Shane.
What the fuck does this idiot want now?
Not bothering to leave, I answer the call. “Yeah.”
I don’t bother with pleasantries. Neither does he.
“The annual fundraiser is coming up. Will you be there?”
His voice betrays him. He is acting unaffected, but I can tell by the slight hitch in his voice that he doesn’t want me there. I know exactly why too. Cleo turned eighteen a couple months ago. Prior, I would not allow her to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Now I have no reason to delay.
“Of course, I’ll be at the fundraiser.”
I glance over at Greer. She’s stiffened, pretending not to listen. I stayed in the room for a reason. I wanted her to see that I’m not like her brother. As my other half, she will be an extension of me, meaning she can be as involved as she wants.
“I see. I will prepare for your arrival then. When will you be here?”
I chuckle. “I’ll show up when I show up. Is that all?”
When he doesn’t speak, I hang up the phone.
If it wasn’t for Cleo, I wouldn’t even be dealing with Shane anymore. He’s a power-hungry asshole now, but he wasn’t always that way. That’s why he doesn’t want me there. He wants to be able to choose whatever deal benefits him the most.
Which is why I need to go. If I don’t, she will end up married to someone horrible. I love the girl like she’s my own daughter and I refuse to let that happen. Then there’s the second reason. The family should always be the first priority, not his own personal whims.
I’ll go and keep an eye on things. I want to make sure she’s happy. They don’t need to know that, though.
When I look back at Greer, I can tell she wants to ask, but doesn’t. If she did, I’d tell her the truth. I would open up and give her all my secrets, but she holds back.
I let out a disappointed sigh.
We will get there.
Walking up to Crimson,I take a deep breath.
This is a mistake.
I’ve been telling myself that for the last couple of hours. Mistake or not, I need to be in Chicago. It’s borderline stalking, but I don’t care. As much as Killian beats on his chest declaring me his, hearing that he was planning to attend the fundraiser in Chicago sliced me.
While I’ve never had any interest in going and Bash has never offered, you can’t be mafia and not know about the fundraiser. It’s held every year at the same time. When Killian mentioned it, I knew instantly what he was talking about.
The bouncer’s eyes scan my body as I make my way past the line to the door.
“How can I help you, honey?” His voice drawls.
I resist the urge to roll my eyes. “I’m here to see the boss.”
He chuckles. “Oh honey. He’s not entertaining anymore, but I am.”
“Yeah, I’m sure you are. I’m going in there one way or another. Either you allow me in, or I make a call and get you fired.”
He snorts. “As if. What’s your name? I’ll see if he’s taking visitors.”
“Greer Catalini.”
I can tell the moment the name registers. Not a lot of the men here have seen me, but they know my name. Bash made sure of it.
The guard stiffens, his eyes looking fearful, like he is regretting his life choices right now.