18. Parker #4
Joaquin attempted to bring back some of the charm he rarely cared to show but scrubbed a hand down his face when he couldn’t pull it off. “Yeah, I get it. Just don’t mention this to Lake. ‘Kay? He’ll have my ass in a sling.”
Lake was going to be my first call when we left. Joaquin was dim-witted if he didn’t think I’d protect my investment. That meant putting a stop to his asinine behaviors at the root. The root was his long-time best friend, who I’d learned after the club in LA, was a hard-ass.
Guards were circling the edges of the floor, all eyes on us. Exactly what I didn’t want. Now, it seemed we’d have a fight on our hands. I measured the stealth and grace of Morgan and his companions. At least two of them would be decent fighters. Maybe three. The slender man was out.
Depending on the situation, I might be able to have them help us get clear of Maikel’s guards. I settled my gaze back on Morgan. “Don’t think I missed your non-answer. Why are you here?” In other words, give me something to work with.
Screams and small explosions broke out in a different room close by. I couldn’t see it, but it sounded like Adrian was setting up a nice distraction. A wide smile slowly split my face. I wouldn’t need to blackmail these new friends after all.
“I take it that’s your doing?” Morgan asked drily.
“If I have to leave the compound, I’m making it worth my while to be here.” I cracked my neck, waiting for a guard to catch the hint that the fight was for my benefit.
“We’re here to get some information. We’ve been told this is a hotbed of gossip.”
Fucking Maikel and his poor management skills. “Only because Maikel is a lazy fuck who doesn’t run a tight ship. Who are you looking for?”
“I think I see the person we should start with,” the woman said softly as she gazed across the room.
I started to turn to see who had been unfortunate enough to catch her attention, but a few of the staff sauntered up.
They weren’t in the know. The lust eating them as their gazes drank in my body made that obvious enough.
Before Little Love, they were everything I’d take advantage of.
Tall, striking women only wearing delicate chains attached to black leather collars.
They’d heard of me, but not that I was on the outs with their boss.
At least here, Maikel didn’t peddle flesh. He reserved that gem for the less regulated countries.
The blonde was bold as she reached out a hand and stroked it over my chest. “I’ve heard you like an audience. So do I,” she whispered close to my ear.
I caught her hand, crushing her bones together just enough for her to cry out in pain, then I forced her away. “Sorry, love, I’m not on the market anymore. Spread the word.” I offered her a tight-lipped smile as she gasped and stepped back into her friend.
“You’re off the market?” Morgan asked, disbelieving as the women scurried away.
Now this was a fun conversation. If only Little Love could hear. “Enough to count.”
Morgan returned my grin. I was sure he’d heard about my…kinks. That I was the bastard son of Vicente Castillo was the first thing people learned about me. That I enjoyed a public fuck was typically the second.
“Does the lucky lady know that?”
I chuckled, and Morgan pulled his woman closer to his front. From his darkening expression, she was giving him ideas.
“No, but isn’t that half the fun?” I winked.
The shouting was still ringing through the floor with another distant crash.
A gentleman in a suit with his hand on his hip was barreling toward us, while my phone buzzed in my pocket.
That was my cue to leave. I clapped Joaquin on the back.
“I think it’s time to get you home.” Then with one final glance at Morgan, I said, “Try not to cause too much mayhem. I’d hate to have to come back. ”
Urging Joaquin to start walking, we wove our way through the crowd.
People were heading toward the scene, most likely trying to figure out what was happening, making our exit easier.
I glanced back to see how much of a head start we had, when Gio appeared and checked the guard hard, then stopped him with hands on his shoulders.
Dios mios , I liked Gio and his men. They needed a raise for the work they did for me.
Gio’s job ended with me arriving, but they made it so we got out without incident. They’d heard about LA.
I got Joaquin in the car and settled before I raced away from the club. Once we hit an area with cell service, my phone chimed. I grinned as I read Gio’s message.
Gio: You’re welcome asshole
“You know, Joaquin,” I started as I pocketed my phone again.
I’d wait until we made it to the city before I made his life a living hell with his friends.
“The last few months have taught me something. If I’m going to keep you out of trouble and turn a profit from my investment, you need a woman.
One at the center of your four would be even better.
Especially one that would keep all of your asses out of trouble. ”
A soft snore hit my ears. It didn’t matter; I was only musing out loud. Though it wasn’t a half-bad idea.
We weren’t there yet, but I couldn’t deny the changes one tiny female had brought to my family. I hated it at times, but others…
It was fucking delicious.