The title of this chapter comes from the lyrics of an old song told from the point of view of performers at the old French Moulin Rouge. "Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir?" Roughly translates to "Would you like to sleep with me tonight, Mr?"
[Micah][Earlier that evening]Stepping out of my car, I am flanked by my crew as together we walk straight into the dragon's den. Our enemy, McAllister, is going down tonight. We aren't alone as we approach the landing. It seems that McAllister called in all of the faction heads to attend his VIP event. Even the current head of the Skeleton Crew is here, Bones LeRoux bringing full Louisiana flair, from his checkered suit to his ivory-topped cane. Mobs bosses and gang leaders from across the country all gathered in one place. McAllister is planning something. Something big. Maybe this wasn't just about MMK Industries. Does McAllister have plans for a global expansion? "Nah," I say to myself, realizing the truth. "He's just trying to show off." Roger, standing next to me, nods in agreement. For a man who is outwardly plain and prefers to remain unnoticed, he does have a way of making himself showy when he needs to. As soon as we pass the threshold to his mansion, the drab exterior
[Charlotte]I don't remember much after that moment when I first attacked McAllister. I was lost in the moment, avenging my fallen friend, making sure that he didn't get up ever again. And then I felt a sting on my back and a rush of heat. I fell to the ground and the rest faded into nothing. When I woke up in the hospital two days later and Juni was by my side, I thought I must be dead. But I wasn't. She isn't dead, and neither am I. An hour or so later, Micah arrives in the room smelling clean and looking tidy, his arms full of dozens of chrysanthemums in shades of gold and white. "A gift, from the Masumotos, " he explains as he sets them down next to my bed. Juni kisses me on the cheek and says she'll see me later as she leaves Micah and me alone. "The girls are fine," he says as he takes a seat, "And as you can see, so is Juni. Everyone is safe."I nod. It's all starting to feel like a bad dream. A nightmare I didn't think I'd wake from. "Was it ever Juni in that room?" I ask
[Charlotte] “Come on Charlie, live a little!” Juni puts a drink in my hand. It’s large and pink and smells like fruity gasoline. “I don’t drink!” I scream back at her over the booming music, my eyes burning from the flashing club lights. “Your cheating bastard husband just fucked his mistress in front of you! In front of your kids! For fuck’s sake, you deserve a drink!” Juniper tosses her shot of tequila with a single gulp, shivering as the burn makes its way down her throat. “Hot damn!" she exclaims in appreciation before slamming her glass on the bar. "Come on, sis, woman up! Just one drink and you’ll feel better, I promise!” Taking a sip I almost gag. It tastes worse than it smells. I have so little tolerance for alcohol that the buzz hits my head almost immediately. “See…” Juni purrs. ‘Better right?” “No,” I feel my eyes start to water. “What’s in this?” “Not sure,” she shrugs. “Does it matter?” “I guess not,” I take another drink. Juni sets a kiss on my cheek as she hop
[Charlotte]Kissing this man is a drug, a dangerous powerful elixir giving me life while also stealing my breath.Our bodies are locked together for the entire ride as we sample one another, our hands tentatively exploring, enjoying the first taste of what the night promises.The car stops outside one of the most expensive hotels in the city. Once his driver opens the door, my devil helps smooth my dress down as he gently rocks me forward, pulling me out of the back seat. He drapes his jacket across my shoulders, shielding my body from the view of others in a way that feels both possessive and protective.“Welcome home, Sir,” the door attendant tips his hat to us as he opens the door for us.Hand in hand he leads me to the elevator. As soon as the doors close behind us, he walks me into the wall of the elevator, kissing me gently at first, and then more passionately. His hand reaches down to cup my bottom and feeling bold I lean against him, hooking my right leg to his hip so that he
[Charlotte] It’s been 62 days. 62 days since Andy broke my heart and I fell into the arms of an incredible stranger. A man too amazing to be real. The only one who knows about that night is Juni. Nobody else can know. If they did, it could ruin everything. My soon-to-be-ex husband will make sure of it. Thankfully, San Francisco is a large city and the odds of us crossing paths again are very slim. Even if my mystery man did find me, I’m sure that if he saw me he’d either walk right past without recognizing me. Because without makeup and Juni’s designer dresses, I’m just…me. And right now I am filthy, covered in sweat as I head home from my day job to eat dinner with my daughters. From there I’ll be heading out to my new night job. A job I never wanted to take. But after being a stay-at-home mom for 5 years, I didn’t have the right kind of experience on my resume to secure steady, good-paying work in a city as competitive as San Francisco. The only jobs that I can find that are
