Page 38 of Release You

“You called her?” I wiped both hands on my jeans and let my head fall on the headrest.

Yeah, I’d seen firsthand what Nikki can do. How she could make anyone do her bidding. Her first day back, she sweet-talked Russ into letting her go into a construction site where we had just detonated a small explosive. She’d put herself in danger to get what she wanted. Now she was doing it again.

Was she doing this for me or herself? Of course, Nikki was here for herself. Everything she did was to help herself. Mom had information she needed to clear Lisa’s name. That was it. This had nothing to do with us or her feelings for me.

Though I had to admit, the idea of her leaving me again stifled all the oxygen out of me. I took a deep breath to ease the pressure in my chest. Dom’s driver slanted a glance at me, and the window rolled down, letting in a bunch of hot air.

“I called her the minute I got to the Hilton and spoke toTodd. Don’t worry, we talked before you showed up at the bar, so she doesn’t know you’re with me.”

I leaned toward the window. Hot air was better than no air. “Nikki is the last person I want to see right now.”

“Hmm.That’s pretty much what she said when I asked her about you.” Dom settled in his seat next to Emilia.

CHAPTER 13

The Dive Bar and the Mark

Nikki

I sped down I-10, trying not to think the worst of Tessa. Henry’s mom had been in Phoenix, enjoying some fine dining with none other than her brother-in-law, the jerk who’d kept her away from her son all this time. I slanted another glance at the picture Dom texted me, glad Henry wasn’t here to see it. This would completely crush him. What was Tessa playing at? How could she do this to her own son?

Please let this Scott guy be one of those bartenders who’s always glad to help.

Another text came in from Dom.

Dom: Judging by his text and lack of concise information, I’d say this guy wants money. Let’s tread lightly. Something doesn’t smell right here. You win. We’ll go with your plan. I’m sending the address.

Scott had gone out of his way to get us this far out from the city limits. If he’d wanted money, he would’ve set an amount already. This was going to be another bust. I gripped the steering wheel and let out a breath. For Henry’s sake, I had tostay positive. I fumbled with my phone and tapped on my music playlist, looking for something upbeat. I needed sexy and upbeat right now.

I got off I-10 with the sun sitting low on the horizon. I followed Dom’s directions to the dive bar where we were supposed to meet Scott and pulled into the parking lot. My heart sank when I spotted Henry leaning against Dom’s SUV, arms across his chest. How did he find me? Did he know about his mom? The pursed lips and creases on his forehead answered my question. He didn’t even bother to hide his contempt while I parked next to him. I checked my red lipstick in the rearview mirror while I tried not to react to how hot he looked in those ripped jeans, arms stretching the sleeves of his faded T-shirt, and that scolding stare of his that threatened to set the entire place on fire.

When Dom called to tell me he might have something on Tessa, I’d been glad for an excuse to get out of the hotel and away from Henry. Apparently, Henry had the same idea, and Dom didn’t think to send him home.

I had to focus. Henry wasn’t here. Only the mark.

I climbed out of the car and leaned on the hood, ignoring Henry and the daggers coming out of his eyes. For one, it was a good idea for the patrons of this fine establishment to think I was alone. And two, I didn’t know what to say to him. I wasn’t mad at him. Was I? Until I figured out how I felt about him and all this crap with his family and Lisa, I had to stay away. For his own good, I had to stay away.

Dom strolled out of the bar. While Henry hadn’t talked to me because he was pissed, Dom understood the situation and ignored me. Going straight to Henry instead. My phone vibrated with a new text.

Dom: Hey, doll. Want to try your luck at the bar?

I bit my lip to suppress a smile. Next to me, Henry stoodstill like a statue. Good. He was finally on board. This was a different kind of poker game. Checking my lipstick one last time to calm my nerves, I smoothed out my tight dress and headed for the door. If the men inside could see me through the windows, they’d think I was just another chick looking for a free drink…or to hook up. This dive looked like that kind of place.

At the door, I took my time to set my watch to twenty minutes. Guys, especially drunk ones, pegged girls quickly. I was alone, but my impatience with my watch suggested I was waiting for someone. Slowly, I made my way to the opposite end of the room, careful not to catch anyone’s eye. Scott was the only guy I wanted to talk to tonight. When I reached the bar, I leaned forward, letting my breasts brush the counter. The bartender gave me a wide smile that showed all his teeth.

Out in the parking lot, Dom and Henry appeared to be deep in conversation, though Henry kept his piercing gaze on me. This was why I always worked alone.

“Can I get you something, beautiful?” the bartender asked.

“A white wine, please.”

The bartender raised an eyebrow and poured a cheap wine in a water-spotted wineglass. God, I hoped I didn’t have to drink it. I checked my watch again.

“Waiting for someone?” a guy asked.

He smelled of decent cologne and had long, semi clean hair. He didn’t stick out like a sore thumb in this dive, but he didn’t quite fit in either. This had to be Scott.

I met his gaze. “I was. Seems I’ve been stood up.” I pouted a little. Hurt, but not too hurt now that he was here. His chest puffed up.

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