Page 3 of We Do

“We got you. We won’t let them hurt you. We’ll use this as camouflage and get you to a secure house.”

“I am not testifying. No way. That’s a guaranteed body bag.”

“We won’t force you. If you could identify the guy tonight that would be a big help. Even if you won’t do more, we can still get you into protective custody and have you relocated.”

“Like witness protection? Some place out of this damn town?”

“Yes. Just play along for now,” Kade says.

“Give us a chance. Let us take care of you,” I add.

Leading her to the waiting area there are still two couples in line ahead of us for the Elvis look-alike officiant. Good. That should give us plenty of time to stall and then make our exit before we’re called to make our vows. Elvis finishes the wedding in progress, pronouncing them man and wife. Toasting the couple, he throws back his glass, emptying the contents and nods for a refill as the next couple are led forward.

A young woman approaches, arms filled with pink, red and white bouquets. “It just wouldn’t be a wedding without flowers,” she smiles tentatively. “Especially for someone as beautiful as you. These dark pink roses match your lip color and would be perfect.”

Fancy shakes her head. The young flower girl’s expression drops, and she glances nervously over my shoulder. “Please,” she whispers. “I haven’t sold any tonight, and I’ll lose my job.”

Kade pulls a wad of cash from his pocket, peeling off a couple of Benjamins. “Keep the change for yourself,” he says softly.

Her eyes light up before the money disappears underneath her money apron and into her jeans pocket. “Thank you, sir. Thank you. I’ve got a kid.”

Handing the flowers to the woman now under our protection the girl skitters away. More couples enter from the dressing area. A young man is going from couple to couple, a black velvet tray in his hand. Leaning down I whisper to our witness. “I’m Rico, that’s Kade. Is Fancy your real name?”

She nods.

“Okay, just play along.”

CHAPTER 3

Kade

Rico and I have worked together for ten years. Became best friends almost immediately. We know each other, how we’ll act or react. It’s like looking in a mirror sometimes, even though he’s dark and I’m light. Brothers, family, bonded by danger and experiences.

We always get the job done. Our superiors noticed and have left us mostly to our own devices as long as we don’t stray too far outside the lines.

Tonight is going to be one of those nights.

This time, Rico’s the player in our operation. He’s been at a table or in front of a machine the whole time we’ve been on location. Hobnobbing with our known targets, getting noticed, standing out with just the right attitude.

Intent on getting the lay of the land, finding ways into places we needed to see and assessing exit routes on the first night of this assignment, I noticed her as I scoped out the casino.

She was behind the hat check counter, alabaster shoulders exposed, her black and gold corset hugged the most perfect body I’d ever seen. An old guy with stooped shoulders and shaggy white hair was talking to her. Her smile was perfection.

Then she laughed and I heard her speak. My god, that voice went straight to my dick. Husky, rich, seductive.

Over the next three weeks, I loved learning the different facets of her personality just by gauging her smile and customer interactions. Sometimes sweet, sometimes kind, when she greeted the average customer or engaged with all the old folks, giving them her best smile and friendliest tone.

Occasionally sultry if the gentlemen was polite or someone she appreciated.

Frosty as hell when some schmuck thought she was fair game and tried to get handsy. And if pushed, downright ferocious.

Sweet and sassy. Just how Rico and I like ‘em.

I told Rico how perfect she was and I’ve been talking her up to him since. But there’s nothing like seeing her in person and experiencing her draw firsthand. Playing his assigned role, he hasn’t been able to see her in person until now.

Now, when she’s in danger. Fate. Sometimes it works in our favor, sometimes not. Damn, I’m hoping this is a good one. This woman totally does it for me. Now that he’s finally seen her in person, I can tell by the glint in his eye he’s interested too.

Somewhere along the path of our years working together, Rico and I realized sharing an occasional woman was part of our dynamic. I mean hell, we’re always hot for the same ones. We’ve had a few short, shared relationships, just nothing that’s stuck. We still hope for something more someday.

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