Havoc

Chapter 17

Kenna

Minnie: Did you tell Grim that Tony was asking about you?

Kenna: Yeah, we’re back at the hotel now.

I glanced at Grim where he was speaking to Jesse and his team. We’d all decided to meet in Grim’s suite. I knew he wasn’t happy Paige had come along, but she was Leo’s guest, after all. She seemed to be more focused on how nice his view was, and his mini bar and the Sonny thing didn’t appear to faze her.

Kenna: What can you tell me about him?

My phone buzzed and I saw she’d decided to call instead of texting me. I understood. The less that was typed out, the better.

“Tony is a wicked son of a bitch,” she said when the call connected.

“Aren’t they all?” I sighed and thought how it was just one more name to add to the list. “He’s connected to Sonny, right?”

“He is. He’s part of the crime family in Chicago. He, Sonny, and Matt go way back. It would make sense that he’s here.” She hesitated and added, “But not that he was asking about you.”

“It’s more about Grim, I think, given the way Sonny was at dinner. My thoughts are Sonny’s ego’s hurt, and he’s enjoying screwing with Grim.”

“That’s my guess, too. Sonny would have had you in a body bag by now if he knew the truth.” She stopped herself. “Sorry, girl, I just mean I think he’d make a move if he knew.”

I caught Grim’s gaze and realized he’d been watching me.

“How’s the trip going? Getting your fill of Grim?” She tried to lighten the mood.

“That and then some.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means,” I turned away, “I don’t know.”

“Shit, hang on,” she sputtered on the other end of the phone. “Is this an ‘I don’t know, and I need some Minnie and champagne talk,’ or an ‘I don’t know, and I need some molly and a bottle of vodka talk’? With Minnie, of course,” she added.

“Both, maybe.” I shrugged like she could see me. I wouldn’t turn down a little ecstasy right now.

“Start from the beginning.”

“That’s a bit tricky.”

“You’re not alone?”

“That’s right.”

“That’s what master bedrooms and balconies are for.”

“All right, hang on.”

I really needed some Minnie time, so I snagged Grim’s coat off the chair and disappeared out onto the balcony. The cool night air felt good, and his scent engulfed me as I wrapped it around myself. My body tingled as it hit my brain.

“All right, where to begin?”

She helped me start. “What’s throwing you off? Is he being extra pricky?”

“No, I think he’s actually starting to see why his dad hired me. What I’m capable of. He gave me like three compliments since this trip started.”

“God, he’s such a dick,” she deadpanned, dripping with sarcasm.

“See, that’s the thing. Grim and I run on the fact that we can’t stand one another, but now he’s showing me this side of him that I-I…” I couldn’t bring myself to say what I felt.

“Is the sex still good?”

“If possible, it’s better.”

“So, the sex is like a porno, but you’re getting a better version of Grim?”

“Yes.”

“Kenna, I know we are two seriously jacked up individuals, but isn’t that a good thing?”

“Yeah, I mean, I guess.” I rubbed my head as I was flooded with conflicting emotions.

“What am I not getting, babe?”

“I’m starting to care,” I blurted and covered my mouth like I couldn’t believe what I’d just admitted. She went quiet. “I don’t want to. I’m not ready to care about someone like that again, and fuck knows Grim doesn’t feel the same way.” I just let my mouth run. “I’m scared, I’m losing control, and right now I need to be stronger than ever with everything that’s going on in my life. Like tonight at dinner, Sonny Conti showed up! That’s insane and so fucking scary that I would’ve run if Grim hadn’t been there. My brain just shifts into this place where-where?—”

“Where?”

“Where I used to go when those men first arrived at our house. It’s like this shutdown thing I do to protect myself, only now I’m an adult doing reckless things that get me deeper and deeper into trouble.”

“Kenna, take a breath, hun.”

“Then there’s Grim. We had this moment on the dance floor tonight where he kissed me and it was like all that panic and grit that lines the inside of me, it just dissipated.” My fingers went to my lips. “I don’t like all that romance shit, but when Grim held me and we kissed, I felt so…free.”

