Throttled Read online

  yelled, pulling me toward the couch.

  I sat down on the large U-shaped sectional in the middle of the living room that faced the windows. Everyone fit snuggly on the couch as I opened each gift one by one. I felt slightly uncomfortable being the center of attention. I liked to blend in to the background, but I knew the entire weekend would be filled with uncomfortable moments. I was the bride and as such, I’d definitely be the center of attention.

  “Open mine next,” Sophia said, holding out a pretty pink box with a giant white bow. I opened six presents so far and they’d all been lingerie and nighties to wear for City. He’d love them, but I knew most likely one or two would get ripped. The man was a brut.

  Pulling it from her grasp, I smiled nervously, unsure of what was inside. With Sophia, it could be romantic to downright dirty. “I don’t trust you,” I said, placing the box on my lap and pulling on the ribbon.

  She chuckled, covering her mouth. “I wouldn’t either.”

  I stilled my hand, looking up at her with a glare. “Do I want to open this in public?”

  She nodded, her smile growing larger. “You do. Don’t be a baby and open it already,” she said, putting her hands on her hips.

  I pulled the ribbon, letting the white material fall away from the present before tearing into the shiny pink paper. When I opened the box, I gasped and put the lid back on. “Sophia,” I said, trying not to laugh.

  “You have to show us,” Izzy said as she stood. She grabbed her phone from her pocket and held it up to take a picture. “Come on, Suzy. We’re all girls here. Don’t be a pussy”

  I sighed, realizing I wouldn’t win the battle. “Fine,” I said, opening the lid and grabbing the first object. Fuckin’ Sophia. I held it up and listened to the whistles and giggles.

  “What the fuck is that?” Mia asked.

  “That, my dear,” Izzy said, snapping a photo, “when assembled, is a spreader bar.” Izzy giggled and snapped another picture.

  My face grew flush, but I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’ve never had a problem keeping them open for City.” I winked at Sophia. She and I always swapped stories about sex. Before City came into my life, sex had always been bland and boring. I lived vicariously through her and always went to her for advice.

  “Oh, I know. You’ve turned into quite the little sex kitten since meeting City. This gift may seem like it’s for you, but it’s really for him.” Sophia smiled and looked very pleased with herself. “Next.”

  “Whore,” I mumbled as I pulled out a pair of nipple clamps.

  “I don’t want to think of you using any of this shit with my brother. I can never look at you two in the eye again. I know too much. Too much, I tell you.” Izzy snapped another photo before taking a seat at the end of the couch.

  I quickly pulled out the other objects, crotchless panties and a crop, and held them up before dropping them back in the box. The crop was the one I always wanted and admired. It had a heart made of leather on the end. I just loved the look of it, but it had to sting like a mother when hit with it.

  Knock. Knock.

  “Oh,” Izzy said, jumping from the couch. “There’s my gift. I had to have it delivered.”

  I looked at Sophia and she shrugged. Motherfuckers. I knew they wouldn’t listen when I said no strippers. I hung my head, rubbing my face, as I heard the door open.

  “Why, hello there officer,” Izzy said. She giggled and backed away from the door.

  For the love of God—I wanted to kill her right then.

  “I heard there’s a disturbance up here. I’m here to investigate,” the man who obviously wasn’t a cop, said as he looked around the room.

  I thought for a moment that I was in a movie. Cop stripper comes to the door and then the real party starts. The last thing I wanted in the world was someone other than my fiancé touching me.

  “She’s right over there—the blonde in the middle. She’s a real handful.” Izzy looked at me with a smile and winked.

  I blushed, all eyes turning on me as he started the little CD player he had in his hand. The girls started to scream, scrambling from the couch.

  I sat alone, leaning back, and crossed my arms over my chest. He handed the CD player to Sophia as he approached me. He stalked toward me, untucking his shirt and shaking his hips. Izzy held her phone in our direction.

  “Don’t you fucking dare take a photo of this,” I warned. The last thing I needed was this getting into City’s hands. He wasn’t a jealous man, he knew I was his, but still there would be a sting.

  “You’re such a kill joy,” Izzy said as she shoved the phone in her pocket.

  “Bad Ass” by Kid Ink played as the stripper tried his best to seduce me. He wasn’t bad looking—blond hair, thin but muscular and beautiful brown eyes. He ripped his shirt open, exposing a hairless chest. He turned, shaking his ass in my face as he ripped off his pants. Was he twerking?

  I wanted to laugh but I didn’t want to be rude. He was trying hard to impress me but he wasn’t my City. I uncrossed my arms, letting them fall into my lap, as I watched him shake his ass. He turned and I came face to face with his cock, thankful it was tucked neatly in a G-string. Wouldn’t work for City and his well-endowed package.

