Bad Decision: The Carter Brothers Page 9

  I almost can’t look at the others as we head out of the club. They know what we were about to do, it’s written all over their faces. Tracey’s is a mixture of worry, excitement and confusion and I feel bad. Charlie looks as if a dark cloud has blown into his life and my heart sinks as I realize the implications of one moment of madness.

  But as I look at Max, nothing else matters. I would face a hundred disapproving glances and angry looks. Even my father’s which shows me just what an idiot I’ve become. However, all that seems to matter to me is striding angrily from this club looking so hot it makes me melt inside.

  All I know is we need to get to Honeys and fast. I heard their hushed whispers as Charlie filled him in as we walked. Tracey is silent beside me and for some reason, I feel nervous.

  Even the journey is tense and I sigh and just sink back in the seat and watch normal life speeding past from the window.

  As soon as we reach the club, I’m aware of how serious this is. We follow them past the line of customers waiting patiently to get in. I see the stares as we pass, directed at the two brothers who cut formidable figures. Women openly pant at the sight of them and the men shrink back in fear. I have never witnessed this side of them and for the first time realize the role they play around here.

  As we follow them, I’m aware of the curious glances thrown our way. There is envy and malice in the girl’s faces and the guys look with interest without being obvious about it. Nobody wants to draw attention to themselves and so it’s an eerie walk through a choppy sea.

  As soon as we reach the doors, security let us through with a respectful nod and we head into the club. Before we reach the doors to the main area, Max stops and sighs heavily. “You’d better wait in the VIP area. I’ll make sure you’re settled and then we’ll deal with whatever this situation is.”

  He throws me an apologetic look and I see it all in his eyes. The yearning, the lust and the impatience, mingled with a look that takes me by surprise - vulnerability.

  Charlie holds open the door and we head into the main club area. The place is dark, with dancing lights picking out shadowy corners. It appears a full house tonight and we can hardly hear as we move toward the staircase. The crowd parts to let us through as the heads turn in our direction like a Mexican wave. Charlie says something to the security guy who nods and parts the rope for us to pass through.

  Once we reach the quieter area, I’m aware of the stares once again. Max and Charlie acknowledge nobody and the hard looks on their faces prevent any exchanges. They look grim and hostile and it’s obvious something’s up because the faces that surround us look tense and worried.

  We reach their booth and Max says in a hard voice. “Wait here and try to have some fun.”

  He looks at Tracey and surprisingly smiles apologetically. “I’m sorry to ruin your birthday, Trace. The drinks are on the house, so make the most of it. Just remember to stay up here where you’re safe.”

  His gaze swivels in my direction and I see the promise in his eyes. What started back at the other club will be finished very soon and I feel my chest tighten and the desire pool between my legs.

  Charlie says roughly, “Come on. Let’s deal with this shit and then we can relax.”

  We watch them walk away and Tracey exhales sharply. “Fuck me, that was intense. This whole evening has been intense, and you had better start talking girl because I didn’t miss that something went down with you and Max. I hope you have a good explanation because I’m worried for all your sakes if it’s what I think it was.”

  Sighing heavily, I watch them leave and say sadly, “Let’s just say that my already complicated life just blew up in my face.”

  She shakes her head. “Oh. My. God. Do you know what you’re getting into?”

  Shaking my head, I reach for a glass of the ever-present champagne. “Not really.”

  Tracey whispers, “Joey will have his guts if he fools around with you. Family is king to most Eastenders and they are no different. If I were you, I’d leave whatever you started back at Soho because it’s not worth the shit storm it would cause. Find yourself a decent guy and push all thoughts of Maxwell Carter from your mind. You don’t want to get involved with him and his world. It’s not a pretty place to live and you’ve had more than your fair share of trouble. Please, Summer, I’m begging you. Let this go.”

  I smile sadly and groan. “It’s too late. I don’t think anything will stop me wanting Max and I don’t care what happens. I’ll talk my father round. Surely, he’ll just want what’s best for me.”

