Havoc

Chapter 16

Grim

“Leo’s hurting this morning.” Jesse chuckled as we rode the elevator down to the lobby bar. We had planned to meet there before we left for dinner at the Restaurant August. Chef Trahan was working, and the plan was to do a test run before our official meeting the next night.

“Gin’ll do that when you drink it the way we all did last night. I’m glad my headache finally went.” I grimaced at Jesse, and he laughed again. “Any word from Kenna?”

“Just that she went for a swim this morning.”

“So, she’s alive,” I muttered, annoyed that she’d avoided my calls. I’d wanted to ask if she’d heard anything from Simon or Hanna. Little did she know my father was curious about that, too.

He took a call as we stepped out, and I scanned the place for Leo. I spotted Kenna leaning against the bar in a midnight blue dress. The front crisscrossed and was gathered at the hip. A long slit down the length of it showed her bare leg.

“Christ,” I growled at the instant reaction my body had to hers. Her hair was curled and swept up on one side. When she saw us, she turned to Charlie, the bartender, with a smile and waved goodbye. I didn’t blame Charlie for the way he studied her as she walked toward us. Kenna drew several looks from the bar as she moved. Her sparkly purse matched the pin in her hair. She was something to watch.

“Wow,” Jesse mouthed as he ended the call, and I had to agree she looked beautiful. I’d never cared to notice the little details of a woman’s attire in the past, but with Kenna, I found myself paying attention to the small things.

“Gentlemen,” she addressed us, “you both look very nice.” She slid her gaze down my front, and I felt my pants instantly strain against the zipper. Lust was a bitch when Kenna was near.

“So do you.” Jesse nodded politely as he put his phone in his breast pocket. “Blue looks good on you.”

“Thank you.” She eyed my scowl.

“You didn’t answer your phone.” I jumped into business; I needed a distraction. Didn’t this woman own cotton? The silky fabric hugged her curves, and I struggled to fight my desire to slide my hand inside that slit in her skirt.

“I was busy.” I noticed Jesse stepped away.

“When I call, you pick up.”

“What crawled up your ass today,” she snapped and ignored my bullshit.

“You,” slipped from my mouth, and I closed my eyes to calm myself. The morning call with my father hadn’t gone as well as I’d hoped, and I used the frustration of it on her.

“I did nothing but enjoy some delicious hot sex with you.” She stepped up close, and her perfume sent my head into a tailspin as it clawed its way into my senses. “You know you liked it as much as I did,” she drawled. “So, if you insist on behaving like an asshole this evening, let me know now. I’m more than ready to take you on.” She raised her chin and begged me to challenge her.

“Ready?” Jesse closed in and looked at the two of us.

“We need to talk about Morey,” I muttered.

“Sure, sweetheart.” She flashed me a grin. “After dinner?”

“Yes.” I glanced at Jesse and saw he had a shit-eating grin on his face.

“I have a feeling tonight is going to be really fun.” Jesse grinned again.

“Fuck off.”

I heard him chuckle as we headed outside.

I stepped back so Kenna could slide into the stretch limo. Leo and Paige were waiting inside, and the smile on my brother’s face when I joined them was proof he’d enjoyed the rest of the night with Paige. It was a just short car ride to the restaurant. We were seated quickly, and our drinks were served just as we got settled.

I knew my secretary had called ahead to make sure they took care of us. I also made sure she didn’t let them know exactly who was dining. News would travel fast to Chef Trahan that I was eating there the night before our meeting. It was one of the busiest nights for any restaurant, and I wanted to see how the food compared. The fact that Vegas never sleeps is true, so perfection could never slip, especially at the busy times.

We took our time to order and made sure we picked dishes that would appeal to Secrets’ demographic. The menu was impressive, and a few things stuck out to me that I might incorporate in my own restaurant.

I noticed Kenna frown as she glanced at her phone before she tucked it away.

“Is someone sweet blowing up your phone?” Paige wiggled her eyebrows.

“Just my friend, Minnie.” She reached for her wine and took a big sip.

“Yikes, problems in friendship land?” Paige lifted her glass as she dug a little too much for my liking.

