Levels Of Exposure (Distortion Series Book 2) Read online

  Lexie stepped toward her but Miller grabbed her shoulder. “I need to get you out of here.”

  “But the girl…” Lexie spun around in horror.

  “She signed up for it. We can’t help her,” Miller said sternly. “Let’s go.”

  “We can’t just leave her.” Lexie pushed his arm away but Miller grabbed her hand.

  “Yes, we can.” Miller pulled her toward the door. “My orders were to make sure you weren’t touched.” Lexie’s eyes filled with unshed tears. She desperately wanted to help the girl. Those animals would eat her alive because they were not men, they were monsters. Lexie yanked her arm free of Miller’s hold but he grabbed her shoulder and pushed her from the room.

  “How can you stand this?” Lexie questioned in disbelief.

  “Be quiet, Lexie. You’re gonna get us both in trouble.” Miller led her toward the elevator doors. “I’m just as stuck here as you are. There’s nothing I can do, either.”

  Lexie looked up into his eyes and realized the truth. He was just as much of a prisoner as she was.

  Lexie walked numbly toward the elevator following Miller. When the doors opened she stepped on, anxious to get as far from it as she could. There was a man standing in the elevator who gave her a quick once over before turning his attention back to his phone. He looked to be a polished man and his suit definitely looked expensive, but all thoughts faded away when she noticed the scar on his neck. Her mother’s warning hung heavy in her mind as she pressed herself against the opposite side of the elevator. Miller noticed her discomfort and stood between them, blocking her view.

  As soon as the elevator doors opened, Lexie dashed out. Miller grabbed for her but her arms slipped through his hold. “Lexie!” Miller called out after her. As soon as she rounded the corner, she slowed her pace to let Miller catch up with her.

  “Do you know who that man was on the elevator?” Lexie asked as she continued slowly up the hallway. Miller looked relieved he didn’t have to chase her.

  “Yeah, he’s Mayor Terence Masten of Belhaven.” Miller looked back over his shoulder to confirm they were alone.

  “He’s a mayor?” Lexie gasped, keeping her voice low.

  “Yeah.”

  “Does he have anything to do with John?”

  “Yes, he comes here every once in a while to see John behind closed doors.”

  “Miller.” They both turned when Flint called to Miller from down the hall. Lexie turned around to see him heading in their direction. Flint’s tie was loosened he looked as though he had been drinking. “You’re needed downstairs. I’ll see Lexie to her room.”

  Miller nodded before heading back down the hall. Lexie took a deep breath and kept walking toward room 324, her prison.

  Flint didn’t say anything as he matched her pace and then opened her door when they stopped in front of it. Lexie brushed past him. She closed her eyes tight, hoping he would lock the door behind her and leave. Instead, he followed her inside.

  CHAPTER TEN

  John

  John looked at his own reflection in the surface of the mirrored coffee table before he focused his attention on the lines of cocaine that obstructed his view. He picked up a straw and inhaled the bitter powder. The rush was immediate and satisfying as it hit the back of his throat.

  He looked around the room with new eyes as he picked up his glass of whiskey and leaned back on the sofa. His new business partner, Brian Crothers, sat to his right, a smudge of white dust under his nose as he drank in the entertainment that had drawn much of the business conversations to a minimum. The man loved his blow as well as many of the other luxuries in life but he was a solid partner. Their plans to open Bitter Sweet were going ahead flawlessly. The private gentleman’s club offering exclusive memberships already had a waitlist as they approached the grand opening. Four other men sat around the room, all involved to some degree in the new business endeavor, but currently seemed unable to form any type of coherent thought.

  Rebecca sat to his left wearing a formal dress he had purchased for her to satisfy her tastes for finery. She always looked the part with her sinful curves and full lips but John could no longer stand looking at her. She only reminded him of everything she wasn’t. She ran her hand up and down his thigh, trying to elicit a response from him, but he pushed her hand away. It did not seem to deter her, as she remained persistent.