  Tracey stares at me with wide eyes. “You still don’t get it, do you? That family is involved in stuff that would make your hair curl. What father wants that for his daughter? No, Joey Carter will want a respectable lad in your life. Someone who’ll be there to love and protect his little princess and not someone who could place her in danger by association. Those boys have many enemies and while they may be hotter than hell, they’re not the ever after, babe. At best, they’re a bit of fun with a memory to treasure forever. Don’t get me wrong, I’d be in there like a shot like most girls but even I know they’re no Prince Charming. It’s certain any road traveled with them will be full of potholes and rough as shit. Take my advice and take the easy road. As I said, find a nice boy who’ll take care of you and make you happy. A future with the Carters is an uncertain one and not worth the trouble that goes with it.”

  She grabs a glass and downs the drink in one and then smiles wickedly. “Let’s do what we came here for. I want to dance and no guy is going to tell me to sit in the corner and wait, especially not on my birthday.”

  Laughing, I high five her and follow her back down the stairs. She’s right, it’s time to push this drama aside and have the fun we came out to enjoy.

  Maxwell

  We head to the main office and Charlie says in a low voice, “Are you ok, man?”

  Nodding, I fix a hard look on my face and say grimly, “I will be when we find Melissa.”

  Charlie nods and his expression mirrors mine. Melissa is the closest thing to family we’ve got. She’s always been a good friend and doesn’t idolize us like most other girls. She calls us out if we act like bastards and teases us regarding our love life. She had better be found safe, otherwise, I’m liable to murder every fucker responsible if she’s hurt in any way.

  We head inside the office and I see Tony watching over a frightened couple cowering in the corner. Their eyes widen as they see us and look as if they’re about to pass out on the spot. One is a lad who I’ve seen hanging around with Melissa and the friend who sits next to him. I think they’re a couple and have been friends of Melissa’s ever since I’ve known her. I smile reassuringly and say, “What’s the problem?”

  They share a look as I take my seat behind the desk and Charlie comes and stands beside me.

  They look uncomfortable but worried and the girl says in a small voice, “We’re sorry to disturb you but we’re worried about Melissa. She hasn’t been seen in over a week and her parents are frantic.”

  Charlie says shortly, “Has she called anyone?”

  They shake their heads and she says sadly, “Nothing. Her parents called the police, and they tried to trace her. Her phone hasn’t been used in a week and there’s no signal from it.”

  I feel my heart sink like a lead weight inside. Charlie looks just as worried because we know this is unusual. If the phone signal is lost, it could mean it’s been destroyed or immersed in water. Untraceable and the only link to finding her whereabouts.

  I say carefully. “What’s your name, love?”

  She says with a tremor to her voice, “Kate and this is Richie.”

  I smile with a reassurance I don’t feel. “Now, tell me what you know and we’ll find her.”

  She shakes her head and says in a small voice. “She met this guy, Christian. She was so happy and seemed to fall for him hard. She started hanging out with him all the time and yet we never met him. Apparently, he was a wine rep who wo
rked nights, and she used to meet him when he finished. I tried to ask at the place she works but they said she hadn’t been in for a week or even called in sick. It’s not like her, Mr. Carter. She always checks in with me every day. We meet for coffee and talk on most days. Her parents are out of their minds with worry because this isn’t like her, she always lets them know where she is and who with.”

  Charlie says harshly, “Do you know where this Christian guy works?”

  Richie says in a serious voice. “No. All we know is he works for a wine company. She never elaborated and we never really asked.”

  I think for a moment and then say, “Do you know where they used to hang out?”

  Kate shakes her head. “They used to go back to his flat. As I said, she was really into him and she told me they used to go back and watch movies and well… you know…”

  She looks embarrassed and I drum my fingers on the desk as I think hard. I remember her telling me the same story when I last saw her and the only thing that sticks is she told me he was picking her up that night after work. Turning to Charlie, I say in a low voice, “We need the CCTV footage from the night Summer arrived. I want to see every exit from every angle both at the start of the night and then the end.”

