Matt’s POV

I closed my eyes and leaned forward with my elbows on my desk, trying calm my rising temper. Nothing was going right! Hell, nothing had been going right since we made that stupid deal with Danny Pagano. He was screwing us over big time and I was about at my wits end.

“What do you mean we’re losing clients?” I growled, pinching the bridge of my nose.
It seemed like every time the Rev brought me the collection it was less and less and I could only surmise that it was Pagano’s fault.

Our gang made its profits by offering protection and services to the people in our districts, keeping their neighborhoods safe and free of drug traffic and violence. While we did also sell and traffic drugs and weaponry, we kept that out of the public eye and in a designated area. Our patrons paid us to live in a safe area and we lived to that standard, but if you didn’t pay, you didn’t receive the service. Which up until a few months ago, the idea of not having protection was unheard of.

You see, our gang claimed the area around the southeast side of Huntington Beach while Pagano owned the northwest side of the city and all the northern territory that extended past Long Beach. The only problem was that our territory boarded each other, causing us to constantly chase Pagano’s henchmen and other rival gangs out of our area. There was bloodshed every other night on one side or the other and people of Huntington Beach feared for their lives. Not to mention all the fuckers that were trying to break into our drug and weaponry warehouse to steal our shit.

So a few months ago, the boys and I decided to take Pagano and his clan up on an agreement to end the senseless killings between the groups. We agreed to give him access to a list of select clients and move freely through our boarding district. In return we would get a cut of the property taxes that he was siphoning. In our agreement, we specifically stated that neither was allowed to trespass in any other district besides district 3. The alliance significantly cut down on the bloodshed, but something wasn’t sitting right with me and the missing money was part of it.

“I don’t know what to tell you, Shads,” the Rev sighed, sinking in the plush leather armchair in front of my desk after dropping a stack of cash on my desk. “People in districts two through three are starting to opt out of the protection.”

“Did they say why?” I hissed, shaking my head. My blood was starting to boil because there could only be one reason they were opting out—they were getting assistance from another service. But what proof did I have? As far as I knew, Pagano’s men hadn’t been sighted in our districts, but that didn’t mean anything. I would get to the fucking bottom of this and teach Pagano a lesson for double-crossing us—I was sure he was behind all this.

The Rev let out a sigh and ran his hands over his tired face. He had been out collecting all day and looked he was ready to crash, but that didn’t stop his leg from bouncing up and down. “They said that they were getting protection elsewhere or they didn’t need our assistance anymore…”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” I raged, standing up and slamming my fist on the desk. “Those bastards better not be crossing the boarder of three into our other districts and stealing clients! That’s fucking breaking our agreement!”

“Relax, Shads, we don’t know that for sure,” the Rev said, his blue eyes staring back at me, his legs bouncing more and more. I knew he didn’t like to sit still for very long and this meeting was probably killing him. “Besides we can’t act on it because we don’t have any proof. Pagano’s henchmen haven’t been spotted anywhere in our districts as far as I know.”

“Who else would fucking step in and try and steal our territory like that, Rev? Please fucking enlighten me!” I screamed, now pacing behind my desk, pulling at my hair. I wanted to fucking kill someone I was so angry, my vision red.

“I’m not saying he’s not,” the Rev groaned loudly, dramatically throwing his head back over the chair. “I’m just saying, look into it before you do anything brash. We don’t really need a gang war right now; our numbers are low as it.”

I leaned forward and put my hands on the desk, looking down at my boots. Fuck, I hated when he was right. I needed concrete proof of my suspicions before I could act or there would be serious hell to pay. One wrong move could cost us all our lives.

“Look, I know you’re pissed about this, Shads. We’re all fucking pissed that Pagano is around, but get your evidence and then hit that bastard where it hurts,” he smirked, wagging his eyes brows at me. “Grab that bastard by the balls, squeeze hard, and rip them off…” He yelled, his eyes dancing with mischief as he stood up, gesturing wildly with his hands. “But with evidence of course…” he concluded, freezing and looking at me with a more serious express.

“Evidence,” I muttered to myself shaking my head. Where the hell was I going to get that? If I knew one thing, it was that Pagano was a master at covering his tracks. He never left a blood trail to his shady business dealings. Maybe Gates and Vengeance saw something tonight? Speaking of those assholes, I wonder if they checked in with Christ yet? I hadn’t heard anything but that didn’t mean they were in trouble.

I narrowed my eyes as I look past Jimmy to the back of the door. Where could I get evidence if Gates and Vengeance didn’t have anything? I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if they were doing anything besides driving around in the car smoking their lives away.