“No,” Kenna chuckled, but I knew something bothered her, “someone was asking for me at my friend’s work. I guess he wasn’t pleased I wasn’t around.”

“Can’t be anyone too important if they think you work at Minnie’s.” Leo chuckled.

“What kind of work is Minnie into?” Paige looked over the top of her glass.

“She owns a nightclub,” I answered before Leo said much more.

“A Vegas nightclub?” she cooed. “Sounds fun.”

“I didn’t recognize the person’s name.” Kenna shrugged. “I’m sure it’s just a mix-up.” She turned the wine bottle around to display the label. “Have you tried this before, Paige? It’s got a nice, full body.”

“No, I haven’t, but it’s good. I just have to use the restroom then I’ll enjoy some more.”

“Okay.” Kenna sounded pleased with that, as I knew it was one of her favorites. Leo helped Paige out of her chair and escorted her to the restroom.

“What was the name?” I asked when Kenna leaned back in her chair and the others were out of earshot.

“Tony Farrell?” Her brows pinched when my face turned to stone. I pulled out my phone and saw two missed calls from Minnie and a text warning that Fentanyl Tony was poking around. Son of a bitch.

“Let me guess, that was really a message for you?” Kenna studied my face.

“Seems I’ve missed her calls.” I tucked my phone away.

“Who is he, anyway?” I barely heard her as my mind spun like a magnet in different directions. Could he suspect that Kenna was behind Matt’s death? If so, how? Or did Sonny drop her name to him just to fuck with me? “It’s fine if you don’t want to say. I’ll just call Morgan.”

“He’s part of Sonny’s crew in Chicago. They call him the Fentanyl Father. He’s been trying to take over drug distribution in Vegas for years.”

“Wait,” her chest heaved, “could that mean…?”

“It means nothing right now,” I assured her as I watched for the others to return.

“Did you know he was coming?”

“I suspected it, yes, but I couldn’t move this meeting.” I caught sight of Leo. They were on their way back.

“Is that why you invited me along?” Kenna suddenly sounded pissed. I saw Paige hold up a finger to Leo as she greeted a friend by the window.

“It certainly helped.” I ignored her as I watched Leo glance over his shoulder at me. He pointed toward the door. Who did he see?

“So, it wasn’t because I was good at my job that you asked me to come?”

Fuck me. A flash of rage burned through my body as I caught sight of him. How in the hell was Sonny Conti here?

“You son of a bitch,” she hissed quietly, “and to think I fell for that. I appreciate your attempt to protect me, but next time, don’t pay me a compliment unless you honestly mean it.”

What?I quickly backtracked what she’d said. Shit. She looked away, so I wrapped my arm around her chair and moved in close, so she’d be forced to hear and see me.

“Look at me, Kenna.” I slid my hand over her bare leg under the table and her angry eyes met mine, “I never lied to you. You’re great at what you do, and I see it. You really stepped up the game for this interview, but,” she held my gaze, “I couldn’t leave you alone in the city with everything that’s going on, let alone Tony fucking Farrell.” I squeezed my napkin in a ball and dropped it on the table. “Look, I know you’ve had a life full of shitty men, but don’t ever clump me in with them.” I kept Sonny in the corner of my eye as he spoke to one of his friends.

“All right,” Kenna whispered, and I watched her throat contract and fought the urge to kiss—my lips touched hers before I knew what happened. It was reckless and flirted with a line I never intended to cross in public. I pushed between her lips and swiped across her tongue, giving in for a moment. It took everything for me to pull away.

“You see who’s here?” Leo made a pissed-off face as the two of them took their seats, oblivious to our moment.

“Yeah, I saw.” I sat back but kept my hand on Kenna’s thigh as the snake slithered his way toward us.

“Well, would you look at this?” Sonny clapped his hands with fake joy, and Kenna’s leg tightened under my hold. Sonny could play his games all he wanted, but I’d caught his face before he put on his fake smile. Something weighed heavily on him, and I could only guess it was Matt Myers’ death. The grooves of his face were deep, and there were dark circles under his eyes. “What are the odds I’d run into you, Grim, all the way here in New Orleans?”

