Rook & Rebel (Mavericks #1)

Chapter 15

Fifteen

Regan

A week went by without a word from Rook or any sign of him randomly showing up. I told myself it could be a good thing, but the loneliness that vanished when he came around quickly returned. I had endless days of being alone, unless Harper could hang out.

And me being the socially pathetic girl I am, I kept looking out the window to see if Rook would show up. Could a person really be so lonely she wanted a stalker? I guess I couldn’t consider Rook a stalker anymore when I kept inviting him in every chance I could.

I groaned as I slipped on my new dress, the pink fabric hugging me, the sides and back cut out with black lace that I loved. At least I would be the prettiest pathetic girl at the ball, I thought dryly.

My dad had another dinner party to go to tonight, and he had invited me to join him. Excitement and a flicker of hope bubbled up inside me at the thought of him finally taking me more seriously. And possibly at the idea that Rook might show up again. I hadn’t really minded him showing up or the game of pool even though I was still a little annoyed he went through my room.

Either way, tonight could end up going better than ever. Every time my dad asked me to go, I couldn’t contain the anticipation. Maybe this would be the night he’d tell me I could finally start learning the business, that he trusted me enough to let me in on the secrets and responsibilities he shouldered. I imagined us talking it all out and him introducing me to his associates, acknowledging me as his equal. I imagined I could walk into a room and not just be his daughter, but be Regan Fletcher.

But there was always a shadow of doubt. Each invitation felt like a double-edged sword, bringing both hope and the fear of disappointment. The countless nights I spent getting ready, dressing up, and perfecting my smile, only to end up feeling like a decorative accessory, haunted me. I couldn’t quite bring myself to believe this would be the night when I had wasted so many on the thought.

The memory of previous parties lingered—me, standing on the fringes, trying to engage in conversations which always seemed just out of reach. The sting of being overlooked and the frustration of not being taken seriously gnawed at me. Yet, despite the recurring disappointment, I clung to hope. So tonight, like a hundred other nights, I would get ready, go with him, and act like I could handle everything. Maybe this time, it wouldn’t be just an act.

I clung to that sliver of hope and put my earrings in.

I would always have my doubts, but I still hoped.

That hope died fast when I made it down the stairs to find him in casual clothes with his phone glued to his hand. The sight felt like a punch to the gut, my excitement deflating instantly.

“I have to go,” he said without even looking up. “I have a last-minute…appointment. The doctor called and needed me to fly to Boston for an appointment tomorrow.”

“What about the dinner?” I asked, hating my voice tinged with desperation.

“You go. Shake all the hands and excuse my absence. I can’t miss this.”

“Aren’t they expecting you, though?” I tried to keep the frustration out of my voice, but it seeped through. It wasn’t his fault he’s sick, but between never spending any time together, not getting any knowledge of his company, and always having to go to these things alone, I only grew more getting frustrated.

He glanced at me briefly, then back at his phone. “No one is going to mind me not being there when you are. You look beautiful, Regan. You’ll be the center of the party.”

“But I thought you could introduce me to everyone? I’d like to get to know who you work with and this would be perfect,” I insisted, my heart sinking further.

“Yes, but the doctor seems to think I need a few more tests. I think he has some concerns from last time. Sorry, Regan. You can understand my health is more important. You seem to be more upset every time.”

“Of course, your health is more important. I mean, I understand. I had just expected to go with someone. It’s weird being there alone. I would have invited Harper.”

“You could still invite her,” he said, checking his watch and starting towards the door.

“Yeah, I guess I’ll have to. I’ll see you in a few days, then?”

“Back by Sunday, possibly. I’ll let you know.” He nearly walked out the door, but seemed to think better of it and came back, kissing my cheek once and then disappearing.

As the door closed, I stood there, feeling a mix of anger and sadness well up inside me. I had spent hours preparing, hoping tonight would be different, only to be let down once again. The disappointment was now a familiar ache, but it didn’t hurt any less.

I sank onto the bottom step, staring at the spot where he had been. Why did I keep hoping for something different? I thought of all the times I had been in this exact position, dressed up and ready, only to be cast aside for another “urgent” appointment or meeting. The loneliness wrapped around me like a suffocating blanket.

I pulled out my phone, ready to text Harper, knowing she would at least try to lift my spirits, but clicked it off instead. I would go to the party, put on a brave face, and play the role I was expected to play. I couldn’t run a company if I couldn’t go to a party alone.

I would try again.

Like I did every other time.

I took a deep breath, wiping away the tear that had escaped, and stood up. If my father wouldn’t introduce me to his world, I would have to find my own way in. Tonight, I would be the perfect guest, and maybe someone would take notice of me for who I was, not just as Cameron Fletcher’s daughter.

The plan I had made of being a perfect guest was short-lived.

