Armed & Dangerous (Book 2 Soldiers Series)

3

Morgan counted her winnings as she met up with Vivian and Pat by the exit. Her friends looked concerned. “Did that guy just try to rob you?” Vivian asked looking over Morgan’s shoulder at the man she left doubled over on his hands and knees.

“It was nothing I couldn’t handle,” Morgan said folding the wad of bills in half.

“Boy did he pick the wrong girl to mess with.” Pat giggled. “You dropped him like a ton of bricks.”

“Come on let’s go party.” Morgan grinned as they left the casino. “Drinks are on me.”

“Don’t you want to put that money in your room before someone else tries to rob you?” Pat suggested. She supposed it was a lot of cash to be carrying around.

They headed back to her cabin where Morgan tucked the bulk of her winnings into her luggage. Keeping a little cash on her, she tucked the wad of twenties down the front of her dress since she had no pockets.

Rejoining her friends, the ladies headed to the Oasis on deck three. The club was dark like most with flashing coloured lights on the dancefloor. A great DJ was spinning the latest hits. Along the wall were VIP seating with white couches that practically glowed in the black light, with short red tables between the seats with bottle service. Expensive bottles of the best liquor, with top-notch mixes, napkins, and even fruit garnishes.

The club was packed, and the dance floor was bumping and grinding. The ladies managed to get one of the VIP tables. It was very pricey, but Morgan had won a lot of money and could easily afford the luxury. Tonight, she and her friends would indulge in the best of the best.

They ordered a bottle of vodka and a bottle of tequila. They toasted each other and Morgan’s skill at cards. They were halfway through their second drink when two black men walked over to their table: a tall bald man and his hefty friend. They were like everyone else on the boat dressed nicely which Morgan had a feeling they did not often do. They struck her as more of the baggy jeans and do-rag types.

They smiled at the ladies a drink in their hands. The tall one stood close to Pat eyeing her up like a junkyard dog with a T-bone steak. Morgan couldn’t help but notice the amorous way Pat was looking at him. She adored her friend, but Pat was easy.

Morgan had a bad feeling that their ladies’ night out was about to be intruded on by these men. “What are three gorgeous ladies like you doing alone?” The tall one asked flashing his best smile.

“We are busy.” Morgan snapped. “So, move on. Find some other leg to hump.”

“Morgan!” Pat gasped shocked by her response. “I thought we agreed you were going to be nice?”

“I never agreed to that.”

“Ignore her she just got out of a bad relationship. It’s not you really.” Pat apologized for her. “Would you like to join us?”

“Don’t mind if we do. My name is Lamont, and this is my buddy, Cedric.” He said slipping into the seat next to her.

They all had to move over so the men could sit down. Morgan was trapped between Vivian and the fat one. “What’s up beautiful?” Cedric grinned at Morgan.

She turned up her nose at his attempt to seduce her. “If you touch me it will be the last thing you do.” She warned. She wasn’t in the mood to play games.

“You have to excuse her.” Vivian piped up. “She’s a little abrasive, but she does grow on you.”

“So, are you girls here alone?” Lamont asked.

“Obviously.” Morgan snarled.

He shot her a nasty look but ignored her. “Is it just the two of you?” Vivian asked.

“No, we are here with our friend. He’s in the casino right now.” Lamont informed them. Morgan had another sinking feeling. Things were only going to get worse. “Actually, there he is.” Lamont waved his hand in the air to attract the man he spotted coming into the club. Morgan looked over and groaned her instincts were right. Here came Desman Reynolds looking like he too was in a foul mood. Things could only get worse from here.

Desman reached the table and glared daggers at Morgan. “Hey man, how was the casino?” Cedric asked. When he didn’t answer both Lamont and Cedric followed his glower right to Morgan. “You guys already know each other?”

“This b***h cheated me out of two grand.” Desman snarled.

Here they went again. He was a sore loser. “I didn’t cheat.”

“Yes, you did.”

“You can’t prove it.” Morgan couldn’t help but notice the disapproving looks on her friends’ faces. “It’s not cheating if you do the math in your head.” She defended herself.

“I knew it!” He snapped. “You did cheat.”

