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Chapter 59: Ryker
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Dear Diamond Chapter 1: Ryker
Club Swank was anything but. It wasn't in the best area of town; the clientele was sketchy, and the girls all had secrets-most of which included drugs, money, and sex. The owner was a known ringleader for a local gang, and the place looked like bangers ran it. I hated to even step foot inside. As soon as I opened the door, I'd be accosted by smoke, lousy music, and women who'd hang on me in an effort to make a few measly bucks. It wasn't my scene. I pulled on the heavy wooden handle, and as soon as I did, a cloud billowed out like Puff the Magic Dragon welcomed me, and pink-neon lights illuminated the abundance of black tables and chairs. Once I stepped inside, the same bouncer who'd been there for years greeted me. "Ryker. My man. I wondered if you were going to show." Hank was a solid guy. Great as security. He looked the part-muscle-bound, thick neck, and a crew cut. His deep voice created the auditory intimidation needed to keep drunk customers in line. And he kept the place
Dear Diamond Chapter 2: Ryker
She wasn't old enough to have the moves or the confidence she stomped onto that stage with. I'd practically memorized that video when it had come out-and lived on the fantasies for four years behind bars-and this girl had done the same. Her perfect C-cups bounced under the fitted lace of her black corset. As her slender fingers worked their way down, taking the zipper with them, my eyes followed past her black thong to her creamy-white thighs. I took in every inch of her fishnet stockings and her fuck-me patent leather heels. The Taylor lookalike owned the attention of every man and woman in the club, and she knew it. Her expression matched every lyric that echoed off the walls, and I wondered if she could sing half as well as she danced. She met my stare, yet she didn't shy away like most women did. Her navy irises pinned me to my chair, and anger winked at me from behind hooded lids. Everything about her was perfect for the song and the floor; even her eye makeup was on point. Bla
Dear Diamond Chapter 3: Nikki
Fury was easier to manage than fear, and that was the emotion I'd clung to while I took off my clothes for the likes of a bunch of losers who thought running the streets was more productive than lucrative jobs. I'd do what I had to in order to keep my mom safe, even if it meant sacrificing my dignity to people who didn't matter. They couldn't touch me on the stage, so that was where I'd stayed. And as soon as I'd finished, I hadn't bothered to get dressed.While I waited for Sam on the corner, I pulled the zipper on my corset, securing my breasts back in a cage one size too small. The wind picked up, and my hair tangled with the breeze. It dawned on me that to any passerby, I appeared to be working the street. The last thing I needed was to get propositioned for sex. I dug a pair of black shorts from my bag, slipped them over my stockings, and slid my arms through my black, leather jacket. It wasn't much, but at least I wouldn't be arrested if a cop came by before my ride showed.T
Dear Diamond Chapter 4: Nikki
The car stopped outside an industrial-looking building. I'd walked by this place a hundred times on my way to work at the restaurant. During the day, it appeared to be an abandoned warehouse. At night, it bustled with activity. Lights illuminated the windows, cars-mostly black Lexuses-lined the parking lot, and men in slacks and sports coats were easy to spot. I wondered what the hell they did at night dressed like that on cell phones, then I thought better of it. Whatever it was, I was sure their activity was illegal, and I wanted no part of it. Sam didn't pull into a parking place. Instead, he stopped in front of what I guessed to be the entrance and killed the ignition. "Out." His command grated on me, but I jerked the door open anyhow.Nothing like looking the part of a prostitute in front of men who'd gladly pay for company. The guy who opened the door slapped my ass when I walked by. The glare I gave him only earned a chuckle in return. Bastard.I grabbed Ma's hand, pulled
Dear Diamond Chapter 5: Nikki
I folded my arms across my chest and waited. He held what he believed to be the position of power in front of me, forcing me to tilt my head to see him. But I was as naively arrogant as he was confidently cocky. "You're a beautiful girl, Nikki. There's a reason I gave you the stage name Diamond."I kept a straight face. "It wasn't because my nipples could cut glass?" "Cute, but no. You're a precious gem. We both know you have no business being in Swank, much less on the stage. Unfortunately, you were born to trash who doesn't mind letting you pay her tab. I just want to give you the opportunity to do that as quickly as possible.""By allowing me to suck your dick? How thoughtful.""Don't be so quick to dismiss the offer. There are perks to being in the service of a Silvano."The guy was old enough to be my grandfather, literally. He was a grandfather. I wouldn't have considered the offer if he were twenty-five, but I sure as hell wouldn't entertain saggy, old man balls. "
Dear Diamond Chapter 6: Ryker
Saturday night, I'd hoped to get to Swank earlier than I did. Chase and Tessa's wedding had started late-not that they ever did anything on time-and gone well into the night. The affair was huge and well attended, which also made it difficult to leave. I'd grown up with Chase, and by default, I became a surrogate family member. Aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings-they all came out in droves, as did every member of Union 21 and their significant others. There were more people there than the last concert I'd been to. As a groomsman, I hadn't felt right leaving before the bride and groom. Subsequently, I didn't escape the reception until nearly one in the morning. I'd hopped on my Harley the moment the newly married couple had been safely tucked into their limo. Swank closed at two, which didn't give me time to go home to change if I had any hope of seeing Diamond. Not that I had a clue why she intrigued me or how she'd managed to plague my thoughts for the better part of twenty-four hour
Dear Diamond Chapter 7: Ryker
My meeting with my parole office had been status quo. I had answered his questions, peed in a cup, and made an appointment for the following month. I couldn't wait to be out from under that fucking requirement. It was like having a damn babysitter. Each one left me pissed off, and afterward, I always went back to work to take out my frustration on an automobile instead of in the streets. Yesterday had been no different. I'd gone back to the shop. By the time I had finished the car I worked on, it was late, and I was beat. It never failed. My monthly meetings with a PO ignited a flame of irritation and anger that stayed with me late into the night. Jeff wasn't a bad guy; I just resented being forced to meet with him, and the drug tests were a joke. I'd never done drugs-despite what people believed based on my appearance-and I never would. I'd merely been at the wrong place at the wrong time, and I would pay the price for the rest of my life. Maybe that was what infuriated me so badly. E
Dear Diamond Chapter 8: Ryker
I hadn't dressed up; I'd dressed to be noticed. By her. I hadn't mistaken the way she'd held my stare when her attention could have roamed to any number of attractive guys at Chase's bachelor party. Seven days had been six too many. I'd endured Club Swank more than any woman deserved, yet here I sat, waiting at the bar, again. For over an hour, I'd nursed my scotch and watched as one dancer after another paraded across the stage to the tune of another raunchy song, half-dressed. None of them held any appeal, nor did the company of any of the guys who hung out here. I tried my best to remain unnoticed, but in U21's world, the best friend of Chase Silvano was almost as good as the man himself. Most of the dancers were keenly aware of my disinterest, and those who weren't learned quickly. The ones I'd grown up with asked too many questions, and if Diamond didn't make an appearance shortly, I'd chalk it up to the stars not aligning and go home. I didn't make a play for women, especially
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