Destin brushed a strand of hair away from her cheek, jolting her into sitting up straighter. She pushed her arms together, making her already full breasts seem even larger. When she saw his eyebrows lift with interest, she let her arms fall to her sides as much as was possible in the tight confines of the backseat.
“Yeah. And others. Let’s just say it’s the kind of club that gives people what they desire.”
“That doesn’t tell me anything.”
Paul smiled, his eyes glittering. But with mirth or suspicion?
“Is this an interrogation, Georgia? If it is, then I’d like to know what charges you’re bringing against me.”
“Of course not. I’m only making conversation.”
The laugh lines around his eyes came out. “Then tell us more about you.” Paul took her hand and squeezed it as though comforting her.
“I think you already know more than you should.”
“Why would you say that? Don’t you trust us?”
Her first instinct was to say no, but that would’ve been a lie. She’d already made the decision to trust them. “That’s not the point. You know I’m a police officer and that I live in Suwanee.” That last part wasn’t true, but she wasn’t about to tell them she lived in Norcross. “There’s really not much more for you to know.”
“Then how about telling us what’s eating you up inside?”
She inhaled, the invisible wall between them shooting sky high. How could she tell them when she’d barely talked about it to her father or her fellow officers? Hell, she hadn’t even said much to the department’s psychiatrist. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Yes, you do,” added Paul. “You’ve gone through an awful experience and you can’t let it go. Did it have anything to do with your work?”
She gritted her teeth as the images that haunted not only her nights, but her days came rushing back. “That isn’t any of your business.”
“Now who’s pushing, bro?”
Paul cupped the back of her neck. “Fine. We’ll let it go. For now.” He pulled her closer, her mouth only an inch from his. “Until then, tell me, Georgia. What is it you want to do right this very minute?”
She trembled as she fought against the memories, the horror that had ripped her apart that night. Coming out of the darkness surrounding her had taken longer than she would’ve ever believed, and yet, although Dr. Roberts had cleared her for duty, she wasn’t sure she’d ever be whole again.
“I don’t know what you mean. I’m going home, that’s all.”
“Fuck that. You know what I mean.”
She could smell his breath and almost taste him. All she had to do was go that little inch and kiss him. Then she’d see if the flavors she was imagining were real.
“Don’t think, Georgia. Just do.”
She closed her eyes. How could they know what she wanted? Was she that transparent? Had she moaned during her fantasy? Yet if they could see the horrible truth she’d manage to hide from others, how much easier was it to see that she ached for them?
“Damn it. I can’t take any more.”
Destin slipped his hand along her arm, then over to cup her breast. She inhaled, stunned at the move, yet loving the feel of his hand pushing against her. “Let it go, sugar. For once, for tonight, let it go. Do as we say. Now.”
She moaned, unable to resist the rush of lust that flowed through her. For the first time in a long while, she was able to thrust away the macabre thoughts that threatened to take over.
“Now, baby. Obey.”
She never would’ve believed it. Never would’ve chanced it, especially not in a cab. But listening to their words, feeling their hot breath on her skin, she had no choice. She had to do as they’d told her.
Something inside her broke open, leaving a crack for her dreams to squeeze through. Hadn’t she wanted to act out her fantasies? The compulsion she’d buried inside her broke free and took over.
One night. That was all I’ll ask for. After that, I’ll go back to my life and forget this ever happened.
Her chest rose and fell in swift succession as she let them help her out of her coat. As they rid themselves of their jackets, she crossed her arms over her head, then tugged her shirt over her head. Her hair spilled around her shoulders as her gaze found the cabbie’s wide eyes reflected in the rearview mirror. She heard the sound of the men unzipping their jeans. Pressing her finger to her lips, she warned him to remain silent. He nodded, then flicked his tongue over his lips.
She wasn’t the type of girl to make out with two men she’d just met. And in a cab no less. But she had to escape the loneliness that had gripped her, its chilly fingers closing around her, keeping her silent and alone for so long. She ached for someone to touch her, to hold her. Someone she had no chance of seeing ever again.