Male Review (20 page)

“I’m not the one who needs to win back his woman.”

“You sure about that? I think you need to do something, if you want your relationship with Meg to survive.”

Michael wiggled his hips suggestively. “And from what I just experienced, of the two of you, you’re the one who has the moves to drive a body wild. Who could resist your wonderful charms? I know I’m tempted.”

Robert held his arms out with a big grin on his face. “Why don’t you show me your moves, son? No one has driven me wild in months.”

Michael snickered.

Sam growled and glared at them. This was so not fucking funny.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Maud stuck her head in the fridge. “What’s for breakfast?”

“Nothing.”

“I thought you went shopping yesterday. Have you been crying?”

She grabbed Meg’s face and Meg scowled and pulled away. She didn’t plan to discuss anything with Maud. After finding Sam and Michael all but making out she had gone to find Laura. The only comfort her friend had to offer was that Meg should ask to join in. Both men obviously liked girls and they had the hots for her so why not be the meat in a Sam and Michael sandwich. The idea was ridiculous. She didn’t share Sam with anyone and she had no interest in the Irishman. He was a horrible, smart-mouthed, horny git who seemed intent on ruining her life. Distraught, she had dragged Laura to a bar and spent all her mum’s money on expensive cocktails telling Laura she was going to find herself a woman because men were bastards. She vaguely remembered someone called Nadine offering to take her home, but when push came to shove the idea of sleeping with a girl had turned her cold. Now she wasn’t just miserable, but had the hangover from hell and would have to endure her mother’s wrath when she explained where the money had gone.

“Did I hear your phone earlier?”

Meg shrugged. Sam had rung a dozen times last night and this morning, but she had refused to answer.

Maud leaned against the counter. “Whatever Sam did, you should speak to him.”

“Sam?”

Maud chuckled. “You might pull the wool over your mother’s eyes, but I’m not so stupid. I’ve seen the way you look at each other and deliberately try not to touch each other when I’m around. And I have no idea where you got to with him a couple of nights ago, but I never saw you so happy. I’m guessing he’s a great lay and we’re putting a crimp in your sex life.”

Meg glanced at the doorway, positive her mother would hear everything. “Shh.”

“Don’t worry. I put some tablets in Sleeping Beauty’s cocoa last night. That woman needs to learn to take it easy. I couldn’t listen to her lecturing me about my behavior at the Everglades for one more minute. My guess is she’ll wake up mid-afternoon, just in time to get ready for the big opening tonight.”

“She won’t go and neither will I.”

Maud lifted a plastic bag off one of the dining room chairs. “Yes you will and you’ll be wearing this.”

Meg tugged out a skimpy silver tank top, a black and silver frilly skirt that would barely cover her arse, a black thong, and fishnet stay-up stockings. “No way in hell.”

“What’s wrong with it? I’ve got the same outfit. It really gives my boobs a great lift.”

“I’m still not going.”

“You can tell your mother. She won’t be staying away once she knows Mrs. Bright is going and has a spot free at her table, and my guess is neither will you.”

Meg tossed the clothes on the chair. “You can be so mean. Why would you set my mother on me?”

“Because she’s the only weapon I have. You need to get out and deal with life instead of hiding in the bathroom with a tub of ice cream. Embrace your sexuality.”

Steamed that Aunt Maud had the answer to everything, Meg got up and shuffled toward the door with as much dignity as she could muster.

“You’re more like your mother than I imagined. She can bear a grudge for years, stupid woman. She’d risk her marriage for pride. Unless you want to end up old and lonely like me, you need to speak to Sam. The boy won’t be on the shelf for long. With a plonker like his, I’m sure I’m not the only one who wants to be on the list.”

Meg spun around, making her head thump. “When did you see his plonker?”

“Well the first time, when I ripped his towel off. The second time, or was it the third…”

Meg continued to walk out. “I don’t want to know.”

“Of course, he’s not as well hung as Chad, but I bet he knows how to use what God has given him. Besides, I think too much can be a bad thing, makes me chafe, although more lube could fix that. Hey, I need to go to the sex shop…”

Fleeing before she heard anymore, Meg headed back to her room. Maud was probably right. She’d been stupid and she should at least listen to Sam’s explanation, but first she needed some more sleep. She collapsed face down on the bed.

