Life's a Game, but it's Not Fair
Six
The smell of French toast roused Reagan from her sleep, filled with dreams of kissing Matt. “It’s wrong,” she told herself as she climbed out of bed. “You need to stop thinking about it.”
Walking into the kitchen, she saw her father, Jimmy, and Matt sitting at the kitchen table. She locked eyes with Matt and quickly looked down.
“Good morning Angel,” her father said warmly. “Did you sleep well?” She smiled and nodded, walking to the breakfast bar. After loading her plate with French toast and fruit she sat next to Jimmy, who grabbed one of her strawberries off of her plate. She rolled her eyes as she dug into her breakfast.
“What’s on the agenda for today Gates?” Matt asked, breaking the silence. “I have to visit some of our allies today.” Brian said, standing up. “I’m hosting a dinner tomorrow night and inviting them all. If Good Charlotte wants to start trouble, I want to be ready.”
“Do you still want us to pick up Abernathy tonight?” asked Jimmy. Brian took a deep breath, shutting his eyes. This was what he did every time they had to pick up a client, he was deciding if he should send Reagan along. “You know Abernathy Gates, “ Matt said seriously, “and his weakness for women.”
Brian sighed and nodded. “Reagan,” he said seriously “you’re needed tonight.” She nodded. Her father turned and pointed at Jimmy, “but I want you to hack into the cameras and keep your eyes on her at all times.” He pointed at Matt, “if that twisted asshole lays a finger on her kill him. I don’t care if he has the money.” Matt nodded solemnly.
Just then, the garage door opened. Zacky and Johnny stumbled in with dark circles under their eyes. “Well?” Brian asked. The two had gone out in search of the owner of the car that had followed Reagan.
“We sat outside this guy’s house for five hours.” Johnny said, “but there was no one going in or coming out. It was dark when night fell.”
“So I broke in.” Zacky continued, “After going through some things I found out that the whole family was on vacation and that they left their car at the airport. I guess they were just there at the right time, or their car was anyway.”
Brian nodded, “good thinking Jim.” He said, turning to the tall man next to him, who bowed in reply. “Get to bed you two,” he then commanded Zacky and Johnny. “Tonight you pick up abernatht .”
Reagan was sitting on her window seat, reading a book on her ipad. Her father had left almost an hour ago to deliver invitations to the dinner next week. She hoped they all would be accepted. They would need all the support they could get.
A soft, but firm knock pulled her into reality. She called that the door was open, and soon Matt stuck his head in.
“Hey,” he said softly. “Can I come in?”
She nodded as he gently shut the door. “I wanted to talk to you.”
She quickly stowed her ipad. “Good I did too,” she began. “I wanted to say that it was my fault and I shouldn’t have done that. I’m really sorry.“
Matt held up his hand “Reagan don’t worry about it. I should be the one who’s sorry, I kissed you back. I’m glad at least we both know this can’t happen.”
She nodded in agreement, but neither of them could deny the electricity that filled the room. “Well I should leave you to get ready.” Matt finally said, breaking the silence and heading for the door. “Be ready around 9.” With that, he was gone.
Reagan grabbed the pillow behind her to cover her annoyed scream. She knew having a relationship with Matt was wrong and she knew the kiss was not going to happen again, ever. So why did her heart race when he walked in?
Groaning, she stood up and headed to her closet to select her outfit. She knew that she had to dress a bit sexier to catch this client’s eye since he was such a womanizer. Tonight, however she decided to have a little fun and catch Matt’s eye, just once. After all, she had nothing with him ergo she had nothing to lose.
Matt stood in the foyer with the rest of the guys, waiting for Reagan. “Dammit Reagan Juliet,” Johnny bellowed, “I will come up there and carry you down.” His threat was responded to by a slamming of a door upstairs “shut up short shit, you aren’t tall enough to pick me up when I’m wearing heels.” The guys all burst out laughing, while Johnny fumed.
Matt felt tear spring to his eyes. He looked up and froze.
Reagan gracefully descended the stairs in a tight fitting dress. It hugged her body in every right way. Matt felt his jeans suddenly become uncomfortably tight. For the first time, he considered taking back everything he had said before in her room.
