Page 34 of Brightness

He nods and struggles to get to his wounded feet, slipping in his own blood a few times, but then pulls the front door open, takes one last look at his friend, and rushes out the door.

I grin, turn, and stow my gun while Trixie rushes out from behind the counter. She lunges at me, wrapping her arms around my neck, pulling me to her in a tight hug.

I tense, still hating fucking affection.

I stand uncomfortably, not even game to pat her awkwardly in support.

I’ve only just gotten used to letting Ivy touch me—I’m not on board with this—so I reach up and grab Trixie’s arms, moving her a step back as she exhales dramatically.

“Thank you, Void. You’re a lifesaver. It didn’t look like they had guns or anything, but they were starting to become pretty damn vocal. I was getting scared.”

I take in the café, trying to see if there’s any damage other than the excessive blood and one dead body. “Did they take anything? Do any damage?”

“No, they were after cash. Junkies after a fix, maybe. I don’t even think they’re aware of what’s out the back, ’cause they didn’t come looking for it… just the cash.”

“If it’s any consolation, I don’t believe that guy will be back, but I’ll have a brother stand guard during the day for a while.”

“Thank you… I appreciate that.”

“Looks like I made a mess. Got caught up in the moment… I’ve had a day.”

Trixie grips my bicep. “Hey, I’m just glad you were here. You saved my ass. Even if we have a mess to clean up.”

Rolling my shoulders, I glance back out at the scene. “West will be here soon. He can do cleanup. You girls don’t have to worry about this shit.”

Trixie smiles. “Well, in the meantime, I’ve just made a batch of macarons. You wanna take some back to the clubhouse and try them for me? Make sure I got the ratios right? It might help you relax?”

“‘Macarons,’” I say, using air quotes, and chuckle. “I’m sure they’re awesome.” She wants to make sure the ratio of sweet treat to weed is good to go before we sell them.

I got her back.

I’m more than happy to test them.

I need to space out for a while anyway. I’m sick of this damn day. “Show me the way.”

“Lizzy, can you close the store down while I head out back? Make sure to black out all the windows. We don’t need anyone casually walking by and seeing all… this,” Trixie calls out to her staff member, thankfully also one of our club girls.

“Sure thing!”

Trixie turns, leading me through the kitchen and into the back area. She walks me to a concealed door and opens it, and we enter, ensuring to pull it shut behind us. Trixie punches in the code, it beeps, then she pulls on the heavy handle, and it opens. As we walk through, she looks back at me, smiling. The door automatically shuts once we pass through into the small vestibule chamber where plastic see-through blinds hang. After pushing our way through to a roller door, she slides it up, and instantly, the smell hits me. It’s then I realize why there are so many safety precautions. The barricades need to be in place to block out the pungent smell of the product as well as to hide its existence.

As we walk further inside, there’s row after row of benches lining the large area, all packed with what look like desserts ready to go. There’s even a refrigerated section. Along the back wall is the kitchen, complete with industrial stoves, mixers, sinks, white goods—you name it, Trix has it.

This is an elite setup.

Nycto and Trixie did good!

I like how covert this all is. “You must love this part of the store.”

She shrugs. “It certainly brings in a hell of a lot more money than out front, but those who purchase these goods generally buy in bulk, and we ship the product out to them. It’s a mass-production enterprise.”

“Okay, show me these treats.”

She walks me over to a bench where a tray of green macarons sits. “Green… creative,” I mock.

She rolls her eyes. “They’re lime-flavored, smartass.”

“Okay, let’s do this.” I pick one up. It’s smooth in texture on the outside, and as I bite into it, it’s a little chewy but soft. The tang of the lime hits me immediately. It tastes a lot like her Key lime pie. I can’t taste the dope at all, and the flavor is incredible. Swallowing the whole thing down, I lick my lips. “This is fucking delicious, Trix.”

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