Teased(65)

“Ice wanted to tell me what went down last night. Seems the FBI hit the recording studio, the basement had about ten women held there, and they were in bad shape. A couple of Digger’s men were arrested. Digger was there, but he managed to escape.”

“No.” Vida couldn’t believe the slimy bastard managed to get away.

“Yes, stupid fucks let him slip through their fucking fingers. Now he’s blaming King for ratting him out and he’s determined to get back at him then kill him, in that order,” Ice confirmed her worst fear.

“How do you know?”

No one answered.

Vida remembered what Seth had told her about Digger having some friends left in the Predators. Vida was willing to bet that one or two were merely pretending to maintain an eye on what Digger was up to. Then another thought occurred to her.

“Digger will go after Sawyer,” Vida whispered. If there was a connection to King, he would kill Sawyer. “We have to find her.”

“We already have the word out. It’s going to take time.” From his voice, Ice didn’t hold out much hope.

Vida turned toward Colton, burying her face in his chest, not wanting anyone to see her crying.

“We’ll find her, baby.” Colton tried to give her hope, but Vida knew from losing Callie that sometime help came too late.

They stayed until it grew dark. Colton stood at the bar with his friends, laughing and joking around. He had lost a lot when he had gone to prison for Tessa. He had a life, friends and a business he had sacrificed so the woman he had married and who had carried his child wouldn’t suffer.

“He’s a nice guy,” Gert said next to her.

“Yes, I’m finding that out,” agreed Vida.

“One woman has already fucked him over. I understand your friend is in trouble, but I don’t want Colton to get himself in trouble again trying to protect another woman.”

Vida stared at Colton. Gert was right, he had no stake in this. He was only involved because of her. “I won’t let him get hurt,” Vida promised.

“If you do, I’m going to kick your ass,” Gert promised with a hard glare.

“Okay.” Vida was going to make sure that Colton wasn’t hurt, whatever it took, although it had very little to do with Gert’s promise.

“What are you both looking so serious about?” Colton asked, handing Vida another beer.

“I’m telling her she needs to get some sexier clothes if she’s going to be your bitch,” Gert lied.

“I like her just the way she is. Leave her alone, Gert.”

“I will. If she takes my advice,” she said with a meaningful look.

“You ready?”

“Yes,” Vida answered.

Colton went to tell Ice they were leaving while Vida said goodbye to Rita, Crush and the other women. As they left, she caught Ice and Jackal’s eyes on her. She had a feeling that they had the same idea as Gert, that she was leading Colton down the same path Tessa had. Vida was going to prove them wrong.





Chapter 19





When they returned to the apartment, Vida dried the clothes she had washed earlier and started another load. Colton didn’t volunteer to fold the clothes when she dried the second load, but he did rub lotion onto her tattoo. Vida figured it was an even trade.

“Do you think Tessa will show up for work tomorrow?” Vida asked, watching for his reaction.

“Not if she’s smart,” he said grimly.

“It doesn’t matter, Colton. If she wants to come back, let her. I feel sorry for her.”

Colton looked at her as if she was crazy.

“I do. I don’t know that I would act much better if I saw you with another woman,” she confessed.

“You wouldn’t lie. You would get mad and probably throw something, but you wouldn’t lie. Roni would have told her the truth, that I never touched Goldie. Tessa always lies, either to cause trouble or get out of trouble. She never tells the truth.”

Vida couldn’t understand why the woman had destroyed her marriage for drugs. Instead of owning up to it to try to save her marriage, she had lied. Even more, selling herself to keep the lie going.

Tired, Vida showered and dressed in her pajamas. She came out to find Colton waiting for her on the bed with a wicked grin.

“Oh no, you don’t. I’m tired and sore,” Vida said adamantly.

Colton held out his arms for her and Vida sank down into them. “I like this.”

“I do, too,” Colton replied. “Of course, I like the other, too.”

Vida’s eyes closed. “Did you try to call King again?”

“Yes, he’s still not answering and no one has seen him at the club.”

“Could Digger have him?” Vida was worried. Even though King was ruthless, he had tried to help when no one else would.