Chapter Twenty-One
Cleo was pretty positive this wasn’t what Wraith had in mind when she’d asked for a little freedom.
Technically, she hadn’t lied when he asked about her plans.
She was running errands. However, Wraith was unaware of exactly where those errands would be.
It was better that way. If Wraith had known, he would’ve insisted on sending a prospect with her.
That would’ve been fine for her first stop, but it would put a complete damper on her second visit.
There was already a good chance she wouldn’t even make it to the bar before getting caught. But I’m going to try.
Cleo took the three-hour drive, careful to take the backroads out of Killcreek to get to the highway.
The less Cleo sightings, the better. During the ride, she constantly reminded herself that she wasn’t doing anything wrong.
She’d had the conversation with Wraith. He’d agreed. Sort of. She needed a little freedom.
She pulled into the parking lot and looked up at the high-rise. Cleo had no doubt her presence had already been announced. She got out and walked into the building, smiling at the two men inside the lobby area. Security. Neither of them offered any type of greeting.
She took the elevator with the bottle clutched in her hand. It was not only a thank you gift but a peace offering. Cleo got the impression Inez wasn’t fond of her. She understood. People like Inez, strong leaders, wouldn’t see Cleo as an equal.
She hadn’t even reached the door when Inez stepped out into the hallway a few feet away, glaring.
“For fucks sake.” Inez’s stern glare was accompanied by a disapproving head shake. “You!” She pointed at Cleo, wiggling her finger. “You’re gonna be the goddamn death of me. Why are you here?”
“I wanted to thank you.” She immediately thrust out the bottle of liquor. “I heard Ace say this was your favorite brand.”
Inez knitted her brows, staring down at the bottle as if Cleo had just offered her a vial of poison. Inez was notoriously suspicious of everyone, but did she really think Cleo had an ulterior motive?
Inez squinted, staring at her intently.
Yes, the answer is yes.
Inez ripped the bottle from her hands, turning the label to face herself.
“If this is the wrong kind, I can get you another. Just tell me what brand you want.”
She lifted it. “This is a hundred and twenty dollar bottle. You ain’t got that kind of money.”
Cleo smiled with a nod. “I have savings.”
Inez’s brows shot up. “Savings! Means you’re supposed to save it. I swear, one is dumber than the other.”
Cleo sucked in a breath, trying to ignore the sting of the insult.
It wasn’t the first time her intelligence had been used as a weapon to hurt her.
Her mother and stepfather used that tactic often.
Cleo may not have always been the smartest person in the room, but she wasn’t stupid. And I’m not dumb.
She rolled back her shoulders, and forced a smile. “I should go. Bye.”
She made it halfway down the hall.
“Get your ass back here.”
Cleo walked down the hallway and when Inez widened the door, she walked in, accepting the reluctant invitation.
Inez placed the bottle on the counter rather roughly. “What’s this for?”
“Wraith said I could have Grizz’s little house.”
Inez raised her brows, mockingly. “And?”
“I figured you’d told him to let me have it.”
She scoffed. “You think I can tell that boy anything when it comes to you?”
“Well, you’re the boss, so…” She left her statement open ended.
There was no need for further explanation.
Cleo never understood how the dynamics worked between Inez and the club.
Details had never been explained to her.
She’d asked her brother a few times, but he’d brushed it off saying it was a partnership like any other business.
Inez grabbed her box of cigarettes, pulling one out. Her eyes were trained on Cleo.
“You’re here. My boys aren’t.” She narrowed her eyes. “You turned your location off again, didn’t you?”
She pressed her lips together and shrugged.
“Jesus Christ.” She reached for her phone, and Cleo rushed forward. If Inez made the call she suspected, Cleo would have to leave immediately. That would ruin everything.
“Please wait, Inez.”
She snorted. “Your ass is going home, or I call the boys. Choose.”
Cleo licked her lips. “Can I add an alternative choice?”
Inez rolled her eyes. “What do you think?”
No.
“But fucking humor me.” Inez waved her hand, impatiently.
Cleo perked up. “I wanted to stop by the bar and…”
“A bar?” Inez pointed toward the door. “Get your crazy ass home now.”
Cleo held up her hands. “No, not to drink, I just wanted to go see Regina.”
Inez stilled. Cleo’s answer seemed to catch her off guard. She didn’t waste any time with her explanation.
“Regina said I could stop by her apartment when I was in the city, but she’s moved out since then. I just figured I would stop by Starr’s. But then I promise I’ll go straight back to Killcreek.”
