Havoc

Chapter 7

Grim

“Here ya go, Uncle Trig,” Denton handed him a glass of whiskey. “This place is insane, Grim.” The young man’s face showed his excitement. I knew for the first half of his life he’d been raised by his father, Trigger’s Uncle Gus, and his junkie mother. After Gus’s death, Trigger and Tess had done their best to parent him and his younger brother. Denton was being groomed to run Devil’s Reach someday. I knew he’d make a good president down the road, but now all the kid was interested in was women.

“Mm,” I halfheartedly answered as I continued to scan the rooftop party for anyone who shouldn’t be there.

“Did I interrupt something?”

“No, just looking.” I turned my eyes on him. When he shifted, I noticed he wore his gun on his hip. I glanced at Trigger, who shook his head and hitched a shoulder like it had been an ongoing battle.

“Why are you wearing your gun like a fucking fanny pack?” I gave him shit. “Are you waiting for the bureau to issue you a holster?”

“No, I just like wearin’ it there.” He pulled his cut to the side and studied it. “The ladies seem to like it.”

“What ladies?” Trigger joined in and Denton made a face. “I ain’t seen any fuckin’ ladies hanging off you at the club.”

The kid stuck out his chin. “I can get ladies.”

“That, I’d like to see.” I laughed into my glass. My mind wandered a bit as I looked around again. I still had a hard time digesting that Matt Myers was dead. I hated the guy, but I’d tolerated him. With Sonny’s attention on Kenna and me, I couldn’t be sure where he’d spew his anger once he heard, if he hadn’t already.

“Let’s get this plan moving, Grim.” Trigger brushed past me and waved for the others to gather on the far back couches.

I headed to the bar where Kenna was. The dress she wore burned all kinds of dark fantasies into my brain, and a guy I didn’t recognize was too close to her. I cleared my throat and eyed the mojito in his hand as I forced my way between them.

“Hey, man,” the guy complained, “I was just going to buy the lady a drink.”

“No,” I tossed over my shoulder.

“Thank you, but I’m fine getting my own.” Kenna tried to smooth the situation over. I waved at the bartender, and he knew to put hers on my tab.

“Here you are, Kenna.” The bartender leaned over. “On your tab, Mr. Gates.”

Kenna’s angry expression found mine. “You love swinging that big dick around, don’t you?” She pushed off the bar, and I licked along my teeth. Christ, she had a set of balls.

We made our way over to the others and sat on the couch next to Minnie and Brick. Kenna leaned over and gave Denton a hug. He smirked at me as he rubbed her back.

“It’s great to see ya again, Kenna.” The kid practically salivated as he nestled against her.

“You too.” I noticed her dress rode up her thighs, and I forced myself to look away.

“Let’s get this started.” I nodded at Trigger, whose smirk morphed into a serious face.

Trigger kept it short and to the point. We all had a role to play, and because they seemed to be after information on both my family and Trigger’s, it needed to be flawless.

“Kenna,” Trigger swung his gaze over to her, and I felt her shift, “I’m going to ask you this one time. What is this person blackmailing you with?”

“What? No,” I watched the pulse in her neck quicken, “I can’t do that.” She looked at me for help, and I studied her panic without reacting. “What if he’s here?” She lowered her voice as I remained emotionless. “Look, just give me a few days. Let me get hold of Hanna and figure out something.” She stopped talking when she realized what she’d said.

“Wanna expand on that?” Trigger glared at her.

“Wait, I mean…” Her gaze went from me to Trigger and back again with wide eyes. I was curious to know what that was about as well. Trigger was right. She held back secrets, and the only way we could move forward with everything was if she told us the whole truth.

“Let’s not do this here.” I gave Trigger a quick glance, and Kenna looked at me in silent thanks. Both Trigger and I had left Kenna out of this part of the plan.

“Fine.” Trigger nodded, pleased Kenna knew she had to share what she was holding. It had gone on long enough. “If any of you hear anything, come to me.”

Everyone agreed, and the tension eased slightly as we ordered more drinks and continued to play our parts of the plan.

“Mom’s in the lobby.” Denton looked up from his phone. Trigger nodded, and I saw Rail smirk like something hit him.

“Is it weird that when you were younger you used to hit on your mom?”

“It was only weird when you hit on her,” he shot back, and we all broke into laughter. “I don’t have any problems with the ladies, right, Kenna?” Denton winked, and Kenna shrugged.

“You’re cute even if you do wear your gun like a murse.” Kenna laughed.

“Thank you,” Minnie called. “I keep telling the kid to tuck it away.”

“The ladies like a piece.” He stood. “I just stand like this,” everyone laughed as he drew his arm back to reveal the weapon, “and the lady’s eyes are drawn there, then they move here,” he pointed to crotch, “and the rest is history.”

“You might catch girls that way,” Kenna shook her head, “but you won’t catch a woman.” She leaned forward seductively and plucked her drink off the table. “See, Denton, a woman is what you really want.”

