Page 38 of King of Depravity

I look over at Killian, my lips parted in surprise. He’s been talking me up. Which makes me emotional all over again. But Killian only places his hand at my back, escorting me down the hall.

We enter what must be the dancer’s locker room, but there are no dancers. Instead, it’s full of well-dressed men.

I recognize Triston and Gris. But there are others I don’t know. All stop to turn toward me and I my heart freezes for a moment in my chest.

I shift closer to Killian. He wouldn’t let anyone hurt me, would he? His hand spreads out on my back. “You remember my brother Gris?”

I give a quick jerk of my chin. “Nice to see you again.”

Gris steps forward. He’s married to Arabella, I remember that. “I’m sorry the circumstances aren’t better, Chloe, but I’m pleased to see you again as well.” He reaches out a hand to shake mine and it sincerely makes me feel more at ease. I shake his hand, even as he partially turns back to the other men, still holding my hand in his. “I’d like to introduce Mason Kincaid and Jake Kincaid.”

I barely keep from gasping. Mason Kincaid owns a tremendous amount of Las Vegas real estate. You can’t live in this city and not know his name.

He reaches out to shake my hand as well, Gris letting go and stepping back as Mason approaches. “I’m very pleased to meet you.”

I don’t know how to answer him. He can’t mean it. I’m nobody.

Letting go of my hand, he pulls a card from his pocket. I’ve been collecting a bunch of these, the past few days.

But while his name and number are beautifully typed on the front, the name on the back of the card isn’t Mason’s. My brow furrows.

“I’ve taken the liberty of making you an appointment with my personal real estate agent this afternoon.”

“I’m sorry?” I look at him, my confusion clearly written on my face.

Mason is the kind of man that exudes power. It rolls off him in waves. He looks to Killian, cocking his head. Is he asking Killian’s permission for something?

Killian pulls me into his side. “We’re all concerned that the Russians might try and hurt you again, now that they know you’re affiliated with us.”

My mouth drops open, my eyes going wide. I shake my head. “What does that have to do with a real estate agent?”

Mason gives me this polished smile. “I own several condo complexes that have available units and topnotch security. At least until all of our business is settled with the Russians, we’d like to make sure you’re not in danger.”

Are they moving me into an apartment? I shake my head, panic filling my chest. Tapping Killian’s ribs, I draw in an uneven breath. “Mr. Kincaid, please understand that I can’t?—”

“Chloe,” Killian rumbles, “You can’t stay in your apartment. It isn’t safe.”

I look at him then, the worry in my eyes surely on display. I don’t give men I don’t know, or men I do know, power over me. “You know how I feel about allowing…” I don’t finish, not wanting reveal too much.

His jaw hardens. “I know. I’ll find a solution that suits everyone.”

The air rushes from my lungs in relief. For a girl who doesn’t usually give men power, I’m being pretty liberal with what I’m allowing Killian.

But like I said, there is something so honest about him, I just don’t worry about his hidden agenda.

He nods to Mason and then leaves my side, with a final pat on my back, walking out of the room with Mason, Jake, and Triston all following him.

Leo and Gris remain in the locker room, however.

I tug at the hem of my shirt, smoothing the fabric as I straighten my shoulders. Mason’s offer rocked me a bit, but I’ve got to get into interview mode.

Leo smiles as he points to another door. “Would you like a tour of the club?”

I nod, even as Gris offers me his arm. Is he taking the tour too? I slip my hand into his elbow, as he leans close, “Leo is my new brother-in-law. Four brothers and four brothers-in-law,” he tells me with a chuckle. “It’s a lot of testosterone.”

I smile at that. “I bet.”

Leo rolls his eyes up at the ceiling before he leads us through the club, showing us, not just the dance floor, bar, and upper loading area for the cages, but he also takes us through the offices to his personal office. He moves around the desk, leaving the door open, as he gestures for Gris and me to sit on a loveseat against the wall.

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