Page 64 of The Bratva's Forced Bride

I go to him. “Did the night shift manager cash out alright?”

“Yes, it’s ready to be deposited,” he says quietly.

Deposited. Right at the laundromat's door for my accountants to sort out.

“That’s fine. Anything to report?” I ask.

“No. The night manager didn’t say anything, and I haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary,” he says.

“Good job, keep it up.” I walk around for a bit, kind of losing myself in the trills of the slot machines and the sound of money being wasted.

My life is wasted.

My mother won’t forgive me for the divorce. Kervyn probably won’t, either. I can only try to reason with him.

I grab the bag of money and go outside. I toss it in the trunk and light a cigarette. I stand next to my car and inhale deeply. The air is heavy with heat. The joys of living here, it’s fucking hot.

Asher was fucking hot. The bed was so cold without her in it last night. I am going to have no one to hold anymore except painted whores who latch onto me for a chance at my money.

That’s what my life is going to be reduced to. I can’t believe I dared to dream about being married and having children. I’ll never have a child now. I don’t want one with anyone but her, and she’s leaving. I have to make her leave because I don’t know if she will be forgiven.

I get in my car and drive to the next casino. I need to collect that cash-up, and then I’ll go to the laundromat. Thankfully, my favorite manager is on site. Jean-Claude.

I walk into the casino and scan the floor. That’s when I see him—Jean-Claude, standing in a corner, speaking to some people.

Not just any people.

Italian-looking people.

They are definitely cornering him, probably trying to get information out of him. He sees me and waves me over. They turn to look at me and ruffle his hair before they walk away.

I walk toward them, blocking their way. I stand in front of them. It’s the same guys who have been scouting the casinos.

“You aren’t welcome in any of our casinos,” I growl. “And you’ll do well to stay away from Asher’s family, or you’ll have me to answer to.”

“Mr. Milov. We don’t want to do anything other than play some slots.”

“There’s plenty of other places to do that,” I say. “And if you approach my people again, you’ll regret it.”

The tall one in the front is almost as tall as me. He looks me in the eyes. “A pity we can’t do business together, Mr. Milov.”

“You know very well why not,” I say. “Now get the fuck out of here.”

They push past me and leave. I watch until they’re completely gone. Jean-Claude comes up to me. “Thank God you got here.”

“What did they want?” I ask.

“They wanted information about the casino. I kept telling them I don’t know anything, but they were adamant.” He runs a hand through his hair.

“You carrying your piece,” I ask.

“I wasn’t about to shoot up the casino, but I would use it if necessary. The cash-up is done. I don’t know if you want to take it now with them lingering about.” I follow him back to his office.

I pick up the bag of money. “Call security. Have them come with me.”

Jean-Claude nods and picks up a radio. “Security to the manager's office. Escorting Mr. Milov. Please, make it snappy.” He smiles at me. “Don’t worry, boss, I got you covered.”

I nod, but I haven’t got a smile left in me. I wait for security, and I leave without another word.

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