27. Nazai
CHAPTER 27
NAZAI
“ I found out who runs the Shadows of Silver Stone blog,” Emmet announced. Currently, we were at the farmhouse in front of The Barn for a family meeting.
“Who is it?” I leaned back in my chair and stared at the screen, waiting. Emmet tapped his laptop a couple of times before an image of a light skinned girl popped on the screen.
“Damn,” Ezra mumbled, leaning forward, locking his eyes on the screen.
“Her name’s Ziora Lambert. She’s twenty-five years old. It took some time to get into her system because her firewall is almost as good as mine. She kept trying to out hack me, but I was smarter.”
“The name doesn’t ring a bell. What’s her issue with us?”
Emmet tapped the keyboard a couple more times. “Apparently her thirteen year old sister was kidnapped nine years ago and turned up dead three months after. The cops never found out who it was, causing Ziora to take matters into her own hands.”
“Did you say thirteen?” Lucas cut in, gaining interest.
I cut my eyes in his direction then spoke again. “Again, what does that have to do with us?”
“Nothing in particular. It seems the cops did a half ass investigation and Ziora proclaimed it was because her family was on the poorer side. Apparently the wealthy got more attention and help when they went missing while her sister barely got the coverage. The cops chalked it up to her being a troubled runaway. According to her site, it seems her mission is to uncover the corruption in the justice system and show how the wealthy population is full of snakes. One guy who was thought to be involved in her sister’s disappearance showed up in dad’s courtroom and the case got thrown out because of some technicality. And that’s what put our family on her radar.”
“Is it such a big deal that she’s running her mouth?” Cashlynn spoke up on the side of me. “I mean she’s just some low-level blogger who runs her mouth.”
“You’ve never been in a family that’s in the spotlight. The whole reason we’ve been able to stay off the radar is because our family is so respected in the public eye. He’s retired now but our dad was one of the most respected judges on the east coast. Not to mention one of the youngest to take the bench. Him being disrespected is not tolerable,” Ezra chimed in.
“Not to mention, Ziora has a large following. She keeps her identity hidden but I’m sure it was the girl disguised as a reporter at your engagement party and wedding. It’s rumored she likes to take the law into her own hands and is determined to find out what exactly happened to her younger sister. I accessed her bank statements too and she gets donations from a lot of anonymous donors who help support her cause. We shouldn’t just write her off,” Emmet justified.
My hands folded over my lap and I stared at the girl on the wall. In the picture she had large brown curls that framed her round face, freckles across her nose, and high cheekbones. The photo more than likely was her license picture.
“We need to find out what she knows about us,” I mentioned.
“I’ll handle it,” Ezra said, causing all eyes to fall on him. He was still locked onto the picture. “Send me her address and I’ll pay her a visit.”
“We don’t need any more attention on us than necessary, Ez. I think Lucas sho?—”
“I got it,” he said, this time a little firmer. My eyes narrowed and I glanced at the screen.
“He can do it.” Lucas waved us off. “I’ve got more pressing matters to handle. You said her sister was thirteen when she went missing.”
“Lucas,” I warned at the same time Emmet said, “Yeah.”
“What does that have to do with anything?” Cashlynn asked.
“Where did it happen?” Lucas asked as he leaned forward, ignoring Cashlynn.
Emmet tapped the keys on his laptop a couple times and an old article popped on the screen. “On her way from school. She was on the volleyball team; on her way home from practice but never came home.”
Lucas tapped his finger on the table. His jaw clenched.
“What else do you know about Ziora?” I asked, bringing the subject back to what was important.
“She’s good at covering her tracks and practically making herself a ghost, but I did find some things…” Emmet went on telling us what he found about Ziora. While he spoke, I made sure to keep an eye on Lucas who had become twitchy, his face riddled with irritation. In the end I didn’t think she could be a major threat, but I still didn’t want to take any chances given her dedication to attacking my family’s name.
River spoke up once Emmet finished his coverage of Ziora. “I found out where Neil’s safe house is. Apparently, it’s where he’s hiding out.”
“Where is it?” Cashlynn asked, sitting straighter. Reaching over, I placed my hand on her knee. She cut her eyes at me and I shook my head.
“What do we know about it?” I asked.
“He’s got about nine or ten guys there with him. They don’t look like major threats, just some low-level thugs he’s paying to keep guard.”
I nodded and glanced at Cashlynn. Steam damn near blew from her ears. Her face was red and her lips pinched together.
“Keep an eye on him.”
