Page 34 of Under the Influence
My normal fifty-minute commute drags into more than an hour since we left so late. But I had to see my beautiful girl before I left. Making the best of the time, we review the particulars for Murch, and Tuck updates me on the situation with the breech to my southern-most territory line. Some punk ass thinks I won’t notice when he sends one of his dealers into my least profitable neighborhood. What he fails to realize is that it may be an almost worthless area, but it’s still fucking mine. “Make an example of Nalley. I don’t want anyone else thinking that following in his footsteps will serve themwell.”
Tuck nods. All business. Never minds starting off the week with a good ass kicking. “You gotit.”
Once we reach my office, Tilly gives me an optimistic smile. Searching behind Tuck and me when we stride inside. Hoping that Books is with us. That she’ll return again. Soon.Always.
I wink at my secretary. Which must only confuse her with the deep dip growing between her eyebrows. I like Tilly and shouldn’t fuck with her. Maybe I’ll bring Chryseis by later to surprise her. Then she can be as happy as we are. Her Christmas gift a few days early along with the week at the spa she’s receiving from me. Well deserved to put up with all my bullshit everyday.
Sutton’s digits pop up on my screen, and I motion for Tuck to go ahead and start with Murch. “Giohere.”
“She received another message, and you’re not going to like itboss.”
Normally I would be fucking pissed as hell for him to tell me what I like and don’t like. No one should have the audacity to think they can make that call about my judgment. But I have a bad feeling he’s going to be right. “Fucking sendit.”
“On itsway.”
My hand shakes harder than my buzzing phone to see Leighton's motherfucking name on the screenshot.
Can we talk? Meet at Starbucks at10?
I can’t. Getting ready to take myfinal.
At least she says no. Even if the reason isn’t because ofme.
I’ll wait. I really want to seeyou.
Of course you do you stupid bastard. Because she’s fucking amazing, and you’re a fucking moron. Better figure out fast you’ll never see heragain.
Okay, be there as soon as Ican.
Okay? She told him fucking okay? This woman must really want this cocksucker dead. My office is a fucking blur as I storm out. Punching Paxton’s number as I race blindly through thecorridor.
“Heyboss.”
“Is she still taking hertest?”
“Yeah, I think so.I–”
Torture shoots through my jaw from clenching my teeth so tight. This stupid bastard is going to get his ass handed to him once this situation is figured out. “What the fuck do you mean ‘you think so.’? How do you not fuckingknow?”
“Stupid fucking campus security. We couldn’t go inside with her. Only students taking their finals are admitted. We’re waiting by the door. She hasn’t come outyet.”
“I’m on my way. Don’t take her anywhere until I getthere.”
“Yessir.”
Somehow I manage to exit the parking lot without killing anyone or breaking any laws. Well not too many of them. Chryseis would be pissed. Chastising me for being so reckless. Just like she is now. What in the actual fuck? Why did she sayyes?
I’ve never been insecure. Ever. Fucking incredible how this tiny woman controls me so much. Making me immature. Jealous. Unsure. I just cannot understand how she can tell him yes after telling me the same damn thing. She’s not a cheater. So why the fuck did sheagree?
My guys are on full alert as I race up the circular drive to the three-story limestone building and slam on the brakes in the no-parking zone. Another infraction I don’t give a damn about. All I fucking care about is finding her and stopping her. “Where the fuck isshe?”
Sharp points to the building like a fucking moron. “She still hasn’t comeout.”
Other students wander down the steps. A few glued to their phones. Most talking and laughing, seemingly celebrating with relief that school’s done for the semester and the party has started. But none of them areBooks.
“Track her fuckingphone.”
I do not pay them over two hundred grand a year to have to fucking tell them how to do their god damn fuckingjobs.