They’d been pretty restless lately with the lack of action on their rounds and were undoubtedly half-assing their jobs. They were two of the best marksmen I had ever met and they lived for the thrill of a fight, but with the new deal they were bored. I could see it in how they conducted themselves and constantly played with their guns in the abandoned warehouse that we converted into our hideout. They were itching for an active assignment but with the new deal, there really weren’t any. That was the only good thing that had come out of this thing.

“Go tell Christ to get ahold of the Berrys and Body and to get their asses in here,” I said after a few minutes when an idea finally struck. The Rev stood up with a salute and quickly made his way out of the room, shutting the door behind him.

Not more than five minutes later, the phone sounded and I answered it after two rings. “Shadows.”

“Okay, boss, the Berrys are on their way in and Body is on line one for you,” Johnny Christ’s voice sounded through the speaker. He was our pint sized equipment and technical specialist and look out. Christ was the one that hooked us up with fancy surveillance gear, tracking chips, disposable phones, explosives, and anything else that we would ever need.

“Thanks, Short Shit…oh and have Gates and Vengeance checked in yet?” I asked, clicking on the tracking app on my computer screen. I would find out where those bastards were.

“Nope, haven’t heard from them since eight,” Christ said as I looked at the little red dot on the screen. What the hell were they doing on the west side of Huntington Beach and why were they not moving? “Do you want me to contact them?”

“Yeah, find out why the hell they are sitting on the boarder of Pagano’s territory,” I said, not liking where this was going. I swear if those two went out looking for a little ‘thrill’ and started shit with the Pagano’s before I was ready to make a move, I would kill them. “Tell them to look out for Pagano’s henchmen.”

“Will do, Shads,” Christ said before I hung up on him and picked up the line for Dan the Body. He was our goods warehouse guard.

“What do you have for me, Body?” I asked in a short tone into the phone. “Any news? Sightings? What have you heard?”

Dan chuckled on the other end of the line. “Nice to talk to you too, Shads,” he said and I rolled my eyes. This also was always one for the polite formalities that I didn’t have time for. “But I don’t have too much to report from this front. It’s been very quietly lately, almost too quite if you ask me. Something doesn’t feel right,” he said, dropping his voice. You’re telling me buddy. “I mean the Vipers haven’t even stuck their nose in our business lately, which usually is a weekly occurrence.”

“And the clientele?” I asked, feeling my blood pressure starting to rise.

“It’s been very slow…not like it normally is.” I pursed my lips and drew my eyebrows together with concern. He was right, that was odd and very unusual. We had one of the most expansive goods warehouses in the area and usual there was traffic in and out everyday. It wasn’t normal for it to be dead, which told me one thing—people were getting their goods from another dealer. What the actual fuck?!

“Shit!” I hissed, slamming my fist on the desk again.

“I’m going to be honest here, Shads. This shit stinks and it smells like Pagano’s handy work,” Dan said and I ran my hands over my face.

“Don’t worry about it, I will get to the bottom of this and if it is his handy work and dirty dealings, he will fucking pay! Mark my words, we’ll hit him where it hurts.”

“And how exactly are you planning to do that?” Dan asked, his voice softly like he didn’t want to be overheard.

“I don’t know yet,” I growled. “But if he thinks he can pull this backhand shit and pull the wool over our eyes, he’s got another thing coming,” I hissed just as there was a knock on the door. “I’ve got to go but let me know if anything comes up. Even if there is just some ass walking he property. Got it?”

“Got it,” Body said as I hung up and called the Berrys into my office.

“Take a seat, gentlemen,” I said, gesturing the twins to take a seat in the leather armchairs. The Berry brothers looked at each other and took a seat without a word, obviously sensing my high level of frustration. “So as you may have noticed, we’ve been having a little bit of an issue with the Pagano deal.” I started, only to receive nods from both Matt and Jason. “I was hoping you had some information for me…something to…move forward with.” I crossed my arms in front of me and leaned back in my chair with a tight jaw.

The Berrys were close friends of ours and worked as civilian informants for us, as well as accountants. The pair of them had the best brainpower I’d ever seen.

Jason leaned forward after looking at his brother. “Well, we have noticed a lot of motion on the Pagano side of two. He’s got lots of men coming in and out of his headquarters, most of them henchmen carrying large sums of cash. It’s more than usual,” he said and I clenched my jaw harder, trying to keep my anger from spilling out.

“Did you see what direction they were coming from?” I growled. From the look on the Berrys’ faces I must have been snarling.

“Unfortunately we didn’t see that part,” Matt said and slammed my fist on the desk for the third time in the past hour. If I kept that up, I was going to need a new desk. “But…we did score these.” Matt Berry reached into his wallet and pulled out three tickets and placed them in front of me. “We thought you and some of the guys might be interested,” he chuckled.

