Page 2

Bradley

I lean against the outer wall of Luka’s building. Flicking the cigarette at my side, I take a drag and scroll through content on my social media as a new text message pops.

Ronnie

Stay sober.

I need you to take me home later if I get drunk.

I grin at the screen while my thumb flies on it.

Bradley

I thought you’d never ask, Princess.

You can be my backpack any time you want.

Ronnie

Tonight is the night.

What does that mean?

Another text pops up with a princess emoji.

Bradley

I think you need to get laid.

I volunteer as tribute!

“You can’t kick me out to the curb, Yolanda.” I peer up when a woman bolts out of the club next to me, fidgeting her legs and glaring at her phone. “Where am I supposed to go?”

A few patrons walk inside the club, I give them a curt nod, slide my phone into my pocket, and flick my gaze back to her.

“Just give me a few more days until I find an arrangement.” She sounds desperate, half panicked, and a little lost. “It’s not easy finding an affordable apartment in New York,” she murmurs and my stomach drops.

Shit.

I was lucky when I moved here four months ago. Ronnie was kind enough to offer me a room in his apartment since finding an affordable place to rent was excruciating. Plus, I think he didn’t want to be alone in his big apartment.

“What—you left my stuff out.” Stunned, she starts pacing the sidewalk across the wall. “Yolanda. Hello, Yo—” Spinning fast on her heels, she bumps straight into me.

“Careful.” Shooting my hand around her waist, I steady her using my front too since my other hand is occupied.

With a gasp she pulls back a little, “Can I take a few drags?”

She doesn’t wait for my answer, she quickly grabs the smoke as if it were the last oxygen tank in the world, and presses it between her crimson lips. Tossing her purple hair back, she exhales a cloud of smoke.

Lovely.

Pulling her upper lip into a snarl, she grumbles at her phone before she stuffs it inside her pocket and passes the smoke back to me.

“Rough day?” I search between her eyes.

“Yeah,” She finally dares to lift her gaze to mine and then smiles. “Thanks.”

I salute her as she sashays her way back inside the underground nightclub. I quickly stub it out and throw it into a disposal container they installed next to the entrance.

Following her inside, I recognize Ronnie’s ex, Gemma, climbing on every man who enters. “Why don’t you buy me a drink?” Trying to be cute, she puts her hand on my chest and blinks at me innocently. I think she understands what she lost and that eats her up inside.

I remove her hand, “No thanks, love, my eyes are glued to the man bartending.” I point out, my heart already surges wild in my chest. “The dark blonde at the left.”

“Oh. That’s my ex.” Her gaze falls.

No shit.

The atmosphere changes rapidly when curses fly through the air. People round the bar area while the loud music keeps playing. And the hair on the back of my neck bristles.

A fight breaks out between two guys but it’s Ronnie standing in the middle of it, attempting to calm everyone down that urges me to move forward.

“Well, I’m sure someone else would love to buy you a drink,” I brush her off as I depart from her and rush toward him, swerving between endless bodies. When I reach Ronnie, one of the guys is aiming his fist in his direction, I block him in time, cock my hand backward and punch him right in the face. “Get the fuck away from him.”

Advancing toward me, he waves his hand with the AP Royal Oak watch and shouts, “Son of a bitch!”

I ram my shoulder against him when he tries to tackle me. I grab his throat and plant my leg between his, smacking him against the floor in one breath, and press the sole of my boot to his throat. “Stay down.” My tone is clipped, waiting a moment for the bouncers to take him out.

Warm hands softly wrap around me from behind, removing me from the situation and a wave of goosebumps rolls over my body as I watch the bouncers escort the guys outside the club.

“You like getting in trouble, don’t you?” Ronnie whispers in my ear. His velvety voice with a tad of rasp sends tingles down my spine.

“When I get to save you, always.” I smile from ear to ear.

“You’re trouble.” He spins me until I face him. “Are you okay?” He nods to the clenched fist at my side.

