Page 84 of Vegas Daddies

“Aliceishappy.”

“And how would you know that, hm?” He folds his arms over his chest. “What do you know about happiness?”

Your daughter makes me happyisn’t a suitable answer, so I keep my lips sealed.

“Breaking the speed limit on your bike?” he snaps. “Causing havoc around Vegas?”

“Peter—”

“Is that your twisted version of happiness? Get out of my house. You’ve overstayed your welcome.” He walks me to the front door, the sound of the unclicking lock reverberating around my body.

“Peter—”

“No. Alice will be staying with Tammy.” He throws me out the door (tries to, at least). “You crossed a boundary. Stay away from my daughter. All of you.”

19

MATCH

Stakeouts normally sendme to sleep, but tonight I’m far from slumber.

A flapping bat is the only movement tonight in the parking lot, and it’s testing my last nerve. Apart from that, the coast is clear.

Lifesaver registered Alice’s very beat-up Mercedes-Benz into the ER parking lot because it’s safer and much more open. It doesn’t contain any hidden spots for Bratva assassins to lurk in.

So far, we’re all clear.

But that doesn’t mean I can untense my shoulders and anticipate an easy night. Those don’t exist for me anymore.

I wish they did.

But I’d be lying if I said I wish Alice and I had never met.

Things would definitely be easier.

Things certainlywerebefore we met.

A roller coaster is how I’d describe the past six years, but not one of those up-and-down ones with surprise turns and hiddendips. I’m talking about a ride that takes you down. No surprises. No nothing. Just cruising through the air at altitude, kind of like flying, but not quite because aviation comes with a risk, and there was never really a risk riding with the Venom Vultures.

Until now.

Feelings have swooped in, said hello, and damned me forever.

Yesterday, Lifesaver told Peter that Aliceknows.Tension earlier this morning when we all regrouped lingered stronger than the smell of horseshit after rainfall.

He thinks us telling his daughter the truth is overstepping?

Wait until he hears about our marriage.

That confession won’t be happening…ever.

My phone buzzes. Incoming call from Lifesaver.

“How are things?”

“Calm,” I say down the receiver. “For now. Have you heard anything from Peter?”

“Not since yesterday when he kicked me out the door.”

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