Big Girls Don't Cry

“Lexie, be quiet, darlin’. I’m gonna tell you something. You better tuck this away somewhere where you won’t forget it.” He leaned in closer, holding her gaze. “This message is for the hottest, most beautiful woman I know. I am going to make love to you, Lexie. And, by God, sugar, you are going to love it. You won’t believe the things I’m going to do to you.”

When she gasped, he just smiled.” And do you know what? You are going to beg me for more. You won’t believe that life can be so good.”

Chapter 15

Lexie looked down, avoiding his piercing gaze. She didn’t want him to know how confused she was. Remembering how she felt when he touched her, held her against the wall made her shiver with a mix of fear and excitement. Her face felt impossibly hot. Jake’s promise that he intended to make love to her both thrilled and frightened her. But, she reminded herself, Jake didn’t know how damaged she was. If he did, she was sure he would be repelled.

But she had a more immediate problem. She needed to tell Jake what she planned to do. How she intended to find Anthony’s killer. She owed him that. She screwed up her courage, knowing how angry Jake would be. For a moment, she wished she could hide behind the numb glow the alcohol gave her earlier. But she knew from long ago experience that that didn’t work. It was worse when the numbness wore off. With a heartfelt sigh, she decided she may as well get it over with. He’d know soon enough.

“Jake, I need to talk with you, to tell you something.”

Jake pinned her with a hard gaze, his eyes narrowing. He settled back against the sofa and draped a casual arm over the back.

“I’m not sure I like the sound of that opening, Lexie. Considering that every damned thing I’ve learned about you, I’ve had to pry out of you. I can’t begin to imagine what’s so bad that you are warning me, rather than just doing it and annoying the hell out of me afterwards.”

Lexie was determined that she would not be put off by his certain anger. She took a deep breath and met his hard gaze.

“Jake, I’ve been talking with people—people on the street.” She looked him in the eye and continued. “Pimps, hookers, and the like.” She continued in a rush ignoring his deepening frown. “I’ve met people who knew Anthony, people who weren’t surprised that he had been killed. The word is that he was a familiar face at the Senora Travieste.”

Jake motioned her to continue, the only sign she saw that he was upset was a slight twitch by his eye.

“According to the pimps I talked to, the girls there are making a lot more money than they used to. Their pimps are angry. They’ve lost their hold on the girls. Three separate people told me there is a large scale drug running operation based at the club.”

When he still didn’t respond, Lexie squared her shoulders and lifted her chin, preparing for his response.

“The reason I was dancing tonight, the reason I wanted to make a scene was because I want them to notice me. I don’t know if you saw those three men in the back corner of the bar. The older Hispanic guy is the owner. His name is Sergio. I’ve been told that he personally hires all the waitresses at the club.”

She swallowed past the lump in her throat.

“I…I’m going to apply for a job as a waitress at Senora Travieste.”

Jake eyed her. His voice was soft, controlled.

“Senora Travieste is a front for a strip joint, Lexie.”

She was fierce. “I know that, Jake. If they put me on the stage, I’m going to do it. It’s the only way I can get the girls to trust me. To make them think I am one of them so that they will confide in me.”

Jake’s eyes were like ice, his expression oddly contained.

“You know I can’t let you do that, Lexie.”

She shook her head. “Unfortunately, it is not your choice. Not your decision to make. I’m twenty six years old and I make my own decisions.”

Jake made a visible effort to control his response. He leaned forward, his forearms resting on his knees staring at her intently. His answer surprised her.

“Let’s put aside for the moment how I feel about your meeting up with pimps and prostitutes and gang leaders. Instead, let’s discuss your findings. I’m impressed, Lexie. You’ve come up with some of the same information that I and my team have. You are correct. The Senora Travieste is the locus of what looks like a major drug relay point. The obvious source is Mexico given the nature of the drugs. And, yes, Anthony was getting close to identifying who the main players are. We know that because of his last reports. Like any good undercover operator, he didn’t share his findings until he was certain and until he was confident of the loyalties of those around him.”

He leaned closer. His eyes were dark, intense.

“Lexie, let us handle this. I promise you, I will keep you informed every step of the way. You don’t have to put yourself in any more danger than you already are.”

Lexie shook her head. She met his gaze and held it. She needed him to understand. She wanted him to support her even though she was sure he wouldn’t.

“I can’t, Jake. I can’t let you ‘handle’ this. I loved Anthony more than anything in the world. I will not stop until I find his killer. You won’t either, Jake. You would never step aside and let someone else run this investigation. Don’t ask me to do something you wouldn’t.”

She stood up, wavering slightly. Jake jumped up, catching her. He held both of her arms and pulled her close.

“Dammit, Lexie. You can barely stand. You have to take better care of yourself.”

Lexie leaned against him. She wanted the comfort of his arms. She longed to hold him. Have him hold her. But she knew if she gave in to her need, Jake would not let up until she agreed. He was too strong, too powerful. She had to resist him. She pressed her hands against his chest and looked up at him, meeting his fierce gaze.

“Please, Jake. Please go. I can’t talk about this anymore tonight. I need to go to bed. I…I’m exhausted. I think I can sleep tonight.”

Jake peered at her pale face. She looked so fucking fragile. He didn’t know how he could let her go. Christ, all he wanted to do was pick her up and carry her in to bed…and crawl in beside her. He took a deep breath and nodded.

“Yeah, Lexie. You need to sleep. Promise me you’ll call if you can’t sleep? Promise?

“And, Lexie? This conversation isn’t over. Uh uh, sugar, we’ve barely begun.”

Lexie blushed. “Thank you for being with me today at…at your office. And thank you for tracking me down tonight. I appreciate it.”

She looked down, not able to meet his hard stare. She hesitated, “|I … I wish I could be the kind of person you want me to be, Jake. But…but I can’t….”

Jake’s eyes narrowed. He shook his head and chucked her under the chin.

“Ah, darlin’ you don’t have to change a damn thing.”

~~~

Closing the door behind him with a sigh, Jake nodded to Brady in the shadows.

Brady stepped forward, pinning Jake with a knowing glance and gave a low whistle.

“Damn, Jake. I dunno what to say. Sure as hell didn’t expect you out here so soon. Given that scene at the bar, I assumed this was gonna be an all-nighter.”

Jake shook his head and grimaced. His voice was strained, curt.

“Did you ever think that maybe I’m not as much of an asshole as you think I am?”

Brady frowned. He was quiet for a moment and then said solemnly, “I’ve never thought you were an asshole, Jake. You’re the most honorable man I know.”