“Yeah, it was nothing, you should see the other guy.” I wave it off and Ronnie chuckles, shaking his head. “I went with my left hand not my dominant one.”

“If that’s how you punch with your left, I can only imagine what you can do with your right.” He winks, lacing his fingers in mine and ushering me to the couch in the VIP section.

Dropping down next to each other, my breath falls against his cheek, “You don’t have to imagine,” I plant a kiss and lean backward.

He hasn’t let go of my hand yet and I like how we feel pressed against each other, a sense of calmness washes over me. The emotions he stirs within me keep piling up and I can’t subdue the butterflies in my stomach.

The club is back to normal like nothing happened. “Your ex is something,” I state, gazing at the busy crowd and back at Ronnie’s perfectly traced profile.

“Something unwelcomed.” His hand squeezes mine softly.

I chuckle, teasing him, “You need a hug, another kiss?”

When he turns his head to me the flicker in his blue eyes makes his face glow. The bright blue flakes around his pupils clash with the darker blue streaks.

I’ve been hitting on him for months, insinuating in every way I can that I’m interested. He makes me feel like even though he is in front of me, I can’t have him which only ignites a wilder flame within me.

But I’ll take anything he wants to give me.

“You know I read your fantasies, your innermost desires. I can make them come true.” I subtly flick the small silver hoop piercing his ear.

“What if I’m not ready?” He sits quietly. Eyes roaming over the crowd. Soul longing for a real connection. He wants a relationship but getting hurt again and so soon is not something he desires.

I stare at him until he turns his head to me.

“I’ll be here whenever you are,” I grin back at him because I’m not going anywhere. We built a strong friendship in the last four months and he is worth the wait. “Are you okay?” I ask in all seriousness this time.

“I need some water and a restraining order would be nice.”

“Yeah, it would be but let’s cross the first one off your list for now.”

Reaching for the water bottle on the table before us, I grab it and hand it to Ronnie before a woman drops on the couch beside him—the girl I met outside.

“Hello, cigarette snatcher.” I draw her attention, letting my effortless smirk grace her presence. “You left quite an impression.”

Eyes sparkling, the corner of her mouth pulls upward. “I see that my hard work finally pays off, I aim to impress.” She sasses right back.

“When she’s not running over civilians,” Ronnie’s voice dripping with sarcasm but I have no idea what he is talking about.

“You met?” I screw my eyebrows together.

He grins at her and something inside me lights up like fucking Christmas. “Yeah, it was quite the first impression.”

“It was to die for,“ she drags her words, cracking herself up and I chuckle at the view.

“Anyway, your ex is the last of your concerns,” I assure him, glancing at the crowd and fixating on Ronnie’s profile again. Then I zoom in on our little friend next to him; soft curves, satiny skin, confident smile, and attitude.

“I don’t want to ban her from the club but I’m so frustrated.”

“Sexually?” I’m half listening, half concocting ideas about our new purple-haired friend. He needs to relax. Do what he wants for a change. Being the hard worker that he is doesn’t leave much time for pleasure and he deserves it, based on his fantasies he wants it too.

“What? No! With Gemma.” He clarifies but my brain is past this conversation.

An array of bodies jump to the sick beat on the dance floor. They all glow under the UV lights. The DJ truly serves one hot track after another and it itches me to join the party with these two on my left.

With supplies scattered on the illuminated coffee table, I lean forward to grab a brush and body paint. “Want to paint my body?” I wiggle my eyebrows as I turn to gaze at them.

“Hi, I’m Amber, I’ll do it.” Amber quickly replies, lifting herself off the couch, eager to get to work.

“Hi, I’m your canvas, I mean Bradley. Go ahead.” I whip off my jacket, exposing my matching washed-out t-shirt and tatted arms—I don’t have many tattoos, just a few scattered along my body. “Nice to meet you, Amber.”

Her eyes flare. “Likewise.”