“Look, why don’t you sit down and let us buy you a drink.” Pat offered.

“It had better be a two-thousand-dollar bottle.” He grumbled as they all shifted over to let him sit beside Cedric. It had gotten cramped, and Morgan’s buzz was fizzing. What had started as a good-night had taken a turn for the worse.

Morgan abstained from the chatter at the table and toyed with a cherry from the plate on the table. She put the cherry in her mouth and rolled it round amusing herself. She looked over noticing that Desman had not said a word since he sat down. He just drank and stared at her. Probably contemplating the beat down Morgan had given him earlier. Morgan was small, yes but she could whoop anyone that crossed her.

Morgan moved her tongue around knotting the stem then she stuck out her tongue to mock him, the knotted stem on the very tip. His expression changed from angry to curious, and Morgan snickered. Men were so easy. A little trick of the tongue and he forgot he disliked her.

Morgan turned away and focused her attention back to her friends ignoring Desman altogether. She knew he was watching her, but she refused to look in his direction. She stayed out of the conversation unless directly spoken to which with her sparkling personality didn’t happen often. Cedric tried a few times to speak to her, but Morgan was not exactly warm to him. After a few drinks, he tried again. With liquid courage, he slipped his hand under the table and placed it on her thigh with a flirtatious grin.

Morgan smiled back at him, and her hand closed over his, and then she applied force. She was stronger than she looked and his smile turned to that of pain as he tried to pull his hand from hers. She squeezed tight restraining herself from crushing his hand. “Touch me again, and I will break every bone in your hand.” She whispered. Cedric nodded his understanding, and she released him. He quickly nursed his pride and excused himself to go to the washroom.

Desman had moved to let Cedric out and then sat down again sliding in next to her close enough she could hear him. He leaned closer and grinned. “Nice to see it wasn’t just me you disliked.”

“I’m not prejudice; I hate everyone.” She smiled politely.

“You should be nice to me. After all, you did rob me blind.”

“No one made you play.”

“I thought it would be a fair game.”

“It’s gambling the odds are never fair.”

He snickered a little then changed the subject. “That thing you did with the cherry, how’d you do that?”

Morgan batted her long lashes flirtatiously. “Oh, you liked that?”

“Show me again.” He whispered watching her lips.

“I’m not a trick pony I don’t perform on command.”

“Come on. We are just two people trying to have a little fun.”

“I was having fun before you, and your friends crashed our party.”

Desman glanced across the table at Lamont amusing Vivian and Pat with some story about his childhood. They seemed to be enjoying themselves. “I’d say your friends like my friend. Everyone is having fun but you.”

“My friends have poor judgment.” She shot back.

“And yours is better?”

“Forgive me if I don’t flip my hair and giggle at your stupid jokes.”

“I haven’t told any stupid jokes.” Desman said defensively. She was getting to him again she could see it in his dark eyes. “Are you always this hostile?”

“Yes.” She answered so quickly it had surprised him.

“You know what, I think we have gotten off on the wrong foot. Why don’t we start over?” He suggested holding his hand out to shake hers. “Desman.” He reintroduced himself.

Morgan looked at his outstretched hand. This was stupid. They already knew each other; you couldn’t make a first impression twice. “I’m not a moron; I know who you are.”

“Why do you got to be such a b***h?”

There it was that word again. If there was anything, she hated more than stupidity it was being called that word. “Why do I have to be a b***h just because I’m not interested in you?”

“Are you a lesbian?”

“No.”

“So, you don’t like men, and you don’t like women?”

“I like men I just don’t like you.”

His back straightened defensively. “What’s wrong with me?”

Was he serious? “You keep calling me names and whining about how you lost.”

“I didn’t lose.” He snapped. “You cheated.”

“Says you.”

He looked like he wanted to yell at her again but he paused, took a deep breath, and forced a smile. “You know what it doesn’t matter. It’s not like I can’t afford it.”

He dropped two grand. What did he do for a living that he could afford that kind of loss? She was curious. Perhaps it was the cop in her, but Morgan was inquisitive. “Just what do you do for a living Mr. Reynolds?” She asked getting to the point. She never liked playing games.