“I’m sure the odds were all in your favor.” My words came out like smooth molasses, but my 9mm was burning a hole in my back.

“Mmmm, Kenna, you’re looking all kinds of good in that dress.” He licked his lips and leered at her. “I’d ask if you’re having a good time, but given that I just saw Grim’s tongue down your throat, I’d say the night is lookin’ good.”

“I called it,” Paige whispered, but Leo shook his head for her to stay quiet.

“You’re really workin’ your way up the family ladder, Kenna, but I guess it’s in your job description to cater to everyone’s needs.” He winked at her, and when he looked at Leo, she tried to move my hand off her leg. I wouldn’t budge.

“Don’t you have some other girl to roofie?” Kenna took a sip of her wine. “Or will no one touch you since you faceplanted in your Lamborghini?” She took another sip as he stared at her in surprise. “I’m thinking you hurt more than just your face but also whatever the hell you call that toothpick that pokes between your legs.” My eyebrow went up at her words, but I quickly recovered. Leo used his napkin to hide his smirk, and I shot him a look to warn him not to feed the fire.

“Well, well, well, our beautiful little lady has a nasty side.” Sonny inclined his head at her and put his fingers to his mouth.

“Excuse me,” the hostess appeared and addressed Sonny, “your table is ready, Mr. Conti.”

“This has been really interesting.” Sonny smiled. “I’m sure this won’t be the only time we’ll run into each other this trip.” I wondered just how long he’d been following us. We watched as he went with the hostess. He took a seat along with two other men at the table. It wasn’t lost on me he made sure to sit facing us.

“Should we leave?” Leo asked.

“No.” Kenna plucked a strawberry off her plate like nothing fazed her.

“I have no idea what that was all about, but can we rewind about how you two kissed?” Paige tried to lighten the mood. She was obviously clueless to the people she dined with and had no idea a trigger-happy murderer had been inches from her just a moment ago. When I thought about all of us, I almost smiled and wondered what people would think if they really knew who they were surrounded with.

“Mr. Gates?” The waiter interrupted my thoughts as he held a tray. “I was asked to give you this.” I slid the little silver container from the tray, and along with it a piece of cardstock that had been folded in half.

“Thank you.” He whisked away, and I unfolded the card as I thumbed the top of the container open.

I had a few left over. I figured you could put them to good use tonight. – Sonny

Three white roofie pills stared up at me.

He’s dead.

I snapped it closed as Leo grabbed the note.

“Fucking psycho.” Leo looked over at me. Paige, still oblivious, drew his attention with more questions as I tossed my napkin on the plate. I was ready to drill my fist into his eye socket.

“Grim,” Kenna slid her hand over my lap and leaned close to my ear as I stared at Sonny. “Think about it.”

I tuned in to her breath on my skin. I needed an anchor to keep from ripping his throat out in the middle of restaurant.

“He knows what he’s doing. He’s not here by accident. He’s got nothing to lose and I don’t see he has anything to gain; he’s just an asshole. But you’ve got a deal to make tomorrow, and it’s important to you. He’d love nothing more than to mess it up.” She discreetly massaged the erection that had suddenly made itself known. It had zero fucks about Sonny.

“He saw us kiss, which probably sent his own ego over the edge.” Her tone deepened, and I was glad the place was busy. “Let him wish my hand was on him instead of you.” My grip tightened on her leg as she rubbed harder. “Don’t let him win.”

“Leo,” I pulled myself together and called across the table, “let’s order another bottle.” I pointed to the wine and wrapped my arm around the back of Kenna’s chair.

“All right, let’s do this.” Leo grinned and signaled for the waiter. We could all play this game.

* * *

“Isit always so exciting and mysterious with you brothers?” Paige’s voice was full of fun as she put her arm through Leo’s. They walked in front of us down the sidewalk. The humid air was full of music and people partying. Jesse hadn’t liked the idea of walking, but I noticed he didn’t say no to her. Another man under her spell.

“It’s the world of money and power,” Kenna answered her. “It brings out the good, the bad, and the ugly.”

