Page 15 of Lesson Learned

Even for the aggressive banter I’m used to from my older sibling, that’s a new low. “Why don’t you leave Saski out of this and I won’t mention how delicate your digestive system’s been since Eliza tried to poison you.”

His glare could strip paint and I bite my tongue to stop trading barbs before I talk myself out of any help.

“Speaking of poison, you fancy a drink?”

I nod, accepting the glass and not caring much what’s in it. My hands are steady, that came standard with my upbringing, but inside my bloodstream it’s a different story. The alcohol won’t come close to dulling the chemical messengers my brain’s pumping out for free.

When my brother settles back in his chair, draining half the tumbler in one go, he finally thinks to ask, “What’s the problem?”

“Bounty Club’s one of yours, isn’t it?”

His eyes narrow but he nods. “I own a quarter-share.”

“One of the bartender’s been spiking girls’ drinks.”

There’s no change in expression, just a slight tightening of his fingers on his glass. “And you have proof?”

“I watched a girl pass out after having half a vodka coke. Does that count?”

“Hardly definitive.”

“Next time I’ll grab a toxicology report. Would that help?”

He takes a sip, rolling the whiskey over his tongue while monitoring me from half-lidded eyes. Then he swallows. “What do you want me to do about it?”

“Nothing. I just want permission to take care of it. I won’t let anything blow back on you.”

“Take care of it?”

I nod, not bothering to add context. Time’s wasting as it is. I need to get back home to check on the tiny girl curled up tight in my bed, right next to whereIshould be. I want to watch her sleep, watch her wake up. See if she’s half as enthusiastic about obeying my instructions when she doesn’t have half a pharmacy coursing through her system.

But Patrick doesn’t need to know there’s a girl. My family won’t welcome another romantic attachment. Not after what happened with the last one.

“Fine.” He drains his glass and stands, returning it to the tray and reaching for mine. “Let’s go.”

“I can handle it by myself.”

“Pity you came and asked me in person then, isn’t it?”

My teeth grind together so hard my eye sockets ache. “And if I’d called?”

His smile spreads like oil on seawater. “Guess we’ll never find out.”

I stand, time an inconvenience working against me. All I want is to curl up next to the treasure I found tonight, hold her close to me, play with her hair.

“Christ. We’re going for a beat down. It’s not that fucking exciting.”

With a roll of my eyes, I adjust myself and yank open the door, nearly walking straight into a dark blonde with such a flat chest even the corsets Patrick makes the staff wear can’t turn it into cleavage.

“Yes?” he asks as I navigate around her.

“Billy wants an appointment later in the week. Asked if he can book out one of the private rooms for a half day, Wednesday.”

I leave my brother to it, walking into the main bar and glancing around. There’s barely a soul in here, a situation that always makes me wonder how much he pays the licence inspectors to stay away. One peek at the lack of clientele and it would occur to even the lowest paid official that something in this place didn’t add up.

The exit is right there. I could be out and in my car, speeding towards the destination in twenty seconds.

But I’m already in enough shit with my family. Tussling with Patrick will only end one way.

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