“You’re next,” I mouth Ronnie, and his penetrating gaze pierces through me like it always does. Heat spreads over my chest and my stomach summersaults when I stare at him while she paints my face.

He asked me to stay sober but I already feel drunk when he is around me.

Once Amber finishes her art—three purple scratch marks across Ronnie’s eyes—I drag them to the dance floor.

With Ronnie’s hand in mine and Amber latching onto Ronnie’s other hand, I lead us to the center. Passing clubbers with glowing skulls, and others with lines, flowers, and handprints, I stop next to a guy with a glowing dragon on his bicep—some bring their skills to life with these things. “Amber, think you can handle us?” I ask.

“Nothing fun happens when you stay in one lane.” Oh really… Her challenging eyes say it all. I think this one has some fantasies herself and she doesn’t shy away which makes her even more appealing.

I look at Ronnie over Amber who dances between us, desire weaves in his gaze—an insatiable hunger he can’t contain anymore. Maybe this is what he needed. A little push to show him that he can make his fantasies come to life if he lets himself live again and stops hiding behind his job and laptop.

Dropping my gaze, I trail the lines I painted on her cheeks and temple through my dark lashes. My hips start moving to the rhythm, against hers. My hands find their necks and my fingers start caressing their heated flesh.

My body temperature rises as she curves her back, rolling her hips and shaking her hair to the song. Taken by the heart-thumping beats, she starts jumping and grinding against us. The lights hit her glowing face and I flick my eyes to meet Ronnie’s sparkling skin. He’s breathing heavily. His hand comes around her stomach, tucking her closer before he clasps it around my throat.

I’m easily swept away song after song.

Amber’s fingers roam over our tight muscles. The gym rats we are leave no room for doubt regarding our lifestyles. We’re not big and bulky yet, well-defined; packed with abs and thick biceps to satisfy her greedy hands. So greedy. They flex down my stomach and send my hand to latch onto her throat as a warning.

I’ve been eyeing the slender column of her neck, it fits so well against my palm.

She giggles in return, her pulse ticking faster, and a sweet gasp escapes her lips.

A lopsided grin decorates my face as I look down at her, and flick my eyes up to Ronnie whose darkened eyes don’t stray from mine.

“You like that?” Ronnie whispers against her ear, pushing his front to her rear. With a wicked twinkle in his eyes, he catches her earlobe between his teeth and nips it, eliciting another desperate gasp from Amber.

Swallowing thickly inside my hold, she replies softly, “I love it.”

We’re all so hypnotized by one another that it’s hard to make sense of it, but we’re living in the moment.

“What else do you love?” Ronnie prompts. His lips pull into a sexy smirk, eyes fixed on mine.

I gaze at him before Amber opens her seductive lips. “Being pressed against you. Both of you. I want more of it.”

Fuck me.

I want more of this too.

Ronnie winks at me, inching closer and I do too. He tugs at her hair and a tiny whimper pushes past her throat, shooting an electric shock through me.

I’m really into this and by the look of it, so are they.

I draw a line down Amber’s tender skin, stopping at the valley of her breasts where the neckline of her top ends. Her body is so responsive, obeying each of our impulses.

She nibbles on her bottom lip, and her hand comes up to clutch my bicep, enjoying the tension, and absorbing the heat.

Ronnie bites out a curse next to her ear as I whisper, “You have nowhere to run.”

Nestled between our uneven breaths and aroused bodies. Her black fingernails sink into my forearm, denting my skin as another song dictates the pressure she applies.

We continue to dance.

“C’mon, I want your handprints on my ass.” Grabbing some paint, she smears it on our hands. I press my blue-painted palm to her left ass cheek and Ronnie takes the other, leaving a green handprint on her jeans. “My ass glows!” She shouts. Satisfaction pours from her voice.

She knows how to have fun that’s for sure.

My reflection against my phone screen shows Amber’s paint job—two Xs crossing my eyes, and a joker smile. She even managed to paint a skeleton hand on me and Ronnie.

