Blood Money (Bad Money #1) by Ali Parker

wasn't ripped with thick muscles like Marcus, but he held his own on multiple levels. She sat in the car outside his house and took a deep breath, her heart racing, her libido sending sharp pulses throughout her nervous system.
    "Stay away from him. Lust... just untapped lust."
    She started the car and drove fast toward the club, hoping that Marcus would be nowhere in sight. She didn't need him questioning her, and with the way she was feeling, crawling up his body and fucking him senseless would be her first course of action. They used each other far more than they should, but until one of them moved into a relationship with someone else, it was what it was. She was grateful for him and all he provided her.
    Kate got out of the car and checked the street quickly, her eyes scanning the darkness of the alleyways outside of her club as well. The city had yet to come to life, but it would be in full swing within a few hours.
    She walked to the back of the club, letting herself in and calling out, to receive no reply. She hadn't noticed Marcus's car outside, but that didn't mean much. He could be anywhere and much like a ghost, usually just appeared next to her.
    She walked into her office and made a beeline for her safe. Her nerves were on edge from the realization that she was attracted to Jon. More attracted to him than she had been toward anyone in a long time. Nothing could be more dangerous.
    She worked quickly to roll a joint, her movements jerky. She leaned back and lit it up, closing her eyes and trying not to strip the handsome cop naked. He wasn't her type. He was a good guy, one that fought for the bad guys to end up behind bars. She was one of those bad guys... or used to be.
    She took her time finishing the smoke, her nerves completely calm by the time she stood up and walked out into the club. The front door opened as she moved toward it, Marcus turning and looking at her over his shoulder.
    He wore his usual attire, though she never grew tired of seeing him in black. She stopped behind him, leaning against the front counter as he worked to lock the door again. He turned and tilted his head.
    "You okay?"
    "Yeah, just a long night of bad dreams."
    "You smoke some of that shit I gave you? Your eyes look a little off."
    "Yep. I feel much better. Just need to get ready for the hordes of people we'll have coming through here tonight."
    "I'll be here until we close and then I'm going to jet. Text me anytime over the next day or so if you need me. You hear me, boss?" He moved to stand in front of her, reaching out and cupping the side of her neck.
    She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes and enjoying the sensation of someone's hands on her. "I hear you."
    "Good. You need a fuck before I leave town?"
    "Maybe in a little bit. I want to try and wrap up some paperwork before we open the doors today."
    "You still planning to open around three?"
    "Yeah. The crowds will wrap up the first parade around three thirty. You know people will want to drink and dance when it's done."
    "Make that money, baby girl." He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "I'll be in the back if you need me."
    She moved away from him, turning to watch as he walked toward the dark door at the back of the club. She did need him. She needed him to pretend to be the hot cop that stole her thoughts since yesterday. He wouldn't care if she used him, but something about it didn't feel right all of a sudden. She shook it off and got busy filling out time schedules for the rest of the week. It was assured to be an interesting one.
     
     
    "This is fucking ridiculous." Jeffery rolled his eyes as Kate stopped by the bar. The night's events had begun out on the street and the club was packed with bodies almost pressed together on every square inch of the place.
    "Just enjoy the busyness. I'll be giving you guys a small 'thank you' for sticking it out with me this week."
    "Sex?" her favorite blond bartender asked, winking playfully.
    "You wish." She turned, not