“Masquerade tickets?” I scoffed but the Berry brothers only laughed. “Take a closer look,” Jason chuckled.

“This is at the fucking Pagano’s house!” I said after reading the fine print. “That bastard is throwing a ball?”

“Yep,” Matt said, exchanging a wicked glance with his brother. “And do you know who the guests of honor are?”

“Is beloved daughters,” Jason finished and I leaned back in my chair with a smirk growing on my face. I had an idea…

Emery’s POV

I couldn’t believe how easy it was to sneak out of the house and downtown without being seen. It was like child’s play getting out of the house! Oh, and did it feel good to finally be able to do what I wanted to do. I was so sick and tired of being cooped up in that stuff old house. I mean, I was twenty-three-years-old for pete sake and I wasn’t allowed out of the house without a baby sitter? What the hell was that? I was old enough to take care of myself. Daddy just needed to relinquish his ironclad grip a little bit.

“Are you excited?” Jolie asked as we got out of cab. My eyes were immediately draw to the bright neon lights and the line of people waiting to get in. This was exactly what I needed—a little fun in my life.

“It’s been way too long, you were right,” I said with a huge smile on my face. I quickly adjusted my short black dress as Jo paid the cabbie and we made our way to the bouncer. To my surprise he shot us a wink and let us walk in without so much as checking out IDs. Now that’s what I called service! It didn’t even register to me that it might be because he knew who we were—I was naïve like that.

“Come on, Jo, let’s get some shots to start the night out right!” I said excitedly, dragging her over to the bar as soon as we stepped foot inside.

I couldn’t help but look around in awe with all of the flashing light, loud bass driven music, and huge crowd of people. It was exactly what we needed—some fun and freedom to just act our age. The porcelain doll act was getting old! This club was amazing but I knew that we couldn’t stay long, not if we didn’t want Daddy to find out. He would never approve of a place like this, not in a million years.

“To a night of fun away from, Daddy,” I laughed, clinking my shot with Jolie’s. I quickly downed it, the burn feeling good on my throat. “Mmm…another,” I told the bartender, wiggling around on the stool with delight.

“Take it easy there, Em,” Jo chuckled but I just shook my head. “No way, we only have a few hours and I’m going to make the most of my time. I think you should too!” I advised, handing her another shot and a Long Island Iced Tea. “Drink up, big sis!” I grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the dance floor, the bass taking over my body. I just wanted to let loose and have good time—forget the demons we left back home.

I quickly took my second shot and pulled the straw of my drink to my lips, looking around the crowd as I danced. Damn there were a lot of gorgeous men here but I didn’t quiet understand why none of them would come up to us. Did we scream Pagano or something? I thought we both looked hot and did a nice job dressing differently so we would avoid this problem. I guess not.

“Another shot?” I asked after we both finished our Long Islands. I was already feeling the alcohol but I wanted more. Damn this was fun!

“Yes please,” Jo nodded as I danced my way towards the bar, my hips swinging to the beat. “You look so happy,” she commented and I laughed a little.

“Because I am and I am a little drunk,” I giggled, holding onto the side of the bar.

“Have you noticed that when we are at the dance floor the guys make a huge circle around us?” Jo asked, taking one of the shots in front of me.

“Yeah… we are not far enough away as it seems. They still know us… huh?” I sighed, catching the eyes of handsome guy with blue eyes. But as soon as I waved him over he looked away and I frowned a little. Sometimes I hated being cursed as a Pagano and I just wanted to run away. Everything would just be easier, or at least that’s what I thought.

“Or not drunk enough” Jo replied chuckling.

“Oh that’s about right, so we should do something about that.” I lifted another drink to my lips and then scanned the crowd. Would one of these men be brave enough to dance with me?

“To our night out and breaking the rules,” Jo cheered and I downed another shot “To us!”

As the night progressed, the more Jo and I drank and the more my inhibitions slipped away. I was dancing and singing to the music with my hands up in the air, grinding with my sister, and having a ball. This was honestly one of the best nights I’d have in a long time and the fact that I was wasted didn’t hurt that either. Damn I felt so good and the only thing that would make it better would be to have someone to dance with.

And almost as if my thoughts were answered, I felt a pair of strong hands land on my hips. I looked behind me in shock, not actually expecting someone to dance with me but here he was.

“Care if I join you?” His deep voice sounded in my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

I smiled up at him as I leaned back into his chest, letting my ass press against him as I moved my hips. The man’s grip instantly tightened on my hips, his need starting to stab me in the ass.

