8. Eight Kai
Eight: Kai
Thirteen fucking hours of driving later, the neon lights of Fenrir's club buzzed loudly, an easy stop for every shit-stained soul looking to drown their sins. Pushing the door open, the stench of sweat and cheap perfume slammed into me. I fucking hated California, but this was a necessary stop in order to gain control of Arizona.
Eyes roamed, landed on the writhing bodies on stage. Akari was working the pole, a true natural. Legs for days, a mane of hair that spilled down her back as she moved, snake-like, all eyes on her — except for mine. I knew what Fen would do if I stared too long, too hard.
"Enjoying the view, Kai?" His gravelly voice cut through the pumping music, his towering frame sidling up next to me, a smirk tugging at his lips, but the playful movement didn’t reach his eyes. "Careful now. That's my woman dancing up there."
"She’s gorgeous, you know that, but I’ve got my own little psychotic obsession back home.”
"Yeah, sounds like obsession alright. Ain’t no one else want Gia. She’s fucked in the head," he shot back, the mention of her name sending a surge of heat through my blood. "Heard you've been causing some fucking issues. Stalking her like some lovesick pup."
"Fuck that," I snorted. "She's mine to toy with. And trust me, when I get my hands on her, it ain't love that drives me."
Fenrir chuckled, motioning for the bartender to come. "Gia’s a fucking nut. Women like that, they'll drag you down to hell with them."
"Wouldn't be the first time," I muttered, my thoughts already darkening with images of Gia's sleeping body underneath me. Yeah, hell sounded just about right.
Fenrir waved his arms at Akari, telling her to get off the stage, the gesture loud in the lull of conversation. Two drinks landing heavy on the bar top. He watched her with a slight smile as she bent down to talk to a patron with a kind smile before she blew him a kiss and walked to the back with one of the girls.
"Let's get down to the nitty-gritty then," I cleared my throat, the glass cold as I swirled the liquid.
He nodded before getting up, motioning for me to follow him past the gyrating bodies and into the dimly lit backroom where the stench of sweat and power mingled seamlessly.
"Here’s the deal, Fen," I started, setting the glass down with a clink, the ice cubes rattling. I sighed as I looked for a waitress for a refill before he chuckled, reaching down and pressing an inconspicuous button on his waistband. A woman came up and refilled us without a word before bouncing off. "Gia's losing her fucking grip. She's all about control, but it's slipping, and when it does, she's gonna drag us all down with her. So, I took… certain measures to protect us."
"Fuck, that's no good. But it was to be expected. I warned John what would happen if he appointed her. Her family was always an outcast and then well… she’s a woman." Fenrir leaned back, muscles taut beneath his shirt, eyes narrowed in thought.
"Exactly," I said, feeling the pulse of the club throb through the walls. "So here's what I'm thinking — Arizona needs backup. We align with Cali, combine our assets, share the damn profits."
"Share, huh?" His lips twitched, considering the play of power on the table, the lure of greed in his eyes.
"Think about it," I pressed. "We'd be unstoppable. And Gia? She won't see it coming until it's too late. She already knows there’s dissention, but you and me? Nah, she won’t have a clue."
"Sounds fucking tempting," Fenrir said, fingers drumming on the armrest, the rhythm echoing the dancers' heartbeats outside the door.
"Damn right it is," I affirmed, the taste of victory already sharp on my tongue. "We do this, and we own the streets. I’d give you half of what we make down in Arizona, we don’t touch anything you make here unless we had a hand in helping you make it."
The man fell silent as he contemplated. I lit a cigar and leaned back, watching some broad with big titties make her way to the stage. She was a big bitch but I’d fuck her. Nice ass I could bury my face in. Bent over she wiggled and I hardly choked back the strangled noise that threatened to escape before Fen put his glass down with a clink.
His gaze cut through the haze of cigarette smoke, sharp and calculating. "What's in it for me if we back your play? What can you bring to the table? You’re all but bankrupt. Peter says she’s killing off John’s loyal men."
"Hard work," I shot back without missing a beat. My hands clenched into fists, knuckles pale. "I will turn Arizona into a fucking goldmine."
"Words are cheap." He leaned in, his breath laced with the scent of booze. "Show me some skin in the game."
"Skin?" A smirk curled my lips, teeth flashing white. "I'll bleed for the cause. Sweat, tears, blood – whatever the fuck it takes. Hell, I let the bitch stab me just to stick my cock in her. Pain’s no obstacle."
"Good," he nodded, a slow grin spread across his face. "Gia's got brains, but she lacks the balls."
"Brains ain't worth shit without the brawn to back them up," I countered, rising from my seat, feeling that familiar itch for dominance flare up within me. Sad to say, but I wanted to bury myself inside her, to feel the soft of her skin underneath me as I choked her. Unfortunately, if I wanted her compliant, I’d have to sneak into her house again and I wouldn’t make it back home in time tonight. Heaving a sigh, I made a mental note to go fuck her at the club tomorrow. Maybe she wouldn’t recognize me. Or maybe she would but her insatiable lust for sex would overpower her deep-rooted hatred for me.
