Page 10 of Jordan

“Of course, sir.” He quickly put her leash on and was out the door.

The building I lived in was also one I owned. Guards I trusted monitored every floor. The guards I had now were mostly newer. I had to start fresh after handling the deceit that happened with Malik.

Barry took a more senior role and was now my head of security. There was no better man to oversee what went on and handle any issues that could arise. If Reghan and Raiden didn’t come highly recommended by Dexen, I wouldn’t have had them in my home. Their father was a guard at Dexen’s club.

My phone vibrated with a text. Lifting it, I looked at the screen.

Dexen: You missed JJ’s birthday.

With my son and I having the same name, he quickly earned the nickname JJ when he was little.

Me: I sent a gift.

Dexen: He didn’t need a check.

Me: What would you like me to do? I don’t buy gifts and he has you and Greer to spoil him. He’s a grown man. If he needs something I can provide, all he has to do is ask.

Dexen: He needs his father, not a bank, but he won’t say it out loud.

The guilt hit me swiftly. I was a father by blood, not because I did fatherly things. Having drugs and guns in our home, guards who drank as well as myself, though not to the extent they did. Not to mention the fact I killed his mother in front of him. I wouldn’t win an award for my behavior. And I paid for it year after year as my son alienated me and only stood before me when I had him brought here.

I was trying to do better, at least in my own way. I wasn’t a hugger or liked to show affection. My version of displays of love was killing anyone who threatened those I cared about and getting possessive over them. If I considered them mine, I’d kill for them.

Me: Come over for dinner tomorrow night.

Dexen: Saturday night is one of the busiest at the club.

If anyone understood my workaholic tendencies, it was Dexen. Although he knew when to step back and take a break. I didn’t.

Me: The offer stands.

Dexen: Fine. For JJ.

Me: Good. I’ll hire a caterer.

I had an older woman who cooked and cleaned for me, but I didn’t use her often when I had guests over. Dexen, Greer, and Jordan weren’t colleagues or rivals. The urge to put an extra effort into this dinner was there.

Dexen: I know someone you can trust who’s free. He works for me as well.

Me: You’re going to send Dana to cook in my home?

Dana was a very talented chef, who created the exemplary meals Dexen served at the club. I’d seen photos of his creations and heard the way others praised his food.

Dexen: No, he’s working here. I can send Vail, Dana’s brother-in-law.

I knew of him. I knew of every person who worked in the club Dexen owned. My son’s safety was imperative. While I didn’t personally run a background check on him, Dexen would have.

Me: Tell me what time and I’ll make sure he has access.

Dexen and I worked out the details, and I put my phone in my pocket. I hadn’t planned on entertaining tomorrow night. When it came to mending the relationship I had with Jordan, I’d do almost anything. Except hug, unless he was crying. Tears were the exception to hugs. I still remembered when he embraced me after I killed Malik. My son held me while I cried.

The elevator doors opened, although I didn’t bother to look to see who it was. I could tell by the sound of nails clicking on the marble floor that Raiden had returned with Latte. She rushed over to me with her tail wagging, needing to share that she went outside. Her fur was cold to the touch with snowflakes stuck to it.

“Were you a good girl?”

“She was,” Raiden replied. Her collar jingled as he hung it and the leash up in the closet near the elevator. “Come on, girl, let’s get you some water.” There was a dusting of snow on his nearly black hair when he walked in front of me to usher her out of the room.

“Thank you,” I told him.

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