“You’re welcome to join in,” I breathed, taking in his intoxicating aroma. He smelled like a mix of the most mouthwatering cologne I had ever smelled, alcohol, and smoke. Mmm…something we had in common. I bit my lip and moved with him, getting more turned on that I should with a stranger. Hell, I had barely seen his face, but his physique was enough to make me turn to putty.

It seemed like ages since the last time I had dance with a man, let alone had relations and my body was screaming from this physical contact. Maybe it was the alcohol talking but I liked it and wanted more.

The next thing I knew, the man had turned me around in his arms, making me a little dizzy. I took a step toward him but he was more demanding, pulling me firmly into his need. I bit down on my bottom lip to suppress the moan that wanted to escape when I felt his cock stab me in the thigh. It was then that I also got a chance to look at his handsome features and stunning brown eyes. Damn, I just met this guy and already he was making me wet. But then again, that might be the alcohol talking?

“I’m Brian, what’s your name beautiful?” He said in my ear after brushing my long blonde locks over my shoulder. Just the sound of his voice was driving me crazy and I could help but slowly move against him to the music, almost in a trance-like state. God he was making me want him so bad.

“Just call me Em,” I breathed, wrapping my arms around his neck and pressing my body to his. I had never done anything like this with a complete stranger, but I couldn’t help myself. He was just so goddamned sexy and I really couldn’t get enough. I craved that male touch and maybe he was just the guy to unleash that desire.

Brian’s lips were slowly moving against my neck as we danced in the middle of the dance floor, making me feel like I had taken some kind of intense drug. Only with this drug, each kiss on my flesh felt like a little explosion of ecstasy. I couldn’t help but let out a small moan and cling to him. “Mmm…what brings you out tonight, beautiful…” Brian asked, his hands moving lower and lower down my back.

“Just-Just a fun night out with my sister,” I practically moaned, his hands nearly on my ass now. “You?” It was small talk but it was a distraction to the fact that I was ready to fuck a complete stranger. God, I was so turned on right now it wasn’t even fun. Brian must have had some kind of magical touch.

Brian chuckled against my neck, the sensation making a moan escape my lips. “I’m just out enjoying a night off from work,” his hands were suddenly on my ass, squeezing my tight flesh and push me further into him. I bit my lip, his intoxicating smell filling my nostrils again and making me weak in the knees.

I swallowed thickly as he reached down and cupped my cheek with a smirk on his lips, his dark eyes locked with mine. “Seems like…a-a good night to me,” I stammered, not able to form a logical thought.

“God you’re beautiful,” he breathed, caressing my cheek with his calloused fingers. I could feel the butterflies in my stomach going made and I was having a hard time calming my racing heart.

The next think I knew, his lips crashed against mine, claiming them with a vengeance. I hungrily kissed him back, only for his tongue to brush my bottom lip. I gasped and allowed him entrance. Brian’s tongue was demanding as it moved into my mouth and I responded like a ravenous animal, devouring and encouraging him to give me more. Oh, he tasted just as good as he smelled and I didn’t ever want this amazing feeling to end.

I slid my hands into the back of his hair, my fingers wrapping around the strands, pulling him closer to me. I just couldn’t get enough of him and apparently either could he because I felt him lift me up in the air. I wrapped my legs around him as he carried me to a dimly lit hallway, my back being pressed into a stonewall.

I moaned against Brian’s lips as one of his hands moved to left breast and slide into my deep neckline. He let out our rumbling groan as he cupped it tightly, making me arch into him more. I let out a soft moan as he pinched and rolled my nipple between his fingertips. It was as if an electric current was sending sexually-charged tingles to my womanhood, creating an ache so intense that I knew I was now totally at his mercy.

My body was on fire as his lips moved back to my neck, while his other hand worked up my exposed thigh. My breath caught in my throat as his hand began to rub my inner thigh, slowly moving closer and closer to my core. Oh, god I felt like I was going to explode already. When his fingers brushed the side of my lace panties, I dug my nails into the back of his neck and closed my eyes, aching for his touch.

“Mmm…Brian…” I whimpered as he teased me with his hand outside of my panties. It had been so long since I’d had anyone touch me that spot that I was already drenched.

He let out a strangled groan and pushed them to the side, and slid one of his fingers inside of me. I closed my eyes and spread my legs wider as his hand began to move, creating that familiar pressure inside that needed to be released.

“Em…” he whispered into my neck, making circular motions with his thumb. “I need you…”

“Yes…” I moaned as his fingers moved faster, making my legs shake. I quickly reached down and unbuckled his belt, not even caring that anyone could walk down this hallway any minute. I wanted him so badly that it didn’t matter.