I unlock the screen and browse it, waiting for them to exit the restrooms—we finally took a break after an hour on the dance floor. My back is against the wall, one leg is bent and the sole of my boot is pressed against it too. I glance at the bar to my right when a familiar drunken laughter reaches me.

His ex is sitting there all bubbly, raising a toast with a bunch of guys, I fake gagging and look away.

“Do you boys want to go for a ride?” Amber returns and steals my attention right away. I glance to the side seeing Ronnie standing there too, wiping his semi-wet hands against his jeans.

“Wait… you’re a biker?” I ask. A smile slowly rises.

“Yeah,” Ronnie confirms, still fixing his clothes.

“Fuck yeah, let’s go,” pumped about the revelation, I clap my hand against hers.

“What time is it?” She asks.

“After midnight.”

Amber lips part into an O-shape, her eyes calculating. “Let’s get burgers, I’m starving .“ She enunciates the last word with determination. “McDonald’s is about fifteen minutes away from here, less if we ride fast. Let’s get a Big Mac.”

She’s a menace like me.

“I’m in,” Ronnie and I reply in unison, breaking into a smile.

Amber squeals and I kick my leg off the wall.

“Let’s give this lady what her heart desires.” I arch my brow and Ronnie tries to decipher my words, narrowing his eyes. Don’t think about it too hard.

I nudge his shoulder and signal them to come with me outside.

“I’m already drooling thinking about this burger.” She gives her belly a quick pat, smiling sweetly.

As we close in on our bikes that are fixed in a row someone’s clicking heels are closing in on us.

“Ronnie, can I talk to you for a moment?”

I stop in my tracks when her voice drifts to me. Dropping my head back, I growl inwardly.

Don’t fuck his night I beg of you.

He rakes his fingers through his hair. His hesitation and exhaustion are reflected in his slow movements.

“Gemma,” he acknowledges her name, sounding tired and perplexed about the situation. “Yeah, we can talk.” Still, he gives her his time of day.

They walk a few steps away enough to have privacy but we can still hear them.

Her long black hair flows around her, framing her heart-shaped face. “Ronnie, I’m really sorry about what I did.” Her voice is breaking. She’s on the verge of crying. “I just missed you so much. I made a huge mistake.”

A few strands fall over Ronnie’s forehead when he looks down at her. His chest inflates with a deep breath. “I thought we could be civilized and part ways like adults. But coming to my club and causing a scene daily ruins everything I worked hard for. You need to move on. I did. And I don’t want to ban you from my club when I don’t have to but I also don’t want you to come here anymore. I loved you once and that was true, I can’t take it back. There is more out there for you and me. I want you to be happy with someone who truly loves you. But it’s not me.”

He remains calm and focused, attempting to smile but it’s tight. He is doing the right thing by approaching it like an adult.

“You’re right.” Tears skid down her cheeks and Ronnie wraps his arms around her.

“It’s going to be okay.” He softly rubs her back to calm her, “Goodbye, Gemma,” and pulls away.

“Goodbye, Ronnie.”

I would’ve fallen in love with him right now if I wasn’t in love with him already.

I attempt to lighten the mood as he paces near us, contemplating to himself. “My offer still stands, princess.”

“I didn’t get drunk so rain check.”

“Fine, your loss.” I pull my helmet over my head. “Rubbing thighs during rides is my specialty.” I wink and flick the visor down.

“You two are cute together,” Amber notes, her eyes moving between us. “You’re chasing him, that’s hot.”

Ronnie turns his head in her direction, seeming amused by her observation.

“I can chase you too,” I tease to ignite him.

“You’re such a flirt.” Ronnie quickly comments. I knew this would set him off. He’s hesitant about us but he likes the attention.

“Don’t get jealous, I know that fantasy has been brewing inside you for a while now.”

“What fantasy?” Amber’s curiosity shines.

“A threesome.”