“Damn, girl,” Minnie hissed, “sounds to me like you’re falling in?—”

“I will shoot off your vagina and wear it as a bow if you even think of uttering the L word.”

“My vajayjay would make an excellent head piece,” she cooed in agreement. “So, do you want the Disney answer or the bare snatch, I mean facts?”

“Bare snatch.” I hated to be coddled.

“You’re a badass chick who’s handled herself like a biker’s bitch for years.” Minnie’s tone was serious, and I appreciated the pep talk. “I don’t need to list the shit you’ve got in your life; you know all that. I will point out this, though. You’ve been dealt a shitty love life. You were played with by fucking Sasha when you were barely out of a training bra, God don’t rest his fucking soul.” She snickered and took a deep breath. “Then you’re cheated on by two men, Raymond, who’s a complete tit, then Dale, and I know you still care for him. We all love Dale, but personally, I wouldn’t toss him a wrinkled old foreskin to pull him out of the water to save his life.” I chuckled. “So that brings us to Grim Gates, a ruthless, dominating, alpha male, who’s used to having everyone do what he says. And, girlfriend, you don’t fit that mold.”

“Nope.”

“But he”s also a great friend to all of us and has a big heart behind all that ink. Who knows? Maybe he’s letting you in because he likes you too.”

“Christ, I feel like I’m in high school.” I dropped my head. “Why can’t things get clearer as we get older?”

“Because we like the darker side of sex, and that shit doesn’t come with clear windows. It’s all tinted stuff.”

“Yeah.” I felt something in Grim’s breast pocket and found a joint. Trigger and Grim seemed to have an endless supply of the stuff. What the hell? I lit the tip and sucked in the sweet drug and let it swim around in my head. “Thanks, Min. I needed this.”

“Tits and ass.”

“’Til under the grass.” I chuckled and ended the call. “Shit.” I huffed a cloud of smoke out as I tried to shed everything we talked about.

A pair of tattooed hands slid over the railing on both sides of me, and I turned to meet a set of gold eyes. I wondered how long he had been listening. Hopefully, not long.

He eyed his jacket, then the joint between my fingers.

“Everything okay?”

“Something like that.” I had trouble looking him in the eyes. “What about you?”

“Something like that.” He used my own words as he took my hand and pressed his warm lips to my fingers to take a hit off the joint. It was purely sexual; he’d done it before. He seemed to like finding ways to touch me.

“Did everyone leave?”

“Everyone but Jesse.” Of course, Jesse never seemed to be far from Grim.

“I guess I should go, too.” I handed him the joint and walked back inside. I took off his jacket, but when I went to place it on the back of the chair, he put his hands on my shoulders.

“You started to say something on the dance floor before Jesse came over.”

“I…” I felt my confidence dip. “I don’t remember.”

“That doesn’t seem like you, to forget something.”

“First time for everything.” I shrugged away and handed him his jacket.

“Why do I feel like you’re lying to me?”

“Because you’re not getting your way.” I stepped back. “I think it was just something to do with the band.”

“See, you’re lying.” He followed me to the door then slid his hand around my neck and tipped my head back, so I looked up at him. “Your mouth lies, but your eyes tell me something’s bothering you.”

“Sonny showing up tonight rattled me.” His face softened, and he nodded like he understood. “Sometimes it gets to be a lot,” I confessed, and he rubbed his thumb over my bottom lip. “Goodnight, Grim.”

He leaned down and gently kissed me in that soft way we’d shared earlier. “You know where I am.” His expression confused me. Then he stepped back. “Goodnight, Kenna.”

* * *

This was the make-or-break dinner.I chose to wear red to empower myself and because I read Chef Trahan’s mother loved that color. I needed to pull out the big guns, and I came prepared. I shopped all afternoon with Paige, and we beat the guys to the restaurant.

“This place looks swanky.” Paige looked around as we were seated at a gorgeous table. “I’ve never been here before. Call me crazy, but why aren’t we eating at the August? Isn’t that where Chef Trahan works?”

“Yes, but he’s not going to discuss an offer to work as a chef in someone else’s place while sitting in his current place of employment. That just wouldn’t happen and would be very unprofessional.”

