does such a stupid mistake. Did Rossi’s boy identify him?”

“Not quite. Antonio was drugged, blindfolded, beaten, and in pain. I am not certain about the accuracy of his recollection.”

“You need proof he’s absolute guilty before executing the rogue.”

“Wouldn’t you?”

“He’s a rogue.”

“He is a son to someone. Death is permanent,” Landon replied.

“Antonio is not just any pup. He’s seventeen and Alpha to be. He understands the stakes,” Ethan replied.

“Did you? At seventeen?”

“I was focused on getting under skirts not playing Esports,” Ethan admitted.

“He was at a stupid party on pack grounds. But even if he was so wasted he couldn’t put up a fight, there’s no way one person would have masterminded it.” Landon argued. “There’s something he is not telling me. I can feel it.”

“If only you knew someone less threatening who could ask him,” Ethan teased.

“I am not getting her involved.”

“Too late for that. You need her to get into the Cavino’s mansion.”

“What would I replace in the mansion?”

“Who,” Ethan smugly corrected him. “Your Banker.”

Violet

Violet enjoyed working in Velvet. There were never two nights exactly the same. It was both the blessing and curse of the business. Where last night was exciting with the shirtless parade Jack organized for her, a bodyguard and a day later, the club was nothing but a sad, empty version of itself. The beginning of any week was always downright boring. It was difficult to even stay awake in nights like this when the only patrons were a handful of customers, who visited Velvet for the cheap food. If Violet was perfectly honest, the food was delicious. Their chef, Mama Bear, was amazing at crafting provocatively shaped dishes for the enjoyment of Velvet’s staff and patrons. It explained why there was a line at the open dinner buffet than at the stage, where Candice had just thrown away her top, spinning upside down on the pole like the athlete she was. Violet’s eyes lingered on the performance, a small smile playing on her lips as she caught Candice eyes. In a slow night like this, Violet’s attention was rewarded by Candice with a slow seductive crawl in Violet’s direction. Violet puckered her lips and winked at Candice. It was all the appreciation and encouragement Candice needed to make several pirouettes on the stage before her performance ended.

Violet applauded, whistling for Candice, and soon the rather reluctant crowd joined in. It was only proper to reward Candice for the beautiful show.

“I swear nights like this are painfully long. Where is your arm candy?” Candice approached Violet as she was going behind the bar to fetch herself some coffee.

“Right here,” Violet raised her wrists white pearl cuffs reflecting the dim light.

“Not those. The real manly one,” Candice looked around. “He’s a sight for sore eyes. Where’s he?”

Violet smiled but ignored the question only for Candice’s thong on take residence on the high bar stool. Candice was eager to continue her conversation with Violet and postponed making her rounds. The patrons were too busy with their food to take her up on a free lap dance. The food was that good. Violet made a mental note to check the kitchen for something sweet which had not gone out yet to the lounge.

“You enjoyed yesterday,” Violet concluded.

“Consoling those studs you rejected was,” Candice didn’t finish but pressed her tongue against her cheek, in a motion Violet preferred not to have seen, “delicious. Could you please thank Jack for our exceptional buffet?”

Violet kept a smile on her face, while internally cringed. Food was ruined for tonight. Her mind wondered back to Jack’s accident. Landon was right. The timing was off. But just as he wouldn’t admit to her, he wanted to leave to check up on Jack, she did not want him knowing how attached she had become. It was easy seeing Landon as the man candy Candice thought him to be. Landon was a wet dream waiting to happen. But what really resonated with Violet were his words. Simple, honest words that made him more of a man than any appearance could. Violet did not want to think about all the other things that made her undies wet, so she went for a much safer topic.

“You rocked the stage,” Violet complimented Candice.

Just as any professional dancer, Candice took pride in her dance, regardless of her clothing.

“How about we do something together?” Candy excitedly asked. “You know some customers will pay triple to have two girls. And frankly you and I girl, we have chemistry.”

“Yeah, right,” Violet replied, passing her a cold brewed coffee, Candy’s favorite. Violet took a sip of her iced macchiato.