  Charlie nods and slips outside the room. Kate and Richie look at me with a tiny spark of hope in their eyes as I remove my phone and say, “Give me your numbers and I’ll see what I can do. If I have any news, you’ll hear it from me.”

  I punch their numbers in my phone and then nod. “Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Leave it with me and keep me posted if you hear anything. Call the club and leave a message and I’ll be told. Now, try not to worry and if Melissa’s in London, I’ll soon know about it.”

  Kate says shakily, “What if she isn’t? What do we do then?”

  I fix her with a hard look and growl, “Then we search the rest of the fucking world until we find her. One thing I do know, tongues are loose when they’re faced with a little persuasion. Once I get the word out, someone will come forward with information, I’ll bet my life on it.”

  Richie holds out his hand and says “Thanks, Mr. Carter. We won’t forget this.”

  As I grip his hand, I growl, “Just stop calling me Mr. Carter, I’m not my father for god’s sake. Max is fine and I’m glad you came to me.”

  Kate smiles shyly and they leave me to think long and hard about what the fuck has happened to my friend.

  When Charlie returns, I’ve looked up every wine and drinks company in the country. Starting with the ones we know, I’ve fired off some emails asking for a list of their reps in this area. Charlie heads to the computer and punches in the security code bringing up the CCTV footage from that night.

  We start to sift through the images and I see Melissa arrive. She appears to get out of a black car that races off almost immediately. We freeze the image and zoom in but the picture is blurred and we can’t make out the plate.

  Carrying on, we scroll through the images and my heart twists as I see Summer and Tracey standing patiently in the line. Once again, I freeze the frame and remember what an Angel she looked that night. Her white top and sprayed on jeans make my cock twitch as I relive the moment I found my destiny. Charlie sucks in his breath and growls, “For fuck’s sake, Max, leave it. You’ve got business to attend to and if you keep on going down that particular road, I’m afraid where it will lead.”

  I contain the anger his words bring and carry on with the search. By the time we get to the frame where Melissa leaves, I think I’m losing the will to live.

  Then we freeze the frame again and study the car that collects her. Zooming in, we can make out a man sitting in the driver’s seat but the image is blurred. Another frame shows the car moving away from the curb and a partial number plate reveals itself. Noting down the registration and make of the car, I press print and we gather every image we have of the couple and the car to study in more detail.

  I think we must work for a couple of hours before Charlie groans. “Man, I need a drink. Come on, let’s look at this again in the morning.”

  I shake my head. “I’m sorry, Charlie, Melissa may not have that long. We need to get the word out first. Why don’t you check on the girls and I’ll make a few calls?”

  He shakes his head. “I’ll take half the list and we’ll get it done quicker. Come on, let’s make a start.”

  As we write down the usual names of everyone we know who may help, I try to settle the fear in my heart. Melissa is involved in something for sure and I hope for everyone’s sake we find her safe and well and I won’t rest until we do.

  18

  Summer

  Tracey and I dance like maniacs. It’s been weeks since I had this freedom and to say it’s been intense is an understatement. It feels good to let loose for once and I soon forget about what happened earlier and enjoy spending time with my cousin.

  Before long, we need a comfort break. Tracey looks so happy it makes me smile and we head to the restrooms with the sole aim of getting back to the dance floor as quickly as possible.

  As I wait for her, a group of girls stand watching me which makes me feel unsettled. They are immaculately dressed and their make-up looks professional and perfect. One of the girls calls out, “Hey, we haven’t met. I’m Jess, Max’s girlfriend.”

  I feel the ice spreading through my veins as I try to look unconcerned and just smile. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know. I’m Summer.”

  She moves across and faces me with a hard look. “Yes, we’ve been steady for years. I’m just wondering why you appear to be by his side and I don’t know about it.”