“That’s true.” She admired my dress. “You look amazing.”

“Thank you.” I caught my reflection in a mirror. My deep red dress dipped low in the front and low in the back. It was classy but sexy with some beadwork on the bust. I wore my usual ‘going out’ hair that fell in long, soft curls. I’d made sure my makeup was more dramatic to fit the feel for the place.

My chest tightened for a second when I saw Jason, the security guard Grim had sent with us, suddenly look toward the door. I thought he’d spotted Sonny. I followed his line of sight, and to my relief, it was Leo and Grim. Paige and I stood to greet them, and I had to smile when I saw they were dressed almost like twins. Fine tailored suits, with similar gray ties over light-colored shirts. Even their slicked back hair was the same. If Grim wasn’t tattooed and more muscular, you’d have to do a double take at who was who. They both looked sexy, and more than one head turned as they made their way toward us. We both stood to greet them.

“Evening.” Grim leaned in and kissed my neck. “If that dress was designed to attract my attention, it’s working.” He dragged his gaze up my body, and I smirked. I enjoyed the heat from his hand on my lower back as he helped me into my chair.

“You look hot yourself. You both do.” I nodded toward Leo. He waited until I was seated then settled in next to me. “Chef Trahan should arrive any moment now with his guests.”

“So, did we plan this?” Paige waved her hand from Leo to Grim to indicate their outfits. I swallowed back any more last-minute comments about the dinner as Grim caught my eye. I could see his patience with her was growing thin.

“Great minds, I suppose,” Grim replied. “In fairness, my brother and I both love Brioni.” He pulled at the lapel. “I brought him up right.” He smiled at his brother; Leo grinned back at him. He adored Grim maybe more than he did their father, and that was saying something.

“Ha! We just both have good taste. You had nothing to do with it.” Leo laughed, and the rest joined in. As we laughed, Grim looked at me in a way that brought a small blush to my face. A warm prickle of something went through my chest.

Jesse stood a few feet away and caught our attention. He signaled our company had arrived.

“Is everyone ready?” I asked as I shifted my head back to work mode.

“It’s like you’re going into battle.” Paige giggled, and I shot her a look that now wasn’t the time to play around. This was important to all of us, especially Grim.

Chef Trahan arrived with four men, as well as his latest girlfriend, who clung to his arm. I had done some research on her and knew she was merely the latest in a string of women for him. She’d have very little influence on any decision he’d make. However, the fourth man was a mystery. I was caught off guard for a moment. I quickly searched my memory for his face on social media, but he didn’t seem familiar. I caught myself and readjusted my mind quickly; this was where I shined. I would just have to work extra hard to figure him out.

“Mr. Gates, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Chef Trahan shook Grim’s hand as he stood. “This is my girlfriend, Fleur.”

“Mr. Gates, I see the rumors are true,” she breathed in her deep southern accent. She flipped her long, dark hair and batted her lashes at Grim. The way she blocked my view with her shoulder told me she was a pro. “You do take the breath away at first glance,” she drawled. Yup, didn’t take a lot to figure the girl could sniff out money a mile away.

Note number one, Grim can be a distraction for Fleur.

“Need to keep the ladies on their toes.” Grim winked, and I thought Fleur just got pregnant. I grinned at my thought, and Grim glanced at me. “Fleur, this is Kenna Lodge. She’s a host at my hotel.”

“A host?” She turned to look me up and down. “As in at a little restaurant host?”

Okay, I see your game. Act all innocent, but rude enough to keep the attention on you. I was fine with that; I’d been up against a lot worse than this little money hungry girl.

“No,” I chuckled politely, “I work closely with the high rollers in the casino and make sure everyone’s stay is as pleasant as can be.”

“So why on Earth are you here?” She made an overly dramatic face at her friends. “We’re not high rollers.”

“She’s here,” Grim stepped in, “because Kenna will ensure Chef Trahan gets whatever he needs, should he decide to accept our offer.”

“Seems like that’s something you all would do.” She turned away from me and eyed Grim.

“Now, now, Fleur. Don’t you go worrying about Miss Kenna here. She’s all right.” Chef Trahan patted her hand and urged her into a chair next to him.