“Fuckin’ right it is,” Trigger pulled Tess onto his lap and kissed her. Kenna pointed at them and nodded at Denton.

“All right, all right, you’re a woman, Kenna.” Denton lifted his ball cap and threaded his hands through his shoulder length hair before he returned his cap backward. “You’re somewhat closer to my age than these old folks. Teach me your ways.”

“This should be good.” Rail kicked his feet up on the table, and I draped my arm along the back of the couch and got comfortable. This was a side of Kenna I hadn’t seen, and it intrigued me. I wondered how many parties I’d missed with her in the group.

Kenna flipped her hair out of her face, and I caught a whiff of her shampoo. It went right to my groin, and when she leaned forward and I got a view of her breasts, I had an instant flashback of my face buried between them. I had to rein myself in before everyone saw how much she affected me.

“Girls are young,” she started, “and inexperienced. You could blow through twenty of them and never get the rush you’re looking for.”

“I’m not looking to get married.” He grimaced and pretended to put a gun to his head.

“Neither am I,” she laughed, “but a woman comes with experience, maturity, craft.”

“I just want sex.” He made the others laugh, showing his age.

“Well, there’s sex, and then there’s,” she paused, and air quoted, “sex.”

“You have my attention now.” He sat forward.

Mine, too.

“All right, stand up.” She tugged him to a spot where they could face one another. “Show me how you approach a girl.”

“You don’t have to ask me twice.” He grabbed her by the waist and jerked her toward him. “I’ve got a bike with a big engine.” He wiggled his hips. “Wanna see how powerful it is?”

“Fuck,” Tess groaned and put her head in her hands. Kenna peeled herself out of Denton’s hold.

“Can you tell he’s been raised by bikers?” Minnie rolled her eyes. “Kid, have we taught you nothing?”

“Well, Rail said it works,” he shot back.

“He’s still single!” all three girls yelled.

“Why keep all this,” Rail waved his hand down his body, “for just one person when there’s so much Rail to nail?”

“I see your point.” Denton nodded at Kenna. “Continue.” I laughed at Rail as he pretended to be hurt.

“It’s all about your approach. Let’s pretend we’re at the bar.” Kenna pushed her hair off her bare shoulder and grinned at us. She seemed to be getting into it. “You study the liquor on the back wall, wait a beat for her to notice you standing there, you order, then turn to look at her.”

“Okay.”

“You could offer to buy her a drink, or if she’s already got one say you’ll get the next round. By doing that, you’re ensuring a chance to talk with her again.”

“Oh, that’s a good one,” Minnie whispered.

“Then,” her movements were slow and fluid, “you turn your body to face her dead on. You’ve got a good frame,” she touched his shoulders, “so use it. Not to intimidate, just to show confidence and maybe a little dominance.” I chuckled to show how true that was, and she glanced over at me and arched a sexy brow. “If,” her attention moved back to Denton, “she smiles, there”s an eighty percent chance she”s what you want, but if she gives you a sexy smirk, well, you might just have a keeper.”

“Okay, now what?”

“Now,” she stepped closer to him, “you hold her gaze.” Denton followed what she said. “If her gaze drops to your lips, she’s interested. Do it back and see her reaction. For me, I lick my bottom lip, imagining what you’ll taste like. Some bite.” She mimicked the action. “Maybe she’ll part for you, but if there’s some kind of tell, then you move in for the touch.”

“Go for the ass?” Denton was like a boy with his first porn magazine.

“No, not the ass. That’s way too soon.” She took his hand and directed it. “Brush your fingers over my heart like this.” She moved his hand, and his eyes widened. “Skim the collarbone, and slide up the neck, until you’re under her chin.” Denton nodded when she moved in even closer. My body coiled as I watched. “Use the tip of your thumb to tilt her chin up and stare into her eyes. Savor the moment, go slow. Watch for cues.” Her lips hovered beneath his, and I gripped the side of the couch. “Then just when she thinks you aren’t going to make a move, dive down and catch her lips.”

He made a move to kiss her, but Trigger reached out a big hand and quickly hauled him back.

“Don’t play with fire,” Trigger grunted. Everyone shouted and booed, and I took the moment to force myself to relax. I sank back into the cushions and readjusted.

“Kenna, I might need some more lessons.” Denton’s face was flushed. “What are ya doin’ tonight?”

“Not you.” She laughed and winked. She sat down next to me, and Minnie pulled her attention.

“Hey, boss?” Jesse approached me. He’d been watching from the opposite roof. He leaned down to speak in my ear. “We’ve got a situation.” I followed his gaze and saw Jenelle had just appeared. I didn’t think to add her to the list to keep out. In what world did she ever associate with bikers? “Say the word, and I’ll have her removed, Grim.”

“Her father just brought in a big fucking client this morning,” I hissed impatiently. “We need to play this nice.”

“I’ll leave.” Kenna stood. I hadn’t realized she’d heard. She reached for her purse, but I snagged her arm.

