Page 66 of Don't Lie To Me

Malachi gives me the thumbs up, and I disconnect the call, feeling like I’m about to vomit all over the bar.

I swallow it down, trying to compose myself. “Please tell me you know his location and we can fucking track him down and eliminate him,” I get out finally.

“I got it. Asher, Cruz, let’s go.” The three of them take off for the door, the roar of their bikes coming to life out the front of Jagger’s bar, vibrating through the now-quiet room.

Jagger’s arm wraps around my shoulders. “He’s as good as dead already, Sloane. Don’t let him get in your head, that’s what he wants.”

I lean into him, my whole body trembling. The man’s cruel chuckle is stuck in my head. “I really hope so, Jagger. I don’t want to end up like that poor girl we found this morning.”

Chapter 25

DisconnectingthecallfromMalachi, I turn back to Sally who’s just left me another drink on the table in front of me. “They didn’t find him.” I try to keep the disappointment from my voice. But fuck, knowing that deprived psycho is out there somewhere hunting me down is starting to mess with my head. It doesn’t help that Jagger is now rationing out my pills and I have only been allowed the normal dose today. I’m on edge, and I need something to take this out-of-control feeling away before I crack.

“Your brothers will catch him, it’s only a matter of time, babe. Don’t let it get you down.” She drops the paperwork for this weekend’s VIP event in front of me. “Let me distract you with a little good news.”

“Give it to me, God knows I need it.”

“We have three new clients!” She beams with excitement. “Highfliers, all willing to start at your new top platinum tier.”

“Shit, maybe Romeo was on to something.” I steal a quick glance his way and find him already watching me, my heart kicking up a beat. Quickly, I redirect my attention to Sally, wanting to avoid him.

“I know he irritates the shit out of you, girl, but he’s smart, and the girls will be happy about making more money, as I’m sure you will be.”

“I never said he wasn't a savvy businessman,” I mutter under my breath, not wanting to give him a compliment.

She moves her hand to her hip, her gaze more pointed. “Why do you glare in his direction every time he walks past? I never did get to ask you what happened between the two of you at your party, and last night for that matter. You all just disappeared.”

I sigh heavily, kind of wishing I could confide in her, but he’s her boss now as well. It doesn’t feel right. “There are not enough hours in the day to go into the details of why that man gets under my skin.”

She smirks devilishly, like she can read my mind. “In more ways than one, hey.”

I close my eyes, massaging my temples, not even able to deny it. “You have no idea, Sally. What the fuck am I supposed to do about it? Working this closely with him is going to drive me to insanity.”

“Honestly, I don’t know what your problem is. For years I have seen you sulking around this place, working like a maniac because you were lonely as hell and had nothing better to do with your life.”

I throw her a filthy look. “I never sulked.”

“I’m the one telling this story.” She gives me a shut-the-hell-up-and-listen look. “For years you have been dying to have a guy to play with. Now you have three. Make the most of it, girl. Seriously, I know I would be.”

“What do you mean three?” I ask her, knowing what I mean when I think of the guys in my life, but is it really that obvious to everyone else as well?

“Romeo, mafia god and totally obsessed with you.” She counts one on her hand. “Detective Wilder, hot as sin and has a hard-on every time you’re in the room together.” She counts out two. “The forbidden, older bodyguard. It’s romantic as hell, girl. Please tell me you’re hitting that hunk of a man.” She tilts her head in Onyx’s direction as she counts out three. He’s at another table with Romeo and Jagger, thethree of them deep in discussion. I have been trying to ignore them, but they have been chatting since Jagger arrived here this afternoon.

I slap her arm playfully. “Keep your voice down,” I say, even though she was talking quietly. “Do you think everyone knows?” I whisper.

Her eyes sparkle with mischief. “That the boss is finally having a little fun of her own? No offence, they’re too busy to care. But I’m happy for you. You deserve to fall in love and live happily ever after,” she says dreamily.

I sit up a little straighter, adjusting my shirt because my body all of a sudden feels uncomfortable. “Fuck no. I don’t want to fall in love. I want to screw around a little, live, not be tied down to one man for better or for worse. I couldn’t think of anything more punishing.”

She bursts out laughing. “Why did I assume anything different?” After checking her watch, she slides out of the booth seat. “Whatever it is you want, babe, I hope you get it. You spend your life trying to help the rest of us, and it’s time you got a little good karma sent you way. I’ll leave you with these new applications to approve.”

I take her hand to stop her from leaving just yet. “Sal, thanks. I know you’ve been working a shit ton of overtime lately. I appreciate what you’re doing for me and this place.”

“I know, I saw the bonus you paid me this week.”

She moves away from the table. That’s all we need to say. We’re not cuddly mushy types, but I hope she knows what she really means to me. I couldn’t do this business day in and out without her.

I pick up the first application and run my eyes over it. He’s a nice-looking man, a bit of a silver fox, working in property development. Must be high up to afford the yearly membership we’re charging at this tier. I screenshot his details and send them to Malachi for his background search.

---