By the time I made it inside, I had talked myself down again, slumping my shoulders and trying to hide away.

The entire room and entrance were as grand as the people inside—rich men who didn’t bother to look my way, unless they were creepily checking me out, and women who scowled when I approached their group, trying to insert myself into their conversations.

I didn’t actually know anyone enough to start a private conversation, and I couldn’t think of one thing I had in common enough to talk about with these strangers.

How ironic that I had started to get out of the house more, only to have even less to talk about with people. A conversation about a game of tennis they had played over the weekend felt a little different from one about my stalker, who I seemed to have a crush on, taking me out on his bike.

I made my way to the table with the two seats reserved for me and my dad. The table was already half full, and I smiled at the others as I took a seat. They gave tight smiles back, but no one introduced themselves.

This was hell.

And further proof that my dad could be right. Maybe I couldn’t handle taking over the business. He dealt with more powerful men than the ones at this table, and I couldn’t even handle this.

“Are you here alone?” the guy across from me asked.

“Yes,” I said, trying to straighten up. “Cameron Fletcher, my dad, was supposed to be here with me tonight.”

The made grumbled something I couldn’t understand and rolled his eyes.

“So he threw some lipstick on his daughter to parade around and thought that would keep them happy?” he asked with a grunting laugh. “People were expecting him tonight and they won’t appreciate a stand-in.”

“What a rude way to talk to the woman who could ruin your life, Williams,” someone said, the voice dripping with menace. “I suggest apologizing before she lets it slip what you do on Thursday nights with all the money you skim off the top from your department.”

Williams’ nostrils flared as he looked past me. I turned back, meeting Rook’s eyes. The playful glint in them made me suppress a smile. My eyes raked over him, the cut black suit making him fit in just enough besides that tattoos covering his hands and peaking out from his collar.

“Is this seat taken?” Rook asked, his tone suddenly casual, as if he hadn’t just threatened to possibly ruin this man’s life somehow.

“No,” I managed to say, my heart racing.

Williams still hadn’t said anything, and apparently, Rook wasn’t happy with that. “Did you hear me?” he asked, pulling out his chair. The black suit making it impossible to stop staring as he sat down next to me.

“Sorry, Ms. Fletcher. It was more of a joke, but my apologies.”

“It wasn’t a joke,” Rook said bluntly, his tone ice-cold. “And even if it was, she’s not the brunt of any joke.”

“I am sorry. I hope there won’t be any issue with you saying anything?”

“If you would leave us alone, I’ll keep my mouth shut,” I said, feeling brave with Rook next to me.

“I’m going to go get a drink,” Williams said, shuffling away fast and taking his still-full cup with him.

“What is going on?” I hissed as Rook leaned closer. “What are you doing here? And more importantly, where does he go on Thursdays?”

Rook smiled, his face softer now. “He takes money from government accounts and goes to the strip club. Barely a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but enough to possibly get him fired. I knew it would scare him off.”

I stifled a laugh, pressing against his arm for a second. “And you being here?”

“Someone told me you showed up alone and didn’t look pleased about it.”

I looked around, trying to see anyone that could be here with Rook. “You have someone watching me?”

“I work with over half of this room, Regan. A hundred dollars and I could get a list of everyone here in minutes. You already know I’ve been following you. Is this surprising?”

“I guess not. So you’re a criminal and work with tons of the upstanding people here? How?”

He took a sip of my drink, cocking an eyebrow at the fruity cocktail before taking another sip. “They are glorified criminals. They basically all do the same things I do, but they pay other people to actually get the blood on their hands.”

“Please don’t remind me of bloody hands,” I said, my nose involuntarily scrunching.

He gave a harsh laugh, lifting his hands to show me there currently wasn’t blood on them. “You don’t seem to mind my hands doing anything else.”

“Shh,” I said, smacking his leg under the table. He grabbed my hand, forcing it onto his thigh.

“Does this mean you are finally learning discretion?” he asked, moving my hand higher.

“Well, yes, in places like this, I know how to keep quiet.”

He smirked as my hand trailed over his groin, feeling the hard length of him. “Could we put how quiet you can be here to the test?”

“Rook,” I said, my teeth gritted together as he moved my hand back and forth over him. “Why are you this turned on right now?”

“Because someone had to wear a dress that clings to her body. A body I’ve had to watch writhe and fall apart under my tongue,” he said. “I’m dying to get another taste.”

“Why did you come here, Rook? I can’t imagine this is a normal place for you, and based on the stares, I’m going to assume everyone else agrees.” I only grew more annoyed with the fake answers, and I didn’t think he would be telling me the truth soon.

“Because you shouldn’t be alone here.”

“Why?”

“You’re the daughter of one of the most powerful men here tonight. You should be asking why you’re allowed to go anywhere like this alone.”