Matt’s reaction was definitely what she had wanted. Reagan grinned as her heels clicked against the marble floor of the foyer. “So whose squeeze am I tonight?” she teased.
The way getting a client worked was this. Whenever the gang leant money to a person, they were always to meet the gang at a designated location. Tonight it was Tantric, the other club Avenged owned. If the gang knew the client didn’t have the money, Reagan was sometimes used. She would bait the man to come with her outside the club where the gang would be waiting. She did this by acting all cuddly with one of the guys, a totally weird thing for her to do yet somehow it always worked in that the client would think that kidnapping her would get them more time to delivering the money. Avenged’s scouts had passed along that Jacks Abernathy was not even close to getting the money he owed back to the gang.
“You’ll be with Matt tonight.” Jimmy declared, putting her earpiece into her ear hiding it expertly behind her dark hair. She had to hold back her snort and just nodded, following the guys out to the Escalade.
The minute the escalade pulled into Tantric’s VIP parking space the attitude of the group changed. It was always strange for Reagan to see the guys she lived with turn into their cold gang facades. The guys all climbed out, their faces somber and unreadable as if daring anyone to punch them. Matt put on his aviator sunglasses and opened her door. As soon as her feet hit the ground his arm went possessively around her waist and she leaned against his chest.
Jimmy locked the massive car and the group followed him to the door.
“Good evening Mast Reverend, Mast Christ, Master Vengeance, Master Shadows, Miss Haner.” The bouncer said respectfully as they passed. They all gave stiff nods as they entered the dark and loud space, heading over to their private round table in the corner where they could see everything.
They guys all took their usual seats and Reagan placed herself on Matt’s lap, his arms locked around her to hold her in place. She leaned against him, talking with the other guys while Zacky scanned the area for Abernathy.
“At the bar,” he murmured. Reagan looked up slowly. There were a lot of people at the bar, but she could easily spot whom her uncle was talking about.
Jacks Abernathy sat at the bar, a drink in front of him. He was in a suit, cheap she could tell and was glancing around the room. Obviously looking for the men he owed money to.
First they had to be seen. “Delilah.” Jimmy yelled, slamming the table twice. The bar tender jumped and immediately picked up a tray to get them drinks. Abernathy looked toward the cause of the bartender’s nervousness. As he did, Matt pressed his lips close to her ear and whispered, “I bet Jimmy stuffed a sock in his pants.” Reagan burst into laughter and whispered back that she thought so too. It didn’t matter what he said, they just had to make it look like they were a couple.
About twenty minutes later, Matt opened his wallet and pressed a twenty into h hand. “Here we go kiddo.” Johnny murmured. Reagan knew what to do. She stood, kissed Matt’s cheek and turned. “He doesn’t look sold,” Zacky said. “Got it.” Matt responded.
Standing up, he smacked Reagan’s ass playfully. Reagan gasped and turned, Matt winked and the other guys choked on their laughter. Smirking, Reagan turned around and headed to the bar, hips swaying seductively.
In the back of his mind, Matt did a victory dance. Her ass had been taunting him all night.
Reagan approached the bar and got as close to Abernathy as she could. “Cosmo please Delilah,” she said slapping the bill in front of her. Behind her Jimmy snuck out of his seat to the car so he could get on his laptop and hack into the security cameras.
Reagan sipped her Cosmo and watched the crowd of swaying bodies from her perch on her barstool. She crossed her fingers this would work. She downed her Cosmo and was about to ask for another one. “Another Cosmo on me.” Jacks Abernathy yelled to Delilah sitting beside her. She flashed her white smile at him and he smirked at her as he took a sip of his Jack and Coke.
“So tell me, “ he said as her second drink was placed in front of her. “What’s a nice girl like you doing with that group?” He pointed his glass at the guys.
Reagan smiled and pointed at Matt “that one’s my boyfriend.” Abernathy nodded, “he doesn’t seem like the loving type.” “Oh, he is,” she assured him. “He once said he would pay millions if anyone ever did anything to me.” She sipped her drink; she knew this statement would haul him in.