[Charlotte] Dear Ms. Bellarina, I am impressed with your dancing and natural grace. You have an incredible talent and I would love to cultivate it. Can we meet to discuss an opportunity that could be mutually advantageous? When you are ready to hear my offer, please call me at the number below. I eagerly await your response, Kane (415) XXX - XXXX This note was waiting for me backstage last night with a single white rose in a fine crystal vase. When I asked the assistant stage manager who had left it for me, she didn’t have a clue. She just shook her graying sandy curls and looked over me in that way that she does when she thinks one of us is acting foolish. "Do you really want to know?" she had asked. "Why not just let it remain a mystery?" None of the other girls knew who had left it either. Maybe it was a ghost, a phantom fan leaving love notes and flowers for unsuspecting women. I guess if I want to know, there is a simple way I can find out. I can just
[Charlotte] “Another day, another dollar,” I whisper to myself as I try to wiggle out of the bed I share with my twin daughters, Raine and Rose. It’s 7 o’clock, time for me to start my morning. Looking at my sweet angels I place a kiss on each forehead. Raine’s eyes blink open. “Mama, where are you going?” “Work, sweet girl,” my finger brushes a stray hair from her eyes. “You go back to sleep. Auntie Juni will take care of you until Ms. Lacey comes to watch you.” “Love you, Mama,” she yawns as she snuggles into her sister’s back. I take a deep breath as she lets me go. It looks like today is going to be an easy day. Sometimes she starts crying when I leave. Those mornings are always rough. Juni is standing at the breakfast bar with some microwaved pancakes and a cup of fresh coffee. I skip the coffee, I’ll have enough of that at work, but I snatch a pancake from her plate. “Get your own, you vulture,” she laughs at me. “There are plenty in the freezer.” “No
[Micah]I saw what that asshole had done, the way he had touched her. I want to storm in there, grab the little prick by the collar, and slam his face into the counter repeatedly. But that wouldn’t solve anything and would bring unwanted attention.No more than fifteen minutes later, Charlotte comes stumbling out the front door to the café. Her bag is wrapped around her shoulders and her sweater is barely staying on as she rushes away from the café at top speed, her sneakers slapping the sidewalk, punctuating her fear.A few moments later, her boss comes after her. His pimpled greasy face is covered in blood and his hands are cradling his manhood with care and fear as he shouts. "I'll have you arrested for assault, Bitch!"“Roger,” I sit on the edge of my seat, ready to pounce, but trying to keep myself under control.“Yes, Boss,” Roger calls back.“I need to take a walk. Can you take out the trash?”“I got you, Boss,” he grunts as I step out of the SUV and walk in the direction Charl
[Charlotte]I don't remember much after that moment when I first attacked McAllister. I was lost in the moment, avenging my fallen friend, making sure that he didn't get up ever again. And then I felt a sting on my back and a rush of heat. I fell to the ground and the rest faded into nothing. When I woke up in the hospital two days later and Juni was by my side, I thought I must be dead. But I wasn't. She isn't dead, and neither am I. An hour or so later, Micah arrives in the room smelling clean and looking tidy, his arms full of dozens of chrysanthemums in shades of gold and white. "A gift, from the Masumotos, " he explains as he sets them down next to my bed. Juni kisses me on the cheek and says she'll see me later as she leaves Micah and me alone. "The girls are fine," he says as he takes a seat, "And as you can see, so is Juni. Everyone is safe."I nod. It's all starting to feel like a bad dream. A nightmare I didn't think I'd wake from. "Was it ever Juni in that room?" I ask
[Micah][Earlier that evening]Stepping out of my car, I am flanked by my crew as together we walk straight into the dragon's den. Our enemy, McAllister, is going down tonight. We aren't alone as we approach the landing. It seems that McAllister called in all of the faction heads to attend his VIP event. Even the current head of the Skeleton Crew is here, Bones LeRoux bringing full Louisiana flair, from his checkered suit to his ivory-topped cane. Mobs bosses and gang leaders from across the country all gathered in one place. McAllister is planning something. Something big. Maybe this wasn't just about MMK Industries. Does McAllister have plans for a global expansion? "Nah," I say to myself, realizing the truth. "He's just trying to show off." Roger, standing next to me, nods in agreement. For a man who is outwardly plain and prefers to remain unnoticed, he does have a way of making himself showy when he needs to. As soon as we pass the threshold to his mansion, the drab exterior
[Charlotte]The flight over was grim. We are not going to Portland on holiday--it is a rescue mission. Micah and I stayed next to one another, but I couldn't cuddle in his arms the way I'd prefer. We both had to be generals of this little rag-tag army of ours. I have my girls, my Blue Diamonds, and he has his Angels and his soldiers, his troops on the ground. There would be time for snuggling later. If we all survive this. And if we don't, I guess we'll have to find each other in the next life. As soon as we land we'll be going our separate ways. He'll be taking his people to the Tattooed Walls. We'd be McAllister's guests in one of his hotels.Our time went by much too quickly. It felt like a blink Holding my hand, we disembarked together, Micah refusing to let go of me until he had no other choice. Waiting on the tarmac were two cars heading in different directions. If all goes well, we'll be back here tonight, on our way home.And if it doesn't...Using our intertwined hands as
