Page 25 of Straight, No Chaser
Dumped a drink some asshole tried to send over to her.
Friend blew chunks in the bathroom. Put her in a cab home.
Laid out a bastard who got too close.
That one fucking bad enough to make me call Boz. Luckily, she had no idea what happened. Otherwise, it would have ruined her evening. Mine too. Because I'll be god damned that at least one of us is going to have a good time tonight. She deserves to have her fun.
While I'm in fucking hell. I glance at the screen again. Almost midnight here, but only ten o'clock in L.A. Might as well return DeMarco's call. The mob boss as anxious as I am to halt Annikov’s once slow creep into my territory as well as out west.
So as much as I fucking hate having to rely on anyone else, I’m willing to partner with DeMarco to protect both of our businesses. With his ruthless reputation, I’d rather be with him than against him. Battling simultaneous wars on two fronts would not be prudent.
I tap the button for him and almost instantly a decline message pops up.Give me two minutes.
Shouldn't be surprised since I've been waiting all damn night. Might as well wait on him too.
My frustration is short-lived when his digits blink on my screen. "Luc here."
"Sorry about that. My daughter's teething, and I'm massaging her gums while we wait for the Tylenol to kick in. I don't want her biting my wife."
Interesting that he shares such personal information. Could make a man appear weak to show concern and be so intimately involved with his family. Yet, actually reflects the opposite. Confirms he’s got nothing to prove. Confident in his role as west coast king.
Soft gurgling murmurs in the background. I wasn't around as much when Eli went through that stage. Back when Dad's marriage was still strong. But I remember him wailing like a beast during Sunday dinner until Harper gave him a cold wash cloth to suck on. Relief for all of us. Sounds like they appreciate the respite too. "No worries. This won't take long. Creed's been laying low since the attack. But it's not going to last. We need to pull the trigger."
"I want his ass gone now too before he can mount any plans for retribution. But I don't want to rush and fuck this up with stupid mistakes. We need to look well beyond just his elimination."
The vibration against my ear reminds me of who I'm doing this for. Anxious more than I should be to read the text waiting for me, I force myself to ignore the message. I've got to focus on business instead of my cock. "Agreed. We'll be stronger than hell together. Which also puts us on all the east coast families' radars."
"Yeah, so let's not do anything that will make ourselves targets any more than necessary. We need to meet and make a plan."
"When and where?"
"My house Monday night. Join me for dinner with my family and then we can hash everything out."
A long trip for one meeting. But it's more than just a meal and a strategy session. Rather a symbol of our partnership. We both have to prove our loyalty and commitment to each other and the deal. He can call the shots on his own turf, but conveys his trust in me to include his wife. I must do the same. "I'll be there."
As soon as he clicks off, I swipe the screen like a pussy whipped fucker, and my body relaxes from three simple words:I miss you.
Miss you too, angel.
I fight everything in me not to type for her to get her ass home. Only a few more hours and she’ll be all mine again.
I need something to distract me. Pulling up the reports Derek sent, I review the forecast for next quarter until my cell pings again. Boz this time.
We’re home.
I fling the phone onto my desk and stride down the hall. Ready to find her. Better be in my bed where she fucking belongs. Yet, the house remains oddly quiet. I know Ty and her friend are trashed, and she's feeling pretty good too from all the updates my guys sent, so I can't believe they aren't loud and annoying like my brother usually is.
Bedroom. Living room. Kitchen. All fucking empty.
I stand in the foyer like a dumb ass. No place else she could be. Except one. Fire races through my veins. Fuck no. She can't be in there.
Nausea boils in my gut as I jog downstairs. Ty's play room. Shrieks of laughter echo from behind the heavy door. I haven't been in here since Rachael.Not since I let my thoughtlessness end an innocent woman's life.
Bile clogs my throat from my angel's delicate wrist bound to the St. Andrew's cross with a red silk scarf. Covering her bracelet. Stealing her innocence that this room even exists.
Her friend fumbles with the other restraint, too drunk to tighten it properly while Ty nuzzles her neck from behind. Both of them too lost in each other to notice me. Or Molly's angst.
I swear I can see her fucking heart pounding under her lacy tank. That looks too fucking much like lingerie without the little jacket. Her gaze bores into mine. Her lush mouth parting, but not uttering a word.