* * * *

Sam took another slug of whiskey before Michael grabbed the bottle from him. “Don’t be drinking. You need a clear head. Did you speak to Maggie?”

He shook his head. “She wouldn’t take my calls, and then I had my phone off because I was working.”

“I think I’m going to be sick. I can’t do this.”

Michael handed Robert a bucket. “You’ll be fine. I need to go and set up.”

He patted Robert on the back and punched Sam on the shoulder. “Knock ’em dead.”

Music and the sound of voices drifted through the door as Michael exited the office. Sam turned to reach for the bottle, but realized Michael had taken it with him. Robert retched and Sam got up to pace, tugging at his vest and tight leather pants. He was supposed to be helping Robert out so how come he was now in this position?

*

Another order filled, Meg handed the tray to Chad. She wondered why he wasn’t getting ready for his act. She knew there were a few strippers on first to warm up the crowd. Not that they needed anything to warm them up. She looked at her mother just in time to see her downing another tequila with … Mrs. Bright? The woman was incorrigible, but maybe her mother had finally met her match. She would do anything to get on the bowls team. Well almost anything. Meg hoped to God she didn’t sink to Maud’s level and kept her knickers on for the night. No one wanted their mother to drop her pants in public. Where the hell had Maud gone anyway? She disappeared twenty minutes ago with the delivery guy to show him where to put the cases of spirits he should have delivered two days ago. She’d seem particularly keen to take him to the store room and the man had a disturbing twinkle in his eye, and she was almost sure he grabbed a handful of Maud’s almost naked saggy butt as they left the room. Apparently he was a relative of Michael’s and gave them a great deal on stock, no questions asked.

Speak of the devil. The slimy git had just appeared from behind the stage curtains and was crossing the room, stopping to flirt and chat with various ladies. His skin tight black leather pants, knee high boots, loose white shirt almost open to the waist and dark shoulder length hair seemed to be making them all wet their pants.

Meg glared at the smug Irish bastard as he slid in behind the bar and snuggled next to her.

“So, have you forgiven Sam for his indiscretion yet?”

“He would never fuck you if you were the last human on the face of the earth.”

Michael chuckled. “So, why the tantrum yesterday? And why haven’t you spoken to him yet?”

“How do you know if I’ve spoken to him or not?”

“Let’s just say I’m very close to Sam.”

She raised her hand to slap him, but he caught her wrist and pulled her tight to him. “I forgot you like it rough.”

“You dare breathe a word about that to anyone…”

“I think it was only fair I got to see you naked.”

Heat flooded her face. “Why?”

“You saw mine so I should see yours.”

“I never asked you to drop your pants in my kitchen and waggle your tackle in my face.”

He grinned. “To be sure, you do me a great honor. My cock’s big, but it didn’t quite reach your face.”

Heart racing she pushed the memory of his interview for the disastrous Male Order business and his erect cock out of her mind. She didn’t want to think of anything sexual when she was still pissed off with Sam.

“A kiss and I’ll forget it ever happened.”

“What? Nothing happened.”

He chuckled. “Seeing you and Sam.”

Before she could say yes or no he planted his lips on hers. She fought to free her wrist and when he let her go she fisted her hands in the front of his shirt, determined to push him off. His warm tongue flicked her lips and she melted into the kiss. His hands strayed beneath her skirt, cupping her naked butt cheeks as his tongue plundered her mouth. Totally lost in the sheer sexual power of the kiss, she only came to her senses when someone cleared their throat.

She shoved him away and raised her hand to slap him. He had taken advantage of the fact her relationship with Sam had upset her. “Bastard.”

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Michael caught her hand and grinned at her. “You’re a feisty woman, Maggie Riley. Temper raises a man’s pulse.”

“Excuse me, if you two have got a minute.”

Meg tugged free and turned her back on the cocky bastard, determined not to dwell on what had just happened between them.

Laura was leaning on the bar and watched as Michael wandered off to mix drinks for a group of women out on a hen’s night.

“I thought it was Sam cheating on you with Michael? Although every time I see Michael playing tonsil tennis, it’s with you. Are you sure he’s not using Sam to get to you?”

“What do you mean?”

“Maybe if he can’t have you for himself he will happily share with Sam. I told you before, there would be worse places to be than between Sam and Michael. Now I need another bottle of tequila for Evelyn. I never knew mayoresses could be so much fun.”