Isn’t she pleasant.

Introductions were made as the others found their way to their chairs. Conrad Leopold was our mystery guest, and the moment the waiters swooped in to take our drink orders, I took the opportunity to do a quick Google search.

Trahan and Grim talked quietly, and I heard him thank Grim for the opportunity. The two men seemed to hit it off.

“Kenna, how did you enjoy the food last night?” Trahan asked me once the drinks arrived. Seems the staff must have told him we had dined there.

“It was lovely.” I sipped my wine and took a moment to think. “As someone who hasn’t spent much time here, I appreciated the descriptions on the menu.” He nodded. “The presentation of each dish was wonderful, but the flavors,” I put my fingers to my lips, “simply delicious. The way the sauce complimented the scallops was divine, and there was just the right amount of heat from the rice and sweet from the peppers. It was like a symphony to my palate.”

“Could you say that in a Yelp review?” Peter joked, and the table chuckled.

“Already submitted.” I was one step ahead of them. It was one thing to tell them what I thought, but it was another to back it up.

“Seriously?” Brent pulled out his phone, and I glanced at Leo, who grinned ear to ear. “Well, shit, she did it.”

“Brent,” Trahan scowled at his choice of words, but he smiled at his friend all the same.

“I sure as shit did.” That granted me a belly laugh from Trahan and an approving look from his buddy, Brent. Okay, I was making a little progress.

“Thank you, Kenna. That’s quite a compliment.” Trahan patted his chest.

“It was quite the experience.” I tipped my glass at him.

On cue, Leo set his still open phone on the table. It displayed the home screen of him on Mammoth Mountain. Of course, Doug, who was conveniently next to him, glanced down at the screen.

“Is that Mammoth?”

“It is. Ever been?”

“Yes,” Doug’s eyes widened with excitement, “I have a cabin up there.”

And off they went.

Grim’s hand slid over my leg and gave it a quick squeeze. I was pleased he was happy.

“Grim, I do have to ask.” Trahan cleared his throat. “I heard a rumor that your hotel’s been targeted by the Cartel. Is that something I need to be concerned about? I understand there was a fire, and your hotel was set back a few weeks from its grand opening.”

“No need to worry about rumors, Trahan. You don’t get to where I am today without pissing off a few people along the way, mind you.” Grim was cool as could be. “Rumors have a way of gaining drama as they spread. What’s more entertaining, that there was a backlog in the delivery of a product, or that the Mexican Cartel sent men to delay my hotel opening?”

God, he was good.

“So, it wasn’t the Cartel?” Brent questioned.

“Depends on how exciting a story you want.” Grim winked.

I loved it. He wasn’t confirming or denying the truth.

“Could we have a bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle after dinner, please?” Grim ordered as a waiter leaned in. Peter tuned right in.

“It’s his favorite.” I rolled my eyes like Grim ordered that expensive bottle all the time.

“I should’ve known you’d be a bourbon fan.” Peter rolled up his sleeve and showed off an impressive ink drawing of a decanter. “This is my own brand. I developed it two years ago.”

“You got a card? I’m working with my salesmen next week, and I’d like to give it a try.” Grim put the offered card in his wallet. I’d already sent that information to Grim before the trip, and it was in the works to get a few cases.

“I know you’ll like it.” He sounded confident. “Any of that ink from Mexico?”

Two hooks were now set. Moving on.

Brent and Conrad were quiet and talked among themselves. They drew Trahan in whenever they could. The girlfriend was obviously not a fan of mine and had refused to make eye contact through the meal. I didn’t want to make a mistake and underestimate her.

I could try to win her over, or focus on Brent and Conrad, or I could just focus on Trahan, but something told me Fleur had more of a hold on Trahan than I’d given her credit for.

I nodded at Jesse to make a play at Brent. I found out that Brent had a love of martial arts. I’d given Jesse a watch I’d borrowed from our bartender, Charlie. He had been in a tournament once. It was a weaker play, but I needed to separate Conrad and Brent in order to gain access to Conrad.

