Havoc

Chapter 14

Grim

Istudied Dad’s expression as Hanna’s video played on the laptop. I’d been the one who had tampered with the original in Leo’s office. I’d made a copy for myself. I couldn’t risk he or Kenna might slip up. Leo meant well but showed his emotions on his face, and Kenna was reckless at the best of times. We needed to make sure our next few moves were played out perfectly. One wrong move, and we could tilt the table.

“I see.” Dad closed the laptop and leaned back in thought as I unfrosted the glass. The view out across the hall and over the city came into sharp focus. “I’m not surprised by much anymore, but this certainly was unexpected. Do we know if Cameron was behind that order? Or is Simon working for someone else completely and was told to give Sasha that order?”

“At this point, I’ve no idea. Simon was the last face I expected to see on there.” I shifted in my seat as I thought how many times I’d seen him watching Kenna. He obviously didn’t think I’d noticed. “There’s a part of me that thinks Sonny could be behind it.” I wanted him to be the one. I could picture myself breaking every bone in that ugly body.

“He face-planted into his Lamborghini and dented the hood last night.” Dad tried to hide how much that entertained him. “Your mother gifted me that video clip this morning.” He chuckled darkly. “For some reason, I don’t think Sonny was behind this one, son. He was overheard talking to Tony Farrell about Matt’s sister and how she needs money for her son’s medical bills. I think Sonny just went off the deep end last night.”

“Maybe.” I rubbed my lips in thought.

“I have to say,” Dad turned the laptop, so it pointed away from the hallway windows, “this part makes me wonder if he was actually looking out for Kenna as opposed to anything malicious.” He pressed play, and Simon’s voice could be heard.

“I need you to watch over her. He’s unpredictable right now, and I can’t have her walking around without…” The rest was muffled.

Dad turned the video off. “I don’t know Simon well enough to say he’s good or not.”

“I guess time will tell.”

“Do what you must to get that answer. We don’t need anything happening to her.”

“Agreed.” I could think of a few inventive ways to get Simon to talk, but I pushed the delightful thoughts away for now. “Do we have any idea when the great Fentanyl Father will be arriving in town?”

“I believe he arrives this morning.”

My fingers curled into fists at the idea of him being here when I’m not.

“Convenient timing.”

“Indeed.” Dad suddenly pulled out a handkerchief from his breast pocket and dabbed his forehead, and I instantly jumped up and got him some water. “Thanks.” He let out a tired cough. I sat back down next to him as the door opened.

“I’m fine, son,” Dad reassured me, and I shot a glare at the person who dared interrupt us, but it quickly faded as I saw Kenna. She had her face turned as she spoke over her shoulder.

“I need to draw the line here, Dad.” She seemed exasperated as she walked into the office. “I have no interest in going to dinner with him tonight.” She jumped when she saw us sitting at the conference table. “Oh, my goodness,” she checked the time on her phone, “I’m sorry, Mr. Gates. I thought we’d be way early. Please excuse the intrusion.” She looked embarrassed. “Did I have the time wrong? I thought this room would be free.”

“No apologies needed.” Dad gave her a warm smile as he wiped his mouth. “Grim and I just needed to go over our notes from our morning meeting.” He handed me a file and stood. “Let’s get these off to them before tonight, son.”

“Sure, Dad.” He seemed slower in his movements than normal, and it didn’t go unnoticed by Cameron. Fucking parasite.

“Let me help you.” Cameron held it open, and I heard him offer to help walk Dad to his office. Once they left, Kenna glanced at me.

“I was going to get the table set up for Mr. Ines. Would it be best if I come back?”

“Morey Ines?”

“Yes,” she answered with a questioning look. I couldn’t help but think what a snake Cameron was for bringing him here. “He called my cell and asked if he could meet with me. Something about a client.” That’s unexpected. “Is it a bad time, Grim? Should I come back?”

“No,” I waved at her, “I’m almost done.” I let my mind run for a moment. “Does your father know Morey Ines is the client you’re seeing today?”

“No. Dad’s on a rampage with a more important client right now.” She finger-quoted then cleared her throat as the door opened behind us. “Okay.” She set the pile of note pads and files she’d brought on the table. “Let’s see,” she muttered to herself.

“Kenna.” Cameron’s voice was annoyed.

“You have my answer, Cameron.” She kept her head focused on her task.