“What? No we need to?—”
I put my hands up to shut Cashlynn down then faced River. “Make sure your guys keep an eye on Neil so he doesn’t disappear. Let him get comfortable then we’ll take him out.”
River nodded. “On it.” He pulled his phone out.
“Also put the word out. There’s a hundred and fifty thousand bounty on his head and I want him alive.”
“Nazai,” Lucas called out.
“That’s it.” I dismissed everyone, ignoring my brother’s protest. “Until Neil is taken care of and we get a handle over the Ziora situation, we’ll hold off on business.”
Cashlynn sat next to me pouting, not happy about my decision, but I paid it no mind.
Before he could make an exit, I approached Lucas, pulling him to the side. “I know where your head is and leave it alone,” I told him.
His expression was blank as he stared at me. “Lucas, you need to move on. Adrian’s been gone for years and it’s more than likely she’s not even alive anymore. The more you obsess over her, the more you hold yourself back. Just because the girl that disappeared was the same age as her doesn’t mean they’re connected. Let it go.”
His face stayed blank and he snatched away from me. “What I choose to worry about in my spare time is my business.”
He went to walk away, but I grabbed him again. “This is me coming to you as your older brother. I’m worried about you.”
“I’m fine. Adrian’s body was never discovered which means there’s no guarantee she was killed. Until I get shown otherwise, I’m not giving up.”
This time when he went to leave I didn’t stop him. I watched my brother stalk out of the large meeting room to the steps that led to the second floor of the house.
“What’s his deal?” Cashlynn asked, approaching me.
I dragged my tongue across my top teeth. “His childhood best friend went missing when we were younger and since then he’s been obsessed with finding out what happened to her. There were rumors of human traffickers who were going around snatching up kids and forcing them into work in some sex trade, but nothing concrete ever was found.”
Cashlynn’s face blanched. “Human traffickers?”
“I have some guys at the safe house keeping watch. Is there anything else you need from me?” River asked as he stepped to us.
“Nah, that’s it. Thanks, man.” He nodded.
“We should just take him out now. Why do we have to wait?” Cashlynn asked. Whatever crossed her face previously was gone now.
I flashed her a crooked smile. “Because patience is the key, Wildfire. We’ll get him, don’t worry.”
“You’re still meeting me at The Grave tonight right?” River asked.
Digging in my pocket, I pulled my phone out and glanced at the time. “I need to go by the club first but yeah we’ll be there.”
“Who’s we?” Cashlynn asked.
“Me and you, wifey.” I winked at her.
Leaving them where they were, I walked over to where Emmet and Ezra were conversing. The picture of Ziora was still on the screen and she seemed to be the topic of discussion.
“We’re leaving,” I told them. “E, don’t do anything that’s gonna bring too much attention our way. I see the look in your eye.”
He never took his eyes off the picture and waved me off. “I got this.”
Shaking my head, I left them alone. Ezra was smart. I knew at times he could be erratic but he wouldn’t do anything that would jeopardize the family or his reputation.
____
“The numbers are looking good. How’s inventory?” I asked Ian. I had been relying on him a lot lately when it came to club business. The good thing was that Ian was reliable and trustworthy. Currently I was at The District, looking over the books. Both The District and Euphoria were exceeding expectations.
“I just sent in an order for more pills for Summer Bash. I think we’re gonna pass last year’s numbers.”
I nodded. Every year we threw an event called Summer Bash. It was always the last weekend of August and we ran drink specials, girls free until a certain time, and deals on shots. Of course the secret menu was always a hit too.
“That’s what I like to hear. Summer Bash is always a fan favorite. The girls in Euphoria make a killing too. Have you met with the Fire Marshall?” We always hit capacity with Summer Bash and in order for us to run the night with no interruptions, we had to rub a few elbows. The Fire Marshall always got a hefty donation from us to leave us alone.
“Met with him yesterday morning.”
I grinned. “I knew I made the right decision making you manager. I’ve been MIA but you’ve made sure things run smoothly around here. I’ll make sure you have a nice bonus on your next check.”
Ian nodded. “I ’preciate it, boss.”
A knock on the door gained my attention. “Come in.”
The door opened and to my surprise it was Majesty. I glanced at Ian. “Make sure the bar on both floors have their orders ready for me. I’ll be down shortly.”
“Will do.”
Ian stood and headed for the door, closing it behind him as Majesty stepped in the room.
“You ready to come back?” I asked, leaning back in my chair.
Hesitancy filled her face and she nodded, slowly walking toward my desk. “I am.”
