Chapter 7 #2
The woman huffed and the baby stopped. "That's your own fault. You did your research on them. Joaquin's talent with numbers was part of the reason you wanted them to run the clubs for you. You can't be surprised that he beat you with a card trick."
Atlas choked down his laugh as Beasty covered her smiling mouth with the side of her fist.
Parker shot us a glare, and I raised my hands in surrender, but I couldn't keep my lips from twitching. Something about seeing this man, who was known for his violence and ruthless methods of keeping businesses in line, be dressed down by his wife was...eye-opening.
I glanced at Beasty who was shit at hiding her enjoyment of the conversation. It made sense. I'd let Beasty cane my ass anytime anywhere, if it pleased her. But I got off on that kind of thing. It didn't mean I wouldn't fuck up the witness so they knew my amenability didn't apply to them.
I glanced back at Parker as my heart rate kicked up. Would he make an example out of us when he hung up to protect his precious reputation?
"I want to talk to them."
"Little Love…" he drawled.
"Don't make me ask twice." The woman's tone brooked no argument. She spoke like a woman used to getting her way.
Sighing, Parker turned the phone around, but it didn't stop him from sending Andre another death glare. Andre was completely unfazed. In fact, he looked downright perky to have caused his brother so much trouble.
"Hi there." The woman wasn't red-faced anymore.
She was a beauty. I could see why the brothers were drawn to her with her dark hair and pale skin. It made her blue eyes practically sparkle.
Still, she didn't hold a candle to Beasty. No one did.
"Hi," Beasty returned as I nodded my greeting. I didn't even know if she could see me since Parker had the phone pointed at Beasty and Atlas.
"I'm Amorette, and married to these two men along with their brothers."
Beasty let out a surprised gasp. I wasn't surprised. I'd heard about their arrangement a long time ago and Parker confirmed it the last time we were in this office.
"I'm from the states, as you can tell by my accent.
Anyway, I want you to know that you're in no danger from us.
I've done my research on you too. I know exactly who you are and what you did for your boys.
I take fighting for victims very seriously.
You might not consider yourselves victims anymore, and you shouldn't, because you all have made a great life for yourselves, but it doesn't change my view of you.
You'd have to start doing something really fucked up like trafficking, for me to change my mind.
" She drew in a breath. "Don't mind Parker.
He's been a pain in my ass for years. I love him, but it doesn't mean I don't see how much of a dick he can be sometimes. "
Andre snorted and Parker blushed. He fucking blushed!
"I'm glad to see you weren't permanently injured from the other night. The guys filled me in. It seems Parker picked some bad apples to do some of his bidding. We're going to help you sort it out." She nodded like it was settled.
"Thank you..." Beasty was floored and I didn't think she knew how to respond to such a speech. It didn't matter. Amorette was done anyway.
"Parker," she called. He turned the phone back around.
"Yes, Little Love?"
"Stop playing games with these people. Call me when you're done. Love you two."
"Love you too," they chorused, then Parker hung up.
"What the fuck was that?" Parker snapped at Andre.
"Sorry." Andre shrugged with not an ounce of regret anywhere to be seen. "You dragged me along on this trip when I didn't want to come in the first place. I had to have some fun somewhere."
"Yeah, well, I'd expect that from Grey. Not you, you fucking pendejo," he griped as he faced us again.
Twisting his lips to the side, he mulled something over.
Probably trying to figure out how to salvage his fierce reputation, because after that speech from his wife, which seemed a hundred percent genuine, I didn't think there was any saving it.
But I had to try. I didn't want to start a fight over something as stupid as an ego…Today, anyway. And protecting Beasty was my top priority. The sad fact was, I was afraid we needed their help to get this over with once and for all.
"Have you talked to Gio?" I steered the conversation back to business.
Nodding as if he was happy for the change, Parker pinched his pants at the knees and adjusted them in his efforts to get more comfortable.
"No. We've tried to call him through all the means of communication I have.
" He shook his head as Andre leaned back and crossed his arms. After that little stunt, it seemed Andre was checking out.
"I've worked with Gio for years and he's never shown any signs of dissension.
In fact, if you'd asked me a few days ago, I'd have said you four would be the rogues I'd have to worry about, not him.
Don't take offense to that." He flicked an apologetic look at Beasty who just tipped her head.
"You didn't take into account that they want revenge. Revenge always trumps loyalty." Atlas sneered.
This asshole was going to undo all the good that came from Amorette's interference. Except, Andre muttered, "Ain't that the truth," under his breath.
"Yes, it seems I didn't properly take that into account.
" Parker let out a beleaguered sigh. "That's what we came here to discuss.
Gio and Adrian need to be taken care of.
I'd prefer not to kill them but," he shrugged, "I'm not sure if there's any way around it since they attacked one of my assets. "
I ignored his last comment for the greater good—and our safety.
"The Pescis have to go too," I said, pausing to see how Parker would respond.
"Yes, they've become a bit of a nuisance." Parker rubbed the sides of his forehead, thinking. "I will agree that I’m no longer a silent backer in your club, and," his jaw worked, "I forfeited my investment in the Snatched—"
"Hurts, doesn't it?" Andre smirked, but Parker talked over him.
"But we will remain allies."
He really confirmed that he’d hold up the terms of the bet. My heart thudded in my chest. Could it be this easy?
"What does that mean?" Beasty asked.
Fuck, we hadn’t had time to fill her in yet.
"I still want access to any and all information that comes through the club. I also want that statue that I was promised."
Beasty screwed her face up.
"Sorry, Lake offered and I accepted, and it still remains that your model boyfriends can easily access that museum. They're hosting a Gala soon. It's not fashion related, but it's still an opportunity your boyfriends could take full advantage of."
"Boyfriends," Beasty repeated like the word was sour. Atlas chuckled and nuzzled the back of her neck.
"In exchange, we'll help you take care of your infestation. And we'll take accountability for Gio and Adrian. It's my fault you ever came into contact with them anyway."
I waited for him to throw the severed head in my face, but he didn't.
"And then?" Beasty asked.
"Then what?" Parker's brows raised.
"What do we get if we continue to pass you information?"
Parker eyed her. "You'll get our continued support if trouble ever comes your way again. Whether that's sending some of our men, or connecting you with contacts you don't have, such as the attorney that recently helped Joaquin and Lake out of their legal troubles."
Beasty nodded. That was good enough for her.
It was great for me too. The only issue was, that state of life was so far away. We had four main targets to get rid of, and I had no clue how to do it.