“Well, this time I’m going to override you.” He made my blood boil. “His son likes you and wants to take you to drinks at Alibi. I need this client happy, McKenna. You’ll do this.”

“I said no.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I’ve lost count, dammit.”

“He’ll meet you in the lobby at seven.”

“He’ll be waiting for a long time, then.” She didn’t miss a beat.

“McKen—”

“Dad,” she snapped as she hit her hands on the table, “his son is aggressive and arrogant and has zero influence over his father’s decisions. You’ve done this before. You both pawn the jerk off on me so you can think straight. The guy’s a pervert and can’t keep his hands to himself. And, thanks to you and this new client you’ve dumped on my lap at the final hour, who I now have to fit in between this guy who at least had the decency to book a meeting, and the football wives.” She sucked in a breath. “I don’t have the time or the friggin’ patience to deal with that perv.” Her words came out in an exasperated tirade. She positively breathed fire. I like it.

“You will,” Cameron shouted. It made her jump, and I hit my limit.

“Enough!” I growled sharply and slammed my fist into the table. “The answer is no, Cameron. She’s your fucking daughter, so show some respect.”

“If I wanted you involved, son, I’d?—”

“Don’t fucking call me son, you?—”

“I’ll do it,” Kenna interrupted. I could tell by the way she rubbed her forehead she didn’t have the energy to fight him or hear the two of us get into it. “Seven in the lobby. Fine.”

I jammed my teeth together and looked down. I scribbled something I remembered about the morning meeting and waited for Cameron to gloat while I counted to ten.

“See, if you fought me less, Kenna, wouldn’t?—”

“Kenna can’t attend tonight because she won’t be here.” Scored.

“I won’t?” She looked at me, confused.

“No, you’re needed in New Orleans.”

She studied me for a beat then turned to her father with a shrug. “Then I guess you’ll just have to find someone else to entertain the pervert.”

“Need I remind you, Kenna, that you work for me, too.” He glared at her and refused to look at me. “You’ve taken quite a lot of time off lately.”

“She works for me,” I continued to take my notes, which I knew would irritate him further, “and my decision is final.”

He made some kind of noise then left.

“Thanks for the excuse.” She looked exhausted. Her father took a lot out of her.

“Not an excuse.” I signed my name at the bottom of the paper. “We leave tonight. Be in the lobby by six.”

“Wait, no, Grim, I can’t go.” She’d been placing pens in front of the pads at each seat, “I’ve got this lawyer coming in, and Cameron’s client coming in shortly, I have the wives of the Raiders team coming in tonight, then the team checks in tomorrow for their summer night pool party.”

“You’re not the only hostess here, Kenna.”

I felt her study me, but I gave her nothing.

“No, Grim.” She set the box of pens down and moved to the water tray and started to set out crystal water glasses. As she did, her skirt rose, and I saw her garter belt. I licked my lips and tried to stifle a moan, and she gave me a slit-eyed glance. “If you need a side chick on the trip, Kelly’s most likely listening outside the door right now.”

“You insult me, Kenna. I wasn’t referring to a side piece.” I lifted an unimpressed brow.

“Well,” she leaned over and rolled a pen across the table toward me, “I’m needed here.”

I leaned back, not pleased that she’d tried to brush me off.

“Funny how you think you have a choice in the matter.” She paused and took a deep breath, and I instantly regretted my words. I sounded like her father. “Kenna, you’ve proven several times that you can win over very difficult potential clients. You’re smart, witty, and can handle yourself. Even with perverts.” I chuckled and was rewarded with a twitch of her lips. “I’m not saying you’ll need that for Chef Trahan, but having you there would really help with his friends. They heavily influence his decisions.”

“Oh, so, what you’re saying is you need me?”

“Kenna…” I swallowed back my normal snarl. “Yes, I do.” I noticed my coffee mug was empty, so I headed over to the cart for a refill while I felt my way through this new territory.

“Or is it that you don’t want me here alone when the pervert arrives, or the football team, or the…” She gave me a sexy smirk, and I felt my pants tighten.

“I won’t lie, that’s one of the perks to you coming.”

“Grim.” She rolled her eyes.

“Kenna,” I set my coffee down and tried to fight my natural need to dominate, “you’re great at what you do, and I think you’d be a huge asset to this trip. I’d like you to come.”