She watched Abernathy’s eyes cloud over as he calculated what she had said over in his mind. “Forgive me,” he said extending his hand “Jackson Abernathy.” “Liza,” she responded quickly, extending her own. “Master Shadows is a very lucky man indeed.” He said looking at her up and down.
Matt felt his blood boil as he watched Abernathy eye Reagan as if she were some piece of meat.
Reagan blushed and smiled “Oh Mr. Abernathy you flatter me.” He laughed “it is true, I appreciate a beautiful woman when I see one. And please my dear, Jacks if you would.” Reagan nodded smiling.
“Alright cupcake.” Jimmy’s voice sounded in her head.
She opened her clutch to reveal a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. “Well Jacks, if you will excuse me.” She shook her pack. His eyes lit up, “I’ll accompany you my dear we don’t want some hoodlum hurting you now would we?” Reagan thanked him as they headed toward the side exit, the guys going around to the front.
The guys headed to the car, where Jimmy sat with his laptop on his lap. “Think this will be easy?” Johnny asked as he opened the case that contained their guns, handing them to their owners.
“It should be-“ Jimmy responded, not looking up from his screen. “We-“ Suddenly, he stopped. “Oh shit.”
Putting a cigarette between her lips (even though she didn’t smoke), Reagan tried, unsuccessfully to light it. “Allow me,” Abernathy’s cool voice said, taking the lighter out of her hands. “Thank yo-“ Her face was met with the backside of Abernathy’s hand, her earpiece flew across the alley and she stumbled backward. “Get up,” he roared, pulling her off the ground and slamming her into the brick wall behind her. Tears rolled down her cheeks in pain and in fear of the man in front of her.
“Now,” he seethed into her face. “You’re going to come with me and you are going to make a call to your boyfriend. Make his fucking boss give me a million dollars for you do you understand?” Reagan nodded, whimpering.
Abernathy licked his lips. “Now, I wasn’t going to harm you, but you are too beautiful of a woman and I can’t resist.” Reagan tried to scream, but he covered her mouth as he slowly began to slide his hand up her leg. His hand was dangerously close, but suddenly a blur of movement knocked her free.
Matt grabbed Abernathy and slammed him into the pavement, pummeling him into a pulp with every ounce of strength in him. “Shads, no!” Zacky and Johnny cried running to him and pulling him off “he isn’t worth it.”
Suddenly, a familiar car sped into the alley. Brian lunged out of his Porsche and straddled Abernathy’s stomach. Picking him up by his lapels, he spit in his face. Reagan could see his arms shaking in anger.
“You. Do. Not. Fuck. With. My. Family.” Brian roared slamming Abernathy’s head into the pavement after each word. “Because then you fuck with me.” He seethed into the unconscious man’s ear. He held out his hand. “Vengeance.” He ordered. Zacky placed his gun in his boss’ hand. Brian put the gun between Abernathy’s eyes “This one I will enjoy” he said and pulled the trigger.
Reagan shut her eyes as the shot rang out. She opened them to her father, covered in blood staring down at her. She threw herself around his muscular chest. “Jimmy called me.” He explained wrapping his strong arms around her and crushing her to him. “Baby I’m so sorry. You’re never doing this again.” He kissed her forehead. She turned out of her father’s arms and ran to Matt “Thank you.” She cried hugging him fiercely. Matt wrapped his strong arms around her “anything for you.” He whispered in her ear.
Reagan turned back to Brian to hug him again. “I have a couple scrapes and bruises but nothing major.” She promised. Brian nodded, guilt evident in his eyes. “Get in the car.” He said, kissing her temple.
Matt was halfway to the car when Brian called to him. “Shads.” He spun quickly and returned to his boss. “Yeah?” Brian held out his hand, “I can’t thank you enough. If I hadn’t-” Matt held up his hands, “don’t think like that Gates, I was just doing my job.” With that, he shook Brian’s hand. Brian clapped him on the shoulder and headed back to his car.
Matt watched Reagan get into her father’s Porsche. He knew the real reason why he had attacked Abernathy with such force.
He wanted her; there was no more denying it.