  Her friends stare at me with animosity and I shrug, “Maybe you should ask him.”

  She pushes me back until I’m against the wall and snarls, “Don’t answer me back, bitch. I’m asking you.”

  The door to the cubicle flies open and Tracey storms out and plants herself squarely beside me.

  “Fuck off, Jess. Leave Summer alone. She’s not doing any harm and if you want answers you talk to Max, after all, he is supposed to be your boyfriend according to you.”

  She sneers as she speaks and I see the anger flare in Jess’s eyes. Her friends’ approach and my heart sinks as I see we’re outnumbered 2-1.

  Jess brings her face within inches of mine and snarls, “Word of warning. If you want to keep that pretty little face of yours intact then stay away from Max. He’s mine and I don’t take kindly to tarts like you who think they stand a chance with him. Now, if I were you, I’d get your scrawny ass out of here and leave the men to play with the grown-ups.”

  She pushes me and I hit the tiles with a thump and something happens that makes me see a red mist descending. Out of nowhere, I feel the rage engulf me as I move quickly and grasp her immaculately styled hair in my fist and pull back sharply. She cries out and her friends move to help and I say sharply, “Back off bitches.”

  I twist her hair until she screams and say darkly, “For your information, I don’t take kindly to threats from trash and so I’ll be the one issuing a word of warning. You ever come near me again and I’ll re-arrange that bitchy face of yours into a look you won’t be proud of that no amount of make-up you trowel on it can hide.”

  I move my hand around her throat and gently squeeze until she yelps and I laugh darkly, “Now fuck off back to that hole you crawled out of and never speak to me or my cousin again.”

  I push her sharply and she falls against the sink. Glaring at her friends, I’m amused to see they step to the side and let us through.

  As soon as we get outside Tracey says in a shocked voice, “Fucking hell, Summer. Where did you learn to do that?”

  Grinning, I raise my eyes. “It must be in my DNA. What can I say, I’m my father’s daughter?”

  We head back to the dance floor and pick up where we left off except for one thing. The rush I’m feeling has nothing to do with alcohol and the music. I feel more alive than I’ve ever been before and now I know I’m where I b
elong.

  Maxwell

  It must be an hour later and we’ve called everyone we can think of. By now the whole of London will know we’re looking for Melissa and I fully expect someone to come forward with information by morning. We sent the pictures of the car to a friend of ours who works miracles with technology and Charlie says angrily, “That’s it, I’ve had enough. Let’s go and find the girls and get pissed.”

  To be honest, I had much the same thing on my mind but one of us needs to stay sober at least, so I sigh and head toward the door. “I’ll drive, so fill your boots. Let’s go and find the girls and forget about this for a while.”

  We head back the way we came and my heart twists as I see the empty booth. Charlie groans. “Fucking women, can’t they ever follow orders?”

  Ignoring the calls as we pass, I head over to the rail and scan the crowd for Summer. It doesn’t take me long to find what I’m looking for and I take a moment to appreciate the heavenly sight before me. Much as before, she sways to the music with her arms above her head. Her dress rides up so it just about covers her arse and immediately my balls throb with the need to release deep inside it. Charlie whistles and shakes his head. “For fuck’s sake. I thought you told her to fuck off.”

  I stare at him angrily. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

  He points to another group of girls who are staring up at us and my blood boils as I see Jess giving me the eye and looking as if she’d suck me off in front of the whole club.

  Groaning, I say wearily, “I did, however, it looks as if I forgot to let them know on the door. Great, that’s all I need.”

  Charlie laughs softly. “Maybe you should take advantage of the opportunity. Use Jess to drive the lust away from Summer. Fuck her and get it out of your system.”

  I stare at him incredulously. “You’re a fucking moron, you know that, Charlie? If you think fucking Jess would achieve anything other than making me need to scratch my own skin off afterward, you’re deluded. There’s no comparison and if anything, it’s made my mind up even more.”