Page 10 of Forbidden Cravings

“No, just keep me posted on anything out of the ordinary.”

“Yes, Boss.”

I gave him a nod and walked away, motioning for Leo and Finch that I was leaving. With no work being done, and the roads still in shitty condition, I had little options as to where to go next. I didn’t want to return home, knowing Riley would still be in her room and Casey would be there. Seeing either of them would unwind me. Every time I set eyes on Riley, it killed me. I was a broody man, but she was my sunshine. The months when she’d given me the silent treatment had almost destroyed me. I missed her smiles, her bubbly laugh, the way she lit the room with her personality.

Casey was another situation all together, and I didn’t think I could control myself if left alone with her again. She, too, had a sunny disposition, that smile crushing the darkness I stewed in, crumbling the hard exterior I had to carry in the world I’d built. Those hazel eyes of hers held such life that it melted me. I couldn’t imagine not seeing them every day. The thought left me frozen, my hand on the door handle as I stood pondering why I’d think such a thing. She’d been back for a day, in my presence mere hours at the most, and I didn’t want her to go back to Armina. I wanted her here, even with as painfully as it tormented me.

“Fuck,” I mumbled, getting in the car and instructing Leo to drive to the club. I needed to take my mind from Casey. Going to the club wouldn’t help, no matter how many beautiful, half-naked women we employed. Nothing would satisfy the need I had for Casey. That was an indisputable fact. But Tyson would be there and if he weren’t up to his flirting ways, he’d get my mind from her. If anything, he’d remind me why I couldn’t touch her. Our friendship was on the line if he even found out I was even considering it.

Leo pulled in front of the club. It was one of several I owned throughout my territory. This one catered to the richer men, and sometimes women, in the city. I ensured discretion and vetted the women we employed. We treated them with respect and paid them well, paid their medical bills and childcare if they had kids. If it was one thing I’d learned early on, it was that treating my people well made for loyal employees. Turnover was low in any of my franchises, and no one turned on me or fled to another family.

“Boss,” Nico nodded to me when I entered the club. The music was low, it was still early, the girls just coming in for the early shift. Unlike Tyson, I preferred to steer clear of getting involved with the women who worked for me, regardless of howsexy or beguiling they were. I didn’t want the risk. I was discreet about whom I slept with and extremely picky. With Casey flaunting herself and her desire for me openly, I didn’t even venture a look at anyone as I walked through the club. My mind was on her, knowing no other body would satisfy me.

I found Tyson in the back, in a compromising position with two of the girls.

“You two, back to getting ready. Tyson, get your hands off my employees and your cock back in your pants before I ban you from the club.” The girls ran off as Tyson griped.

“Well, aren’t you a commanding prick today, Mace,” he said, zipping his pants back up.

“You need to stop fucking around with them. You already have China sucking your cock, now you have those two giving you a hand-job?”

“Well, the one was, the other was letting me touch her tits.”

I smacked him on the back of the head. “I can’t wait until you find a woman who finally tames you.”

He let out a loud belly laugh. “There is no woman out there who can tame me. You should know that. And since when are you so uppity about it?”

“Since you started making it a habit. I’m serious, Ty. No more, not even with China.”

He rolled his eyes. “Fine. You’re in a shitty mood. What’s going on?”

“Nothing. I went to the site and put Mike on alert. Did you talk to Nico?”

“Yeah, and I stopped by the shop as well as a few of the businesses.”

“Good. I want the men monitoring the roads, too. Just in case they decide they can drive right in and fuck with me.”

“Got it.” He crossed his arms, his hazel eyes that were so like Casey’s seeing right through me. “What’s wrong, Mace?”

“There’s nothing wrong.”

“You’re on edge?—”

“You think so? My sister’s got herself locked in her room in some depressed hole she can’t crawl out of.” I leaned closer, lowering my voice. “The Bad Omens are targeting me and Greyson Tides might become my brother-in-law. Does that give me reason to be on edge?”

I ran my hands through my hair, knowing the auburn-haired beauty with the irresistible curves, sexy teasing, and gorgeous hazel eyes was the real reason I was so flustered.

“Fuck, when you put it that way, I think we both need a strong drink. If I can’t satisfy my dick the way I intended, I can quench my thirst another way.” He slapped my back, ushering me to the front of the house.

Sam, the bartender, was setting up. The club opened early, although after last night’s storm, I didn’t think it would be too busy. We were used to snowstorms this time of year, but they still slowed business down. Sam dropped two glasses on the bar, pouring a shot of bourbon in each.

“It’s early for the hard stuff,” I muttered, still grabbing my glass and downing the shot.

“Apparently not,” he said with a laugh before returning to wiping down the bottles.

“Better?” Tyson asked after finishing his shot.

“No, and now my throat burns. That’s not gonna sit well the rest of the day.”

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