She watched him carefully noticing the thoughtful pause. It was like he was considering his answer. His gaze drifted to his drink. “I’m a concierge of sorts.”

There was a ring of truth to what he said, but she didn’t think he worked in hospitality. “You work for a hotel or resort of some kind?”

“I work for a private businessman.” He said looking up from his drink. He looked her dead in the eye. “What do you do that you can afford to gamble at high stakes games?”

What did she do? “I work at the DMV.” She lied. The lie came easily to her she was used to lying to scumbags to make a bust or close a case.

For a moment it didn’t look like he believed her. “I didn’t realize the DMV paid so well.”

“I work a lot of overtime.”

“Long hours at the DMV.” He chuckled. “No wonder you are so pleasant.” He teased lifting his glass to his lips. Morgan snickered; even she had to admit that was funny. “Oh my god was that a smile?” Morgan looked down at her glass trying to wipe away the smirk she felt. She didn’t want to like this guy. “I bet that hurt.” He teased, leaning forward slightly so that they were closer. He looked her right in the eye. “You have a pretty smile.”

“You Sir are not as charming as you think.”

“Then you need another drink.” He said waving the waitress over and ordering another bottle for the table. He paid the waitress and accepted the bottle of white rum she had brought. He poured them both another drink.

Morgan accepted since he was buying. “So, you’re a concierge? This must be a nice change of pace then, being the one waited on instead of being the one doing the serving.”

“It’s not that bad. From time to time I got to suck it up and do something I don’t necessarily want to do.” He didn’t sound convincing.

“If you don’t like your job why don’t you quit?” Desman burst out laughing, but she didn’t see what was so funny? She felt like someone had just told a hilarious joke and she had missed the punch line.

“Let’s say the severance package ain’t too good. No, I’m a lifer.” He said taking a big sip. “What about you? Do you like working for the DMV?”

She liked her job very much. Except her job and her family life often conflicted. She couldn’t count how many times she had to look the other way when it came to her father. Morgan was a good cop, but her father he was a felon. He broke so many cyber laws and forging laws in multiple countries. She was sure he would have done some serious time had he not been so smart. He covered his tracks better than most. Though she was sworn to uphold the law, she bit her tongue when it came to her father. He did bad things, but he was a good man. Besides as far as the rest of the civilized world knew he was clean and he kept it that way.

“It can be trying at times.” She confessed.

“I bet.” He said leaning back in his seat. “Tell me what brings you to the party boat?”

“It was a gift from my parents.”

“Nice gift.”

“Yeah they do stuff like this all the time; and you?”

“I needed some time away from the rat race.”

Maybe it was the liquor, but Morgan was starting to feel a little ashamed for having hustled him earlier. All the fighting aside he seemed like a decent man. “You know what; I fell a little bad about taking your money. What do say I give you a chance to win it back?” She suggested.

A dark brow lifted in curiosity. “A fair game?”

“A fair game.” She agreed.

“I’m all ears, what do you suggest?”

Morgan thought for a moment. What could they do that would put them on an even playing field? They couldn’t go back to the casino, and there were no games in this club. They could go up to the sports and leisure deck. Only she rarely lost when it came to sports; she was terribly competitive. Then again, he was quite tall and broad. He would probably be fairly good on a basketball court.

“Let’s go up to the sports deck and shoot hoops. First one to twenty-one wins.” She suggested.

He laughed for a moment. “You can’t be serious. You against me?”

“One on one.”

“You’re so short.” He pointed out.

“You scared?”

His smile faded. “Hell no. You want to be schooled on the court, by all means, let’s play.” He said getting up and letting her slide out of the booth.

They excused themselves from the party and left the club. Morgan followed Desman to the elevator which took them up to deck one. It was an open deck and the night sea air washed over them. It was refreshing but between the booze and the motion of the ship Morgan was a little off center.

At that late hour, the deck was virtually abandoned. It was just the two of them on the court. The court was surrounded by a tall net enclosure to prevent the ball from going overboard. Desman shrugged off his dress jacket and draped it over the ball rack. He tossed the ball from hand to hand and then spun it on one finger. He was showing off. “You sure you want to do this?” He asked.