I checked her face out. Lucas wasn’t a plastic surgeon but the stitches he did on her cheek were clean, and now that they were out, I saw they’d left minimum scarring. Majesty must have seen I was staring at her face. She lifted her hand and brushed it over her cheek.
“We gon’ have any issues with you?” I raised a brow.
She shook her head. “I just want to work.” Majesty avoided my eyes.
The door to my office opened again and I was about to chastise whoever walked in without knocking until I noticed it was my wife.
“I thought you were waiting in the car.”
She shrugged and walked toward me. “I got bored.”
Carson was at my parents’ house and instead of going home, Cashlynn wanted to come to the club with me, which caught me off guard but warmed my insides at the same time. The distance she used to keep between us seemed to get smaller each day and that was a win in my book.
“What are you doing here?” Cashlynn cut her eyes at Majesty, whose eyes widened with fear.
“I don’t want any problems.” She tossed her hands up. “I just came to tell Boss Man I’m ready to get back to work.”
Cashlynn surprised me when she slid into my lap and leaned back on my chest. My hand went to her leg. Majesty shifted where she stood.
“Are we gonna have a problem going forward?”
Majesty quickly shook her head. “No,” she answered in a shaky voice.
Cashlynn leaned down and pulled out her pocket knife, from where I wasn’t sure, but the gesture caused my dick to stir. Majesty’s eyes locked on the knife; her body trembled.
“And you understand my husband is off limits correct?” Cashlynn flicked the blade open and twirled it around. Her eyes narrowed on Majesty who swallowed hard and nodded.
“I just want to dance.”
When Cashlynn got possessive over me, it always lit a flame of desire in me. The action was hot as hell and made blood rush to my dick.
“Then we shouldn’t have any issues. You can go.” Her voice and expression remained steady and monotone. She flicked her wrist dismissively.
Majesty didn’t hesitate to turn and hurry out of the office.
Cashlynn twisted her body and peered into me. “Don’t make me have to use this.” Her blade flashed, causing one corner of my mouth to lift.
“What you gon’ do, give me a matching cut?” Her eyes dropped to my neck.
“If I need to.” She lifted her eyes to meet mine.
Her expression caused a fire to roar inside me. Reaching forward, I grabbed the heart attached to her collar and yanked her forward, crashing her mouth into mine. Long gone was the girl who used to shield away from my kisses. My heart swelled inside me. The blood in my veins electrified.
“Keep showing that possessive side and you won’t be able to keep me off you, Wildfire.” Her eyes became unfocused and her breathing picked up.
I licked her lips before bringing her bottom lip into my mouth, sucking on it. “Who do you belong to, Wildfire?” I growled against her lips.
“No one,” she rasped, causing my smile to heighten.
“Still stubborn, but we’ll fix that one day.” I kissed her again while palming her breast, causing her to hiss. Her nipples were probably still sore from me piercing them. She hadn’t taken them out, which shocked me, but I enjoyed looking at them as much as I could. Knowing she sported my initials on her body had me wanting to beat my chest like a caveman. I pinched where I knew her nipple was and she whimpered against my mouth.
“You are mine, Wildfire. Eventually you’ll realize that,” I murmured in Spanish.
____
The rowdy crowd around us grew louder as the two guys in the cage went hit for hit, neither of them letting up. The Grave was an underground cage fighting club. People went into the cage and didn’t hold back as the crowd cheered them along. Bets were made against the fighters and the owner of the club made a killing on the fights.
“Tell me why we’re here again,” Cashlynn shouted, stretching her neck toward me. We were on the other side of the barriers that separated the cage area from the crowd. Behind us were a bunch of people standing and cheering and behind them were people seated, just as equally excited.
I leaned down and said, “River’s gonna be fighting soon.” I made sure to keep an arm around her waist and her body close to mine. Cashlynn wasn’t a fan of crowds, and I knew that, so I made sure to keep her close. Usually I got one of the VIP suites up top, but tonight I wanted to be close to the action. The crowd here could get overwhelming if you weren’t used to it. Adrenaline and emotions were always running high. A lot of money was typically at stake too, making people more irritable. Still, I always enjoyed coming here when I had time.
“He fights here? Why?” Her eyes stayed locked on the cage. I wasn’t sure if she was aware of her actions but she pressed her body into me more the longer we stood here. I wasn’t going to mention it either.
“After his parents were murdered, he had a lot of anger building and needed somewhere to release it. The Grave was a popular place known for its gruesome and no holds barred fights. What started off as a way to let off steam became a release for him and soon he was named the champ everyone wanted a shot to beat. Now he only comes when he needs a release.”