Jesse, who had stayed a few feet away through the dinner, but always in earshot of our conversation, moved in and pretended to whisper something to Leo. He made sure to flash the watch where Brent would catch it.

“Nice watch.” Brent eyed it briefly, but it gave me a chance to get Conrad’s attention. I had nothing, so it had to be just me.

“Have you lived here your whole life?” I asked as I stabbed a tomato with my fork.

“Nope, born and raised in a military family. Moved around more times than I can remember. You?”

“Grew up in Los Angeles, later moved to Las Vegas.”

“Do you like it, the fast-paced city life?”

“I do. I’m someone who goes in forty directions at once, and I couldn’t imagine anything else.”

“Sounds intense. Must not leave much room for dating.”

“It doesn’t,” I sipped my wine “but I’m fine with that. I really love what I do, and that alone is fulfilling.”

“Until it isn’t.” He shrugged.

“And when that day comes, I’ll cross that bridge.” I noticed that Fleur had turned away slightly to talk with Paige. I figured she didn’t see her as a threat.

The rest of the dinner flowed nicely. I kept Conrad in conversation and pulled in the others when I could. My goal was to show them who we were to lower their defenses. The more I could find things in common, the more they’d feel comfortable.

By the time our dessert arrived, Trahan looked relaxed and there was lots of chatter around the table.

Over the bourbon and after-dinner drinks, Trahan finally turned to Grim and sat back to do business.

“I’ve looked over your contract, Mr. Gates,” he addressed Grim. “I appreciate your meeting my requests and the opportunity does sound like once in a lifetime.”

“So, what’s holding you back?” Grim kept his eyes on Trahan.

“I’ll admit Vegas makes me nervous. My life is here in the south. The thought of such a huge change makes me apprehensive, but I have to admit it’s also very appealing. Appealing enough to accept.”

“What!” Fleur shouted before Grim could react. “I didn’t think you were serious about this, let alone ready to sign, Tratra! How could you do this to me?” Fleur’s eyes positively radiated fury. “What am I supposed to do?”

“Now, Fleur, calm down,” Chef Trahan begged as Fleur sprang up and knocked over her wine glass.

“You’re a bastard. You’re all bastards!”

“It’ll be all right, Fleur.” Leo stood and tried to calm her. “I’m sure you and Chef Trahan will work this out.”

“Work it out!” She slapped Leo’s hand away and got in his face. “You and your brother think you can come out here and take him away, just like that.” She snapped her fingers. “Well, I beg your pardon. No one asked me if I wanted to move. You’ll regret this, all of you.” She practically ran from the restaurant, and we all went silent. I caught Peter’s shrug at Brent like, oh well. Clearly, she hadn’t been part of the plan to come along.

“Well, wasn’t that just something!” Paige went to say more, but Leo put a hand on her arm to stop any further comment.

“I apologize for the theatrics, ladies and gentlemen.” Chef Trahan held up his hands. “Southern belles are known for…livin’ and lovin’ hard. I’ll smooth things out with the little lady shortly.”

“Well, I for one, am very pleased you’re going to join us, Chef.” Grim held up his glass, and we all drank.

“We’ll do our best to make you feel at home, Chef,” Leo added.

“Thanks to Kenna, I’m partway there.”

“What do you mean?” Grim looked at me, confused.

“You signed Cajun Cat last night, right?”

“Yes.”

“Well, Kate’s my cousin. You didn’t know that?”

“No,” Grim looked at Leo then at me in shock, “I had no idea.”

“Well, thanks for giving them a chance. It means the world to me, and it also made this decision a lot easier.” He pulled out his contract and signed the last two pages with a flourish.

Grim grinned at me and shook his head like he couldn’t believe it.

* * *

The cork flewin the air, and champagne bubbled over the top as Charlie poured us a glass each.

“Congratulations!” Leo called as we clicked our glasses together. We had all returned to the hotel and decided to continue to celebrate at the bar.

“Shit, sorry, man.” A fellow jostled Grim’s arm as he tried to get the bartender’s attention. I recognized him from the bachelor party the previous night. “I haven’t got my sea legs”

“That’s all right.” Grim moved back slightly. The fellow reeked of beer. Then he spotted me.