“I think I can handle you.” She said slipping her shoes off. She was good, but even she couldn’t play in heels. She kicked her shoes to the side and then walked out to meet him on the court.

“I’ll give you a handicap. A three-point lead.” He offered, bouncing the ball.

“That’s not necessary.” She said stealing the ball out from under him. She moved quickly. Circling Desman, she rushed the basket and jumped up sinking the ball in a perfect lay-up. She recovered the ball and bounced it from hand to hand with a cocky smile. He seemed shocked.

“Oh, so you know how to play.” He said rolling up his sleeves. “Ok Baby, let’s do this.”

For the next hour, they played hard. The advantage went back and forth. Desman had height on her, but Morgan was fast. After the first few baskets Desman started playing defence, he blocked her with his body and covered her when she got control of the ball. It was a good game they both broke a sweat.

They were tied for the win. Morgan had the ball, and she was trying to get closer to the basket, but Desman had her blocked. He shuffled back and forth staying on top of Morgan his arms out to block her shot. Their bodies bumped into one another as she tried to get past Desman and he did his best to prevent her.

Morgan jumped and went for the shot. The ball rolled off her fingertips, but Desman blocked gaining control of the ball. He then switched and went around her. He moved quick heading for the basket. Morgan went after him, but he took the shot. They both held their breath as the ball flew through the air and went through the basket… nothing but net.

Desman gave a victorious shout, and he jumped up and punched the air. He did a little victory dance. “In your face! That’s right Baby, I rock.”

It was eating her up inside. She hated losing. “I suppose you will want your money back.” She grumbled as he came to stand in front of her their bodies close.

“I give you props Baby; you got to respect a woman that can play ball in a cocktail dress.”

“I got your money in my cabin she said reaching for her shoes.”

“Woo! Winning feels good.” He said gathering his jacket.

They headed down to the lower deck walking the long narrow hall to their cabins. Reaching the room, Morgan reached into her bra and removed her key card. She couldn’t help but notice Desman’s wandering eye. He was looking down her top. “Got a good view?” She asked calling him out.

His mouth curved wickedly. “Could be better.”

She laughed, he had nerve. Morgan slipped her key in the lock and opened the door. Desman hovered at the open door having not been invited in. Not too many men these days had manners. Morgan walked over to her luggage and took out the money she had placed there earlier that night. She counted out two thousand dollars and then walked over to him. She held out the money to him, but he didn’t take it.

He looked at the money and them back up at her. “Why don’t you keep the money?”

“You won. We had a bet.”

“We did, but maybe we can settle the debt another way.”

She wasn’t sure what he meant. “How?”

“A kiss.” He recommended.

Morgan didn’t know how to reply. “I don’t sleep with men I just met.” She said frankly.

“I didn’t say s*x. I said a kiss.” He corrected her.

“A kiss tends to lead to other things.” In her experience men didn’t stop with just a kiss and she didn’t think he was going to be any different. “Just take your money.”

“Chicken.” He mocked taking the wad of cash from her hand.

He was trying to draw her in… and it was working. “You think I’m scared of you?”

“I make your knees quake.” He mocked.

“You wish.”

Desman stepped into her, his head lowered, his lips hovered over hers. She pulled back instinctively. “Chicken.” He goaded her.

He was playing games, and he played well, but she was too smart to fall for games. Morgan placed her hand on his chest and pushed him back into the hall. “Good-night Desman.” She said putting the money in his hand and shutting the door.

***

Desman stood in the hall, his jacket in one hand and his money in the other. The evening had taken an interesting turn. Sure, he had started out mad at the little hustler, but she had turned out to be quite the woman. She was as good at cards as she was at basketball. He had killed himself to win. She was as good as her word too. He had gotten his money back, but there was a part of him that wished he had gotten his kiss. Something told him a kiss from Morgan would be worth two thousand dollars.

It was at that moment that Desman resolved he wasn’t leaving this boat without getting a kiss from that hot-blooded Latin firecracker. He wanted Morgan, and as a Soldier, he always got what he wanted.