  Two women were the centerpiece of activity in the room. A naked blonde was bent over the arm of the sofa. Her hands splayed in front of her as her heavy breasts swayed with her movements. She appeared to be lost in the throes of the natural rhythm of her pleasure as she rocked her hips but John didn’t miss her quick glances toward the mountain of blow on the table. He knew that look in her eye. She was an addict and she did whatever she could to find her next hit. She was a pretty girl without tattoos or any outward signs of an unfortunate life. This girl wore her scars deep, the best kind for this line of work. He knew her type well.

  A curvy brunette dressed in only a strap-on slid her fingers deep inside the blonde, thrusting them in and out as she licked the sensitized flesh. Soon the blonde’s excitement was dripping freely from her center. The brunette withdrew her fingers and seductively slid them into her mouth as she looked John in the eye. John appreciated her eagerness to please as he stared back at her. He could see the desperation hidden in her eyes and he found it more desirable than the show she was providing. This girl wanted power and she knew exactly who held it.

  She grabbed the blonde’s hips and positioned the dildo at her entrance before plunging it deep inside her until their skin slapped together. Their breasts bounced from the vigorous movements as the brunette continued to plunge inside her repeatedly. The blonde cried out in a strangled moan and it plucked John’s desire. The erotic display of watching a woman take another made his sexual need pull at his groin. Thoughts of Mary began to filter into his mind and his erection flared to life, demanding a taste of what he truly wanted.

  The door opened and Rayner walked into the room. “I have the update you were looking for, Boss,” Rayner said, crossing his arms, his attention not wavering to the erotic display taking place mere feet from him.

  “Let’s have it then.” John looked up at Rayner.

  “Lexie was returned to her room. She looked a little shaken,” Rayner informed him.

  “Good.” John ran his fingers through his hair.

  “And Aiello called to say that the meeting is all set up and Jackson and his men should be arriving shortly,” Rayner continued.

  “Make sure Aiello knows that none of them are to leave alive. Where’s Flint?” John leaned forward and grabbed the bottle of whiskey off the table and refilled his glass.

  “With Lexie.” Rayner gave his head a slight tilt but it was enough of an indication to let John know that he wasn’t sure what Flint was up to.

  “Is that so? Make sure things stay in hand with our other guests,” John ordered.

  “Yes, sir.” Rayner gave him a nod before taking his leave.

  John leaned back and ran his hand down his tie. He had noticed Flint’s fascination with Lexie. He realized now that he might have to set some boundaries for him when it came to her.

  Brian was on the edge of his seat, practically salivating as he watched the women. The brunette continued to penetrate the blonde as she fondled her breasts. She squeezed and pulled her nipples as she quickened her pace. The blonde’s body was tensing as her pleasure built.

  “Feel free to test the merchandise.” John waved his hand toward the women.

  Brian’s eyes lit up as he set his glass down on the table and stood up. He grabbed for his belt as he walked up behind the brunette. John drained his glass and discarded it on the table.

  He stood up and buttoned his jacket.

  “Where are you going?” Rebecca grabbed for his hand but he pulled it away.

  “The time for business has passed. Enjoy the evening, gentlemen,” John addressed everyone in the room.

&nbs
p; “You’re not leaving me here.” Rebecca grabbed his jacket. John hit her across the face with the back of his hand.

  “Don’t touch me, bitch.” John straightened his jacket and looked down at her tear-filled eyes as she held her cheek. “I think you need a reminder of your place.”

  John turned around and pointed toward two men on the other side of the room. “Show Rebecca what whores are good for.”

  “No…John,” Rebecca pleaded. John stepped out of her reach. He could see the fear in her eyes. If she was under the belief that he cared for her she was stupider than he originally thought. She was as disposable as any of the women he brought in.

  John walked out into the hallway to the destination that called to him on a primal level. He stopped in front of the unnumbered door and took pause. He thrived on knowing what he wanted was in his grasp, but now the wait was over. He wanted a taste and he wanted it now. He had been denied long enough.

