Page 39 of Outplayed

“You’re welcome. I’ll inform you when she makes it home.”

I ended the call and threw my phone to the counter after walking into the kitchen and grabbed myself a straight bourbon. Sculling it back, I took the bottle and glass with me and went to wait in the living room.

I wasn’t sure how long I sat there in a foul mood until I heard the front door bang open. I stood and made my way into the foyer.

“Rough night?” I asked, thanking fuck once more Donald was employed by me since Link showed up with his hands covered in blood.

“Let’s just say Mr Sanders understood the message we delivered.”

“Good,” I clipped, tipping back my drink. Turning, I went back into the living room, knowing Link would clean up first and then head to find me. Mr Sanders was a top-paying client. Apparently, he considered I would look the other way if he got rough with my girls. He was mistaken. I didn’t give a flying fuck about him or his money. My girls were to stay safe, no matter who the client was. If it wasn’t me, then Link would ensure the clients understood the message clearly.

Link stomped in, stopped and crossed his arms over his chest. He glanced around. “Pity party for one?”

“Yes.”

“What did you do?”

“Fucked up.”

“How bad?”

“Bad enough she left while I was in the shower.”

“Christ, Trav, tell me.” His eyes narrowed. He came over and sat in the chair opposite me.

Leaning forward, I dropped my glass on the coffee table between us, ran a hand through my hair, and clenched my jaw. “Dinner was going great. Then I fucked it up when Lenore and Liza came over.”

“No.” He shook his head.

“Mr Himmel thought it was a good idea to take the girls out together. You know the goddamn usual. He shows off money, gets them wet from it. They saw me. Thought they’d pop over.”

“They spoke shit in front of Vi?”

Vi. He was already giving her a nickname.

“Yes,” I gritted through clenched teeth.

“You let them.”

I threw out an arm. “What was I supposed to do? They were with a client. I had to be pleasant.”

“They spoke about you and them in front of Vi?”

I nodded.

“You motherfucking idiot.”

“What was I supposed—”

“Set them in their place,” he yelled. “You’re too soft on them. They’re employees. They need to know not to fuck with you around others.”

“You used to be with me at parties while they hung all over us.”

“That’s fucking different, and you know it. Violet wasn’t around. You were only pining over her, but she was in another fucking country.”

Standing, I paced. “I know I fucked up, Link. I don’t need you on my case. I already hate myself enough.”

“Good.”

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