16
Emma
Lacey and Sindy stand at the back entrance of the club when I pull up. They’re wringing their hands together, waiting for my decision. Guilt slams into me as I see the worry on their faces. I feel selfish telling them I can’t be a part of the Triplets anymore. Even though Axel’s words make me more determined that I can dance and keep Harrison at bay, the doubt creeps in just a bit when I see Sindy and Lacey waiting for me.
Telling them I can’t be a part of the Triplets anymore may have made me safer, but it’s ruining all of our chances to get out of dancing.
Maybe I should tell them about Harrison’s threats, but a part of me doesn’t want to bring anymore people I love into the situation.
My heart stutters, love.
I think of Axel and his concern for what’s happening to Felicity. The anger he had when I told him about Harrison, made my chest expand. But, do I love him? My body shivers in the Vegas heat thinking of his hands all over my body last night. How he wanted to leave before Fel woke up, but also ensured me we weren’t just a one-night thing. He told me he was mine with the intensity of a caveman, and I liked it.
I really liked it.
No, I’m not going to tell the girls about Harrison, but there’s something I can tell them that will make them forget about anything else.
“Hi.” I push my duffel bag further on my shoulder.
Sindy and Lacey search my face as if they can get a clue to my decision.
“Did that sexy neighbor talk some sense into you?” Sindy asks. Lacey nudges her, but looks just as interested in my answer.
“He did.”
“Are you serious?” Lacey asks as Sindy grabs me around the waist and squeezes me tight.
“I’m serious. I’m sorry for what I did to you guys. I had some doubts. To be honest they’re still there but I’m not going to leave you high and dry. We’re the Triplets.”
“Hell yeah, we are.” Sindy unhooks her arms from me so we can all hug. “Come on, let’s get ready to make a shit ton of money tonight.”
The three of us laugh as we walk backstage to get ready.
Sindy wasn’t lying. The Triplets had a killer night tonight. The three of us couldn’t keep up with the money being thrown at us, and on top of that we had four VIP requests.
Cha-Ching.
But now, I’m exhausted and want nothing more than to crawl into bed with Axel. My mood depresses a bit when I think about how I won’t be seeing him tonight because he’s working on renovations at Big Willie’s.
“Did you notice the extra security tonight?” Lacey asks as we pull on our sweatpants and tank tops.
“I did.” I answer.
Sindy nods her head in agreement as she changes into a tiny dress. “Where are you going?”
Sindy blushes as she bends over to fix her make-up. “I have an early breakfast date.”
“What?” Lacey asks, coming over to get the details.
I plop down on the couch, my feet tired from the shift.
Sindy tells us about the guy she’s going out with. She met him at the gym and they were going to go out tonight. My eyes are heavy as Sindy gushes about her date. I worry about her but keep my opinion to myself, Sindy has always been the dreamer of the group, and I worry she’s going to get hurt.
“Are you asleep?” Lacey asks as my eyelids snap open.
“No.”
“Go home, Emma. You look exhausted.” I kiss the girls on their cheeks, telling Sindy to have a good time.
I get up to walk outside, right in time to be flanked by the security guard Markus, and Donna the owner of the club.
“What’s going on?” I ask Donna as Markus scans the parking lot before letting us continue out the door.
“I had a little visit from your boyfriend and his brothers today.”
“What?” I thought I would feel anger at hearing Axel and his brothers interfered in my work, but instead I’m afraid. I’m not sure how much they revealed to Donna, but she definitely knows I’m being threatened.
“They’re worried about you, and they should be. Harrison’s not a man to be taken lightly.”
My heart drops into my stomach. Nobody knows Felicity’s father is Harrison. Axel was the first person I told my secret to, and he is taking it upon himself to not only tell his brothers but my boss as well.
I’m angry and hurt that he would air all my dirty laundry to my boss.
I rush off to my car. Donna reaches out to stop me. She motions for Markus to give us some space. He steps away from ear shot, but stays close enough that if there’s trouble he’d be able to reach us.