“What about you? Do you ever get in there?”
I smirked. “I’m not the one for hand-to-hand combat for no reason. I’d rather shoot you and move on.”
“And the winner…” the announcer started, lifting the hand of the bloody faced man.
“Damn, they don’t play.” Infatuation beamed in Cashlynn’s eyes.
“No they don’t. In there, they’re like lions dying to take one out for the top spot. Till this day, River is still undefeated, so when he comes for a match it’s always a big deal.”
“Did you bet tonight?”
“Of course.” I grinned. “When he wins I’ll be a quarter-million dollars richer.”
“You have that much faith in him.”
My smile grew. “You haven’t seen River in action.”
The night continued and eventually it was time for the main event.
“We have a treat for you folks. It’s been almost a year since we had him back here in the ring. Will he keep his undefeated streak? River the Destroyer!”
The crowd roared as River walked down the hall that led to the cage.
“The Destroyer huh?” Cashlynn asked with a lifted brow.
“That’s right. Get ready to see why he got that name.”
I eyed the stage. River’s opponent was called to the ring and the crowd booed and cheered. Apparently this guy was a heavy hitter and had been on a winning streak.
River eyed the man like a hungry predator stalking its prey, waiting to pounce. No matter how many times he got in that ring, he always had that look in his eyes when it came time for his match.
The announcer spoke a little longer before stepping out of the ring and the bell rang. River didn’t move at first, causing the guy to hit first. River didn’t flinch. He always started the match the same, sacrificing a bit to gauge his opponent’s power.
“Now it’s time,” I said, just as River went into attack mode, drawing another roaring cheer from the crowd. We could hear the crushing of bones from the first hit, causing the guy to stumble back. Spit and blood splattered from his mouth. River didn’t stop there; he sent a series of hits the guy’s way, two to the face and one to the body.
“Shit,” Cashlynn gasped, gripping my wrist tightly with excitement pouring from her eyes. I smirked.
I knew she would be into this. Cashlynn wasn’t like most girls. Things like this were a rush to her and I loved seeing her eyes come alive as she watched.
____
I grinned as I accepted the black bag of money from my winnings. River ended up taking the guy in under fifteen minutes. Part of me felt like he was playing with his food before he fully attacked.
“’Preciate it, gentlemen.” I nodded and turned to leave the small room where the bets took place. Cashlynn was waiting outside the door for me. She pushed off the wall when I stepped back into the hall and her eyes dropped to the bag.
“We’re finished here,” I stated.
“That’s what you earned tonight?”
My smile grew. “It is.”
We started down the hall. “This was actually kind of cool. I’d heard about The Grave but had never been here before.”
“Why am I not surprised you would be into something like this?”
She rolled her eyes and fought back a grin. Cashlynn was wound up when we first got here. Her mind was still locked on Neil and it didn’t help that she’d run into Majesty at the club. It was a gamble bringing her here in order to distract her, but it seemed to do the job.
“Nazai!” My name being called caused me to pause. I looked up and saw Easton, the guy who ran The Grave, approaching. His eyes flickered to the bag in my hand and his mouth ticked. “Long time no see. I see River is still winning you money. I was glad when I received a call from him to put him on the roster.”
I snorted. “That’s because he makes you a shit ton of money too.”
Easton grinned. “That he does. I wish he would consider coming more often, he knows how to bring out the crowd.” His eyes shifted. “And who’s this beauty?”
“Yeah she is a beauty, isn’t she? This is my wife , Cashlynn.”
“I remember hearing about you getting married. Shame I couldn’t attend the wedding.” His head tilted to the side and he sized her up as he licked his lips. My stomach churned and my eyes narrowed. I slowly dragged my tongue across my top teeth and stood straight.
“Careful, Easton, don’t let your eyes get you in trouble. She is mine after all.”
Easton didn’t look fazed. “I mean no disrespect of course, Nazai. Just paying the lovely lady a compliment.”
“Thank you.” Cashlynn spoke up. “Nothing wrong with compliments.” She cut her eyes toward me.
I twisted my body and gazed down at her heatedly. “You’re right. They can look, but only I can touch right, Wildfire?”
Her cheeks flushed. “Not answering that.” She averted my gaze and shifted on her feet.
I flashed a crooked grin then faced Easton again. His eyes bounced between us. “Mhm, I won’t keep you two longer. I need to go find out my earnings after all. Cashlynn, it was nice to meet you. Nazai, please come back soon, you and River.” He stepped around us and continued down the hall.