I don’t even look back to see Ronnie’s expression and I’m sure a pronounced scowl is resting there. I straddle my bike and turn it on.

I don’t know if he wants to shut me up or pin me to the nearest wall, but I prefer the latter. The first can go nicely with a firm necklace around my neck though.

He doesn’t say a word. His silence does. His secret project does—the one I found on his computer. Ronnie climbs on his bike, Amber next, and we take off.

We halt at the next stop light. The road is almost clear. My gaze dances between the two on each side of my bike, nodding and dancing as the chorus of Gimme More by Britney Spears blasts our helmets.

Swinging our legs backward and off our bikes, we start shaking our bodies, twerking, and moving our hands around us.

I laugh and quickly snap pictures on my phone before I resume my silly dance moves. A honk of a car draws my attention and the man inside signals me that he’s taking a picture. Amused, I give him a thumbs-up before I turn back.

When the light turns green we hop on our bikes and ride away.

“Man, that ride was hilarious as hell.” Ronnie’s excitement pours out of the speaker as we park our bikes with our food in hand.

Amber hops off her bike, lowering to the ground. She opens her McDonald’s bag and pulls out her burger. “Thank you guys for catching me when I almost fell with my bike.”

“Don’t worry about it we got you and your little legs.” I sit down, ready to eat the greasy, delicious burger that has me drooling for a solid minute. Popping fries into my mouth, I bite and moan.

Damn, I’m starving and it’s so fucking good. I worked all day at the shop and can’t remember when I last ate proper food today.

Ronnie’s little moans reach me then Amber’s as they feast on their burgers and I continue to eat silently. They gaze at each other, while mentally disrobing the other’s clothes or maybe it is just in my head . Ronnie makes a low growl to break the silence that is so sexy, I’m forced to inhale a huge chunk of air.

I clear my throat and uncap the water bottle, chugging it down like a thirsty fucker.

Goddamn him.

I’m lonely in the sense of being in a relationship. Sexless… yeah. But based on a hunch, I’m not the only one between these two.

Once we’re done with our food, I rise to my feet while Ronnie tosses our disposable remains in a trashcan nearby.

I dig my phone out of my pocket quickly and open a playlist. The first song that comes up is Angel by Shaggy and Rayvon.

“C’mon. You’re going to dance with me.” I extend my hand to whoever grabs it first.

“I haven’t heard this song in forever.” Amber stands up, “I always wanted to dance in a parking lot.” Taking my hand, I twirl her in place.

“You’re relentless.” Ronnie shows up on my other side and I twirl him too.

“I prefer, consistent.”

He plants a kiss on my cheek sneakily as he pulls me into his body and switches roles with me. We’re about the same height but Ronnie tops my six-foot-one by a couple of inches. I gaze up at him, captivated by the lustful gleam in his eyes.

Stuffed, our movements are slow as hell and so are our reflexes apparently. We chuckle as we collide with each other. I take this opportunity to snap pictures of the three of us with and without our helmets while I set my phone on the ground.

“Amber, you are fun, we should meet more often and spend a night like this again,” Ronnie suggests and it puts a smile on my face. This can be the first step in a new direction—one new to all of us.

“That would be amazing. You guys are awesome. But I think I have to go back to Staten Island.”

Staten Island.

“Whoa—why?” Ronnie’s eyebrows knit together in question.

“I’ve been kicked out of my apartment. My landlady left my stuff outside as we speak and I have nowhere to go.” She looks down. “That’s fine, I gave myself a year anyway to try and see if the city suits me.”

“And what is your conclusion?” I ask.

“It does in theory, but financially it’s above my income.”

“She can’t do that.” Ronnie is quick to comment. “She needs to give you a notice—”

“She did. Three weeks ago.” She pulls the straw between her lips, sucking what is left of her beverage. “I don’t have anywhere to go and I was hoping she would let this go.”

“That lady sounds mean.” I curl my lips to the side.

Her eyes grow wide. “She’s the Reaper incarnate.”