She sucked a drag from her cigarette, scowling. She grabbed her phone, and all Cleo’s hope deflated like a popped balloon.
“I want four on Starr’s for the next few hours. You don’t leave until this twit does, and you follow her ass until she gets on the highway.”
What?
“If she makes one more stop, you run her off the fucking road, drag her ass outta that car, and bring her back to me.” Inez tossed the phone on the counter waving her hand inches from Cleo’s face.
“I promise, just a stop at Starr’s, and then I’ll go straight home.”
“I know you will ’cause if you don’t, I’m gonna beat your ass. And then I’m calling Ace and Wraith.”
“So you won’t tell them?”
Inez slammed her hand on the counter. “You’re getting on my last fucking nerve, fruit cake. Get the fuck out of my apartment.”
Cleo grabbed her bag from the counter and rushed to the front door.
She grabbed the handle but stopped. Inez was doing her a favor and she hadn’t even thanked her.
Cleo headed back into the kitchen. She poked her head around the wall and caught a sight she’d never seen.
I didn’t even know Inez knew how to smile.
It was a strange sight. It almost made her soft.
Inez stilled then jerked her head. All signs of smiling were long gone, and her glare hardened.
“I forgot to say thank you.”
“Baby girl, if you ain’t gone in two seconds, I’m calling Wraith” —her eyes darkened— “to come retrieve your body ’cause I’m gonna kill you.”
Cleo waved and darted out the door. Did she really think Inez would kill her? Probably not. But I’m not taking my chances. Inez was not someone whose word should be doubted.
*
Cleo stared up at the battered sign. A swarm of butterflies fluttered in her belly.
She couldn’t remember the last time she’d gone out on her own without a companion.
This all felt so normal. It shouldn’t be a foreign feeling.
But it was. She lifted on her toes, looking through the dirty glass into the bar.
From her angle, she could only see a few figures and none recognizable.
She pulled out her phone and sent a quick text.
Cleo: It’s my birthday, Bitches!
The message was read immediately, and she saw the response in the works.
Taryn: I’m all about celebrating you, girl. But your birthday was weeks ago.
Cleo: Cancel the kidnapping. I’m here!!!!
Cleo took a snapshot of herself in front of the door and hit send.
Taryn: Holy shit!!! Get your ass inside, and don’t you dare leave. I’ll be there in ten minutes.
Cleo sent a heart emoji and walked inside. She’d never been in Starr’s before. In fact, aside from Barry’s, she’d never stepped foot in any other bar. Funnily enough, both bars had quite a few similarities.
Regina was behind the bar counting cash.
“How’s it going?”
She smiled at the bartender and noticed Regina glance up quickly, then drop her gaze without any interest. Then she froze, and slowly glanced up.
“What the fuck are you doing here?”
Uh-oh, is she not happy to see me? Cleo stilled.
She’d assumed it would be okay to drop in and see Regina.
She didn’t have as close of a friendship like she did with Taryn, but she’d checked in on her a lot through messages.
Regina had moved out of the apartments at Inez’s.
That news was disappointing especially since the older woman had always offered Cleo a place to hang out after their first meeting.
Unfortunately, she’d never got a chance to take her up on the offer.
“I was in Lawry and t-thought…”
Regina rounded the bar, strode to her, and spread out her arms. “Get your ass over here.”
Cleo rushed forward and Regina took her in for a hug, giving her a tight squeeze. And Cleo embraced every second of it. When she stepped back, she held onto Cleo’s arms, scanning her face and smiling.
“You look different.”
Cleo lifted her brows. “Good different or bad?”
Regina snickered. “Definitely good.”
Cleo had no idea what Regina meant, but she accepted the compliment.
“Taryn’s on her way. She said she’d be here in a little bit. I thought maybe we could celebrate my birthday. I know it was a few weeks ago but maybe we could have a drink together and catch up?”
“Ah, for fucks sake!”
Cleo spun around and caught the burly biker at the end of the bar. She smiled immediately and waved. “Hi Grain!”
He sighed, dragging his hand over his face, clearly in distress.
Uh-oh! Cleo sucked in a breath, widening her eyes.
His reaction spoke volumes and she could foresee the repercussions from her impromptu visit for the East biker.
The last time, she’d hung out with Regina and Grain, Killcreek hadn’t been happy.
The clubs had history. She was putting Grain in an unsavory position.
Regina grabbed her wrist. “Come on. I’ll get you a drink while we wait for Taryn.”
Cleo resisted, keeping her eyes locked on Grain. “Um, maybe this isn’t such a good idea. I don’t want anyone to get in trouble.”