She leaned against the table and studied me as if she considered my words.

“All right.” A small smile spread across her sexy lips, and I found myself moving toward her.

“Smart move.” I grabbed her ass and pulled her tight body to mine. “Pack more of these, too.” I tugged on her garter belt.

“Ms. Lodge?” My brother Knox stood in the doorway. He looked hungover, and sleep deprived, also pissed. “Lawyer Morey Ines is here for his meeting.” He spoke in a tone that let us know he was displeased he’d had to escort him there.

“Thank you, Knox.” She turned back to business mode. “If you don’t mind, Mr. Gates.” She tilted her head at me.

I smirked when she called me that, and she flashed me a scowl and pointed at the door with her head.

A balding, slightly overweight guy in a cheap suit entered. He looked frazzled as he mopped the sweat from his forehead then held out a hand.

“Thanks for seeing me.” He dropped the hand, which I ignored. “Oh, you must be the famous Grim Gates.” He swallowed noticeably and glanced at his watch, as if he needed something to do.

“Mr. Ines.” I inclined my head. “I understand you’re looking to sign on with Mr. Tame?”

“Ah, no,” he looked confused, “I just wanted to ask a few questions about your hotel for a new client who’s coming into town.” He tugged at the sleeve of his jacket and looked away. He was lying. Interesting.

“I see.” I let it go. I didn’t have time to dig too deep, and given the man’s mannerisms, I figured Kenna could easily handle him alone. He glanced at Kenna, who leaned over the table, quickly finishing up the last few things. I eyed the man hard and saw sweat break out on his face again as he took his eyes off her legs.

“Have a good meeting.” I almost bumped into Knox where he leaned on the wall just outside the door. He followed me down the hall.

“Grim, we need to talk.”

“What?”

“Did you really kill Martin Castillo?” That stopped me dead in my tracks. I whirled around. Where in the hell had he heard that name? “Shit, man.” He tripped over his own feet and had to right himself. “People are talking.”

“What people?”

“People.” He shrugged. “I heard rumors and wondered if it’s true.”

“It’s not,” I snapped.

“Given your reaction, I’m thinking maybe you?—”

“Hey,” I slapped the side of his head, “get your shit together, Knox, wake the fuck up, and see what the hell’s happening around you.”

“What do ya mean? Shit!” He ducked like I swung at him again. “Why are you always so fuckin’ angry?”

“Because I’m watching my brother piss away his life listening to rumors while everyone around him is working their ass off!” I glared at him. He looked like he was about to say something but changed his mind. He cursed then spun around and headed toward the elevator.

“Check in with Dad today,” I called after him, then I headed toward Leo’s office, knocked twice on his door, and popped my head inside.

“Good time?”

“Yeah.” He put his phone down as I came into the room. “You look pissed.”

“Oh, just dealing with Knox’s bullshit.”

“He’s young.” He smiled. “Ease up on him a little, will ya?” I shook my head and tried to put Knox out of my mind. I sat heavily in a chair and propped an ankle over one knee as I attempted to tamp down my anger.

“Look, Leo, I want to talk about Mexico.” His face instantly showed worry. “It’s okay. I know things didn’t run as smoothly as you’d have liked, and I know there’s a lot of shit going on here too. You did your best to take over for me, and the two trips you made there to close the accounts was enough. I left a lot of things unfinished, and it wasn’t fair you had to clean it all up when I came home.” He looked relieved. “Look, how about you come with me and Kenna to New Orleans this week?”

“Yeah?” His face lit up.

“Yeah, I think we both need this.”

“Okay.” He nodded as his smile widened. “Kenna’s coming?”

“Yeah. I’m trying to sign Chef Trahan for Secrets. I really want him, and I’m told he relies heavily on his friends’ opinions. Kenna’s good with people. Better than me lately.” I rubbed my head. “I think she’ll be an asset for this deal, and I could use your help too.”

He nodded. “I agree, Kenna’s good. I’m looking forward to spending time with her too. She’s cool people.”

“Good. It’s all set, then. We leave tonight at six.” I smacked him on the back.

* * *

“Evening, folks.”The captain’s southern drawl flowed over the intercom of my private jet. “We should have smooth sailing all the way to New Orleans. Our flight will be three hours and ten minutes, so please sit back and enjoy the sunset.” We heard a click as he shut off his mic.