I look over to Ronnie, eyes pleading and he opens his mouth to say, “I don’t know, she’s a hazard.”

I screw my eyebrows together in question.

“She almost hit me outside the club with her bike.”

“I hear she almost hit you.”

“Not you too,” he gives me that disappointed tone and looks away, trying to hide that tug at the corner of his mouth. “What if she’s a serial killer?”

“Hmm… guys, I’m right here.”

“Does she look like a serial killer?” I point in her direction.

He cocks his head to the side and smirks, “They rarely do.”

I wave my hands all over, “We can’t send her home before she has the chance to explore,” please receive the memo and what I’m trying to deliver without actually saying the words.

“Serial killer? You see, Bradley is reasonable.” Amber is still processing the words but I think she got the memo.

“Rarely.” I correct. “But my conscience wouldn’t let me abandon you like this. Besides, Staten Island locals should support each other.”

“You’re from Staten Island?” Amber’s eyes light up. I know what it’s like to have someone who makes you feel at home when you’re away from it. Staten Island may not be that far but it’s different.

“Born and raised.” I proudly place my hands over my hips.

“Do you have someone here?” Ronnie deflects the conversation back to the problem.

Amber sighs, “Not really. I know Dylan, she’s a customer. We hang out sometimes in her shop. I assumed you know her because you said you own Hella Club and her boyfriend, Luka, owns the building.”

“So we have mutual friends,” I explain, “I work in the tattoo shop upstairs with Luka. And Ronnie grew up with him, they are co-owners of Hella Club .”

“A club owner and a tattoo artist.” She contemplates, twitching the corners of her mouth as her eyes search between us.

Ronnie slides his gaze to me, finally giving in with a slow nod. It’s his house after all and he gets to call the shots. “You can stay with us if you want. We’re roommates and the third room is unoccupied.”

She came here for a reason and it’d be a shame to give up on it too soon. I had problems finding an affordable yet decent apartment until Ronnie helped me, it changed everything.

“Guys, I don’t want to impose and we just met that would be foolish.”

“Here me out,” I press, “She already kicked you out. You’re not going back home at two in the morning. And you don’t have anywhere to go according to you.”

“You’re very persuasive.” Her small smile fades when she looks down lost in thoughts and concerns.

I press two fingers under her chin and her gaze flies up. “You didn’t fail. You only need a little help on your journey.” Some words of encouragement wouldn’t hurt her right now.

“At least sleep on it at our place, and decide what you want to do in the morning.” Ronnie steps close and tucks a loose strand behind her ear. “What do you say?”

“I’ll make pancakes in the morning with extra maple syrup.” I coax, running my hand down her arm gently. “That was a lie, Ronnie will do that unless you want burnt pancakes.”

She chuckles. “Are you trying to seduce me with food?” Long lashes brush against her cheeks, she is immersed in the pleasant sensations we instill in her with the softest touch.

“Yeah… is it working?”

She nods, “Definitely.”

We slowly withdraw from each other, though we’re a little caught in our bubble.

“Text me your address,” Ronnie clears his voice. “I’ll go and get your stuff. My car is back at the club because Luka needed it this week.” His eyes dart to mine.

“Wait, no, I will come and help you.” Amber softly argues, stepping forward.

“No need, Bradley will take you home. Get a nice shower and breathe .“ The last word rings different. He smiles while caressing her cheek with the pad of his thumb. “I’ll make it quick.”

“Okay. Thank you.” She skips on her little feet toward the trashcan, throwing away her finished beverage. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.” She murmurs.

“Admit it,” I whisper in Ronnie’s ear, “You wanted her to say yes but you had to play a little tough. Good cop bad cop style.”

He grins at me. It’s wicked. Sexy. Inviting. And fucking sweet. “I’ll text you later.” He backs away, getting on his bike in slow motion.

“Text me when you get there.” I correct him with a smirk.

They say that bad things come in threes… we shall see.