[Micah]I do not like this plan of Charlotte's. It is too dangerous. She is putting too much at risk, even surrounded by her Blue Diamonds. As part of the plan she made with McAllister, she and her girls will be providing "entertainment" for him and a few choice guests. "A private, intimate party for only the very best customers." Just the thought of her in a room with his kind of people makes my heart race and my vision blur with fear and anger."I'm counting on you to make the most of the time we give you," Charlotte demands, holding my face between her hands as she looks me dead in the eyes. "My girls and I can take whatever he dishes out, don't you worry about us. He isn't going to expect that a bunch of strippers are also cold-blooded assassins. But we are only the distraction. We need you and your boys to get us out of there safe."I think she is underestimating him, which is why I need to make sure my part of the plan goes flawlessly. As soon as we touch down, I kiss my beau
[Charlotte]My blood is still boiling after seeing what that bastard did to his own daughter. It is ten times worse than any humiliation that I ever faced by Andy's hand, and it is her father pulling the strings. Did he make her watch Kenji suffer too? Was she in the room when her father's men cut off his ear? We're going to save Sasha and Kenji. And then we're going to burn it all down. But how do we slay this sick dragon? Micah wants to go in full guns blazing, the Masumoto clan at his back. Grandma Masumoto is down for this plan, angry that her favorite grandson has been captured and so thoroughly disrespected. She's already called the cousins in Yokohama. They'll be flying directly to Portland and arriving tomorrow morning. I have another, more subtle plan, one that I hope will distract McAllister enough for Micah to be successful in our little coup.Pitching my idea to him, he tenses. "I don't like this, Mon Ange. I don't want to put you in that demon's grasp." "You'll be ju
[Charlotte]"Can you sign for this?" A smiling young man approached the main desk. I was passing through and our receptionist, Claire, handed it to me. Sasha was out today, so I took the package. Weirdly, she didn't call in, but knowing Kenji's plans for her last night, I'm sure they're still busy "resting" in bed this morning. I can already imagine the wedding. She'll be such a beautiful bride. After thanking Claire, I see that it is made out to Mr. and Mrs. McKaine. Rubbing my finger across the postmark, I can't help but glow. We're really married. It's still so hard to believe, even though I wake up next to him every morning snuggled into his warmth after a night of endless lovemaking. You'd think learning I am pregnant with his twins would cool his ardor--mission accomplished! He's so virile he succeeded in knocking me up twice over. But no, if anything he's even more passionate, even more determined to show me his love every day. "You are so beautiful," he likes to tell me eac
[Sasha]My father has never been a gentle man. Nor has he ever shown compassion to anyone, not true compassion. Not even to his daughter. I grew up knowing that I am not blood-related, that he picked me from a selection of surrogates pregnant with children they didn't want. He didn't want to leave his physical legacy in the world. I was just something for him to control and mold. Love wasn't part of the deal.To be honest, I don't know if he's capable of such a complex emotion. Or any true emotions. He wears masks that people find believable to convince him that he is interested in them and that he cares about anything they have to say, but it is all an act. Just another part of his carefully curated self-image. Just like me--just another prop to make him more "likable" and "relatable." Most children turn to their parents when they need comfort. I never had that instinct, or more precisely, I was never allowed to develop that kind of attachment. The only people who were with me cons
[Charlotte]Humming to myself, I walk to the break room, take a slice of some "welcome home cake," that the office had presented to us this morning, and grab a nice cup of coffee. The cake tastes amazing. I've hardly been able to keep anything down lately and my body needs the calories. Apparently, this baby likes sugar because I am able to eat the entire piece without even the smallest touch of indigestion. Taking a sip of my coffee to cut the sweetness, I start to choke. Fighting back the urge to vomit, I force myself to keep it all down. Fine, no coffee. My girls gave me similar trouble. They didn't like any caffeinated beverages. I couldn't even drink a cup of green tea. "Babies suck," I look at my coffee sadly as I text Micah to let him know our appointment is in 45 minutes. "Meet me in the garage in 10 minutes," I text as a follow-up. Tossing my coffee, I groan. I could have used that jolt of energy.I don't even make it to the elevator before Micah has his hand around my wa
[Charlotte]Things are different when I come into the office the next day. My morning starts normally enough. Micah is already off for his day, gone in early to take care of some "urgent business," and I'm to come in a bit later after dropping off the girls at their new school. My new driver, Agnes, is the latest addition to the Blue Diamonds, and like Roger is to Micah, she will be my constant companion and driver. "Ma'am, we're here," she announces in a tight, southern drawl. "Are you ready, or do you need me to make another circuit?""I'm ready," I give her my sunniest smile even though on the inside my stomach is churning--although I'm not sure if it's about this or something else, something more important. Thankfully Sasha is already in my new office, typing a report when I enter. I know she's McAllister's daughter and I shouldn't trust her, but Kenji loves her, and that's good enough for me. I trust his judgment and his family's legendary ability to judge a person's inner cha