“Your drink, sir.” The flight attendant batted her pretty lashes at me, and I moved back so she could put the whiskey down in front of me.

“Miss?” She addressed Kenna, who smiled and took the white wine I’d ordered for her. She thanked the young woman and turned to Leo.

“You look like you’re ready for this.” She grinned and clicked glasses with him. He was already a couple drinks ahead of us. “I guess it’ll be a little vacation for you?”

“Yeah, I really needed a break. It’ll be fun.” He grinned as he held up his glass to me.

As the two of them chatted I looked over at Jesse, and he flashed four fingers at me. I nodded my agreement. If he felt four rather than five of our security team had what it took to be on this trip, I wouldn’t disagree.

Jesse leaned forward and kept his voice just loud enough for me to hear. “I want to swap out the young one when we land. I’ve already made the call.”

“Good.” I nodded and always appreciated that Jesse didn’t accept anything but the best when it came to our security. I sat back and enjoyed my drink as I listened to Kenna and my little brother chat. It was nice to see Leo relax.

“Well, let’s get down to business.” Kenna reached for her bag. “Here you are.” She handed me a file then passed one to Leo. Jesse looked surprised as she reached over and gave him one as well.

“And what are these?” I had flipped the folder open to a few photos and picked up one of a man with a tattoo gun in his hand.

“These,” she leaned back, “are Chef Trahan’s friends. Well, the ones who have something in common with each of you, anyway.” She was all business. “Leo, Doug loves snowboarding and has a place in Mammoth. He also has a love for all things hiking.” She held up a photo. “You will work your love for this stuff into conversation. You hook, reel, and land. The key here, guys, is to let them do the talking. You just get it started.” She looked at each of us. “People will think the conversation is going swimmingly when they’re the ones talking. You’d be surprised how much people will tell you.”

“I can do that.” Leo started to read his file as Kenna looked at me, “Grim, Peter is mad about tattoos. He’s a fabulous artist and has done many celebrities, so naturally he’ll be drawn to you. However, when I dug deeper, I found Peter’s true passion is bourbon. Just like you, he too is a fan of Old Rip Van Winkle.”

“What?” I held my hand up. “How on Earth do you know about that?”

“I know a lot of things, Grim. It would be wise for you to remember that.” She arched a brow, and Leo chuckled quietly. “Where was I? Oh, yes. So, keep that information and turn it into an asset. I’ve checked, and your hotel has a bottle waiting.” She looked at Jesse.

“Don’t think you’re getting out of this.” She smiled. “I know you have a job to do, but you also see all, and with that, I particularly want you to watch Brent.” She held up a picture, and he nodded at his folder. “He’s the slippery one of the bunch. He’s been arrested a few times, nothing major, but he’s a wild card. If any of them was going to try something, it’d be Brent.”

I caught Leo’s eye, and I knew we shared the same thought; this was one of the reasons Kenna was on this trip. Though we were well prepared for the business end of things, she’d taken it that much farther.

“To me, these are the three friends who have the most input in Chef Trahan’s life. They’ve known each other since college.”

“What about you?” I challenged and was pleased when she pulled out a stack of files of her own.

“I have everyone you do, as well as Trahan, his mother, and his girlfriend of three weeks.” She rolled her eyes. “Girls see dollar signs and great food.”

“Impressive.”

“Thanks.” She sipped her wine. “I think if we know who we’re targeting and are able to roll with whatever they throw at us, we’ll have a good chance of signing him.” She looked at her phone and her face lit up.

“What?” I was curious what made her smile that way.

“Dale’s giving me culinary terms to use at dinner.” I felt Leo’s gaze on me as I watched her text him back.

“You two dated, right?” Leo asked lightly.

“We did.” She continued to text.

“For how long?”

“Not overly long.” She shrugged.

“Who ended it?” She looked at him and lowered her phone. “Call me interested.”

“Why?”

“I guess I’m just trying to understand why he gave you up.” He sent her one of his charming smiles. “You have a lot to offer, Kenna.”

“So, there is flattery in your DNA. Good to know.” She tossed me a look, which I found rather amusing. “Let’s just say he wasn’t interested in being faithful.”

“Ouch.”

“Yeah,” her face showed how deeply that hurt her, “but it worked out for the best.”

“How?” Leo pushed, and I sat back and watched my brother dig into her personal life. I wondered just how far she’d let him. We were interrupted briefly as the attendant handed out more drinks.