"Power." The word was like raw meat on my tongue. "I want control of the Arizona chapter. Partner with me; I'll make sure we come out on top."
"Lead, huh?" He raised an eyebrow, pushing his chair back with a scrape against the floor. "You think you can handle it?"
"Fuck yes. I was born for this shit. As much as John refused to see it, I was his son."
"Alright." His hand met mine, grip iron-strong. "Prove it. Make Arizona bow."
"Consider it done." We shook, a hard one. Neither of us letting go until that blonde bitch refilled our drinks and we downed them in one gulp. I cracked a smile and took out a cigar, motioning for him to grab one before he shook his head.
My gaze flicked back to Fenrir, his chuckle low and knowing. I leaned in. "One more thing. Gia… she's mine. Don't give a rat's ass who she thinks she is or who she fucks over. That bitch is mine."
"Obsessed much?" Fenrir's eyes glinted, amusement mixed with a certain respect for the crazy.
"Fuck obsession. It's possession," I spat out, feeling that primal claim surge through me. "She can kick and scream all she wants, but I'll drag her through the fire myself if it means she's by my side."
He threw his head back, a bark of laughter ripping from his throat. "You're one twisted fucker, Kai. But I get it." His grin was all teeth as he pointed at me. "Love and hate, if you’re not careful you’ll realize they’re the same thing."
"Love?" I scoffed, the word tasting foreign on my tongue. "Ain't about love. It's power. Dominion. She'll learn her place."
"Sure, man," Fenrir said, the rumble of his voice a match to the bass vibrating through the club's walls. "Gia's fucked, though. Good luck with that."
"Don’t you worry about my girl. You just worry about what happens after I dismantle and rebuild."
"Alright then." He slapped my back, a solid thud that echoed in my chest. "Deal's on. You lead Arizona, you deal with Gia. We both rise." Fenrir grunted, another shot disappearing into his mouth.
"I’m gunna get going. Long drive. Nice chatting.” I shook his hand again and walked through the bodies of patrons.
Stepping out of the club, the night air slapped my face, sobering. The neon glow from the sign flickered, casting a devilish hue over the pavement. Peter leaned against the wall, smoke curling from the cigar between his fingers, his presence an unwelcome stain on the night.
"Kai," he nodded, eyes tracking me like a hawk.
"Peter." My tone flat, I yanked the cigar from his hand, taking a long drag, the smoke filling my lungs. I always hated this fuck. He was irritating. The way his eyes shone like a rat bastard when he smelled money. Always blew the cock of the highest bidder.
"Damn shame about Gia, huh?" He let out a cloud, the smirk on his face asking for a fist to rearrange it. "Got too cocky and well, you swooped in."
"Watch your fucking mouth." My words were low, a warning growl.
"Why the fuck do you care?" Peter raised an eyebrow, curious. "You’re the one who started all this."
"Shut it." I flicked ash onto the ground, my stare cold enough to freeze hell over. "You don't know shit."
He opened his mouth but shut it just as quickly after seeing whatever look was in my eyes.
I took one last pull, the ember glowing bright before dying under my boot heel. "I don’t ever wanna hear her name in your mouth again. Go suck a fat chode and get the fuck out of my sight.” Watching as he scurried away, I frowned. What a way to end an otherwise pleasant evening. Now I had another thirteen-hour drive home, but I had to do it with a shitty taste in my mouth.
Walking to my car, I hesitated. I technically could stay at the motel, but then I’d miss another night that I could fuck Gia… nah. I’ll take some caffeine pills and suck it up. I slammed the door of my muscle car, the sound echoing in the empty lot. The engine roared to life under my grip. My Maserati. Sweet Caroline. The only big expense I’ve ever ‘wasted’ money on. I sat a moment and enjoyed the purr underneath me before relishing in the squeal of tires as I pushed on the gas pedal. The strip club's neon lights faded in the rearview as I floored it, the city blurring into nothingness.
Every mile closer to Arizona, Gia's image seared brighter in my mind. Her white-blonde hair, those piercing blue eyes—fuck, she was everything I hated, wrapped in a package that stirred every goddamn dark urge. I could still feel her under me, her body soft, supple. But it wasn't enough. I craved more than her flesh; I wanted everything.
Hell, I'd stalk her to the ends of the earth, watch her every move until she recognized the inevitable. She was mine. The day my father gave her my throne, and the day she accepted was the day she became my property. She’d refuse to submit, as she’d made abundantly clear. But eventually… I'd bring her to her knees, make her beg for mercy she wouldn't find.
She could bend at the knee and serve me, or she could die with those pretty little lips wrapped so neatly around my cock.
Gia, sweetheart, you've got no fucking idea what's coming for you.