Page 53 of Diamonds & Deception

“Would you like me to wait until after your meeting is over before leaving for the night?”

When I met with Micky a few weeks ago, I had her stay late so she could interrupt us with a fake emergency meeting.

“It’s okay. Go home to your family, Nancy. And remind me on Monday to give you another raise.”

“I already put it on your calendar.”

I chuckle as I attach a document to the email I’ve been working on and send it to my lawyer. I close out my other files to keep my hands busy while I wait for Nancy to escort Eddie in. I feel bad making her sit out there with him.

Most likely he’s being his usual crude asshole self. Not wanting her to suffer any longer, I stand, and my door opens.

“What’s this meeting all about?” Eddie scoffs as he crosses my office to the minibar and helps himself to a glass of whiskey.

“Would you like a drink?” I ask, my voice laced with sarcasm.

“I gotta game starting in less than an hour, and I haven’t even had dinner.” He tosses back his whiskey and makes himself comfortable on the sofa.

I take one of the chairs across from him and sit back, resting my ankle across a knee as if I have all the time in the world. His hands are jittery and his eyes dart around my office. I’m not overly intimidating. They don’t call me Switzerland because I’m threatening, so there’s no reason for Eddie to be on edge.

We’ve had dozens of meetings before. Granted, most have been with his father. This is the first with just the two of us.

“It’s come to my attention that you’re not adhering to our agreement.”

“What the fuck agreement is that?” He swills the rest of the whiskey and slams the empty glass on the table that separates us.

“I don’t allow drugs, weapons, or violence in my casino.”

“Why you such a pussy? You really think everyone who walks in this joint is clean and has a rod up their ass like you?”

“What you do outside the Four Aces is your business. What happens in here is mine.”

“Yeah?” He leans forward and scowls. “Whatcha gonna do about it? My family brings you a shitload of business. You wouldn’t be making bank if it wasn’t for us. The drunker, the more stoned schmucks are, the more stupid they are with their betting and spending.”

“I don’t take advantage of people, Eddie. I suggest you adhere to our agreement, or you won’t be allowed on the premises again.”

“Fucking strait-laced pussy. I’m not dealing in your church and don’t fucking accuse me or make ultimatums again. My family owns this city.” He stands, trips over the edge of the table, and heads to the door.

“I’ll be watching you and your friends, Eddie.”

He stops at the door and gives me an evil, wicked grin. “Yeah. I heard that about you and your whore. She’s got you by your balls. Keep your eyes on her. Wouldn’t want anything to happen to that magic pussy, would you?”

I clench my fists, my nails digging into my palms as I remain calm. I don’t take the bait. I wait for him to leave before I let out a string of curses. I fire off a text to Nolan about my meeting and ask him to put extra eyes on Eddie.

Since sleep still won’t come easy, I walk the floors of the poker room and make my way through the slots. The energy is loud, fun, and chaotic in the slot room. Mostly women, they’re here for a good time. The ringing of bells, the sound of coins dropping into cups, laughter, squeals of delight, and curses as well.

I check in with groups of women who appear to be here celebrating an event. Birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, weddings, and even divorces. I flirt back with the elderly ladies, and politely brush off advances from women my age. I’m professional, polite, and cordial.

Nolan updates me frequently, and I return to the blackjack room where it’s quieter and I don’t have to worry as much about being accosted by women. I greet the regulars by name, shake hands with some of the CEOs and businessmen of the city, and check in with Thomas, the room manager tonight.

All is well. There’s no need for me to keep tabs on the guests or my managers. Nolan is in the high-stakes room watching Eddie, and so far, no news is good news. I don’t want to go back to my penthouse where vanilla spice still lingers in the air. Where it permeates my pillows and sheets.

I should have asked housekeeping to change my linens. Usually, housekeeping takes care of them on Monday. I can handle three more nights of restless sleep. Or maybe I should sleep in the guest room.

I go back to my place and change into my workout clothes, thinking maybe a sweat session with weights will burn off some steam. One of the many benefits of owning the building is our private gym. The only way to access it is if you’re in one of the five penthouses.

Two of the penthouses are occupied by the four aces, and the other three are currently booked for the weekend. However, I don’t anticipate anyone being in the gym. They’re either playing cards, the slots, or having dinner.

I lift heavy until I max out, then run five miles on the treadmill. My body is spent, and I’m hopeful I’m exhausted enough to crash as soon as my head hits the pillow. On my way up the elevator, Nolan calls.

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