“I thought I wanted what he had to offer, but it turned out I really didn’t.” She took a sip.

“What do you want?”

“I have no fucking idea.” She laughed and lifted her glass for a toast. “To having no idea what the hell we want, and to keep ourselves open to new things.” The way her eyes slid over to mine made me wonder what went through her mind at that moment.

We spent the rest of the flight in light conversation. I wanted to ask about her meeting with Ines but decided it could wait.

We drove to the Four Seasons and checked into our suites. I excused myself, as I had some work to finish before I could relax for the night. Jesse followed me up.

“I made the switch, Grim. I like this guy better.” Jesse leaned against a desk in my large suite. He seemed comfortable with his decision to swap out one of the men from the security detail. “We’re going to do a few laps around the building to give them the lay of the place.”

“Sounds good.” I waited for him to leave then ditched my jacket and tie and set up my computer to work. A few times I eyed the door. Kenna’s suite was just across the hall, and I was curious to know what she was up to. I angled my chair to face the opposite wall and finished off what was needed of me.

I rubbed my tired eyes and undid the first few buttons of my dress shirt. It was nearly midnight, but I was restless. The thought of Kenna being so close nearly drove me mad, so I grabbed my wallet and keycard and headed down to the bar.

“Scotch, neat, top shelf.” I pointed to the bottle of Glenlivet.

“Are you having a nice evening, Mr. Gates?” The staff had been instructed to be aware when I was in town and my likes and dislikes. Perks of owning your own hotels.

“Yes.” I took the glass and downed the amber liquid then slid it over to him for another.

“Your brother arrived just a bit ago.” He nodded toward the other end of the room. “I must say he has extremely good taste in women.”

“Oh?” I turned to look. Leo sat with a gorgeous woman. His laugh reached me and made me smile. Good for him. “Who is she?”

“Paige Marie from Long Island. She’s in pharmaceutical sales and does very well.”

“Married?”

“No.”

“Travels alone?”

“Sometimes, but she sometimes she brings her sister.”

“Good.” I nodded and turned back and picked up my drink as I decided to give them some space. I threaded through a crowd of men who looked to be a part of a bachelor party and up to the fifth floor. I remembered the pool had a nice sitting area, and there’d be no children up at this hour. It should offer a quiet place to let my mind breathe.

It was empty as I hoped, and the breeze felt good and helped to keep the heat down. I found a dark corner and sat on a lounger that overlooked the crescent-moon shaped pool. Beyond that was a spectacular view of the Mississippi River. I took a deep breath and relaxed. Modern torches flickered shadows across the closed bar area, and light music kept the sound of the traffic away.

Kenna’s voice found me. “Hey.” I looked around as she glided into view. Her hair was swept up into a messy bun to keep it out of the water. “Are you following me?”

“No.”

Her white string bikini glowed in the pool lights. It was so transparent I could see her nipples through the fabric when she came up to the side.

“Cameron’s been blowing up my phone.” She made a face. “I needed a break.”

“I can imagine.” He was always up her ass. He probably even knew she was in the pool.

She looked up at the sky. “Leo made a friend.”

“I saw.”

“Good for him.” She moved until the water was just under her chin then came up again, and the way the water glided down over her skin made my body react. “It’s nice to see him relaxed.”

“It is.” I studied the curve of her breasts, but when she went quiet, I met her eyes. “What?”

“Morgan filled me in a little about how you joined the Devil’s Reach.” Did he, now? “So, which persona do you like better, motorcycle Grim or business Grim?”

“Depends on the situation.” I shrugged and couldn’t think of a time when I’d ever spoken openly about both sides of myself.

“Explain,” she urged, and my natural reaction was to shut her down. I didn’t like anyone digging into my life, but for some reason, I was trying to find the right explanation.

“I started fighting when I was young. Seems I pack a deadly punch. I carry a weapon but prefer my hands. The Devil’s Reach allows me to handle business without fear I’ll tarnish the family name.” I sipped my drink. “So, in that respect, I enjoy wearing the leather, but I also enjoy the business world and I like to stay on top. I want to be the best at everything. I’m power hungry and dominate all things in my life.” I held her gaze for a beat longer, driving my point home.

“Wow. Do tell,” she scoffed.

“Don’t ask if you don’t want to know.” I shrugged and took another sip.