  John pulled the key from his pocket and opened the door. “Hello, Mary,” John’s words were heavy with intention as he walked into the room. He could hear her whimper before he swung the door shut behind him.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Jackson

  Jackson pulled the car into the parking lot of Bella Italia and cut the engine. The building, although fairly new, had an old world charm to it with rustic beams and stonework on the front of the building.

  “Am I the only one who has a bad feeling about this?” Dane asked, looking around the parking lot suspiciously.

  “No. I’ve had a bad feeling ever since I laid eyes on Jackson,” Evan complained.

  “Fuck you, Evan,” Jackson said with a shake of his head.

  “How do we know what this Steven guy looks like?” Dane asked as he leaned between the seats.

  “No clue, but I’m sure we’ll see him lurking around,” Jackson said as he checked the time.

  “Do you think we can actually order some food? I’m fucking starving,” Teddy said, rubbing his stomach.

  “Let’s just hope we don’t get shot,” Jackson replied with a raised brow.

  “Too late,” Dane added, patting his side. “I already covered that part.”

  “Evan, you stay in the car.” Jackson turned around in his seat to lay eyes on him.

  “Yeah, whatever. I’ve had enough excitement for one day anyway.”

  “Text us if anything looks suspicious,” Teddy ordered him.

  “Leave the keys so I can at least listen to some music.” Evan held out his hand.

  “Nope.” Jackson opened his door and stepped out onto the pavement. He could hear Evan complaining but he ignored him.

  Jackson wasn’t used to the restricted feeling of a suit. He straightened his tie and gave his shoulders a shake to loosen himself up. He couldn’t even remember the last time he had worn one.

  “Man, I look fucking amazing in this suit,” Teddy said, walking around the front of the car as he rubbed his hands down the front of his jacket. “We need a picture of this.” Teddy spun around and held up his phone to take a picture of all three of them. “Say cheese, bitches.”

  Jackson gave him the middle finger impatiently as he searched the nearby cars for any sign of someone who could be their guy. They had ten minutes until they had to be through the front doors.

  “Oh come on, Jacks, this was for our kids one day.” Teddy sulked as he looked at the picture.

  “Like anyone would have kids with you,” Jackson retorted.

  “Accidents do happen.” Teddy winked.

  “Let’s hope they don’t for the sake of the world.” Dane stretched his tall frame, careful not to irritate his side. He pulled out a bottle of pills from his pocket, popped the top, and tipped it to his lips.

  “I think that’s our man.” Jackson pointed toward a gentleman who climbed out of a silver Honda Civic. He wore a brown wool suit and a red plaid tie that resembled a Halloween costume more than evening attire.

  “Where the fuck did this guy come from?” Teddy asked in disbelief.

  “Max dug him up from some shithole, I’m sure.” Jackson rubbed forehead in annoyance.

  “Jackson?” the man asked as he approached, looking nervous.

  “Yeah,” Jackson responded bluntly.

  Steven looked skittish as stopped in front of Jackson. “Aiello has requested we keep our mouths shut and do not speak until we are directed to the meeting area. He will not tolerate any disturbances in his restaurant and guns are prohibited.”

  “Fuck no. I’m not walking in there unarmed,” Dane declared.

  “We don’t have a choice, Dane,” Jackson said determinedly. “What other options do we have to get our hands on the hardware we need?”

  “I think I was high when I agreed to this.” Dane rubbed his hand down his face.

  “You’re always fucking high,” Teddy said with a laugh.

  Jackson opened the trunk and placed his guns inside. Dane and Teddy followed suit before they followed Steven toward the front entrance of the restaurant. Delicious smells met them when they pulled opened the doors. The interior was dimly lit with a large stone fireplace in the center of the dining room. White clothed tables were placed throughout the space with strategically placed dividers to give guests the illusion of privacy.

  The hostess greeted them with a smile that broadened as they approached. She ignored Steven as she addressed Jackson, Dane, and Teddy, who towered over his short stature. Steven cleared his throat to capture her attention. “Good evening, do you have a reservation?” she asked. Jackson was surprised Teddy didn’t jump in with the invitation. He was always one to take advantage of a woman’s attention, especially an attractive one like the petite blonde waiting on them.