  “Smile for shit’s sake. At least pretend to have a good time,” Sophia whispered in my ear. “As soon as he’s done with you the rest of the girls will get their shot at him.”

  I turned to her and glared, but did as she said. I smiled and pretended to enjoy myself. My stomach flipped when he sat on my lap and started rubbing against my chest. He nuzzled his face in my hair as he scooted forward and all I could think about was City, and how he loved being wrapped in my gold locks.

  His small, semi-erect dick touched my stomach and I cringed. I closed my eyes, thinking about something other than what was happening.

  “Hey,” he whispered in my ear. “Don’t worry, the song is almost over.”

  I opened my eyes and blew out a breath. I couldn’t be the only ambushed bride in this uncomfortable situation.

  “Thanks,” I whispered and smiled. His words put me at ease and helped settle my nerves knowing the torture was almost done.

  When the song ended, he grabbed my chin, kissing me on the cheek. My eyes grew wide as I pulled my head back, letting his fingers fall from my chin. He smiled sweetly and turned his attention to Mia sitting next to me. I sighed, happy that it was over and I could relax.

  I stood on wobbly legs and approached Izzy. She couldn’t stop laughing. “Happy with yourself?” I asked with my hands on my hips.

  “Very.” She laughed louder. “You’re done now, Suzy Q. Drink up. Let the other girls enjoy him for a while. We’ll head down to the party around the pool in a bit.”

  “I need the entire bottle of rum to forget the feel of him against my body.” My body shook remembering foreign skin against mine.

  “Well, good thing for you I brought extra. Help yourself,” she said with a grin, motioning toward the temporary bar with her head and wiggling her eyebrows.

  “I’m still pissed at you,” I said as I pointed my finger at her and glared.

  “You love me, don’t bullshit yourself.” She kissed my cheek and walked toward the gaggle of girls stuffing ones in the strippers G-string.

  Grabbing my phone off the table, I checked my messages. Nothing. City and I hadn’t spent much time apart since the motorcycle accident and I missed him. I didn’t want to be the clingy annoying fiancée, but I couldn’t help myself, I sent him a text.

  Me: Having fun?

  I set my phone down and grabbed the bottle of rum and poured half a glass. I didn’t know how much to put in a Bahama Mama, but it looked like the same amount Izzy poured earlier. I added the juices and watched the color change to a salmon pink after the grenadine splash. It was as pretty as it was tasty. I sipped it, sitting down at the dining room table and waited for his reply.

  City: Miss you, sugar.

  That was a vague and cagey reply. He didn�
�t say if he was or was not having fun. I didn’t want to know what the boys had planned for him tonight. No one would tell me anyway or any of the girls for that matter. I sent him a quick message as I watched the bump and grind show taking place on the sectional.

  Me: Miss you too.

  Sophia sat down next to me and frowned. “Why are you over here and not over there with the rest of the party?” She tilted her head and chewed on her bottom lip.

  “Just rather watch that hot mess than participate. I could ask you the same thing. Why aren’t you coping a feel?” I raised my eyebrow and challenged her. I didn’t need an answer. She felt the same why I did.

  “Hell no. I don’t need someone pawing at me. I’m here to have a girls’ night, not stare at his tiny junk.”

  I choked on my drink, and wiped the liquid off my chin. “You noticed that too, huh?” I asked.

  She laughed, throwing her head back and relaxing in the chair. “Gotta be blind not to. You ready to be Mrs. Joseph Gallo?”

  “Yeah, I’m excited, but you know I don’t like too much attention.”

  “Well, you’re going to be the center of attention here and there this weekend. Might as well get used to it.” She grabbed her solo cup, downing the last remnants of her drink.

  “At least City will be by my side.” I checked my phone, but there wasn’t a new message.

  Izzy ripped the phone from my hand. “Oh, no. This is a man free night. This is all about us celebrating and partying our asses off. No phones, no Joe. Got it?”

  “You’re a bitch,” I said as she shoved my phone in her back pocket. “If this is your idea of celebration than you’re not who I thought you were, Izzy.” I stuck my tongue out.

  “This is the pre-party. The real fun starts downstairs. The nightclub opened an hour ago. No good club starts until eleven. Keep your granny panties on. We’ll be going shortly. Keep drinking.” She gave me a cocky grin and walked away.

  “I love her,” Sophia said, getting up to refill her cup.

  “You would,” I mumbled before downing the last of my Bahama Mama, a slow burn sliding down my throat and spread throughout my body.

  Mia sat in the chair Sophia had been in. “It’s nice to finally get a night away from the guys, isn’t it?” she asked, smiling before she took a sip of her drink.