“I do want to know.” She moved closer to the edge of the pool near my lounger and looked up at me.

“You’ve been my greatest challenge, actually.” I raised my glass at her as I thought about why she asked me that question. “Which do you prefer, me in a cut or me in a suit?”

“Hm,” her eyes lit up with amusement, “wouldn’t you like to know?”

“Yes, I would.”

She changed topics. “Are you feeling positive about landing Chef Trahan?”

“I have a few concerns, but we’re as ready as we can be. Thanks to you.” I added that last bit without thought and surprised myself. She pushed back to tread water as though absorbing my comment, then came closer to rest her chin on her hands. “I mean that.” I really did. “That you dug into his friends and got all that info on them. It was impressive.”

“I hope you didn’t mind me including Jesse, but he is head of your security.”

“Jesse does background checks on anyone I deal with. It’s part of his job. The fact you gave him a heads up on the Brent guy, that impressed him as well as me.”

“I’m glad I could help, then.” She smiled then turned and began to swim back across the pool.

Something my mother said a while back repeated in my head. “People underestimate a gorgeous face, son. Kenna is constantly having to prove herself worthy of being in a man’s world. If people would just set aside their own ego and see what she has to offer, the sky would be the limit. Your father sees that, and it would be wise if you did too.”

“How was your meeting with Morey Ines?”

“I’m still trying to figure it out.”

“What do you mean?”

“Morey booked the appointment because he wanted to show a client around the hotel, but every time I brought that up, he redirected the conversation.”

“To what?” That piqued my interest.

“To me. He seemed to want to know about me.”

“I see. Didn’t that send any red flags?”

“Of course.” She rolled her eyes. “It wasn’t like he was digging so much as he seemed to be fact checking. Like on something he heard.”

“Which was?”

“I’m not sure. We were interrupted by Cameron. He wanted to try again to get me to skip out on this trip so I could entertain the perv.”

“I don’t know how you do it.” I pushed back the flair of anger. Cameron hadn’t won, and she was here with us.

“It’s challenging,” she let out a long breath, “but he’s my dad.”

I grunted then felt my phone vibrate. It was Leo.

Leo: Find Kenna and meet me at the bar. I have someone I want you to meet.

I waited until Kenna returned then held out a hand. “Leo has requested our presence at the bar. He wants us to meet his friend, I imagine.” She took my hand, and I lifted her out of the water. The strings on her skimpy bikini top strained under the weight of her breasts. Without thinking, I rubbed the pad of my thumb over a perky nipple. At her look, I fought back everything inside and handed her a towel.

“I’ll go change and meet you there.” She grinned and stepped around me as I let out a breath. I had to force myself to hold back my constant response to her body. I’d paid her a compliment earlier, and she didn’t need it followed up with a sexual response. She didn’t deserve that, especially from me. I signaled Jesse to have one of the guys go with her up to her suite, then headed to the bar.

“Grim!” Leo’s wide smile told me he was well into the bottle of gin that sat next to his glass. His ear-to-ear grin made me laugh. “Come join us, brother.” He made the introductions as I took a seat at his table. I spotted the bachelor party fellow from earlier. They were in full swing on the opposite side of the bar. Charlie brought me a fresh drink.

I ordered a glass for Kenna. “Glass of Bryant Cabernet Sauvignon as well, please.”

“You found her?” Leo looked at his phone. “Her phone was turned off.”

“Cameron,” was all I said, and he let it go. I tried my best to seem interested in Paige. She seemed very nice, but my thoughts drifted to Kenna in her bathing suit.

“Ah, there she is,” Leo literally bounced in his seat, “looking mighty fine in her little black dress.” I frowned as one of the men from the bachelor party whistled.

“Wrong party, girl!” he hooted, and she waved with a smile as I pulled out the chair next to me. As she slipped onto it, she offered her hand to Paige, and Leo introduced them.

“Sorry for taking so long. I had to change, then the client I met with this morning emailed.”

“Morey Ines?” I had to ask.

“No.” Leo held up a hand. “No work talk. Please, guys, my head needs a break.”

“Yes, and fair enough.” Kenna leaned over, and the smell of her perfume made my head swim. “I’ll fill you in tomorrow.”

“Kenna,” Paige pulled her attention, “Leo tells me you’re a super host for Indulge. What’s it like working for these two?”