“Cheers,” Candice toasted. “But seriously, if your bouncer can handle seeing us together, we should do it. We could all use the extra cash.”

Some extra cash would definitely come in handy. Violet had this unexpected urge to shop, making her amazon wish list miles long.

“What do you have in mind?” Violet asked over the rim of her drink.

“I love you,” Candice exclaimed clapping her hands. “I have so many ideas, I don’t know which one to pick.”

“The one that requires the least amount of work for me, as we know you are the star here,” Violet complimented Candy. If it wasn’t for pack order’s attention on Velvet, Violet would have preferred to stay in the shadows and counsel. But replaceing a new client was difficult when you were too busy trying to determine if they were a pack order official under cover. Going back to the roots was the only option to make her Wish-list happen.

“How are you with heights?”

“No suspension,” Violet immediately shot that down. Heights were not her thing.

“Then how about I do my rope routine and then I single you out and give you the VIP dance. You know a little ‘show and kiss’ goes a long way with our patrons,” Candice told her.

“I am not kissing random dudes,” Violet shook her head.

“I am not a random dude. Beside we can divi up our privates or go in as a duo. It’s going to be sick,” Candice tried to convince her. “You don’t have to do anything that you’re not comfortable doing.”

“Why don’t you do it with Ruby or Crystal?”

“They have a number together. Three girls is too expensive for our demographics,” Candice confessed. “We’ll do it once and when all the boys are here, so we don’t get in over our heads. Then if we both decide it was worth it, we’d do it again. Deal?”

“You’ll owe me,” Violet replied, Candice bouncing and bending down over the bar to hug her, before swaying her hips in the direction of the latest arrivals.

“What did she manage to talk you in this time?” Gareth appeared out of nowhere just as Candice skipped backstage.

“She wants to give me a VIP lap dance,” Violet replied.

“And you are okay with it?” Gareth asked her.

“She feels left out since Ruby and Crystal danced together,” Violet shrugged.

“They danced on the stage together. Candy is competitive. She won’t just dance for you. She’s a licker,” Gareth told her.

“I’ll survive,” Violet patted Gareth’s shoulder, only for his eyes to linger on her face before he shook his head.

“Don’t say, I didn’t warn you.”

Violet rolled her eyes at him. Candy needed someone in her corner, and Violet decided to stand by her girl. She never realized why people made a such a big issue from a kiss.

“I’m holding a try out for male dancers tomorrow,” Gareth casually informed her. “They’ll be giving us lap dances. I want you to try to do your thing and figure out if they’ll click with our dynamics.”

“Sure.”

“Just like the girls don’t discriminate between genders, I don’t want the new male dancers to only do well with the ladies. Actually it was your friend’s suggestion. He promised he’d be here,” Gareth said.

“Landon?” Violet questioned as it sure did not sound like him.

“No. Caleb. But watch out for Landon. The way he was starring at you last night made me hide the expensive bottles,” Gareth chuckled. Violet raised her eye brow. “You didn’t notice? He was ready to fight for you, darling. If his reputation is to go by, had you not picked him as your guard, he would have tossed my place for the fun of it. It was only smart for me to prepare for such an outcome. Did Tassone send him or did you to choose him to piss off Jack?”

“Neither. He came to see how I was doing after my spiked drink at Inferno,” Violet told him.

Gareth raised his eyebrow at her, pointedly finishing her thought, “And you just hired him on the spot. Promise me, you’d be careful with him.”

“I am.”

“I don’t want to see you hurt,” Gareth told her. Violet nodded her thanks. Though Gareth was not done. “Word is he kissed you in public. That makes you a bigger target than you already are. You don’t get to where he is now without making some powerful enemies.”

There was not much she could say to such gloomy warning. Violet was worried. Landon either made friends or enemies, as evident by Jack and Jacob’s perception of him. Leaving the problem for another time, she decided talking about Velvet was neutral and easier.

“So we are expanding.”

“We are poaching Inferno.”