Crash and Burn (Back Down Devil MC #2)(47)

“Shay, it’s time,” Miller announced.

Shay downed a shot and jumped from his chair. Another man joined them outside, where Avery stood hugging herself.

“You’re riding with us,” Shay said to Avery. “You, me, and Griffin.”

Griffin had a bag on his back. “We have to be smooth and go with whatever happens. If he gets spooked, he’ll have his security rush him the f*ck out of there.”

“Just tell me what to do,” Avery said.

“Sit in the front seat of the car. We’ll pull up and toss you out. I’m your * boyfriend dropping you off to strip for the night. Got it?”

“Yes,” Avery said.

“Beautiful,” Shay said.

They got into the car and Shay drove fast. In the backseat, Avery casually watched as Griffin worked with a bunch of wires. She knew then that the plan was to blow something, or someone, up. It made Avery uneasy and it filled her mind with questions.

“Whatever you’re thinking, just stop,” Shay said. “If you lose focus on Charles, he’ll lose focus on you.”

“I understand,” Avery said.

“We’re not f*cking idiots around here. This isn’t our first time.”

“Okay. How close are we?”

“Just up the road.”

A few minutes later, Griffin hid in the backseat as Shay pulled up in front of a building. It looked like a long garage that had been converted into a stripclub covered in neon lights. The signs promised the hottest nudes in town.

“Christ, there he is,” Shay pointed.

At the end of the building was a shiny black car next to a round man talking on a cell phone. He was animated as he spoke, pacing left to right. Outside the car were two men, tall and thick, with pissed off faces.

“That’s security,” Shay said. “We need them to f*ck off. Then Griffin can do his job and I can do mine.” Shay looked at Avery. “Hold tight.”

Shay sped up and then cut the wheel. The car skidded to a stop. Shay reached across Avery and opened the door.

“Get the f*ck out!” he yelled. “Shake them tits and make some money, bitch.”

Avery didn’t move and then Shay pushed her from the car. She fell to the ground, hitting her hurt leg, and let out a cry. Shay then sped away.

Avery looked around and took quick notice that Charles had ended his phone call and that he and his two security men were on their way to help her. She put a hand up to stop them.

“I’m fine,” she said. “Please, I’m fine.”

“Damn, beautiful,” Charles said. “What was that?”

“It…” Avery realized this was her chance. Her moment to shine. “It was my boyfriend. He…” Avery squeezed her eyes shut and brought on tears.

“Oh, hell,” Charles said. “Come here, beautiful. Don’t cry.”

Avery let the two security men help her to her feet. Charles reached for her hand and stroked it. Avery did all she could to hide her disgust.

“Come on now, look at me,” Charles said. “Let me see your pretty face.”

Avery remembered what Miller had warned. She looked at Charles and wiped her tears.

“I’m so sorry,” she said. “Look at me. A mess before my shift.”

Charles smiled “You dance?”

“All the time. It’s the only way I can make a living. Unless someone is going to sweep me away. Someone rich.”

“I’m rich,” Charles said.

“I’m… Ashley,” Avery said.

Charles laughed. “Well, Ashley. My name isn’t Rich. I am rich. Tons of money. Call me Charles.”

“Well then, Charles, will I see you inside?”

“I’d like to be inside you,” Charles said.

It made Avery sick, but she battled the feelings of anxiety. She told herself this man wouldn’t hurt her. He wouldn’t touch her like Bry used to. She would get through this. She would see Landon soon.

“You’re sweet,” Avery said. “And sexy. Want to escort me inside?”

Charles pulled at Avery. “No. Come with me right now.”

Avery stumbled and then stiffened. “What…?”

Charles looked at his men. “You two go inside for me. Find the owner and tell him I’m stealing a girl for the night. Give him ten grand for his troubles.”

“Sir, are you traveling alone?” one of the men asked.

“Tonight, yes. Ashley deserves all my attention.”

“I like that,” Avery said. “Just you and me…”

“All night,” Charles said. “I’ll pay you accordingly in the morning.”

Avery nodded. She tried not to look at the black car, but she hoped that this was going to work. If Shay and Griffin hadn’t had the time to do their job then Avery would really be alone with Charles.

The men went into the stripclub and Charles took Avery’s hand. He was sweaty and it grossed her out. He was disgusting.

“Our ride is waiting,” Charles said.

“Are you sure you don’t want to go inside?” Avery asked. “Let me dance for you a couple times before we leave?”

“Oh, you beautiful thing,” Charles said. “You’re going to dance for me all night. Dance for me. Dance on me. After I’m with you, you won’t be able to walk.”