  “I guess so. I love City, but I love my girls too.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with that, Suzy. It’s good to have some time apart. I’ve spent as much time with anyone as I do with Michael. I mean I love him, fuck most days I can’t get enough of him, but I needed tonight,” Mia said as she leaned back in the chair, resting her head against the high chair back.

  “Are things okay with you two?” I asked, concerned about them. I loved Mike and adored Mia. I wanted them around and loved any time we were all able to hang out. Between all of our work schedules, it wasn’t easy.

  “Yeah, things are great. Sometimes we get in arguments, but that’s when he wants to pull his man bullshit and I eventually put him in his place.” She laughed, bringing the cup to her lips. “Gallo men are a breed their own.”

  “Yeah, no truer words have ever been spoken.”

  “Are you ready for the wedding?” she asked me, tilting her head and twirling the cup in her hand.

  “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

  “You have that need for control like Mike. It’ll go off without a hitch, Suzy. Every Gallo will make sure it does. I’ll help too. I’ll do anything you need that day.”

  “Thanks so much, Mia. I just want it to be perfect.”

  “Perfection is overrated,” she said, smiling at me.

  “On my wedding day, I don’t think it is,” I said, my stomach turning at the thought of anything going wrong.

  “Suzy, it’s life’s imperfections that stand out and make memories. They’re what great stories are made of and we’ll tell them over and over again. Imperfections make the world more interesting. Think of about your relationship with City, how you began. Was it perfect?”

  I shook my head, the power of her words calming my rumbling stomach. “Hardly. We hit some bumps along the road.”

  “Does it make your love story less worthy or the journey less sweet?” Mia asked.

  “No, it makes me hold on tighter thinking of what I could’ve lost.”

  “Perfection isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Just enjoy the day. All that matters is that you’re husband and wife at the end of it all. Not if the cake was perfect or if the seating chart was right. Just Joe and you becoming one.”

  I leaned forward, wrapping my arms around her. “You’re right, Mia. Everything else is trivial. Thank you for your kind words. I couldn’t have picked a more perfect person for Mike.”

  “There’s that perfect word again. I’m far from it, but we’re a good fit,” she said, hugging me back. “Now, I’m ready to party my ass off with the girls and worry about the men and wedding later. You in?” she asked, releasing me.

  “All in. Let’s do it,” I said, standing to find Izzy and Sophia. I was ready to dance. Clearly, I had too much to drink.

  Chapter 6 ~ Making My Mark

  “I can’t believe that shit can even be done,” Anthony said, holding his stomach as he laughed.

  “She has mad skills,” Mike shook his head, all of us still stunned.

  “When she shot that thing out of her pussy, I almost shit a brick.” Anthony scrubbed his hand across his face, shaking his head.

  “A ping pong ball. Jesus Christ, I’ll never be able to see anyone play that fucking game again.” Mike grabbed the beer from the cup holder and downed it.

  We were safely on the limo bus after a rather interesting trip to some shit ass dive strip club in Tampa. It wasn’t my idea of a good time, but since Mike and Anthony planned the entire night, I sat back and tried to enjoy the ride. I felt guilty watching strippers knowing that Suzy was off enjoying a peaceful night with the girls. Izzy promised me that they were just going for drinks and maybe dancing and that they’d be staying in a hotel room so they wouldn’t drink and drive.

  “Why the fuck aren’t you talking?” Bear said as he nudged Tank.

  I shook my head, laughing at the mix of guys on this bus. For some unknown reason, Mike and Anthony decided to invite Bear, Tank, and a few other guys from the Neon Cowboy. They knew each other from Inked since they were not only friends but also clients.

  “I’m talking. Just listening about the pussy show.” I glared at Bear and then looked at Tank, tilting my head while I studied his face. “What the fuck is that smirk for?”

  “You’re so pussy whipped.” Tank tipped his glass, his smirk turning into a smile. The corner of his eyes wrinkled as he chuckled and took a swig of beer.

  “Fuck off,” I growled. “I’m not pussy whipped. Why look at ground meat when I have grade A platinum pussy at home? I know you boys don’t know the difference.” I smirked, looking to Mike. “Not you brother, you get the good shit too. You know what I mean.”

  He smiled, nodding. “I do, but I am still in disbelief. Mia better never shoot anything out of that pussy. Shit’s too good to ruin with a ping pong ball or anything other than my dick, fingers, and tongue,” Michael said, making a V with his fingers and tonguing the void.

  “Clearly you’ve had too much to drink,” I said, looking at him, unable to contain my laughter.

  “Two fuckin’ pussy whipped bastards. You sure you two still have your balls attached?” Bear slapped his knee.

