Page 6 of Rayna's Daddy

“Kyler Grant.” His enormous belly bounced as he walked over with his hand extended. When I put out word, I was interested in attending his next party, the man jumped at the chance and, from what I could tell, he went all out. “I’m so glad you can make it.” His meaty hand squeezed mine. He placed his other hand on my elbow and pulled me close. “Anything you want tonight, is on me.” He winked. “But if you find something you want for to keep, it will cost you.” He laughed, while releasing my hand and patting me on the chest.

The room was empty of furniture. A bar in every corner served drinks while uniformed waiters carried around champagne on gold trays.

About twenty-five men stood around talking in small groups, while others were on their phones. I recognized a couple, but most were strangers to me. The ones I did recognize pretended they didn’t know me.

I stepped away from Albert, before Josh decided to grab him by the neck and throw him through a window. He despised men like Albert. Entitled and surviving on an illusion of power. His power gave him the confidence to do what he wanted. Thankfully for us, it also made him feel like he was untouchable. He most certainly was.

“Nice place you have here!” I walked around the room. Taking in the aesthetic and the other guest. “You live here?”

“Naw.” He slapped me on the back. “It’s all just for entertainment purposes.” He grunted. “I am a simple man. Not comfortable with the opulence like this place or The Quad.”

Josh scoffed and covered it with a cough.

I chuckled on the inside. Comparing The Quadrangle to this place was like comparing a Ferrari to a bicycle. Not even the same mode of transportation.

“Mr. Santorini.” I stopped near the window. “You remember my associate, Josh Burroughs?”

“Please, call me Albert.” He nudged me in the ribs. If I didn’t know better, I would think he was patting me down for a gun or a wire. I wasn’t wired, but I was carrying. Most of the men in the room probably were. Arguments would not be solved with weapons for fear you wouldn’t be invited back. His parties were legendary. Secretive, well planned out and organized with the best money could buy.

Too bad, tonight would be his last.

“Aw, the ladies.” Albert shuffled to a small, raised platform in the corner. Women poured into the room, dressed in evening gowns with heavy make-up and false eyelashes. They all seemed to be teetering on the edge of sky-high heels. They plastered smiles to their faces and dispersed to all ends of the room. “Please come in and join our guest. Make them feel welcome.”

Josh grabbed a glass of champagne, sipped and leaned into me.

“They all look of age, that’s something.” His lips pierced. He set the champagne down on the next passing tray. “How long we going to let this go on?”

It didn’t take long for the men to get comfortable with the ladies. Some stand back and watch, but most went after who they wanted, either for the night or longer. They grabbed and pawed at the women like they were merchandise. It made me sick.

“I don’t know.” I searched the room. “All the players are here. I’d like to get Albert to incriminate himself more.”

Josh had a camera and mic in the clip on his tie, so we could hopefully get some incriminating evidence.

“We don’t need to put ourselves in danger to get this done, either.” Josh narrowed his eyes.

I ignored him and wandered around the rest of the room. Made sure no one escaped our view. As we made our way near Albert, she entered. She trailed behind Natalie. Confusion written all over her face. They’d dolled her up, put her in a dress way too revealing. Her hair was pinned up and made her look a foot taller. Her delicate little neck looked like it might fall over any minute now from the weight of that monstrosity.

She stumbled in her heels, barely managing to right herself. Scanning the room, her eyes fell on me. She gasped and sighed. Like she was relieved to see a familiar face. Then she disappeared when Albert stepped in front of her, blocking her from my view.

I growled under my breath.

“So much for observing and not getting involved.” Josh grunted.

I ignored him and moved toward her. Women walked in front of me, trying to get my attention. I wasn’t sure what their instructions were, but given the men gathered, Josh and I may be the youngest, the least intimidating. We were the lesser of evils in the room of millionaires, and one or two politicians.

I spotted her again, but this time with Santorini’s chubby fingers wrapped around her bicep. One of his associated interrupted and pulled him away. Rayna’s eyes darted around. The fear in them made my heart race. She spotted the open door to the balcony and made a run for it.

I took a step toward her.

Josh grabbed my arm.

“Ky, I know I can’t stop you, but remember, this is not about one girl.” He let go and went to follow keep an eye on Albert.

He was wrong. It was all about this one girl.

* * *

I tiptoedout onto the balcony and took a cleansing breath. The fresh air filled my lungs but did nothing to quiet my nerves. I gripped the railing and looked down. We were high up.

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