Page 50 of Don't Lie To Me

“Looks like the detective wanted to give you something as well, Sloane. He was so hot for you I could feel the sexual tension from over here.” Harley fans her face dramatically. “What the fuck, girl?”

“Detective?” Ricky asks, his brow raised in question.

“Fuck off back to your table, Ricky,” I tell him, not wanting to get into it with him. I know how much the Morettis hate the cops, but this is none of his business.

He chuckles but does as I said and leaves us alone, rejoining the other boys.

Onyx glances my way, and I sigh heavily. He’s just another problem I need to sort out. And I can tell he knows I was up to no good with the detective.

“What the hell, Sloane?” Harley smirks, a playful sparkle in her pretty eyes. She’s loving this drama way too much.

With a groan, I bury my head in my hands, my temples throbbing. “I don’t even know where to start. This week has gotten so out of hand so damn quickly.”

“You have a cop and a mafia boss lusting after you, that is one interesting predicament.”

I glance back up at her. She doesn’t know the half of it. I’m dying to tell her about Onyx as well, but I can’t, not when I know the shit it could get him in with my brothers. “You of all people should know the hell I’m going through. Help me, don’t laugh at my pain.” I slump back into my chair, tossing a fry in my mouth and chewing even though I can’t taste it.

She pats my leg softly, but I can feel the rumble of laughter going through her at the same time. “Sounds like your life is about to heat up.”

“Not funny.” I glare at her.

Her features have more sympathy now. “I know, girl, I get it. What does Onyx think of it all? I always thought the big guy had a thing for you.”

“Why would you say that?” I gasp, my heart kicking up a beat. She is the first person to point it out today, and now I’m worried it’s obvious to everyone around us.

She looks his way, and he’s still watching me unashamedly. “No reason.” A slow smirk stretches across her lips as she glances back at me.

All I can do is shake my head and shove my burger in my mouth to avoid talking anymore. I have no words to say. None. My life is one big fucking mess. And she’s no help.

Chapter 19

Itispreciselyoneo'clock in the morning when the front door crashes open, hinges screaming, as the SWAT team floods the main bar, a wave of heavy boots and weapons.

With a deep breath, I stand, ready to face them head-on, feeling the adrenaline surge. Bring it on, fuckers, I have nothing to hide here tonight.

Romeo stands beside me, as Onyx steps before me, his hand a shield against whatever might threaten.

“Police! We have a search warrant! Hands where we can see them!” one of the officers calls over the music as they rush toward us. They fill the room quickly with their guns drawn and their Kevlar on.

Sally and Myriah both move out from behind the bar and raise their hands. Me and the boys follow. There are a few jacket-wearing patrons who stand in a rush. With guns trained on us, we are forced to line up against the far wall as they shine flashlights in our eyes and over our bodies. Looking for concealed weapons I’m sure, but no one who is working for me tonight would be stupid enough to turn a weapon on them. We all know if we comply, this will be over quickly and without too much hassle.

Detective Wilder enters the club, with his coworker by his side. I can’t remember what her name is. Her eyes fix in on me as he approaches, a very obvious warrant in his hand. He looks over themen at my sides, Onyx and Romeo, with a new distaste I don’t quite understand. Then his eyes rake over me. He eats up every inch of me, his eyes eventually landing on my face. He’s enjoying his newfound power. “I didn’t want to do it like this, but my hands are tied, Sloane. This is a court-ordered warrant, and I need to do my job.”

I nod, understanding and giving him the go-ahead to proceed. Thank fuck he gave me the heads-up and I was able to clear the space before they got here.

“We have reason to believe someone by the name of Ava Kingsley is being held hostage on these premises. We need to take a look around. Don’t fight me on this or I will have to arrest you.”

I blink back at him, not sure who the fuck he’s going on about. “To my knowledge, no one by that name is working here or being held against their will here tonight, but you’re welcome to check ID badges and search the place. Knock yourselves out.”

I glance at Romeo, but he looks just as confused as I am. “We’re happy to comply in any way you need,” he adds.

My bouncer guarding the door to the VIP room stands aside, watching as one of the cops repeatedly slams against the solid oak door of the strip club, unable to force it open. “You want my card to get through? I have nothing to hide, Detective.” I feel the smirk stretching across my lips as I challenge him with my gaze. We both know this is bullshit. “It’s around my neck.”

He reaches over my head taking my security card, passing it off to another officer who proceeds to open the door. They move on through to the next room, and even though the girls had been warned, squeals of panic still echo through the room. My girls are nothing if not a bit dramatic.

Detective Wilder doesn’t move, though. He stays here with us, his eyes locked onto mine with unwavering determination, a seriousnessin his expression that doesn’t suit his gorgeous face. “It will be easier for everyone if you just turn her over, Sloane,” he says softer, as if he thinks I know who that girl is.

“I have no idea who you’re talking about,” I snap back, getting irritated.

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