Zacky’s POV

I couldn’t believe my luck. I had the hottest girl in the whole damn club sitting at the bar with me, laughing and drinking the night away. I didn’t even care where Gates had gone. Hell he couldn’t be having nearly as much luck with blondie as I was with Jo. And fuck she was gorgeous.

After a few rounds of drinks at the bar, I decided to amp up my game and bring her back to our dark table. I had been playing all my moves tonight and if this kept progressing the way I thought it was, there was no doubt in my mind that she would wax my dick. I bit my lip at the thought, watching her climb the stairs in front of me. Damn she had a nice ass that I could really just sink my teeth into. Easy now, Vengeance, keep your gentleman behavior until you get her into a bed. Then you can fuck her brains out!

I motioned Jo to sit down at the benched and I slid in next to her. Without a word, I picked up my beer and did a small toast, inching toward her. God she smelled amazing and I just wanted another sniff of her aroma. She smelled like wildflowers and vanilla and it was intoxicating.

It was then that I noticed Jo licking her lips and I smirked to myself, taking that as an invitation to kiss her. In a very gentle and delicate manner, I leaned in and captured her lips in soft kiss. I took my time with her and explored the delicious taste of her lips. The taste of her cherry lip-gloss is what sent me over the edge, my lips becoming more demanding and hungry.

I reached up and let my hand tangle in her hair as I pulled her closer. With that motion, Jo immediately opened up and I let my tongue dance with her in a hungry passion. She moaned against my lips so I slowly started to move my hand up her thigh. “Mmm…” she hummed against my lips as I inched closer and closer up her dress.

To my surprise, Jo pushed me back in the bench and carefully moved onto my lap without breaking the kiss. Her hands moved up to my face and hair to deep the kiss as my hands ran up and down her sides. Not only was she drop dead gorgeous but the girl also had a banging body. Maybe I could get her out to the car for a fun time if I played my cards right.

Jos tongue moved against mine in a battle of dominance as my hands moved to her thighs. I gently rubbed up and down her slickly smooth skin, hearing her moan and respond. Her body slowly started to move up and down, her hot little core grinding against the strained member in my pants. Oh, god I was going to have to do something about this soon or else I was going to have the worst case of blue balls known to man.

“Do you wanna…” I started to ask through our kisses just as all the lights in the club turned on and music was shut off.

Jo and I instantly froze and sprang up, looking around to find out what was going on. Was it closing time already? I thought we had another hour before they started to kick people out but maybe I was wrong. Well, that is until I saw the men in green jackets with the Pagano seal on scanning the dance floor.

“Fuck,” I hissed, carefully moving Jo off my lap and setting her down on the bench. She blinked at me in confusion. “I’m sorry, baby doll but I’ve got to go before shit gets ugly.” I quickly pecked her lips before I pulled away and snuck towards he back door. “I’ll see you around, beautiful.”

I quickly made my way out the door without being seen and headed to the cars. I just hoped Gates got out of there before one of Pagano’s men found him. This club wasn’t on our territory and we were breaking our deal by being there.

I quickly climbed in the car and started the engine, ready to take off. I would give him five minutes and if he wasn’t out, I was going to leave his sorry ass behind. I wasn’t going to get captured or killed over this, fuck no.

Thankfully seconds later, Brian came flying out the back door looking more than a little pissed off. “Fucking Paganos!” he raged as soon as he got in the car. “I was this fucking close to getting my dick waxed! This close!” he raged holding up his fingers to show me as I sped away. “And she was so damn hot, V…I was so close!”

“You and me both, Gates,” I sighed as Gates’ cellphone started to ring. He answered it with “Gates.”

“Yeah, were just finishing up our rounds,” Gates said, looking at me with a smirk. It must have been Christ checking up on us because we didn’t call. Or rather Shadows told him to. “Well, I don’t know what to tell you about the tracking device,” Brian continued and I had to fight the urge to laugh. “We’ve been all over the grid tonight checking out the district just like Shads said. The fucker must be broken….yep…well tell him to calm the fuck down. We’ll check it out,” he sighed before hanging up.

“What was that about?” I asked with a raised brow.

“Take a right to district three,” he instructed before continuing. “Shads was concerned because our tracker said we were in Pagano territory,” he smirked widely. “But he wants us to go stalk out district for incognito and watch for henchmen. Apparently he has a hunch that they are stealing our territory and clients.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised, that dick,” I scoffed pulling my gun out of the back of my pants and hanging it out the window. “You ready to go hunting, Gates?”

Notes

So there is a little Matt, little Emery, and a little Zacky POV for you today. What do you think? Do the guys know who they are 'playing' with? What will Matt say when he finds out? Hmmm