  Steven handed her a card. She glanced at it and her smile fell away. “Follow me.” She led them toward the back of the restaurant to a private room. “I’ll let Mr. Aiello know you’re here.” She closed the door behind them, leaving them alone.

  “At least it’s nice,” Dane said, looking around at the décor. The walls were deep red, and an ornate chandelier hung over a large rectangular table that looked like it was cut from an old slab of wood. It spanned the length of the room and sat eighteen people. “How wrong can this meeting go inside his restaurant with all those people out there? He wouldn’t cause a scene in a place like this,” Dane suggested, seemingly trying to convince himself that he would be all right without his guns.

  Steven fidgeted with his ancient looking suit and snapped his gum repeatedly in his mouth. He avoided eye contact with any of them.

  “How do you know Max?” Jackson asked curiously.

  Steven glanced up at him before he frowned. “Our paths crossed years ago. He saved my ass so I owe him,” Steven said, shuffling his feet.

  “Let me guess…someone wanted to kill you,” Dane suggested.

  Steven scratched at his neck, making his skin turn a bright shade of red. He pulled at his tie, loosening it. “Yeah,” he finally admitted. “That pretty much covers it.”

  “If you keep snapping that gum I’m gonna feel like killing you,” Jackson said irritably.

  Steven’s eyes widened to saucers before he swallowed his gum in an exaggerated gulp.

  The door opened and a raven-haired waitress came in carrying a tray of wine glasses and a bottle of wine. “Good evening, gentlemen. Mr. Aiello should be with you shortly, but he sent in this bottle of wine to thank you for your patience.” Her deep red lips curled up into a flirtatious smile when her gaze fell on Jackson. “It’s our best and sure to please your palate.”

  Jackson looked at Teddy with a scowl. Something was definitely off. There was no way if he was in his right mind that he would leave that comment alone. Teddy had a faraway look in his eyes as he watched the girl pour the wine. He threw Dane a curious glance, but he only shrugged his shoulders, not knowing why Teddy was acting strange either.

  “You all right, man?” Jackson asked Teddy.

  “Yeah, don’t worry about me. I’m on,” Tedd
y dismissed quickly. Jackson wasn’t convinced but they didn’t have time to deal with any personal issues right now. They all knew there were some things left buried but this seemed different. Something was on Teddy’s mind and it had been since they left Max’s rundown apartment building. Ever since he retrieved that camera from that woman’s room he had seemed a bit distracted.

  “Thanks, Sweetheart.” Dane accepted the glass of wine she offered him. After she handed everyone a full glass, she set the bottle on the table and left the room. Jackson smelled the full-bodied wine before setting the glass down on the table. He needed perfect clarity for this plan to work. Dane and Teddy followed suit. They were always ones to stay focused on the goal at hand. Steven, on the other hand, guzzled his entire glass and wiped his face with the back of his hand before eyeing their untouched glasses. “Are you gonna drink those?”

  “Help yourself.” Jackson waved toward their wine.

  “Fuck, man. Let me guess, you’re an alcoholic too?” Dane asked, taking a seat. His face showed his relief as he sat down, favoring his side. Jackson knew Dane would keep going no matter how much pain he was in. It was a quality that made him exceptional at what he did. He never let anything get in his way.

  Steven ignored him as he grabbed for another glass. Jackson pulled his phone from his pocket to make sure Evan didn’t message him. They were all getting restless as they waited for the meeting to begin.

  Jackson dropped down in one of the chairs and kicked Teddy’s leg. “What’s up, man? You have been fucking daydreaming since Max’s apartment. What happened with that girl?”

  Teddy looked up at Jackson as he bit his lip thoughtfully. “Nothing happened. I don’t know, but there’s something about her I can’t seem to shake.”

  “What girl are you talking about?” Dane’s attention was piqued.