“Tell the truth.” Leo broke out in laughter. “Whatever’s said tonight won’t be held against you later. I promise.”

“I never agreed to that,” I chimed in, and Kenna laughed with Leo.

“Okay, just give me a little insight into these two.” Paige rephrased the sentence.

Kenna pointed to Leo. “He’s the sweet one.”

“Aww.” Paige grinned at him.

“You can always count on Leo to be the first to give you a hug and make sure all’s okay. He’s the teddy bear of the family. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a shark at what he does, but he’s got a fluffy center.”

“I do wear my heart on my sleeve.” Leo winked at her. I had to agree my brother could be a softie. He genuinely liked people, and it showed. It was one of the reasons I felt the need to protect him so much.

“And Grim?” Paige looked at me.

“Where to begin with Mr. Gates?” Kenna grinned at me, and I watched as she thought. “Intense, temperamental, unpredictable, bossy as hell,” Leo went to say something, but she held up a hand, “but with all of that, he’s wildly smart, always puts his family before himself, and would kill for you.”

“Sounds like you have a couple of great bosses.” Paige smiled around the table. “What about you, Kenna? If you entertain clients, you must get hit on a lot.” My God, this woman just dove right in.

“Yes,” Kenna nodded, “it’s all part of the job.”

“Does your boyfriend ever get jealous?”

“I don’t know. Do you, Grim?” Leo grinned at me before he laughed into his glass, and I pulled the bottle out of his reach.

“Grim? Oh, he’s not my boyfriend,” Kenna assured her as Leo snorted.

“Oh, really.” She ignored Leo. “Does that mean I can introduce you to my friend? He’s right over there.” Paige waved toward the bachelor party, and I cleared my throat as Leo laughed harder.

“Enjoying yourself?” I glared at him.

“I’m just proving a point.”

“Which is?”

“You have feelings for her.” He scooped up a handful of peanuts from a dish.

“My goodness, someone’s letting loose tonight.” Kenna leaned back in her seat. I slit my eyes at her as I saw something flicker across her face. “You know, Leo, I think I might join you in this carefree mood.”

“Ohh,” Leo leaned across the table, “what does McKenna Lodge have going on in her pretty little head?”

Kenna reached out and slid a water glass to the middle of the table then slid mine over as well. Then she scooped up the bottle of gin and poured us each a double then topped up Leo’s. Paige pushed her own glass over.

“We don’t have to be up and moving until two in the afternoon, right, boss?”

“Right,” I agreed. I couldn’t help but enjoy how much I liked her nickname for me.

“Then let’s have a little fun.”

A bottle and a half later, and we were way past tipsy, maybe even drunk. I wasn’t sure. I usually only drank that way when I was with Trigger and Elio. It wasn’t easy for me to let go. I needed control, but I trusted that Jesse and the team had things in order. There weren’t many people left, just a few stragglers from the party across the way.

Why not?

“Wait,” Kenna tried to catch her breath from laughing, “you didn’t skinny dip!”

“I did,” Leo covered his face as he continued with his story. “Mom was mortified, but that was just because her client’s son decided to snorkel.”

“How old was he?” Paige was enjoying herself.

“Fifteen.” Leo looked over at me, and I reined in my own laughter. “You think that’s funny, why don’t we share some of Grim’s stories?”

“I have none.” I glanced at Jesse, who looked away. He knew better.

“I beg to differ.”

“If there were, any witnesses have been well paid for their silence,” I assured them.

“I wasn’t paid off that time in Singapore. You know, when you were found buck naked asleep in that rickshaw.”

Kenna’s eyes went wide. “What?”

“Or the time you sang karaoke in France.”

“You sing?” Kenna covered her mouth. “That’s it, Charlie, we need a mic!”

“He’s really good too.” Leo kept talking.

“Many have disappeared for a lot less.” I laughed at how true that was. “Don’t make me do something you’ll regret, little brother,” I joked as I enjoyed the banter.

“All right,” Paige stood then held on to the table, “this took a dark turn.” She eyed me, and Kenna laughed harder.

“You have no idea, Paige. But dark is what makes him so delicious.” Kenna leered at me.

“Gotta love when the truth shows itself.” Leo laughed as he grabbed his jacket. I chose to ignore him.

“I think it’s time we all got to bed.” I stood and helped Kenna to her feet. “I’m calling it.”