“No.” I pulled her down to sit next to me.

“I’m maxed out on tolerance, Grim. It’s for the best if I go.” My hand clamped down on her leg, and I glared at her.

“What did I say?”

“Heads up, twat approaching,” Minnie hissed. “I knew I smelled seafood.” Kenna gave a huff.

Jenelle whispered something to her friend, and they both looked over at us. Jenelle gave us a wicked grin. Daddy’s girls with money were a deadly combo. They both wore designer dresses, and it made them stand out against the leather, jeans, and boots crowd.

She immediately homed in on my hand on Kenna’s thigh. “You know, Kenna, I’m trying to remember a time when you weren’t hanging off Grim.” She gave a fake smile.

“And I’m trying to remember when you weren’t such a passive aggressive narcissist.” Kenna didn’t miss a beat.

“Jenelle,” I warned, “what do you want?”

“Not that I ever imagined myself as a delivery girl, but I was handed this and asked to come up here to give it to you. I was just curious enough to do it.” She held up a piece of folded paper. I held out my hand, but she smirked and held it just out of reach. She was delighted to know she had something she thought I wanted. I dropped my hand and looked disinterested.

“Who gave it to you?” Minnie asked, and Jenelle looked around at the group of us.

“Some woman.” She shrugged. “Grim, can we speak?”

“I’m in the middle of something.” I stayed in my relaxed position and waved at everyone around me.

“You know where to find me.” She dropped the paper on my lap and walked away.

I opened the paper to read the words hands off. I had no doubt Jenelle would have looked at what was on the paper. That alone would have enticed her up here.

“Shit.” Kenna’s voice pulled my focus, and she tilted her phone so I could see the screen. Her eyes darted everywhere. It was a picture of us sitting together on the rooftop.

“He’s here,” she whispered, then her gaze dropped to the open paper in my hand. “Oh, my God.”

“We knew he was watching,” I reminded her. “It’s why we’re here, remember?”

“It’s one thing for us to be seen together. It’s quite another to look like we’re together.” She pulled her leg away and quickly stood. “I need another.” She pointed to her drink, but I could see she was about to run. She whisked off toward the exit. I waited a beat then followed.

“Hey,” I caught her arm as she entered the hall, “our plan worked. We got his attention.”

“The wrong kind!” She pushed her hands through her hair.

“No one will dictate what I do and who I do it with?—”

“Grim,” she whirled around and sucked in a deep breath, “when he attacked me that night, he said…he said maybe I should fuck you and let’s see how much that will hurt the Gates family. On top of everything else, he seems jealous of something that’s not even there.” She waved between us.

“Or the coward’s just proving he’s watching,” I countered.

“Either way, he makes me want to slither right out of my skin.” She quivered and ran her hands up and down her arms. “Oh,” she looked as if she remembered something, “I was told,” she eyed her phone, “to take Sasha on a tour of Secrets tomorrow.”

“No.” No fucking way that was happening.

“I don’t really have a choice, do I?”

“Fuck.” I hated that I had to bend for this guy, but it was only a matter of time. “What time?”

“Eight.”

“Jesse will join you.”

“Okay. Thanks.” She looked drained. “I should go.”

“Go to my penthouse. I’ll meet you there.”

“What?” Her face dropped. “Are you crazy?”

I smiled at her words; I was a little crazy. “At times, yes.”

“I’m not laughing, Grim.” She pushed her hair back with both hands, clearly stressed, so I backed off. A little.

“No one can get in without one of these, remember.” I held up my keycard. “You’ll be safest there.”

“What if he has one?”

“He doesn’t.”

“I have one.” She looked away, and I decided not to get into that. “Look, Grim, I appreciate the offer, but let’s not forget your two moody pups. You know they hate company, especially when you’re not there.”

“I’ll take you up.”

“No,” she shook her head and stepped back, “not together. Just call me when you’re heading up to your place, and I’ll meet you there.”

“Fine.” I looked over my shoulder. The bikers were getting noisier as the party went on. “Keep your phone close.”

I spent the next hour watching every face that came in and out. To anyone else, I seemed engaged in conversation, but my mind was elsewhere. I had to know who the hell this fucker was, and I itched to break every bone in his body for thinking he could use one of my people to spy on me.

Minnie and Tess got up and grabbed their things. They said the real fun started the next day for them, and they’d need some sleep. Most of the guys left with them, including Denton.

Since everyone had decided to turn in, I made my way to the bar. I tipped the bartender well, as I knew what the rest of the night would look like for him. The place was definitely amping up as I left. I tapped my phone and sent a message off to Kenna.

Grim: Headed up.

I pressed my keycard to the box, and Jesse joined me with two other security guards.

Kenna: Already in bed. I’ll meet Jesse in the lobby tomorrow.

Anger flashed through me, but as I was about to jab my finger at her floor number, Jesse cursed.

“What?”

“Shit, boss, we’ve got a fucking problem.”