Meg handed her a full bottle. “Ex-mayoresses, and don’t let my mother get drunk.”

Laura grinned. “Lighten up, girlfriend. She’s a fun drunk, besides I think she’ll need a few before the night’s over.”

Meg tried to grab Laura’s arm, but missed. “What does that mean?”

Apparently ignoring her, Laura disappeared into the crowd. Michael wandered closer, reaching around Meg to lift a bottle of Brandy. She glared at him and he winked.

“The show’s about to start. Why don’t you go and sit with your ma?”

“Aren’t you performing?”

“Want to see my naked cock again?”

Heat seared her cheeks. “No I don’t.”

“Just as well, I hate to disappoint.” He handed her a glass of brandy and Coke. “Now go and relax and enjoy the show.”

Positive something was going on, Meg wandered across the room and slipped into the empty seat next to her mother.

“This is my daughter, Maggie.”

Evelyn raised her glass. “To Maggie.”

Her mother downed another tequila and thumped her glass on the table.

Evelyn leaned toward Meg. “So, Meg, tell me, is this just a show or can you handle the merchandise?”

Meg’s mother stared at Evelyn. “Handle it?”

“My dear lady, I haven’t had my hand wrapped around a cock in twenty years. Never mind any other part of my anatomy. It’s alright for you bright young things with sex on tap.”

The conversation came to an end when the lights dimmed and a single spot glowed on the stage illuminating the St Andrew’s cross. A man dressed in a long flowing red cloak, a mask, and tuxedo wandered into the light and the heavy beat of music pulsed through the room.

Drinks flowed and the crowd became more uproarious as the dancers moved from stage to the floor, gyrating and teasing the women lucky or unlucky enough to be close to the front. Meg was relieved they were in the middle of the room, although Evelyn seemed particularly disappointed she couldn’t cop a feel.

Meg glanced at her mother. The woman’s mouth was hanging open as the most recent act, cheered on by the crowd, tugged off his hot pink G-string. Heat seared Meg’s face. Bad enough to be in the midst of a crowd of horny women hell bent on satiating their sexual lust by pinching and grabbing naked men, without her mother being one of them.

Another glass of Coke and brandy appeared on the table in front of her and she looked up.

Michael winked and she growled at him. Without skipping a beat he put a fresh bottle of tequila in front of her mother. “Mrs. Riley. I hope you’re having a good time. This one is on the house, compliments of our newest recruit.”

Mrs. Riley turned and smiled at him. Meg felt sick. Her mother hated Michael Monaghan. She swore he’d stolen their Sian’s virtue. Meg figured Sian never had any virtue, and sneaking Michael into their bedroom and screwing him silly while Meg was forced to look on was just another notch in her older sister’s bedpost. No wonder she had dumped men in favor of women. She must have had almost all the available dicks in town and needed some variety.

“What new recruit?”

“All will be revealed Mrs. R., in the fullness of time, and I mean everything.”

Evelyn grabbed her mother’s arm.

“Michael. Have you met lady Mayoress Evelyn Bright?”

“Ex-mayoress.” Evelyn batted her eyelashes at him.

Michael took Evelyn’s hand and brushed his lips over her knuckles. “Enchanted, I’m sure.”

“Oh Irish. I bet you could charm the pants off anyone.”

“I try my best, but some pants can’t be charmed.” He glanced at Meg.

Evelyn sighed. “I’m positive mine could be if you want to try them out, dear boy.”

“Alas, I’m forced to work for my keep. Enjoy the rest of your evening ladies.”

Meg glared at his retreating back. Did he flirt with every woman he met? The slow sultry beat turned her attention to the front of the room. Three men wearing full face masks, leather pants, and matching vests strode out onto the stage. She immediately picked out Chad as the man in the center. She’d seen some of this act the other day when he’d been practicing with Michael. She frowned. Michael was serving at the bar, so who were the other two men?

Chad continued to gyrate to the beat as the tempo quickened and his two compatriots lifted floggers off the wall and stepped off the stage. They marched with a determination that had her heart banging. Maybe they were heading for someone up the back. She turned her head to look and squealed when strong hands grabbed her wrists. Trying to resist she pulled away, but the taller of the two men lifted her out of her chair and tossed her over his shoulder, flashing her naked arse to the whole room.