“So you are here to what? Be my bodyguard? Ironic when you’re the one trying to kill me.”

“You have an obsession with wondering if I’m trying to kill you or keep you safe.”

“It’s a legitimate concern. You could do both.”

“That’s true,” he said. “Honestly, I’m probably putting you in more danger being here than if I hadn’t come.”

“How?”

“Because there are going to be plenty of conversations tonight about why I came here. I’ve never shown my face at any place like this. Anyone connected to me in any way is going to worry about what’s happening. They are going to be worried someone pissed me off, and me being here with you will make them wonder why. There will be plenty of questions over the next few days.”

“So you’re not going to kill me or protect me. You are going to put me in danger and then leave?”

“I’m not doing any of those.”

“Then what?” I asked a little too loud, making his eyebrows jump.

“What happened to discretion?”

I only stared and waited. He had to have a better reason to have come tonight, and I doubted any of the reasons he gave were the truth.

“Fine,” he said through gritted teeth. “I came because I didn’t like you here alone. That’s not a lie. I also like learning about you.”

“I thought you said I was boring.”

“You are,” he said with a grin. “But I think I might be jealous of your type of boring.”He stood up, seemingly uncomfortable, as he brushed off his jacket and ran a hand through his hair. “Come on. I’m showing you how to handle this place.”

“And how would you know how to handle a place like this? I’m sure they are much different people here than in the places you meet them,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite his confession rattling me.

“Doesn’t matter. They are still the same people with the same secrets.” His hand moved to my lower back, sliding once down over my ass and back up. The intimate touch made my skin tingle, and I had to fight the urge to lean into him. “You’re teasing a starving man,” he groaned. “Let’s go to another room so I can taste you again.”

I tried to keep my cool, even as my pulse quickened. “Keep helping by telling me all these secrets, and maybe I will let you.”

He gave a satisfied groan, the sound reverberating through me. “See, you already know what you’re doing, and how to handle these people. Use everything you fucking have to make me bend. Force me into a corner, so my only way out is to do what you tell me. You are always playing a game here. Every single one of these powerful men can be backed into that corner and all of them will cower at your feet if you say the right words.”

“And you know the right words?” I asked, almost in awe of his confidence. I had walked in here and wanted to hide. He walked in and wanted everyone to see him, for all of them to wonder what he was doing here.

For all of them to fear him.

“For a lot of them, yes. For the rest of them, I will someday.” His eyes glinted with a dangerous promise, one that both thrilled and terrified me.

I wondered if he came here to learn secrets about me. If he came here trying to learn things to use against me one day. He would be disappointed to find out there weren’t many dirty secrets to learn. So far, my dirtiest secret was him.

“So if you have the information I need to make them cower, how do I back you into the corner to make you tell me those things?” I leaned in, tilting my head as our breaths mingled.

He grinned, a rumble coming from his chest, as he pulled me hard against his side. “That’s part of the game, Rebel. You have to dig and dig until you find the right thing to say to make me fall.”

“And how will I know what the right thing is? Do I keep threatening you until one works?”

“You could, but after one or two attempts with the wrong thing, these men would be bored and not take you seriously anymore.” His eyes didn’t leave mine, the intense gaze making my legs weak.

“So how do I know?” I pressed, wanting to understand the mechanics of this dangerous game he played so effortlessly.

“You train yourself. You get ruthless. The more devastating the information, the better. Could it ruin lives? Could it take away money or power? You figure out what they crave, what they need to survive in their world, and you threaten it.”

“You need your motorcycle. Do I threaten to break it?” I asked, half-joking.

“That wouldn’t make me bend to your will. That would get you punished.” His voice dropped, making a shiver run down my spine.

I thought it over more. The ways he could punish me could range from painful torture to being tied up and forced to come. It really could be a good thing.

I ran my hand down his stomach, stopping right above his belt. “What if I told everyone here how desperate you were to taste me again?”

He smiled, a wicked glint in his eyes as he turned on me. “I would put your ass on a table and show them. I don’t care if people watch. If anything, I prefer it. Let them see my head under your dress as you moan and scream for more. They would love how you wrap your fingers in my hair and force me harder against you, desperate for my tongue.”

Heat swept over me, the sudden wetness between my thighs unsurprising as my body tightened with want. I had to change the subject before I did pull him to a side room.

“Well, I suck at this,” I said, groaning as I slumped into him more. The weight of the night already felt heavy and being so bad at this wasn’t helping my mood.

“It’s a skill. You have to practice.” He turned to face me, ordering us two more drinks, but my mouth watered looking at him. He always had a dangerous level of attractiveness, but the black suit took it to another level, making it nearly impossible for me to resist.

“I’ll give you a few pieces of information so you can practice.”

“For free?”

“Nothing is free, Rebel. But in the meantime of me waiting on that payment, let’s go piss off some very rich men.”