“Charming,” Cashlynn muttered.
We continued down the hall and met with River who was walking toward us with his duffle bag thrown over his shoulder.
“Give me a second,” I told Cashlynn, stepping away from her and meeting River halfway. I studied my friend for a second. There was still a storm in his eyes, his muscles were tense.
“There’s the champ.” I smirked, causing him to chuckle.
“I see you did good tonight.” He nodded toward the bag.
“Always, brother. My wallet always appreciates your talent.”
He chuckled again. “Yeah, like you need more money.”
I shrugged. “Never can have too much.” I studied him again. “How you feeling?”
“That was light work. I don’t know how that guy won so many fights in the first place, I barely broke a sweat.”
“I’m not talking about that. I mean, do you feel better?”
River’s eyes shifted behind me, becoming distant. “As good as I’ll be. Me beating the shit out of someone isn’t gonna bring my parents back but it helps me release the anger that them being gone caused.”
I nodded. This time of the year was always rough for River because of the anniversary of his parents dying. He was only fifteen when they were murdered but he never got over it. When he moved in with us, he got into a lot of fights because he didn’t know how to properly grieve them. My parents never held it against him though. When we were seventeen, he fought his first fight at The Grave.
“You know I got you, man. If you want to talk or whatever. You’re my brother.” River had come a long way. He might work for me as security, but I never saw him as an employee or less than because he wasn’t blood. I saw him just as I saw my actual brothers. The two of us had been through a lot of shit together.
This time River looked at me with one corner of his mouth tilted. “Don’t go getting sappy on me.”
I chortled. “Fuck you.”
He joined in then looked behind me again and paused. His eyes narrowed. “Nazai,” he said suddenly.
“What?”
He nodded, causing me to turn. My nostrils flared seeing a man in Cashlynn’s face. Heat flared through my veins, causing my stomach to boil.
“Hold this.” I lifted the bag and pushed it into River’s chest, causing him to grunt. Spinning around, I made my way back over to Cashlynn.
“A beautiful lady like yourself shouldn’t be standing here all alone,” the guy slurred to Cashlynn. His body swayed. Mirth mixed with annoyance passed over Cashlynn’s face.
“I’m not alone and you need to back up.”
The guy grinned. “Well whoever left you alone is a fool.” He grabbed her hand. My blood grew hotter as my heart pumped in my chest cavity. No one other than me had the right to touch Cashlynn.
“I’m in a good mood so I’m gonna give you till the count of three to—” Before Cashlynn could finish her sentence, I grabbed the guy by the head and shoved him against the wall. I grabbed one of his arms, pulling it behind him, causing him to groan.
“You really shouldn’t touch what doesn’t belong to you,” I snarled, slamming his face into the stone wall.
“Fuck. My nose!” he cried.
I pulled his arm up higher, sure his shoulder was close to dislocating. He cried out again and withered under me.
“Let this be a lesson not to put your hands on someone’s wife. Next time you might end up losing them.” Again, I slammed his face against the wall. Blood coated the wall. I turned and shoved him away from me. He stumbled and clutched his face.
“I didn’t need you to come to my rescue,” Cashlynn noted.
Spinning to face her, I gazed down at her. Her mouth said one thing, but I saw the passion in her eyes. My actions turned her on. Her eyes darkened and her cheeks were flushed. I stepped into her and she inhaled a sharp breath.
“Oh I’m fully aware.” I lifted one of my hands and cuffed her cheek. “But what kind of husband would I be if I didn’t step in? Never question me when it comes to coming to your aid.” I ran my hand over the collar on her neck. Her nostrils flared and she tucked her bottom lip into her mouth. The air felt electrified around us. Suddenly, all I could think about was pressing her against the wall and claiming her in front of everyone, so no one tried to approach her again and knew who she belonged to.
“A’right, before you two start fucking, let’s get out of here,” River grunted. I had forgotten he was even close by.
Cashlynn swallowed hard and cut her eyes at him. “No one’s fucking.”
He smirked. “Yeah, by the way the both of you are looking at each other, I doubt that.” He pushed the bag of money into my hands.
The three of us started down the hall toward the entrance. I pulled my phone out to let Dante know we were headed out so he’d be waiting. I glanced down, feeling an arm brush against me. Cashlynn had moved closer to me but I wasn’t even sure if she realized it. This was becoming a habit of hers. Whether she meant to or not, her body gravitated to mine. I wouldn’t call her out on it because I craved her touch just as much.