  “Why don’t you suck my dick and find out, motherfucker?” I smirked as Bear stilled and gagged. “You’re just jealous, plain and simple.”

  He mumbled, bringing the bottle to his lips. “You know I’ve always been fond of Sunshine. Couldn’t be pussy whipped over a better girl.”

  “We’re here,” the driver called out as the limo-bus stopped in front of a beachside hotel.

  “What the fuck are we doing here?” I looked out the tinted windows confused by the destination. I didn’t thin
k we’d end the evening at a hotel. We’d already seen the strippers, so I didn’t think that awaited us inside.

  “Shepard’s has the best fuckin’ nightclub in the St. Pete. Get your old grumpy ass up and let’s dance.” Anthony stood, taking the glass from my hand.

  “One, I don’t fuckin’ dance without my woman. Two, don’t ever touch my beer. Three, this wasn’t supposed to be a night for you to find a piece of ass,” I said as I climbed off the limo bus.

  “Fine, you drink and stew in your moodiness while the rest of us enjoy the ladies, right men?” Anthony pumped his fist, his body shaking with excitement. “Right?”

  Michael cleared his throat, looking away from Anthony. “I’m with Joe. I’d rather drink and bullshit than look at any other women. Mia would have my balls in a sling if I even thought about looking at another woman. I’ll hang with my brother while you bastards find your next victims.” He laughed as he walked by and slapped me on the shoulder. “I got your back,” he said softly so only I could hear.

  “More for us,” Tank said, heading toward the door.

  “Yeah, this looks like your type of place, Tank.” I shook my head. “The girls are going to run away screaming from your ass.” The warm air of the Florida night felt good against my skin. The salty smell of the air and the gentle breeze of the ocean were soothing.

  “I’ll show them what a real man looks like. They’re too used to these pansy ass boys that pluck their eyebrows and wax their body hair. They need a little Tank in their life. What the fuck are those douchebags called again?”

  I rolled my eyes. The man was clearly full of himself. “Yeah, I’m sure they do. How the fuck am I supposed to know what they’re called?”

  “Metrosexuals,” Bear said, giving a week smile.

  “What the fuck?” I said, totally in shock. I never ever in a million years though Bear would know that fucking term. A big burly biker like him should not know that term. “You reading Vogue magazine or some shit?” I raised an eyebrow, studying his face.

  His cheeks turned pink as he looked at the ground. “I have sisters, asshole. Their boyfriends are metrosexuals. Beats the fuck outta me. They throw the term around like it’s the most glorious thing. Someday they’ll figure out what they’re missing being with such a pussy.”

  I laughed along with the rest of the guys. “Had us worried there for a second,” Tank said, smacking Bear in the back of the head. “I was about to do a dick check.”

  “I know you’ve always wanted to get your hands on my cock, Tank. I don’t swing that way. Sorry, buddy.”

  I smiled as we walked through the lobby. I had the best friends and brothers in the whole fucking world. Before Anthony pushed open the doors to the pool, the glass panes started to shake from the bass of the music on the other side.

  “Ready boys?” Anthony asked, looking like he was about to enter a little piece of Heaven.

  “Just open the fuckin’ doors already,” I growled.

  He nodded, pushing open both doors at once. We took two steps and stopped dead to take in the sight before us. Girls in bikinis, skimpy dresses, and various other tiny barely there clothing writhed and danced to the beat of the techno music.

  “Wow, I’ve been missing out at that hick bar,” Tank said, his voice filled with disbelief.

  “Neon Cowboy women do not look like that.” Bear held his hand out, moving it up and down, motioning toward the crowd and licked his lips.

  “There sure as fuck something to be said for city girls.” Tank headed toward the crowd, winding his way through the ladies.

  At least Tank and Bear didn’t come in their camo or some other redneck attire. They wore clean denim jeans, black t-shirts, and boots. We looked like the redneck biker version of the Rat Pack. Our tats were clearly visible on our arms—metrosexuals we most definitely were not.

  “Bar,” I growled, pulling Tank off the back of some chick. He had her by the hips and she was pushing back against him with a big smile on her face.

  “What the fuck, man? I was enjoying myself.”

  “She had a ring on her finger, dumbass,” I yelled over the loud music.

  “Who cares? I was looking to hit it and quit it.” He laughed, making a smacking motion while thrusting his hips.

  “Shots. We need them in mass quantities.” Bear threw a fifty on the bar.

  “That won’t get you far here, Bear.” Michael threw an extra fifty on top. “This isn’t the Podunk bar you’re used to. This is the city and everything is three times as much.”

  We leaned against the bar studying the dance floor like a scene from Saturday Night Live as we waited for our tequila shots and beers. I reached in my pocket for my phone as panic started to set in. Fuck.