Reagan http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=80041234
Walking into the kitchen, she saw her father, Jimmy, and Matt sitting at the kitchen table. She locked eyes with Matt and quickly looked down.
“Good morning Angel,” her father said warmly. “Did you sleep well?” She smiled and nodded, walking to the breakfast bar. After loading her plate with French toast and fruit she sat next to Jimmy, who grabbed one of her strawberries off of her plate. She rolled her eyes as she dug into her breakfast.
“What’s on the agenda for today Gates?” Matt asked, breaking the silence. “I have to visit some of our allies today.” Brian said, standing up. “I’m hosting a dinner tomorrow night and inviting them all. If Good Charlotte wants to start trouble, I want to be ready.”
“Do you still want us to pick up Abernathy tonight?” asked Jimmy. Brian took a deep breath, shutting his eyes. This was what he did every time they had to pick up a client, he was deciding if he should send Reagan along. “You know Abernathy Gates, “ Matt said seriously, “and his weakness for women.”
Brian sighed and nodded. “Reagan,” he said seriously “you’re needed tonight.” She nodded. Her father turned and pointed at Jimmy, “but I want you to hack into the cameras and keep your eyes on her at all times.” He pointed at Matt, “if that twisted asshole lays a finger on her kill him. I don’t care if he has the money.” Matt nodded solemnly.
Just then, the garage door opened. Zacky and Johnny stumbled in with dark circles under their eyes. “Well?” Brian asked. The two had gone out in search of the owner of the car that had followed Reagan.
“We sat outside this guy’s house for five hours.” Johnny said, “but there was no one going in or coming out. It was dark when night fell.”
“So I broke in.” Zacky continued, “After going through some things I found out that the whole family was on vacation and that they left their car at the airport. I guess they were just there at the right time, or their car was anyway.”
Brian nodded, “good thinking Jim.” He said, turning to the tall man next to him, who bowed in reply. “Get to bed you two,” he then commanded Zacky and Johnny. “Tonight you pick up abernatht .”
Reagan was sitting on her window seat, reading a book on her ipad. Her father had left almost an hour ago to deliver invitations to the dinner next week. She hoped they all would be accepted. They would need all the support they could get.
A soft, but firm knock pulled her into reality. She called that the door was open, and soon Matt stuck his head in.
“Hey,” he said softly. “Can I come in?”
She nodded as he gently shut the door. “I wanted to talk to you.”
She quickly stowed her ipad. “Good I did too,” she began. “I wanted to say that it was my fault and I shouldn’t have done that. I’m really sorry.“
Matt held up his hand “Reagan don’t worry about it. I should be the one who’s sorry, I kissed you back. I’m glad at least we both know this can’t happen.”
She nodded in agreement, but neither of them could deny the electricity that filled the room. “Well I should leave you to get ready.” Matt finally said, breaking the silence and heading for the door. “Be ready around 9.” With that, he was gone.
Reagan grabbed the pillow behind her to cover her annoyed scream. She knew having a relationship with Matt was wrong and she knew the kiss was not going to happen again, ever. So why did her heart race when he walked in?
Groaning, she stood up and headed to her closet to select her outfit. She knew that she had to dress a bit sexier to catch this client’s eye since he was such a womanizer. Tonight, however she decided to have a little fun and catch Matt’s eye, just once. After all, she had nothing with him ergo she had nothing to lose.
Matt stood in the foyer with the rest of the guys, waiting for Reagan. “Dammit Reagan Juliet,” Johnny bellowed, “I will come up there and carry you down.” His threat was responded to by a slamming of a door upstairs “shut up short shit, you aren’t tall enough to pick me up when I’m wearing heels.” The guys all burst out laughing, while Johnny fumed.
Matt felt tear spring to his eyes. He looked up and froze.
Reagan gracefully descended the stairs in a tight fitting dress. It hugged her body in every right way. Matt felt his jeans suddenly become uncomfortably tight. For the first time, he considered taking back everything he had said before in her room.
Matt’s reaction was definitely what she had wanted. Reagan grinned as her heels clicked against the marble floor of the foyer. “So whose squeeze am I tonight?” she teased.