“Yes, bed sounds like a good idea.” Kenna stepped back quickly, then took my arm. “Oh, there’s the gin.” She gave me a playful look as she wobbled. “He was hiding there for a second.”

“Tends to do that.” We all moved toward the elevator.

“Good night.” Leo wrapped his arm around Paige as we arrived at our floor. They disappeared into his room.

I looked down to find Kenna watching me.

“What?”

“It’s nice to see you smile.”

“I smile.”

“No, you smirk because you’re usually thinking dirty thoughts.” She chuckled, and I grinned at her comment. “See, right there. I like your smile.” She pulled out her keycard, but I took it from her and led her toward my door. “Oh, oh, there it is. Now you’re thinking a dirty thought.”

“Whenever you’re around, I’m always thinking dirty thoughts.” I tapped the card to the door, and it opened.

“What are you thinking right now?” she purred as we walked inside.

“You sure you want to know?”

“I really do.”

I removed my shirt and in two strides was in front of her, then I whirled her around in my arms and bent her over the couch. I was pleasantly surprised to see she wore a garter belt.

“You listened.”

“Trust me, I shocked myself on that one, too.” She giggled and moved out of my reach when I tried to grab her. “Maybe there was a part of me that was curious what you’d do if I listened.”

“Good things happen when you listen.” I took a step forward, and she backed up and licked her lips slowly.

“Actually,” she reached back and unzipped her dress and let it fall, “great things happen when I don’t.”

“Fuck…” I drew out the word as I took in her black and red lace bra, matching panties, and garter belt. With those black heels and her expression, she looked hot enough to scald me as she ran a hand through her hair.

“I thought you’d appreciate the colors, since they do seem to be your favorite.” She gave me a hungry look as I removed my belt and wrapped it around my hands. I snapped it hard, and she jerked. “That made me so wet.”

“Come here,” I ordered, and she shot me a wicked expression as she moved toward me. Once she was close enough, I grabbed her head with one hand and slammed her mouth to mine. As I directed the kiss, she undid my pants and pulled down my boxers. I fell heavily into her hands. She moaned as she gave me a pump. I walked us back to the couch and ripped away just long enough to pull her onto my lap as I sat. She straddled my thighs as I undid her bra and slid my fingers under the garter. Her silky skin sent shockwaves through my gut. Her hair drove me wild as it skimmed my chest.

All the while, we kissed like it was our first. I pulled aside her panties and slid my hungry erection inside with a hiss. “You are wet.” I muttered against her lips as I let myself lose control in my addiction to her body.

“I’ve been this way since this morning,” she confessed.

“You should have told me.” I kissed down her neck. “I’d gladly have helped.”

“If I told you how many times I needed—” She stopped abruptly and stood. I caught my breath as I slid out. “I should go.”

“The fuck you should!” I jumped up and grabbed her around the waist. I bent her over the desk and regained my place. I held her tight and thrust a few times to ensure she was back under my control. “Don’t ever do that.” I slapped her ass hard.

“Grim, I shouldn’t,” she tried to protest, but it was followed with a moan.

“Don’t ever try to keep this,” I patted between her legs, “from me, Kenna.” I fought not to punish her. “I can’t promise my actions.” I pumped against her, and she gripped the side of the desk to brace herself.

“Grim!” she screamed, and I took her hard.

Both my hands slid up her sides to her shoulders, and I pushed her down to meet each of my powerful thrusts. I could barely see straight as I built to a blissful pace.

“More!” Her words barely made it through my wild mind. My hand went around her neck, and I pulled her backward. Her back bowed. “Yes!” She grabbed my wrists and held on tight. I looked up and saw a mirror reflecting our crazed expressions. It was a dark, intimate moment, and though I wanted to look away, I couldn’t. The moment she came, I felt her body shudder and squeeze around me. I let go with her, and we both shot off. I slammed her body to mine as she clawed at my arms, and I bit down where her neck met her shoulder. It felt like a year’s worth of pent-up energy just let go inside me. Finally, our breathing slowed, and her body relaxed against mine.

My phone rang on the table behind me.

“You should take that.” She scooped up her dress and bra from the floor and disappeared into the bathroom.

“Grim,” I answered sharply.

“It’s Trigger. Got a moment?”

I turned to see Kenna leave the suite. “Yeah.”