“So, who was that guy?” Paige started to dig again, and Kenna changed the topic.

“Hey, everyone,” she clapped her hands and looked up at me with a big smile, “I heard about this band. It’s close by, and I’d love to go hear them play.”

“What kind of music? who’s playing?” Leo walked backward and looked interested.

“Cajun Cat. They’re a mix of it all jazz, blues, swamp.” She smiled brightly. “Swamp just so happens to be one of my favorite kinds of music. They’re a local band, playing in a pub.”

She tried hard to get us on board, but I wasn’t feeling it. My mind was still stuck back at the restaurant as I imagined my hands snapping Sonny’s bones.

“I don’t know.” I wanted them all back at the hotel.

“Come on, music’s rooted deep in the people here. Besides, if you truly want to bring New Orleans to Vegas, we need to experience New Orleans while were in it!” She scrunched up her nose when she saw she hadn’t won me over yet. “Jesse,” she called over her shoulder then hung back as she worked her magic to convince him.

“So, are we doing this?” Leo asked as he looked at me.

“Yes, I suppose. It’s fun watching her plead her case,” I joked darkly.

“You are all kinds of messed up, Grim.” Paige glanced at me.

I shrugged. “Better you discover it now.”

“Jesse’s on board.” Kenna joined me again with her hands on her hips.

“Of course, he is.” I snagged her around the waist and hurried her along.

Voodoo’s Basement turned out to be a small pub just three blocks down from the restaurant. I appreciated the short walk and one entrance into the place. If Sonny still followed, he’d be spotted quickly. It wasn’t overly busy, and the band had been on break and were just getting started again. We snagged a table in the back corner while Jesse spread out the guys. The low lighting and the chill vibe of the locals in the place helped calm my need to spill blood.

“This band,” Kenna started in as we settled, “does covers and mixes in their own music.”

As the music started, I leaned back and took a breath. The lead singer lit up from ear to ear as he licked his lips then let out one hell of a sound. He started out with Eddie Lang’s Troubles, Troubles. After that, they played three songs I didn’t know, and I was captivated. They were a four-person band. Three men and one woman. They each pulled their weight with the instruments and their energy never faded. After a while of enjoying the music, I found myself watching Kenna watch the crowd. Just when my curiosity got to me, the music faded and the man at the mic said they needed another short break.

“I’m impressed.” Leo turned his chair back around toward the table.

“I loved the fourth song,” Paige chimed in. “The growl in his voice gave me goosebumps.”

The lead singer approached our table. “Kenna Lodge?”

“Yes, that’s me.” Kenna stood and shook his hand. “Please sit.”

“Thank you.” He waved over the woman. Leo gave me a surprised look but went with it. Clearly, Kenna had been expecting them to come over, though a little heads up would have been nice.

“Leon and Kate, this is Grim and Leo Gates, and this is Leo’s date, Paige.”

“Nice to meet you all.” Leon smiled warmly. “What did you think?”

“Goosebumps on the fourth song.” Paige spoke up first, no shocker there. Her sales background showed her need to talk first.

“I’m so happy to hear that,” Kate thanked her. “What about you, Grim?”

“I really liked it.” I nodded. “Your voices complement each other, but what I liked most were your strong instrumentals. Do you like playing the classics as much as your own stuff?”

“Very much so,” Leon said. “We’re here to play music for everyone, not just those who know our songs. We play to honor those who paved the road for us to stand in front of that mic.”

Good answer.

Kenna took over the conversation then. She asked how they started as a band and how often and where they traveled for gigs. She was good at asking the right kind of questions that led to interesting answers. By the time they left to play their next set, she knew something about each of their families, their favorite kinds of foods, and I was sure even if they had a pet.

“You know,” Paige leaned over the table, “if you ever wanted to leave Vegas, you’d be amazing at sales.”

That wasn’t going to happen.

“Thanks.” Kenna sipped her water. “I love my job, and I suppose you could say sales plays a part in it, actually, but there’s so much more.”

“I agree,” I found myself saying out loud, which drew her attention to me. I saw her eyes light up at my words.

The music started, and we all went quiet.