The way getting a client worked was this. Whenever the gang leant money to a person, they were always to meet the gang at a designated location. Tonight it was Tantric, the other club Avenged owned. If the gang knew the client didn’t have the money, Reagan was sometimes used. She would bait the man to come with her outside the club where the gang would be waiting. She did this by acting all cuddly with one of the guys, a totally weird thing for her to do yet somehow it always worked in that the client would think that kidnapping her would get them more time to delivering the money. Avenged’s scouts had passed along that Jacks Abernathy was not even close to getting the money he owed back to the gang.
“You’ll be with Matt tonight.” Jimmy declared, putting her earpiece into her ear hiding it expertly behind her dark hair. She had to hold back her snort and just nodded, following the guys out to the Escalade.
The minute the escalade pulled into Tantric’s VIP parking space the attitude of the group changed. It was always strange for Reagan to see the guys she lived with turn into their cold gang facades. The guys all climbed out, their faces somber and unreadable as if daring anyone to punch them. Matt put on his aviator sunglasses and opened her door. As soon as her feet hit the ground his arm went possessively around her waist and she leaned against his chest.
Jimmy locked the massive car and the group followed him to the door.
“Good evening Mast Reverend, Mast Christ, Master Vengeance, Master Shadows, Miss Haner.” The bouncer said respectfully as they passed. They all gave stiff nods as they entered the dark and loud space, heading over to their private round table in the corner where they could see everything.
They guys all took their usual seats and Reagan placed herself on Matt’s lap, his arms locked around her to hold her in place. She leaned against him, talking with the other guys while Zacky scanned the area for Abernathy.
“At the bar,” he murmured. Reagan looked up slowly. There were a lot of people at the bar, but she could easily spot whom her uncle was talking about.
Jacks Abernathy sat at the bar, a drink in front of him. He was in a suit, cheap she could tell and was glancing around the room. Obviously looking for the men he owed money to.
First they had to be seen. “Delilah.” Jimmy yelled, slamming the table twice. The bar tender jumped and immediately picked up a tray to get them drinks. Abernathy looked toward the cause of the bartender’s nervousness. As he did, Matt pressed his lips close to her ear and whispered, “I bet Jimmy stuffed a sock in his pants.” Reagan burst into laughter and whispered back that she thought so too. It didn’t matter what he said, they just had to make it look like they were a couple.
About twenty minutes later, Matt opened his wallet and pressed a twenty into h hand. “Here we go kiddo.” Johnny murmured. Reagan knew what to do. She stood, kissed Matt’s cheek and turned. “He doesn’t look sold,” Zacky said. “Got it.” Matt responded.
Standing up, he smacked Reagan’s ass playfully. Reagan gasped and turned, Matt winked and the other guys choked on their laughter. Smirking, Reagan turned around and headed to the bar, hips swaying seductively.
In the back of his mind, Matt did a victory dance. Her ass had been taunting him all night.
Reagan approached the bar and got as close to Abernathy as she could. “Cosmo please Delilah,” she said slapping the bill in front of her. Behind her Jimmy snuck out of his seat to the car so he could get on his laptop and hack into the security cameras.
Reagan sipped her Cosmo and watched the crowd of swaying bodies from her perch on her barstool. She crossed her fingers this would work. She downed her Cosmo and was about to ask for another one. “Another Cosmo on me.” Jacks Abernathy yelled to Delilah sitting beside her. She flashed her white smile at him and he smirked at her as he took a sip of his Jack and Coke.
“So tell me, “ he said as her second drink was placed in front of her. “What’s a nice girl like you doing with that group?” He pointed his glass at the guys.
Reagan smiled and pointed at Matt “that one’s my boyfriend.” Abernathy nodded, “he doesn’t seem like the loving type.” “Oh, he is,” she assured him. “He once said he would pay millions if anyone ever did anything to me.” She sipped her drink; she knew this statement would haul him in.
She watched Abernathy’s eyes cloud over as he calculated what she had said over in his mind. “Forgive me,” he said extending his hand “Jackson Abernathy.” “Liza,” she responded quickly, extending her own. “Master Shadows is a very lucky man indeed.” He said looking at her up and down.