“Wowza.”

“How about we get a table?” I asked as Grim wrapped an arm around my shoulders. I rather liked this new side of Grim. I felt wanted and protected.

“Yes.” Paige hobbled over to the closest empty table. “These new shoes felt great in the store.” That her feet killed her was obvious, poor girl.

“They are beautiful,” I complimented. “What we girls do to look great.”

“Yeah, but ouch.” She laughed and kicked them off. The guys relaxed as well. They loosened their ties and laid their jackets over a spare chair.

“It certainly was a successful night.” Grim reached for his glass.

“I have to ask.” Leo turned in his seat to see me better. “How could you not tell us who Cajun Cat was?”

I sighed, feeling really good inside for the first time in a long time. “I wanted you guys to like them for them, not because of how they could help sweeten the deal. At the end of the day, everything’s done in the best interest of the hotel, right? Cajun Cat are good, authentic New Orleans talent. They deserved to be chosen for how well they played.”

“Pfff.” Grim grinned. “You’re a smart girl, Kenna. No one could fault you on your research.”

“Remember that the next time you come at me, Mr. Gates.” I smirked, but it quickly faded when a gorgeous woman walked up to our table. The way she rested her hand on her slight bump, it was obvious to me she was pregnant.

“Grim?” His name from her lips made me go still.

“Talya?” He was suddenly on high alert. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“Could we talk?” She looked around at all of us. “Alone.”

Everything inside of me went cold. Suddenly, Leo looked at Jesse, who broke out in a nervous chuckle. Jesse never broke character.

“Oh, shit.”

“Ahh,” Leo joined him in his internal freak out, “Kenna, this is Talya, Grim’s, ahh, friend from Mexico. They lived together for some time.”

“Leo.” Grim cut his rambling words, which sent a jolt through me.

All the air shot from my lungs as words Brick said in the desert found their way back to me. He lived in Mexico for a decade with a gorgeous woman.

“Grim.” Her tone was all business now, as I sat unmoving and watched his colorless face.

“Well, all right, then,” Leo playfully pushed to his feet, “but I’m taking the gin.” He snagged the bottle. “You comin”, Paige?”

“It’s your last night. Sure, count me in.” She snagged her shoes and walked in her bare feet after him. She waved and called a goodbye to me as I hopped up and gathered my purse.

“Jesse, make sure Kenna gets to her room,” Grim ordered with a quick glance at me.

“I think I can manage, thank you.” I forced at smile to Talya. “Have a nice night.”

“Gracias.” She looked away.

Once inside the elevator, Jesse’s fingers tapped against his leg like he was freaking out inside.

I took pity on him. “Don’t worry, Jesse. I won’t dig for answers.” The door opened as we reached my floor, and I pulled out my keycard and stopped him from following. “Jason’s wondering what’s up. You should go explain things to him. Something tells me he needs you more than I do.”

He stepped back inside, but as the doors started to close, he stopped them.

“I honestly have no idea what’s happening right now,” his worry was evident, “but for what it’s worth, I’ve always been on team Kenna.”

“Thanks, Jesse.”

He stood and held the elevator doors open until I went inside my suite. I heard the clank as they closed. How the night had changed. I moved like a zombie to the couch and dropped my purse at my feet. I leaned over and pulled out my phone and dialed my person. I needed her more than anything, in the state I was in.

“Is this episode two of Kenna and Grim’s One Snatch to Live?” Minnie chuckled, and I forced all emotion from my voice.

“Min, who is this Talya girl from Mexico?”

“Whaa…?” There was a second of silence. “Shit, okay. Ummm. She’s the chick he lived with for like ten years when he was there. There’s a story there, but I don’t know the details. I think there might have even been a third person involved in it all. Anyway, there was something at some point, but I don’t think it was for too long. I should really dig more.” She’d begun to ramble, which made me panic. I heard a door close on her end. “Okay,” she took a breath, “why do you ask?”

“Because she just showed up here, looking for Grim. Oh, and plot twist, she’s pregnant.” Silence. “Minnie?”

“Fuck.”