“Summertime by Louis Armstrong,” Kenna breathed and put a hand to her chest. “This is one of my favorites.”

“Dance with me, Leo.” Paige pulled Leo out of his seat, and I heard him laugh as they moved to the dance floor. A few other people swayed to the rich, slow music. The lighting was low, and the dance floor looked dark and seedy. I rather enjoyed the vibe.

It wasn’t often I felt comfortable in public, but given how small the place was, and that it had few if any windows, and the fact that my brother had my back, I figured what’s one dance? Besides, it gave me a reason to touch Kenna.

I stood and reached out to her. She looked surprised then studied me for a second before she slid her hand into mine and joined me on the dance floor. I pulled her into me. She kept a little space between us, so I honored it. We were, after all, in public, had a stage-five stalker on our heels, and we weren’t a couple.

I slid my hands around her hips and let them settle low on her back.

“When did you contact them?” I glanced at the band.

“This morning,” she whispered for only me to hear. “Their manager got back to me right away, and we met for coffee.”

“Is that why you didn’t take my call?”

“Part of the reason, yes.”

“And the other?”

“Your texts had a tone to them I didn’t appreciate.” She raised an eyebrow. “I’m kidding.” She smirked. “I was working out the contract with Knox, which is like trying to get a bunch of chickens to all look one way at the same time.” I chuckled at her example; it was spot on. “I have a really good feeling about these guys, Grim. I think they offer more than just music. I think they bring heart and soul to the stage.”

“Okay, I agree.” I found myself trusting Kenna’s gut and felt confident in the deal. “I’ll get Knox to complete the contract.”

“No need.” She grinned and leaned her head to one side. “He did come through for me, and I already got it to their manager in time for her to go over it with them. It just comes down to you. If you offer it to them, you’ve got the Cajun Cat at your restaurant for four days a week.”

I shook my head and studied her excited expression. “My mother was right about you.”

“What did she say?”

“That you’re not only beautiful but a force to be reckoned with.”

“Your mother is a very wise woman.” She laughed lightly.

“So are you.” I slowly pulled her in closer, and she allowed it. I pressed my cheek to the top of her head, and our bodies swayed to the slow beat. I moved my hands over her silky back and breathed in her scent to lock it in the memory. Every breath I took awoke parts of me I kept tightly locked away from others. I wasn’t an easy man to be with, nor did I care to be with a woman for any length of time. I wasn’t a jealous man, but as time unfolded, I found myself staking my claim over her. I relaxed and let myself sink into the moment.

As quickly as I let my walls down, I felt them built right back up. What was I thinking? I needed to keep a layer of protection. I never wanted to allow myself to be vulnerable to anyone, let alone a woman. I needed…

As if she sensed a change in me, Kenna looked up and something flickered across her face as we tried to read each other’s thoughts. Then she stretched up and I leaned down, and our lips touched gently. The lust and urgency we typically felt, the need to tear one another apart, seemed to take a step back and let another emotion take the spotlight. We’d kissed like that only once before, and it had scared the shit out of me. But I couldn’t stop; I had lost control of my brain.

Her hand moved into my hair, and every nerve ending tingled with electricity. I pressed her closer to me as we held the kiss and the tempo. It was a heady experience.

It wasn’t until I tuned back in to the song that I noticed the band had extended it a few extra chords for us. Kate gave me a smile as the last note of the sax played out slowly. I pulled back from Kenna and looked down at her.

“Grim,” Kenna whispered, her eyes were glossy, “I think I might…”

“Grim.” Jesse cut her off and was suddenly at my side in my ear. I gave a nod and waved to Leo to get ready to go.

“Go offer them the contract.” I released Kenna and gave her a little push toward the band.

“Okay.” She hesitated for a moment and seemed to gather herself, then hurried off to speak to them.

“What’s going on, Jesse?”

“Jason lost sight of Sonny. I think it’s best we head back.”

“Yeah, okay.” I quickly joined Kenna and expressed to the band that I was pleased it wasn’t going to be the last time we would hear their music and that I’d be waiting on the contract. I handed them my business card and whisked Kenna away.