Page 28 of Give Me Redemption

“That was a long time ago,” he says. Like that makes it better.

“Was it?” I ask. “Was it a long time ago when you came home so piss-drunk that you couldn’t walk up the steps?”

“The fuck you getting at, Jace?” His voice is loud and causes attention.

“Just reminding you, you’re not a fucking saint, brother. And you are your father’s son.”

That does the trick. He reaches over and grabs me, standing me up and backing me to the wall. I could fight back, but I really just don’t care to. I think the fight’s gone in me.

It’s pretty empty in here.

“Don’t you ever compare me to that weak motherfucker again. Do you hear me?” he says.

Our sorry-ass father is a trigger for Bryce. He was always drunk and crying over our drugged-out mom. Sorry excuse of a man, if you ask me. I know my brother isn’t like him—well, not that much anyway.

I laugh and sniff, pushing him back with my shoulder. “Now who’s getting everyone upset?”

“Stop it,” Pops says.

Bryce’s eyes tighten and he shakes his head at me.

Guilt flies in my chest because I’ve hurt him, and I really didn’t mean to do that. I go to say something, but he walks away. Emily calls after him, but he doesn’t listen and here I stand with everyone’s eyes on me, feeling like an asshole.

“I was only kidding,” I say, bringing my beer to my lips.

Chapter Thirteen

Harlow

My eyes scan over the place, looking at doors that reademployees only. It’s packed, and it wasn’t easy getting a seat here at the bar. I’m in a black dress and black pumps. I slide a hand over my tightly pulled back hair and move my eyeglasses up my nose. I would have worn black slacks instead with a blazer, but I needed to look like I blended in well with club folks.

I guess I do.

Davy gave me his approval, and Slim was cuddlier before I left the apartment.

I bring my wine glass to my lips and continue scoping out the place. I walked around some before I got to my resting spot, checking out the bathroom and other guests. I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary.

No hidden passageway that might lead to wherever this gambling operation is going on. Just a few security guys standing in different places. One at the back of the club near the all brick wall and one at the bottom of a set of stairs that leads up to a private area. I’m assuming that’s a two-way mirror up there. I don’t have the feeling I’m being watched, so hopefully I’m right. I’m trying to go unnoticed. My day has been rough, and this really is the last thing I wanted to do, but Davy insisted I get on it already. Especially after I got that email earlier.

Davy told me to stay away from it. He gave Monroe free reign of the one case I’ve been trying to solve for over half my life.

I’m pissed off.

I exhale and look over at the dance floor at people grinding all over each other.Jesus, get a room, I think to myself.

I’d rather be at a sports bar right now. I turn my head when my eyes catch sight of my grocery store boy. Holy shit. He’s sitting at one of the booths with a girl. He’s all smiles. My heart thumps, and I blink my eyes at the odd feeling from my chest.

He’s got the perfect smile. He stands up and walks away from the girl, and I watch him.

Sue me.

He pats the security guard on the shoulder, saying something that must have been funny, because they both laugh. He jogs on up the stairs, and I narrow my eyes as he opens the door to the private area. Moments later, the girl heads that way, too.

I don’t really care for the way that makes me feel. I’ve been here long enough. This isn’t going to be easy. Having already paid for my wine, I slide off the stool and grab my clutch from the bar.

____________

I’m walking into my apartment, fumbling with my keys to unlock the door when I catch Malcom at the end of the hallway. He’s got a girl with him, and he looks toward me. He gives me a look of approval, and I’m assuming he’s talking about my outfit. The girl doesn’t notice as she walks inside his apartment. I smirk at Malcom.

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