Page 28 of Poker
Meri frowns. “Why not?”
“Club business.”
“Oh. Okay.”
I can tell she wants to ask questions, but she doesn’t. “No secrets between us, right?” She nods. “I promise you I will never lie to you, but when it comes to club business, I don’t have a choice as far as not discussing it. Don’t think of it as secrets but more like government clearance. There are just some things people can’t know.”
She seems to think that over for a minute before replying. “Makes sense. And I don’t expect you to betray your club. Your loyalty is one of the things I like about you. Just don’t keep me in the dark about anything personal or that has to do with me, okay?”
“Promise.”
I lean my forehead against hers, about to kiss her, but she startles.
“Oh, shit. I almost forgot. I got Esteban’s RSVP for the game. He didn’t add a plus one though.”
“That’s good,” I tell her. “We need to talk about security for the game he’s attending. I know you’ve got your team, but I’d really like for some of my brothers to be there as well.”
“I…” Meri swallows. “Is it important?”
“It is.”
“Is it necessary?”
“Yes.”
“Is it because of club business?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. I’ll give Malcolm, Solomon, and Grant the night off that week. But Conrad stays. That’s not negotiable.”
“I’m good with that. My brothers will be too.” I kiss her quickly before I start to back away. “Thank you. Now, get inside and get some rest. I know you’ve got a long shift tomorrow.”
“‘Night, Poker.”
“‘Night, babe.”
CHAPTER14
MERI
No secrets.
“I call.”
I watch as Martin tosses chips onto the middle of the table. Next to him, Ms. Rogers rolls her neck, which is her tell that she has a shitty hand. I don’t know if the others have picked up on this, but I sure have. Behind her is Diego, the woman’s plus-one for the night.
“Rogers,” Stefan prods. “You in or out?”
The middle-aged socialite from California straightens her shoulders and reaches for her chips. “Call.”
Stefan groans. “I fold.”
After tossing his cards down, he rises from his chair and makes his way to the bar. Diego’s gaze follows his movement, but I remain focused on the game.
The rest of the hand plays out, and Martin wins. Ms. Rogers whines about the money she lost but seems to calm when Diego leans over and whispers something in her ear.
Poker isn’t here tonight, though I wish he were. I’m frazzled since getting that note at my house from Neero. Granted, the guy’s month isn’t up yet so he’s not here, but that doesn’t seem to matter.