Matt felt his blood boil as he watched Abernathy eye Reagan as if she were some piece of meat.
Reagan blushed and smiled “Oh Mr. Abernathy you flatter me.” He laughed “it is true, I appreciate a beautiful woman when I see one. And please my dear, Jacks if you would.” Reagan nodded smiling.
“Alright cupcake.” Jimmy’s voice sounded in her head.
She opened her clutch to reveal a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. “Well Jacks, if you will excuse me.” She shook her pack. His eyes lit up, “I’ll accompany you my dear we don’t want some hoodlum hurting you now would we?” Reagan thanked him as they headed toward the side exit, the guys going around to the front.
The guys headed to the car, where Jimmy sat with his laptop on his lap. “Think this will be easy?” Johnny asked as he opened the case that contained their guns, handing them to their owners.
“It should be-“ Jimmy responded, not looking up from his screen. “We-“ Suddenly, he stopped. “Oh shit.”
Putting a cigarette between her lips (even though she didn’t smoke), Reagan tried, unsuccessfully to light it. “Allow me,” Abernathy’s cool voice said, taking the lighter out of her hands. “Thank yo-“ Her face was met with the backside of Abernathy’s hand, her earpiece flew across the alley and she stumbled backward. “Get up,” he roared, pulling her off the ground and slamming her into the brick wall behind her. Tears rolled down her cheeks in pain and in fear of the man in front of her.
“Now,” he seethed into her face. “You’re going to come with me and you are going to make a call to your boyfriend. Make his fucking boss give me a million dollars for you do you understand?” Reagan nodded, whimpering.
Abernathy licked his lips. “Now, I wasn’t going to harm you, but you are too beautiful of a woman and I can’t resist.” Reagan tried to scream, but he covered her mouth as he slowly began to slide his hand up her leg. His hand was dangerously close, but suddenly a blur of movement knocked her free.
Matt grabbed Abernathy and slammed him into the pavement, pummeling him into a pulp with every ounce of strength in him. “Shads, no!” Zacky and Johnny cried running to him and pulling him off “he isn’t worth it.”
Suddenly, a familiar car sped into the alley. Brian lunged out of his Porsche and straddled Abernathy’s stomach. Picking him up by his lapels, he spit in his face. Reagan could see his arms shaking in anger.
“You. Do. Not. Fuck. With. My. Family.” Brian roared slamming Abernathy’s head into the pavement after each word. “Because then you fuck with me.” He seethed into the unconscious man’s ear. He held out his hand. “Vengeance.” He ordered. Zacky placed his gun in his boss’ hand. Brian put the gun between Abernathy’s eyes “This one I will enjoy” he said and pulled the trigger.
Reagan shut her eyes as the shot rang out. She opened them to her father, covered in blood staring down at her. She threw herself around his muscular chest. “Jimmy called me.” He explained wrapping his strong arms around her and crushing her to him. “Baby I’m so sorry. You’re never doing this again.” He kissed her forehead. She turned out of her father’s arms and ran to Matt “Thank you.” She cried hugging him fiercely. Matt wrapped his strong arms around her “anything for you.” He whispered in her ear.
Reagan turned back to Brian to hug him again. “I have a couple scrapes and bruises but nothing major.” She promised. Brian nodded, guilt evident in his eyes. “Get in the car.” He said, kissing her temple.
Matt was halfway to the car when Brian called to him. “Shads.” He spun quickly and returned to his boss. “Yeah?” Brian held out his hand, “I can’t thank you enough. If I hadn’t-” Matt held up his hands, “don’t think like that Gates, I was just doing my job.” With that, he shook Brian’s hand. Brian clapped him on the shoulder and headed back to his car.
Matt watched Reagan get into her father’s Porsche. He knew the real reason why he had attacked Abernathy with such force.
He wanted her; there was no more denying it.
Reagan http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=80041234
Gah!! They need to be able to hear whatever it is that Kappie has to say....and they need to hurry up and get the girls!! My brain!!
7/6/17