Before I Die

“Can I go with you?” I ask, not wanting to be alone. “I could hang out in your office or whatever. And Rosco could stay with me so I’m safe.”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

“Why?” I sit up and pout. “Why do you get to leave and I have to stay?” I’ve never been one to be so defiant, but the more I’m away from my mom and the church, the more I’m finding I kept my mouth shut too often, not saying everything I wanted to say.

“For one, it’s my business, and two…” He sighs. “My club isn’t the safest place for you.”

“It’s Tuesday,” I point out. “The fights are only on the weekends.” I cross my arms over my chest, and Ethan’s lips curl into a sexy smirk.

“Fine, but you’re staying in the office.”

“Yes!” I jump out of bed and raise my hand above my head in a fist pump. Ethan shocks me when he leans over and smacks my butt. “Hey!”

“Get dressed,” he commands, his tone filled with playfulness, as he walks out of the room. “I’m leaving in twenty minutes with or without you.”

After brushing my teeth and attempting to tame my curls, I apply some mascara to my lashes, a bit of eyeliner under my eyes, and dab on some lip gloss to make my lips appear shiny. Then I throw on a pair of black skinny jeans, a red V-neck sweater, and finish my outfit off with a pair of black high-heeled boots. Even though I’m only going to be sitting in the office, I’ve seen all the hot women at that club, and I’m not stepping in there without looking at least somewhat presentable.

Ethan is waiting for me by the door, dressed in his usual sexy I own the world suit. Tonight, it’s charcoal gray, with a black shirt, black shoes, and a checkered black and gray tie.

“Why the frown?” he asks, taking my hand in his and walking us out the door. Rosco is already waiting outside by his own vehicle to follow us to the club.

“You always look so”—I wave my hand toward him—“put together. While I look so”—I wave my hand toward myself—“not.”

“You look sexy as fuck,” he says, sliding his hands around my backside. He squeezes my butt cheeks and kisses me. His tongue slips into my mouth and I moan in appreciation. I love kissing Ethan. He always tastes so good. My fingers push through his styled hair, undoubtedly messing it up, so I can pull him closer. My front rubs against his own, and his hard-on pushes through his pants.

All too soon, Ethan ends the kiss and chuckles under his breath. “Let’s go before my resolve snaps.”

“I’m okay with that.” I bat my lashes flirtatiously, and he shakes his head.

“I take it back…you’re not an angel. You’re the damn devil.”

While Ethan drives, Blaire and I text back and forth. She’s worried about me and wants to know when she’ll see me again. Which gives me an idea…

“Can I invite Blaire and her boyfriend to the club?”

Ethan glances over at me and scowls. “You said you would stay in the office.”

“Please.”

He sighs, and I know I have him. I’m quickly learning Ethan is all bark and no bite—at least with me.

“I have actual business to do, so Rosco will be with you. You are not to leave his side, not even to go to the bathroom. Kenny knows not to let Logan in, but we haven’t gotten a face for Felix yet.”

I swallow thickly. Sometimes I forget why I’m here with Ethan—because Logan sold me to a man who buys women to turn into sex slaves.

“I’ll stay with him, I promise.”

I send a text to Blaire, telling her we’ll be at The Warehouse if she and Victor want to come by for a drink. She immediately responds that she can’t wait to see me and they’re on their way.

When we arrive at his club, we pull up to the front, and the valet takes the car. Before we step inside, I look around and notice The Warehouse isn’t the only place around. There are several other businesses on both sides of the club.

“Is that a strip club?” I ask, pointing to the bright neon sign that reads Assets. There’s a line to get in, but most are men.

“Yeah, a friend of mine owns it. It just opened recently. Why? You want to go?” Ethan waggles his brows.

“I almost added strip club to my list,” I admit.

“Why didn’t you?”

“I don’t know.” I shrug. “I guess I never imagined a time when I would actually be able to go.”

“So, you only added items to your list you knew you would be able to do?”

“Yeah, I didn’t want to set myself up for failure.”

“Let me see your list.” Ethan extends his hand. Usually I keep it tucked away in a drawer, but lately I’ve been checking off so many items, I’ve been bringing it with me. And since Ethan gave me my original one back, I threw away the new one I made, adding the couple new items to the bottom of the list.